Looking For a Book About..: Looking for novels for a class on the conversion of Europe

[Lucy]

By night I write historical fiction, but by day I am a medieval historian, and that is what I want to ask you about now. I am planning on teaching a class on the conversion of Europe, from roughly 300 to the age of the Vikings. For their final paper assignment, I'd like to give them good historical fiction which can be paired with a primary source, and I am looking for novels that are historically accurate (or at least historically interesting), that discuss this period and the theme of conversion, and can be paired with an existing primary source (I can figure that part out). Novels on the conversion of Spain and Italy to Islam are also fair game. Nothing after about 1100. So far I have Griffith's Hild; Holland's Death of Attila and Great Maria; Grundy's Rhinegold; Undset's Gunnar's Daughter, and Elphinstone's The Sea Road. One obvious possibility is Cornwell's Saxon series but I haven't read it because I couldn't get through the Arthur books because of the howlers, so speak to me of those. Thank you!

[happy]

Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma mysteries might fit the bill. They are set in 7th Century Ireland.

[Dawn]

Too bad Cadfael is a little too late to include.

What about The Whale Road by Robert Low? Or I Am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick?

[happy]

Are your student's College or High School?

[Vicki]

Pardon my ignorance, but conversion from what to what?

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Conversion to Christianity? Is that the conversion you mean, Lucy?

Byzantium is a good one, but may be hard for your students to source now.

You mention Cornwell's Saxon series. Despite your caution due to the Arthur series (which you did not like), the Saxon series is one of the best I've read that deals with England's conversion to Christianity.

[``Laurie]

Although this is not a work of fiction, it might help one to understand how the conversion began with the 12 Apostles.

The Search for the Twelve Apostles

could have facts that would help finding the books of historical fiction that you're seeking.

This book is small and easy to read.

[Jodi]

Edwin: High King of Britain and the sequel Oswald: Return of the King by Edoardo Albert are excellent. The books are about the Kings of Northumbria and their conversion to Christianity. I liked the books because they weren't preachy and kept me engaged. The next book in the series is called Oswiu: King of Kings but I haven't read that one yet.

[Lucy]

Terri wrote: "Conversion to Christianity? Is that the conversion you mean, Lucy?

Byzantium is a good one, but may be hard for your students to source now.

You mention Cornwell's Saxon series. Des..."

Thank you, Terri. Would you have a recommendation for which is the best/most useful to me in that series?

And yes, the class will mostly be on the conversion to Christianity, with a few classes on conversion to Islam in Spain (and Italy, if I can find good sources). The students are college-level, very bright.

[C.P.]

Western Europe only? If so, you might consider The Mists of Avalon. Tried but true, and would be interesting if paired with the right historical source (I am a historian, too).

If not only Western Europe, then message me for other suggestions.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Sorry it took a few days to get back to you, Lucy.

That is a tricky one. I would kick off with book one, but I guess it isn't the best for dealing with the conversion.

Maybe book two? I'll have to read my reviews to jog my memory. Lol. I think the one that dealt heavily with religion early on in the series might be Sword Song. Again, though, I'll need to check my reviews.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I checked. Yes, Sword Song is the one that is heaviest in Christianity storylines.
This is my review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Not many felt like I did about Sword Song. So best read it yourself to see how you feel. :-)

[Shannon]

I'm not sure if this is still under consideration, but I'd like to put in a vote against Hild. It might have the right subject matter for you but students shouldn't be subjected to that book. There are many far better ones out there.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

You are welcome to vote down Hild, Diverse opinions are good.

[Dawn]

I loved Hild myself. :)

[Dawn]

I found a few other books set in Britain at the right era, though I haven't read them so I can't say how good they are:

The Cross and the Curse
The Sparrow and the Hall: Love and Betrayal in Anglo-Saxon England
The Abbess of Whitby: a Novel of Hild of Northumbria

[Dawn]

Also The Sword of Damascus might work? I like the series but haven't quite gotten to this one yet. I'm not sure if it's enough about conversion.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I also think Blood Eye might have some interest to you, Lucy. Well worth checking out.
Historical accuracy should be okay. The author takes pride in his portrayal of the Norse.

Told from the perspective of the Norse pagan, it should be readily available in libraries, online bookstore used and new and for download.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Lucy,
I am reading book #9 in Cornwell's Saxon series right now, and I really, really, really (one more) really, think it is a terrific book for what you are wanting for your class.

It is stand alone. As all Cornwell books are. Most things that are brought up that relate to previous books are explained over again by Uhtred during the story.

The pagan/Christian conversion/struggle is done so well in this one and I can see A LOT of opportunity for students to discuss the subject matter as it relates to Christianity in early Britain. In most of the series, the Christianity is portrayed with complete disdain. In this one, however, I feel it is dealt with fairly. In a more balanced way.

This is the book. Warriors of the Storm

[Edoardo]

Jodi wrote: "Edwin: High King of Britain and the sequel Oswald: Return of the King by Edoardo Albert are excellent. The books are about the Kings of Northumbria ..."

Thank you for suggesting them - it saves me the embarrassment of nominating my own work!

[Jodi]

Edoardo wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Edwin: High King of Britain and the sequel Oswald: Return of the King by Edoardo Albert are excellent. The books are about the Kings of..."

You're welcome. I really enjoyed them and am looking forward to reading the third book. I plan on reading it after I finish what I'm currently reading.