Keira Morgan’s “The Importance of Wives” delivers a powerful story about Anne of Brittany, a fifteenth-century noblewoman and duchess who later became Queen of France. Immensely detailed and engaging, the novel explores the complex nature of French medieval politics and those who chose to stand against French annexation.
Tim Clarkson writes a remarkable biography of Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians. He consolidates the few known facts of her life into a concise political history of Anglo-Saxon England. It doesn’t, perhaps, reimagine her story, but he does provide readers with a wonderful account of this fascinating woman.
2023 has been an excellent year for reading! I’ve narrowed down some of my top choices including works by new and independent authors such as Margaret Kasimatis, Yvonne Korshak, Vera Bell, and Kiersten Marcil. I’ve also included historical fiction and non-fiction works by established authors on topics such as Greek mythology, Anglo-Saxon England, and Renaissance Italy. Enjoy!
Æthelflæd, daughter of the Anglo-Saxon king Alfred the Great, must unite her people against domestic rebels and foreign incursions in this meticulously-researched and vibrantly-written novel.