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10 February 2020
Edoardo
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Selection of praise

Oswald: Return of the King

This was, hands down, one of the best novels I've read this year-- enthralling, stirring, poignant and with gentle humor...
Edoardo Albert
5
2019-12-05T16:53:28+00:00

Jane

This was, hands down, one of the best novels I've read this year-- enthralling, stirring, poignant and with gentle humor in spots. From a short mention in Bede and with other facts the author garnered from elsewhere--and, a certain amount of dramatic license--he has crafted a well-written life of Oswald, a 7th century king of Northumbria. From boyhood with his brother Oswiu, he rises from exile in Dal Riada and the monastic island of Iona to become king of a united Northumbria. Always desiring the monastic life, he nonetheless is a great and compassionate king. Oswald, in the author's conception, is an inspirational figure. He spreads Christianity through his realm, much through the simple, unprepossessing example and actions of his lifelong soul-friend, Brother [later Bishop] Aidan to whom he gives Lindesfarne, which becomes a monastic center. Because of the treachery and betrayal of a man he has considered a friend, he faces off against the evil Penda, King of Mercia, in an exciting winter battle at Maserfield. I did smile at Oswald's pet raven, Bran, almost a character in itself/himself. I've read elsewhere that many early Celtic and Anglo-Saxon saints, of which Oswald was one, had a furry or feathery companion. I am assuming the stunning cover shows Bran, in red outline on black background. I was on an emotional roller-coaster for the whole novel and still haven't quite gotten my equilibrium or breath back. I'm not ashamed to say sometimes the writing of particular incidents or conversations was so powerful, my eyes would fill with tears. Very highly recommended. Many thanks to LibraryThing for sending me my copy in return for an honest review.
https://edoardoalbert.com/testimonials/oswald-return-of-the-king/

Oswald: Return of the King

The sequel to the first book in this trilogy 'Edwin: High King of Britain' was for me, long awaited. I...
Edoardo Albert
4
2019-12-05T16:54:57+00:00

English

The sequel to the first book in this trilogy 'Edwin: High King of Britain' was for me, long awaited. I remembered a little of Oswald’s story- for which the sources are sparse- but the wait was well worth it. The title is a conscious nod to Tolkien, of which it is, I believe legitimate to draw at least some comparison. King Oswald of Northumbria, a seventh century Saxon King, was the inspiration for Aragorn- and Middle Earth was what Oswald’s people the Anglo-Saxons, called the earth. For once again Edoardo Albert has taken the material that gives the barest details and created a grand, moving and realistic historical drama recreating the lives of half-forgotten figures who lived in a period that is as much shrouded in myth as it is known from history. It tells the story of an exiled Prince, who returned to his homeland to reclaim his Kingdom, and, once it was won, to spread the New Faith of Christianity which he had embraced. This led him to establish the great monastry of Lindisfarne, and other foundations that would become famous as centres of Early Medieval English Christianity As a ruler, Oswald ‘flashed for a few short years’when much was against him- when fellow Kings said that no throne could survive when there were two brothers to compete for it. His was a tale of a a King who sought to bring hope to his people of brotherly love, loyalty, intrigue and sacrifice - tainted by betrayal, pride and mistrust. The characters are 'real people'- flawed and relatable- this heroes genuinely heroic- yet not always having a heroic motivation for their actions. As with the last book the often beautifully written descriptive passages helped re-create a far distant age and really transport the reader back to the time,...
https://edoardoalbert.com/testimonials/oswald-return-of-the-king-2/

Warrior: A Life of War in Anglo-Saxon Britain

"A riveting, brilliantly written account." Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller.
Edoardo Albert
5
2020-02-19T17:43:37+00:00
"A riveting, brilliantly written account." Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller.
https://edoardoalbert.com/testimonials/warrior-a-life-of-war-in-anglo-saxon-britain/

Warrior: A Life of War in Anglo-Saxon Britain

"The disruptive and imaginative force of archaeology revealed." Alex Burghart, The Spectator.
Edoardo Albert
4
2020-02-19T17:54:32+00:00
"The disruptive and imaginative force of archaeology revealed." Alex Burghart, The Spectator.
https://edoardoalbert.com/testimonials/warrior-a-life-of-war-in-anglo-saxon-britain-t2/

Edwin: High King of Britain

"A splendid novel that leaves the reader wanting more." Bernard Cornwell, author of The Last Kingdom.
Edoardo Albert
2020-02-19T18:05:48+00:00
"A splendid novel that leaves the reader wanting more." Bernard Cornwell, author of The Last Kingdom.
https://edoardoalbert.com/testimonials/edwin-high-king-of-britain/
4.5
4
Edoardo Albert

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