Book Blurb:
"The Girl of Many Crowns" is the true and inspiring story of Judith, the first princess of France, who is a pawn in a complex political game of chess as her father, King Charles, tries to hold on to his kingdom. King Charles, grandson of Emperor Charlemagne, is beset on every side by Vikings, rebel lords, and greedy neighboring monarchs. He marries 12-year-old Judith to Aethelwulf, the aging King of Wessex, for political advantage. When she is widowed less than two years later, he arranges a second marriage for her. But, when Judith refuses to marry a third time at her father's command, King Charles imprisons her in one of his palaces.
Baldwin Iron Arm is a powerful knight from Flanders who pledges loyalty to King Charles and his family. As the companion of Judith's brother, Louis, he fulfills his oath by protecting King Charles' family from Vikings, rebel lords, wars, and assassination plots. He is conflicted when he must choose between obeying the king and rescuing his daughter Judith from her imprisonment.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/fQcUH
Editorial Review:
Editorial Review: “The Girl of Many Crowns”
Author: DH Morris
“Emerging from the dense forest separating his family estate from the road leading to his future, sixteen-year-old Baldwin Iron Arm ran his fingers through his ebon locks before donning his helmet. He grinned at Marius, his childhood mentor and companion on this journey before urging on his mount. Passing Bruges–the sorry little trading settlement frequently overrun by Viking Danes–made Baldwin glad that his widowed mother, Countess Guinhilde’s manor lay on the opposite side of a forest inhabited by wolves and bears who discouraged many who would otherwise invade their holding.”
“The Girl of Many Crowns” by DH Morris commences in the year 856, in Flanders. The central character is the young Judith of Francia, whose father is determined that she shall enter an arranged marriage, not once but twice. When Judith’s father wants to arrange a third marriage, Judith refuses. She must then navigate her father’s formidable anger, the strictures of the times, her own burgeoning wish for independence, and her growing feelings for the warrior Baldwin Iron Arm. The story becomes a gripping tale of personal and political intrigue as Judith seeks agency over her own life from those who seek to control her.
The novel is rich in historical detail and background, and there are sections of the book where this arguably detracts from the narrative, and also slows down the pacing of the book. Some readers may by contrast appreciate this immersive approach, where relevant historical information is provided to inform the reader of the context of the narrative. Judith is a compelling main character, and her strong personality and struggle for self-determination makes her instantly relatable to a modern audience. Several/most other characters are also historical figures based on the author’s research, and there is an Afterword and list of historical figures setting out more detail about each.
“Several months earlier, King Aethelwulf had ordered his final testament be written. He had made generous provision for the Church, his retainers, and Judith. He had also made provision to avoid conflict between his sons over the disposition of his land and property. King Aethelwulf had designated Aethelberht sole king of Kent, Essex, Somerset, and Sussex. He further bestowed upon Aethelberht his personal estates in Kent to be passed down to Aethelberht’s heirs. Aethelbald was furious when he discovered that his father had not provided for him in his will. Rather than leave his holdings to his eldest son, Aethelwulf had left his estates in Wessex to Aethelberht, Aethelred, and Alfred jointly. Through this unique arrangement, control of the land, and the kingship, would pass to the next oldest brother upon the death of each, until only one brother remained to inherit all of Wessex. Judith suspected that Aethelbald would seek to contest the will.”
“The Girl of Many Crowns” is narrated from multiple perspectives. Each character is compelling, and the central story is told against a turbulent time in Europe’s history, with the formation of familial dynasties and changing allegiances. The dialogue between the characters lacks differentiation at times, which leads to a perception of different characters conversing in a similar “voice”. Regardless of this, the story is a fascinating one, with Judith facing challenge and upheaval on several fronts. Overall, the author has brought Judith and her contemporaries to life in an engaging way. The portrayal of the relationship between Judith and Baldwin is particularly convincing, and the author has skilfully balanced the historical considerations that would likely apply to such a relationship, while still making the relationship relatable to modern readers.
“Judith was not prepared for the teeming mass of merchants, diplomats, nobles, and clerics pushing forward from one station to the next as they joined the Via Francigena leading to Rome. They passed pilgrims, easily distinguished by their long, coarse tunics, staffs, and small shoulder purses, seeking miracle cures at the scores of saints’ shrines along the way to the holy city. More troubling were the men whose chains bore witness to their serious crimes, including that of murder. Well-meaning bishops sent these convicts on pilgrimage as penance, providing them with certificates for food and lodging from monks along the way and absolution in Rome upon completing the pilgrimage. The road to Rome also attracted frauds who forged certificates and put on their own chains or who pretended to be ill and in need of a cure in order to benefit from the generosity of others.”
“The Girl of Many Crowns” by DH Morris transports the reader to the times of Judith of Francia, a fascinating historical figure that will evoke both sympathy and admiration in the reader. Judith’s personal battles and the political landscape of the times bring history to life in this highly readable tale of intrigue and independence.
*****
"The Girl of Many Crowns” by DH Morris receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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