1066 - THE ALTERNATIVE VERSION
 |
| #BookSpotlight |
 |
| Welcome to my Blog! Wander through wonderful worlds real and fictional, meet interesting people, visit exciting places and find a few good books to enjoy along the way! |
 |
| About the Book |
"What if things had turned out differently in 1066?"
"What if Harold had not accepted being elected as king?"
"What if Harald Hardrada had won at Stamford Bridge?"
"What if William's ships had been destroyed?"
"What if the battle had been a day later - the 15th not the 14th - more men would have arrived to support Harold?"
"What if William had been killed on the battlefield?"
A few months later, Joanna contacted me; "We could produce a nbook of short 'what-if' stories. One story for each month."
And so the idea took root.
1066 Turned Upside Down was the result.
We had nine authors collaborating to produce eleven stories
from L-R :
top row: Joanna Courtney, Anna Belfrage, Helen Hollick, Alison Morton
next row :
Eliza Redgold, Richard Dee, Carol McGrath, Glynn Holloway, Annie Whitehead
and a foreword by C.C. Humphries.
the clever award-winning cover was designed by Cathy Helms of
www.avalongraphics.org
 |
| Yes, we know the helmet is not right for the period... we've used artistic licence |
Included with each story is a brief historical outline and a few suggestions for discussion topics for book groups or schools - and since it's publication in August 2017 1066 Turned Upside Down has rarely been out of Amazon's Top 150 ranking!
Here's what readers have said about it: (I'm being honest - a few indifferent ones are included!)
Thought-provoking alternatives
As a history-addict, I’ve been fascinated by alternative histories for decades so when I saw this collection was being released, I had to read it. However, I delayed delving into this until my own alternative history had evolved. I was not disappointed with any of these tales as they all took different approaches and in their own styles.
In most cases, the characters were based on the historical records, although those sometimes disagree so there was room for subtle variations – as well as believable fictional creations. Sometimes the background characters in the historical panorama have the most interesting tale to tell. As I’m part-British, I kept rooting for Harold and disliked William so cheered when the Normans were thwarted by their enemies.
However, I must admit to having a Viking bias so my favourite tale was Joanna Courtney’s ‘Emperor of the North’ about King Harold Hardrada, closely followed by Anna Belfrage’s ‘The Danish Crutch’ – never discount a ‘cripple’ (or else I’ll run you over with my wheelchair).
But there were moments when I laughed as well as cried, and all the stories had me nodding with enjoyment and reading avidly. There is even an amusing and clever science fiction/time travel spin in Richard Dee’s ‘If You Changed One Thing’, and I must mention Alison Morton’s ‘A Roman Intervenes’ when her own alternative Roma Nova world impacts on events.
The collection is assembled in such a way that between the ‘alternatives’ are the related facts as they happened, as far as historians and archaeologists know – which still leaves room for these experienced writers’ imaginations. After each tale, there are interesting points of discussion to make the reader pursue the thoughts raised.
In many cases, I now have a list of books to keep me historically entertained for months – if I don’t just keep re-reading this collection of five-star tales.
Thought-provoking alternative that is fascinating
Fantastic alternative stories!
1066 Turned Upside Down is a collaboration between nine historical fiction authors each bringing their own spin on an alternative happening of that fateful year in England's history, 1066. The nine authors are Joanna Courtney, Helen Hollick, Anna Belfrage, Richard Dee, G.K. Holloway, Carol McGrath, Alison Morton, Eliza Redgold, and Annie Whitehead.
Each month of that tumultuous year is featured with the subjects covering such momentous occasions as King Edward the Confessor dying and King Harold Godwinson being crowned, King Harald Hardrada's invasion of England, the comet seen in April, the Battle of London Bridge, and the stitching of the Bayeux Tapestry just to name a few. These topics are all written with a twist to the actual history and with each author bringing their own fabulous touches to weave an alternative tale.
I greatly enjoyed each story and reading each author's imaginative take on the events of 1066 and how while using quite a few actual facts of the time each author brought a totally believable tale of events.
Since there's a variety of stories here, I can't just say the mood is one thing or another: they vary. I do enjoy seeing how things could have turned out differently with these twists.
Alternative history at it's best! Great read and a brilliant idea for a book
What a brilliant book this was. I just love the idea that the authors have taken a period in time and let their creative juices flow. 1066 is a fascinating period to read about and to have these authors explore the “what if” was refreshing
I’m a big fan of collections like this, I find then fun to read. Not only do they flow easily since they are self-contained short stories but you also get introduced to some authors you might not previously have heard of. I’ll admit I’ve only read books be three of these authors.. that will soon change.
The book starts with a forward by C.C Humphreys. I’m the first to admit I’ve never really understood the need for these in a book but this one has changed my mind. This forward was witty and fun and perfectly set up the book for me as a reader
Each author tackles at least one story, they each take an event that happened and twist it.. they explore the possibilities that might have occurred if things went differently.
After reading other books I’ve always wondered about the “what ifs” Such as what would have happened if Harold had waited before going to war on that fateful day.. what would have happened if the rest of Harold’s army had arrived in time to engage in the fight..the outcome could have been so different
One of my favourite stories had to be the tale by Richard Dee, the perfect mix of science fiction and historical fiction, where the butterfly effect is explored and that if you could travel back to the past even the slightest change could mean big changes to the future
It was really good to see Annie Whitehead take part in this book also. If you’ve read my reviews you’ll know I’m a fan of hers and her story was particularly enjoyable to read. Her tale focused on the Battle of Fulford where Morcar and Edwin were defeated by Harald Hardrada.. what if this was the other way around??
Each story was well written and allowed the author to play with the events of history and I enjoyed every one of them. I also really liked at the end of each story the reader is given discussion suggestions which raise some interesting thoughts
This book was a gripping read and it’s opened my eyes to more wonderful authors.. I’ll be sure to add some of their books to my TBR list… some i already have:)
Any fan of the period who likes the idea of exploring the endless possibilities of what could have happen will enjoy this
1066 but not as you know it..
I'm fascinated by historical fiction written by authors who wade way through dusty history books and ponder long into the night about the minutiae of the lives, and times, of historical figures, always maintaining historical accuracy, so that no-on can ever accuse them of changing, or of rearranging history. It must be a temptation though, on occasion, to have the opportunity to rearrange events to give a voice to that little mischievous murmur that whispers ever so softly… what would have happened, if only..
In 1066 Turned Upside Down, nine talented historical fiction authors , all at the top of their game in terms of historical fiction, have taken the facts, as we know them, about the tumultuous events of the year, 1066 and have given us their alternate versions of events. All of the eleven stories have an air of authenticity and each combine historical facts with a delightful twist. All of the stories are readable in short snippets , little bite sized stories, which you can comfortably read in one sitting, but which, ultimately, offer a fresh approach to a time in history that most of us feel we know really well.
Whilst I am familiar with some of the authors who have contributed, others are new to me, but what convinced me about the combined quality of this book was just how seriously these committed authors take their craft. They make history come alive, and with real conviction turn fact into fiction and fiction into fact, cleverly manipulating events so that everything you read becomes totally convincing and in some cases you wish it had happened just so..
I’m not going to single out any one story as my ‘favourite’ as each one brings something different to the feast and I think the stories should be looked at as a collective whole rather than singletons, however, it must also be said that each story is complete within itself and stands proudly alone.
It’s a great idea to take something as momentous as 1066 and turn it completely on its head but in this 950th anniversary year of the battle of Hastings, it’s refreshing to look at events in a totally different way and I commend these fine authors for their inventiveness and obvious enthusiasm for their chosen genre.
But just to balance a little.... some 3 stars
It was ok.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would and I would recommend you know quite a lot about the year 1066 and William the Conquerer. I thought I did but I was mostly confused. This is no fault of the authors, really, but each different story seemed to be like a chapter out of the middle of a book - I didn't know what came before.. However, if you love that period in history, you may find this book quite a lot of fun.
Well, you can't please all the people all the time!
Buy from an Amazon near you available in paperback and e-book
I'm fascinated by historical fiction written by authors who wade way through dusty history books and ponder long into the night about the minutiae of the lives, and times, of historical figures, always maintaining historical accuracy, so that no-on can ever accuse them of changing, or of rearranging history. It must be a temptation though, on occasion, to have the opportunity to rearrange events to give a voice to that little mischievous murmur that whispers ever so softly… what would have happened, if only..
In 1066 Turned Upside Down, nine talented historical fiction authors , all at the top of their game in terms of historical fiction, have taken the facts, as we know them, about the tumultuous events of the year, 1066 and have given us their alternate versions of events. All of the eleven stories have an air of authenticity and each combine historical facts with a delightful twist. All of the stories are readable in short snippets , little bite sized stories, which you can comfortably read in one sitting, but which, ultimately, offer a fresh approach to a time in history that most of us feel we know really well.
Whilst I am familiar with some of the authors who have contributed, others are new to me, but what convinced me about the combined quality of this book was just how seriously these committed authors take their craft. They make history come alive, and with real conviction turn fact into fiction and fiction into fact, cleverly manipulating events so that everything you read becomes totally convincing and in some cases you wish it had happened just so..
I’m not going to single out any one story as my ‘favourite’ as each one brings something different to the feast and I think the stories should be looked at as a collective whole rather than singletons, however, it must also be said that each story is complete within itself and stands proudly alone.
It’s a great idea to take something as momentous as 1066 and turn it completely on its head but in this 950th anniversary year of the battle of Hastings, it’s refreshing to look at events in a totally different way and I commend these fine authors for their inventiveness and obvious enthusiasm for their chosen genre.
But just to balance a little.... some 3 stars
It was ok.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would and I would recommend you know quite a lot about the year 1066 and William the Conquerer. I thought I did but I was mostly confused. This is no fault of the authors, really, but each different story seemed to be like a chapter out of the middle of a book - I didn't know what came before.. However, if you love that period in history, you may find this book quite a lot of fun.
Well, you can't please all the people all the time!
Buy from an Amazon near you available in paperback and e-book
* * *
Harold the King (UK title)
https://viewbook.at/HaroldTheKing
I Am the Chosen King : (US title)
https://viewBook.at/ChosenKing
(same book different titles)
Two men. One crown.
England, 1044. Harold Godwinesson, a young, respected earl, falls in love with an ordinary but beautiful woman. In Normandy, William, the bastard son of a duke, falls in love with power.
In 1066 England falls vulnerable to the fate of these two men: one, chosen to be a king, the other, determined to take, by force, what he desires. Risking his life to defend his kingdom from foreign invasion, Harold II led his army into the great Battle of Hastings in October 1066 with all the honour and dignity that history remembers of its fallen heroes.
In this beautifully crafted tale, USA Today bestselling author Helen Hollick sets aside the propaganda of the Norman Conquest and brings to life the English version of the story of the man who was the last Anglo-Saxon king, revealing his tender love, determination and proud loyalty, all to be shattered by the desire for a crown – by one who had no right to wear it.
“Helen Hollick has it all! She tells a great story, gets her history right, and writes consistently readable books” Bernard Cornwell
“A novel of enormous emotional power” Elizabeth Chadwick
“Thanks to Hollick’s masterful storytelling, Harold’s nobility and heroism enthrall to the point of engendering hope for a different ending…Joggles a cast of characters and a bloody, tangled plot with great skill” Publisher’s Weekly
“Don’t miss Helen Hollick’s colourful recreation of the events leading up to the Norman Conquest” Daily Mail
“An epic re-telling of the Norman Conquest” The Lady
“If only all historical fiction could be this good” Historical Novel Society Review
For the story of the earlier years of 1066...
The Forever Queen (US title) A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
https://viewBook.at/ForeverQueen
A Hollow Crown (UK title) https://viewBook.at/HollowCrown
*** ***
What a fabulous spotlight on our 1066 project. It still makes me smile to think of all the fun we had rewriting history!
ReplyDelete