King of the Wood

by Valerie Anand

Overview

Who fired the arrow that killed King William Rufus in 1100 AD? No one knows – but in King of the
Wood acclaimed historical novelist Valerie Anand sets out a compelling and fascinating story that fits the known facts and provides a highly credible answer.

William's addiction to vice and callous treatment of his subjects made him enemies on both sides of the English Channel, and provoked bitter resentment among noblemen, to say nothing of his disregarded younger brothers.

His open homosexuality and disregard for religion also enraged the Church.

As the story unfolds, we begin to understand just how unpopular the new king is – and why someone wants him dead... 'A satisfying historical tale, packed with forceful personalities and boisterous romance. Popular British historical fiction and mystery writer Valerie Anand brings past times and conundrums to life with fascinating characters, abundant detail and meticulous research'.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940162216773
Publisher:	Romaunce Books
Publication date:	01/19/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Journalist Valerie Anand who also writes Tudor crime mysteries as Fiona Buckley brought the skills from her day job to bear when she researched this book, throwing light onto a king who isn't brought up in historical fiction that often. He met his sticky end in a hunting accident but Valerie shows us there's more to him than that, including an interesting spin on the sticky end itself.

Valerie portrays the third son of William I, 'The Conqueror', as someone who battled in one way or another all his life. He wasn't attractive ('Rufus' being a nickname derived from his ruddy complexion as much as his hair colour) and a stammer ensured he was less than popular as a child.

His eldest brother Robert Curthose (Curthose on account of his short stature – the Normans didn't go in for political correctness!) had a huge sense of entitlement which suffered a degree of bashing with William I's split will. Not that Robert was an ideal son anyway. Exhibit One: he fought his father for Rouen Castle in a battle sense – horses, swords, fatalities the lot. This combative nature which seemed to run down the male line meant Rufus was at odds with him all his life, leaving little brother Henry to decide which brother to side with.

Valerie also develops a theory given substance by a contemporaneous letter as to why Rufus didn't get married or have children: he was gay.
The author treats the whole idea with sensitivity, looking at it from both sides of the coin. Not only do we see Rufus coming to terms with the fact that he's not drawn to women, we hear what it's like to be the King's male lover. This was a precarious position in a time when the church is power and the act of single gender love a mortal sin, not to mention a downer on the heir-and-a-spare child marriage bed expectation. Then there's the King's temperament to weather.

Talking of the church, religion is one of the great dividers defining the picture that Valerie paints. While the church is dominant, the New Forest country folk believe in Herne the Hunter and partake in festivals during which all inhibition is hurled aside.

Valerie's style is densely packed but may not appeal to those who enjoy a lighter historical fiction read. She ensures we have a panoramic view from both sides of the Channel as well as the England/Scotland border. In the end the memory that will linger is one from England: a capricious, unpopular monarch who went his own way, feeding his appetites rather than the nations good.