The Marsh King's Daughter - Elizabeth Chadwick

Elizabeth Chadwicks novels are historical slightly slushy action/romances, she usually writes about the people and events at the end of the Norman period of English history and the start of the plantagenet period. She writes about characters who are rich and powerful but not members of royalty so they are driven by the events but are powerful enough to have some kind of say in the events of their time. Chadwick has written about knights such as William Marshall and John Marshall, her novels tend to focus on one strong male character but usually feature one or more strong, attractive oddly modern women. These women tend to be the wives of the men and through their ...  Read the complete review

Elizabeth Chadwick is an established writer who has been writing historical fiction since 1989. This particular book is set in the Thirteenth century, and I suppose would best be described as a light romantic romp. I bought this book as part of a 3 book Chadwick deal from www.bananas.co.uk - £3.50 for this and two other titles from the same author. It tells the story of a young girl, Miriel Weaver and her coming of age through being forced into a nunnery by her stepfather. She saves a young man show has been washed up on the shore after an incident involving the solidiers escorting King John's treasure and the tide. This is a real incident from history, ...  Read the complete review

*** The Author *** Elizabeth Chadwick writes well-researched medieval historical fiction. As well as other sources, she has had help from members of the early medieval historical re-enactment societies of Regia Anglorum and Conquest. Amongst other experiences, they gave her the opportunity to cook Norman style food. After this experience, she doesn't recommend trying to cook in a posh frock with the hanging sleeves that was fashionable among the wealthy during this period, like one of the characters in this book. *** Background to Plot *** This is an action packed historical tale where readers will encounter all ...  Read the complete review