The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Series #1) . Bernard Cornwell. HarperCollins Publishers. New
York, New York. 2005.
Book Review by Tracey
The
Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Series #1)
is a wonderful novel narrated by the lead character Uhtred, an English
ealdorman's son, during the time period of Alfred the Great. I purchased
this novel on the advice of another review in the magazine Entertainment
Weekly. Although not familiar with this author, I now realize he has written
several other books, and the list looks intriguing! The Last Kingdom,
in fact, is the first volume of a new trilogy (and I adore a good trilogy!).
Not only did I enjoy the story immensely, I also appreciated the reference
guide to place names in the front of the book, and a historical note at
the end letting me know which parts of the story were fact or fiction.
It's really too bad that all of those History teachers in school couldn't
make said subject as entertaining as our historical novelists!
Anyway, the story follows Uhtred's existence from young boy into manhood,
learning life's lessons along the way. It explores the hierarchy of the
English society of the period, and also the social differences between
them and the Danish, who were invading England (and other countries) during
this time period. The main characters are vividly sketched and the history
is interwoven so neatly into the story. I couldn't help but wish to be
there (in spirit only- I can't quite imagine physically tolerating all
of those unwashed bodies!) I was thoroughly entertained, and I'll be looking
forward to more stories by Bernard Cornwell.
Tracey.
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