Lord of Sunset by Parke Godwin Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Lord of Sunset
Book Review: The "least wonderful book by Parke Godwin" is still pretty darned good
Summary: 4 Stars
At one point, years ago, I read and devoured every historical novel written by Parke Godwin. I love how he found new ways to present old tropes, such as the Arthurian saga (particularly Firelord, about Guinevere's fate after Arthur's death) and Robin Hood. Somehow I missed the existence of this book -- a situation I felt the need to remedy.
Lord of Sunset, written about King Harold (the one killed in 1066 by William the Conqueror), is both a love story and a political tale. The ending battle is pretty obvious since we know what happened, but I was unaware of the politics behind Edward the Confessor's reign (he is not painted in a particularly positive light). It's the love story that makes the story compelling, especially since it's based on truth: Harold had a common law wife whom he loved (and had children with), but for political and dynastic reasons had to set her aside and marry a "suitable" woman. Most of the book is about the relationship between Harold and Edith, and it's a mighty fine romance even if you know how it ends.
Since it was written after Robin and the King and Sherwood, Godwin was able to weave in Aelard of Denby (Robin's father) into the story; that's fun.
Lord of Sunset is a good book, but it is the least-wonderful of Parke Godwin's novels. I don't mind the author telling the story from both Harold's and Edith's point of view, but Godwin also has chapters from the perspective of Harold's brother, from King Edward, and from Duke William (before becoming conqueror obviously). Instead of showing how each of the players saw events, it weakens the story.
If you like Godwin's books as much as I do, or you're interested in this historical era (not well covered in historical fiction, I think), I am sure you will enjoy Lord of Sunset. If you're new to the author, I recommend you start with another one of his books.
Book Review: Typically excellent Godwin
Summary: 5 Stars
Having already and read -- and enjoyed -- Sherwood and Robin and the King, I suspected that I'd like Lord of Sunset. I was not disappointed -- Godwin comes through again with an exceptional historical novel that kept me flipping pages long after I should have turned out the light and gone to bed. What I enjoy most about Godwin is that he makes history come alive with characters who are, at the same time, dreaming big dreams and putting their mark on the world AND dealing with the everyday petty squables and boring routine of their day-to-day lives. The characters plot and dream and scheme and influence the world about them, but they also go to the bathroom and plow fields. This makes them human, which -- for me, at least -- makes them that much easier to identify with. Overall, a wonderful read; I'd give it six stars if I could.Book Review: Unbelievably good
Summary: 5 Stars
Excellent account of Harold Godwinsson and the events that lead up to the Norman invasion. Even though we all know the ending of this story, I kept finding myself "hoping" that Harold would somehow prevail in the end.
If you read Lord of Sunset, you might wanna read King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett next. There is considerable overlap between the two books, and many of the same characters.
Book Review: WOW!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was just too good. Godwin let us see through the eyes of everyone I would've wanted to see through. This book was different than the ones I've read in the past on Harold. If anyone has read any books on him other than this one, Muntz's "The Golden Warrior," Lytton's "Harold, Last of the Saxon Kings," or Lloyd's "1066: Making of the King" please let me know. I can't get enough of this story.
More Lord of Sunset reviews:
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