Since I'm hoping to read the entire series, I'll post all reviews on one thread, so we can keep the series in order.
Book #1 The Proud Villeins
Sir Ivon de Clairpont is a Norman knight with holdings of his own and comes to England as part of a large escort to Alfred Atheling. Suspecting treachery, Earl Godwinson and his men attack the group and slaughter Alfred and most of the knights, although some are spared and sold into slavery. One of those is Sir Ivon, who is bought as a thrall by Eric Olafson and taken to his lands in the north. Ivon always dreams of retuning to his holdings in Normandy, but after several escape attempts Ivon is finally crippled in the foot and unable to try again, and must accept his lot in life as a thrall.
Ivon is married to another thrall Gunnar and the story eventually picks up again in 1065 with the story of Ivon's grandson in 1065, Ivon Oddeyes (a de Clairpont trait to have two different eye colors). After the battle of Hastings, Williams tires of the revolts in the north and sends his knights in to destroy all sources of rebellion with what has come to be known as the Harrying (or Harrowing) of the North. All males over the age of ten are murdered, homes burned and crops destroyed. With no food and no homes, the women and children of Eric's Dale head for York, but the harsh winter conditions and lack of food hamper their journey, leading some to take drastic measures to survive, and the memories of what the Norman knights did haunt Ivon Oddeyes for the rest of his life. Ten year old Ivon is taken in by monks, but his hatred for the Normans who destroyed his home and family is never lost, nor is his desire to be a free man, as his grandfather once was and he keeps a handle from a knife carrying the device of bridges (hence the Bridges over Time name of the series) from his grandfather and that device and the story of his free birth is passed down to subsequent generations. Ivon impresses a Norman lord and as a reward he is given his own land to serve as a villein, a tenant farmer and owned by the land, although it was not quite what Ivon expected, he did not understand that villeins were tied to the land and not free.
The rest of the story follows Ivon Oddeyes and two subsequent generations of his family as Anand lets the reader see how the lesser folk deal with the wars of the lords and kings, including the Civil War between Stephen and Maude. Anands writing is beautiful, but while the Harrying of the North and the destruction caused to the land and the villeins during the Civil War were terrifying, the rest of the book is a bit slow paced at times, and perhaps not for all readers. You're not going to see much of kings, knights, lords and ladies or battles, this book is about the lives of those who didn't rule and really didn't care who ruled as long as there was peace. For those interested in getting a look at the other side of the coin in medieval England this book and the subsequent books in the series might be of interest.
The series in order,
The Proud Villeins
The Ruthless Yeomen
Women of Ashdon
The Faithful Lovers
The Cherished Wives
The Dowerless Sisters
Some are a bit spendy on the used market, but I'm going to give my library's ILL program a whirl and see how lucky I am. This one came from a Benedictine Abbey outside of Salem Oregon. 4/5 stars.
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The Bridges over Time Series by Valerie Anand
Excellent review Misfit. I read and enjoyed this one many years ago. I've read The Ruthless Yeomen too. Anand appears to have been a victim of the mid 90's slump in historical fiction when a lot of authors lost their publishing slots.
Les proz e les vassals
Souvent entre piez de chevals
Kar ja li coard nI chasront
'The Brave and the valiant
Are always to be found between the hooves of horses
For never will cowards fall down there.'
Histoire de Guillaume le Mareschal
www.elizabethchadwick.com
Souvent entre piez de chevals
Kar ja li coard nI chasront
'The Brave and the valiant
Are always to be found between the hooves of horses
For never will cowards fall down there.'
Histoire de Guillaume le Mareschal
www.elizabethchadwick.com
The Ruthless Yeomen, Book #2
Anand continues the story of captured and sold into slavery Norman Knight Sir Ivon de Clairpont and his descendents that she began in The Proud Villeins. This book opens in 1271 as Isabel of Northfield can't accept her lot in life as a villein and forever tied to the land and the Lord who owns it and everyone on it. Fueled by old family legends of a freeborn ancestor, recently widowed and not wishing to marry the new husband chosen for her, she thinks she can improve her lot in life by joining the church - but evil Abbess Christiana only covets the land Isabel can bring her and very nearly ends in disaster. The next part of the story continues as a relative of Isabel's, Nicola, is married to the ill tempered Thomas Woodcarver and begins a tenuous marriage as both chafe at the bonds that tie them to the land and their overlord. When plague strikes most of the countryside they grab at their chance to escape bondage and bluff their way into taking over the tenancy Whitmead as the "distant relatives" of the previous tenants who also died of plague.
Thomas and Isabel are able to pull off their bluff, although one close call that ends in violence threatens to expose their true identity and return them to Redesmarch and serfdom. The final segment of the story tells that of their grandson John and his involvement in The Peasant's Revolt, and then finally culminates in 1399 as the newest and wholly free member of what is now called the Whitmead family is introduced and ready to begin the next chapter of the story in Women of Ashdon.
While this is not the fastest paced book and might not appeal to all readers, I did find it very enjoyable and a fascinating look at the other side of medieval life. Most of the historical novels we find set in medieval times typically deal with the kings, lords and ladies and not with the lower born classes, and this was a refreshing change to see what life was like on the other side of the coin and a completely different way of life from the ruling classes.
Some of these books a bit spendy on the used market, but I'm giving my library's ILL program a whirl and see how lucky I am (or how good they are). The first one came from a Benedictine Abbey outside of Salem Oregon, the second from the Eugene, OR public library, book #3 is the only one my library has - let's see how much my luck continues with the last three. 4/5 stars.
Thomas and Isabel are able to pull off their bluff, although one close call that ends in violence threatens to expose their true identity and return them to Redesmarch and serfdom. The final segment of the story tells that of their grandson John and his involvement in The Peasant's Revolt, and then finally culminates in 1399 as the newest and wholly free member of what is now called the Whitmead family is introduced and ready to begin the next chapter of the story in Women of Ashdon.
While this is not the fastest paced book and might not appeal to all readers, I did find it very enjoyable and a fascinating look at the other side of medieval life. Most of the historical novels we find set in medieval times typically deal with the kings, lords and ladies and not with the lower born classes, and this was a refreshing change to see what life was like on the other side of the coin and a completely different way of life from the ruling classes.
Some of these books a bit spendy on the used market, but I'm giving my library's ILL program a whirl and see how lucky I am (or how good they are). The first one came from a Benedictine Abbey outside of Salem Oregon, the second from the Eugene, OR public library, book #3 is the only one my library has - let's see how much my luck continues with the last three. 4/5 stars.
Women of Ashdon
Taking up the story of the Whitmead family several generations after the close of The Ruthless Yeomen, Susannah Whitmead is sent to live with the Hurleighs and be educated as a lady by Mistress Agnes, the lady of the house and all time shrew. Susannah brings with her a family keepsake - a device of a curved bridge across a river - which by this time no one in the family is left who remembers the origin of the device and their ancestral roots in Normandy. In love with up and coming but still penniless Giles Saville, Susannah is forced by Agnes to marry Sir James Weston and she comes to live at Ashdon House, a house she comes to love more than anything else in life. Susannah's second marriage takes her to Cornwall, where her husband becomes involved in the protests against the high taxes imposed on the populace by Henry VII along with the plots to replace Henry with the imposter (or is he an imposter??) Perkin Warbeck.
The second half of the book is the story of Susannah's granddaughter Christina during the reigns of Mary and then Elizabeth Tudor. Christina's never ending obsession with Ashdon House makes for an unhappy marriage that gets her exiled by her husband to Cornwall where she falls into the clutches of a catholic cousin - who does her the "favor" of getting her recalled to Ashdon house by arranging a visit by Elizabeth I. Although in years to come during the plots against Elizabeth by Mary Stuart and her supporters force Christina to repay her old debt at a much higher price than she could ever have dreamed of.
So far of the three in this series, I found this one to be the weakest. While I don't expect these books to be fast paced, page turning reads this one really did drag for me at times. The first part of the book deals with Henry VII and as I've recently read two books on him, I found myself in a been-there-done-that spot. As for the second half dealing with the whole Bloody Mary/Elizabeth I/Mary Stuart business I found to be old news -- there have been too many books in recent years on these ladies and I am just Tudor'ed out. And while I enjoyed Susannah's character (especially the bit of the story with Giles), Christina was just not too likeable as a character, although Anand did give her a very appropriate finish at the end in 1606. I'm sorely torn between three stars for a slow story and four for Anand's excellent writing and call it at 3.5/5 stars.
Taking up the story of the Whitmead family several generations after the close of The Ruthless Yeomen, Susannah Whitmead is sent to live with the Hurleighs and be educated as a lady by Mistress Agnes, the lady of the house and all time shrew. Susannah brings with her a family keepsake - a device of a curved bridge across a river - which by this time no one in the family is left who remembers the origin of the device and their ancestral roots in Normandy. In love with up and coming but still penniless Giles Saville, Susannah is forced by Agnes to marry Sir James Weston and she comes to live at Ashdon House, a house she comes to love more than anything else in life. Susannah's second marriage takes her to Cornwall, where her husband becomes involved in the protests against the high taxes imposed on the populace by Henry VII along with the plots to replace Henry with the imposter (or is he an imposter??) Perkin Warbeck.
The second half of the book is the story of Susannah's granddaughter Christina during the reigns of Mary and then Elizabeth Tudor. Christina's never ending obsession with Ashdon House makes for an unhappy marriage that gets her exiled by her husband to Cornwall where she falls into the clutches of a catholic cousin - who does her the "favor" of getting her recalled to Ashdon house by arranging a visit by Elizabeth I. Although in years to come during the plots against Elizabeth by Mary Stuart and her supporters force Christina to repay her old debt at a much higher price than she could ever have dreamed of.
So far of the three in this series, I found this one to be the weakest. While I don't expect these books to be fast paced, page turning reads this one really did drag for me at times. The first part of the book deals with Henry VII and as I've recently read two books on him, I found myself in a been-there-done-that spot. As for the second half dealing with the whole Bloody Mary/Elizabeth I/Mary Stuart business I found to be old news -- there have been too many books in recent years on these ladies and I am just Tudor'ed out. And while I enjoyed Susannah's character (especially the bit of the story with Giles), Christina was just not too likeable as a character, although Anand did give her a very appropriate finish at the end in 1606. I'm sorely torn between three stars for a slow story and four for Anand's excellent writing and call it at 3.5/5 stars.
Last edited by Misfit on Thu August 19th, 2010, 9:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Faithful Lovers
Anand continues the story of the Whitmead family as a shipwreck during a violent storm off the Cornish coast sets Ninian Whitmead's life on a completely unexpected path. The only survivor, Parvati was brought from India and used as a "slave" by the pirates who did not survive the wreck. Forty year old Ninian, who never married, is captivated and eventually marries her. Despite Parvati's adopting the Christian religion, the Puritans never fully accept her and as England is swept into Civil War an accusation of witchcraft against her changes their lives forever.
The story continues with that of their son, Charles and his children. Charles, spoiled by his mother, is a pompous ass (to say the least), as he begins a successful career in shipping and the East India Company. Although his daughter Henrietta and Benjamin loved each other from childhood, their parents conspire to separate them and marry them to others. Henrietta defies her father choice, and disinherited takes up residence with Eleanor, a distant relative and they find themselves in the midst of the Monmouth rebellion.
Despite a strong beginning with Ninian and Parvati's story I found this book in the series even weaker than Women of Ashdon., especially the..well..um unusual relationship between Henrietta and Eleanor. While not gratuitous in nature it was still odd and IMHO Anand could have told the story well enough without it. Most of the book is very slow paced, and I didn't find myself connecting with many of the characters, and their experiences with the Parliamentarians, the Civil War and Restoration England. However, the next up the series as Lucy Whitmead's story begins in 18C England and India in The Cherished Wives looks more promising. 3/5 stars and only recommended for those wanting to read the entire series.
The story continues with that of their son, Charles and his children. Charles, spoiled by his mother, is a pompous ass (to say the least), as he begins a successful career in shipping and the East India Company. Although his daughter Henrietta and Benjamin loved each other from childhood, their parents conspire to separate them and marry them to others. Henrietta defies her father choice, and disinherited takes up residence with Eleanor, a distant relative and they find themselves in the midst of the Monmouth rebellion.
Despite a strong beginning with Ninian and Parvati's story I found this book in the series even weaker than Women of Ashdon., especially the..well..um unusual relationship between Henrietta and Eleanor. While not gratuitous in nature it was still odd and IMHO Anand could have told the story well enough without it. Most of the book is very slow paced, and I didn't find myself connecting with many of the characters, and their experiences with the Parliamentarians, the Civil War and Restoration England. However, the next up the series as Lucy Whitmead's story begins in 18C England and India in The Cherished Wives looks more promising. 3/5 stars and only recommended for those wanting to read the entire series.
At home with a good book and the cat...
...is the only place I want to be
...is the only place I want to be
I've rtead the early ones Misfit but never got around to the later ones. Thanks for the review. I'll probably check the library for the later books if I feel a sudden urge. 
Les proz e les vassals
Souvent entre piez de chevals
Kar ja li coard nI chasront
'The Brave and the valiant
Are always to be found between the hooves of horses
For never will cowards fall down there.'
Histoire de Guillaume le Mareschal
www.elizabethchadwick.com
Souvent entre piez de chevals
Kar ja li coard nI chasront
'The Brave and the valiant
Are always to be found between the hooves of horses
For never will cowards fall down there.'
Histoire de Guillaume le Mareschal
www.elizabethchadwick.com
The Cherished Wives
The story of the Whitmead family of England continues in this fifth of six books known as Bridges Over Time. George Whitmead, a merchant with the East India Company returns home to find a bride and settles on second cousin Lucy-Anne. George, a pompous over-bearing windbag who thinks women should be "cherished and protected, brings Lucy-Anne to his country estate with his mother as chaperone. Once settled in with strict rules about allowable social engagements he leaves his bride and returns to India. Lucy-Anne does well managing the estates and its tenants, but loneliness takes her on an unexpected path and that brings life-changing consequences.
The story continues as George returns from India for good, albeit a bit mad at times, although his son and heir Henry refuses to acknowledge it. Henry is much like his father and treats his wife and daughters the same way "cherishing" and protecting them from the outside world, although his daughter Sophia chafes at the restrictions and almost brings herself to near ruin as a result of her attempt at freedom.
While I did enjoy parts of this book, especially the early parts of Lucy-Anne's marriage, others were quite slow paced and sluggish. I think one of my main problems keeping interest is there just aren't any likeable characters in the last two books - but not bad enough that you love to hate them either. Just meh. I'm still going to try and get a hold of the last in the series, The Dowerless Sisters; mainly because I'm hoping she'll tie the Whitmeads and the family device of a bridge over the river with the unknown distant relatives in Normandy from the first book. Only recommended for die-hard Anand fans or those who do want to read the entire series, but I do not recommend it as a stand-alone. 3/5 stars.
The story continues as George returns from India for good, albeit a bit mad at times, although his son and heir Henry refuses to acknowledge it. Henry is much like his father and treats his wife and daughters the same way "cherishing" and protecting them from the outside world, although his daughter Sophia chafes at the restrictions and almost brings herself to near ruin as a result of her attempt at freedom.
While I did enjoy parts of this book, especially the early parts of Lucy-Anne's marriage, others were quite slow paced and sluggish. I think one of my main problems keeping interest is there just aren't any likeable characters in the last two books - but not bad enough that you love to hate them either. Just meh. I'm still going to try and get a hold of the last in the series, The Dowerless Sisters; mainly because I'm hoping she'll tie the Whitmeads and the family device of a bridge over the river with the unknown distant relatives in Normandy from the first book. Only recommended for die-hard Anand fans or those who do want to read the entire series, but I do not recommend it as a stand-alone. 3/5 stars.
At home with a good book and the cat...
...is the only place I want to be
...is the only place I want to be