Wild Field
Plucked from English medieval history, Wild Field is the thrilling story of Gytha of Wessex and her marriage to Prince Vladimir in Kyiv (now Ukraine). Gytha is 13 years old when her father King Harold of England dies at the Battle of Hastings in 1066AD. Her adored mother Edith ‘Swan-neck’, crazed with grief, is lost to her. She and her brothers have to escape William the Conqueror.
In this lyrical and researched tale of true love and real evil, Gytha travels west to Exeter. Betrothed to a painted Celt Prince, she flees to Denmark. But with no dowry, no parents and no country to call home, she is bartered to a bride-trader and taken to the farthest edge of Christendom to wed Vladimir, a young prince, only to find he is promised to another girl.
You will love her companions Wulfwyn, Pig-Boy and the scented Swetesot, fear and admire the handsome river prince Vladimir, hate Oleg and the Cold Trader and all those with dark hearts who seek to harm Gytha. ‘Behold the Wild Field, where the sky neither ends nor the earth begins, where a million flowers bloom and riders steer by heaven’s unweary stars.’
WILD FIELD REVIEWS
"A vivid and gripping adventure"
I am currently running a co-operative living history project online about the women of 1066, where I have been telling the story of Gytha of Wessex. During my research, I came across this novel. I was excited to see that someone had written about her and Wild Field did not disappoint!
Johnny Stonborough really brings the period to life with a lot of care and imagination. There are many points in Gytha's life that are uncertain historically, but I felt that he bridged those gaps reasonably. He also writes in a way that is like a love letter to Old English poetry, which made my little historic-linguist heart happy.
I really recommend Wild Field to those who like historical romances, strong heroines and lovely vivid descriptions to bring the past to life.
One person found this helpful
I quickly became immersed in the travails of Gytha as she and her family fled William the Conqueror's marauding troops. Her epic journey, from England to Russia, was rich in detail and brought alive the stark reality of 11th century travel via treacherous seas and dangerous lands. I very much appreciated the family tree, the list of colourful characters plus a map and glossary. A triumph of research and I was sad to finish it.
CONTACT ME
Join my community
Follow me: