Talking about the book: Duchess of the New Dawn by Kim Rendfeld
DUCHESS OF THE NEW DAWN
by Kim Rendfeld
by Kim Rendfeld
An alum of Indiana University, Kim was a former journalist and PR person for universities. Retired, wife, mother, grandmother of 4, and spoiler of cats, she is the author of 4 novels set in early medieval times.
The story
Frankish princess Chiltrude will defy her powerful family and risk everything to protect the people she loves and secure her new homeland’s future. —from Kim’s website.
The scene that made you laugh out loud or cheer
“And you’ll forget about marrying Odilo,” Pippin said.
“It was a foolish idea,” I said, ignoring the twinge of guilt for my deception. No amount of reasoning would get them to agree with me. Let them think they had won.
Love it! Go Chiltrude, go!
The place where you wanted to throw the book across the room
Oh…so many places. Chiltrude’s father and brothers want to dictate her life, decide who she can or cannot marry, or throw her into a nunnery. It’s infuriating to this 21st century reader but it was so common, especially for highborn women who were pawns in alliances whether for land, titles, power, or wealth.
A memorable line
“…I had thought my father’s actions, however ruthless, were justified to restore Francia to its former greatness. Only a few months later, I started to realize not everyone believed my father to be a hero.’
My verdict – ****5 stars****
Ms. Rendfeld brings life vividly to light in a noble’s court in 8th century Francia and Bavaria through the eyes of a young noblewoman.
Chiltrude, the daughter of Charles Martel (grandfather of Charlemagne), is little noted in historical records though she is known for her scandalous decision to elope. But Ms. Rendfeld has woven a story that feels realistic - fascinating, well written and well-researched - from the descriptions of people, places, and events, it is very much a reflection of attitudes and lifestyles of the era. While there might not be historical evidence, the author’s decision to portray Chiltrude as a well-educated young noblewoman seems legitimate given that many women ran their households when husbands went off to war.
Chiltrude’s dying father is apparently in no rush to see his daughter wed, though young noblewomen were usually pawns, married off to secure alliances. Chiltrude isn’t keen on political marriages either but she becomes acquainted with Odilo, Duke of Bavaria, a man not on her father’s approval list. Odilo’s admiration and respect for Chiltrude quickly win her love and surprisingly, he leads her into temptation…or she leads him. And almost unheard of during this era, she defies her father and then her brothers’ wishes.
Politics, religious influence, and the dynamics of family imbue the story with tension. A very good read!
Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of the novel through Book Sirens in exchange for a voluntary honest review.