medieval Archives

Getting Medieval

It might be the 21st century where you are, but deep in the stacks of my winter reading, it's definitely medieval times (although, sadly, without a greasy turkey leg to wave around majestically). My most recent undertaking was Hild, by Nicola Griffith, the much-buzzed-about historical novel that covers the early years of the woman who would grow up to be the real-life St. Hilda of Whitby, an influential and intelligent abbess who was instrumental in introducing Christianity to Britain and whose wisdom led kings to seek her advice. Pretty cool! Read the full review to see my thoughts on this [...]

Hild

Middle Ages, Lots of Pages Author: Nicola Griffith If you’re one of those readers who enjoys grumbling about anachronisms and sloppy writing in historical novels, then Hild is the book for you. Or maybe it’s not, because there won’t be anything to find fault with in this vibrant, painstakingly detailed portrait of life in Britain in the Middle Ages. Seattle-based author Nicola Griffith depicts a complex and deeply unfamiliar setting — we’re talking Beowulf times here — in her imaginative reconstruction of the young life of the woman who would become St. Hilda of Whitby. Middle Ages Britain is, if [...]