Hild book review5/8/2023 ![]() ![]() There are other sources of power in the book, which Hild learns to use to her own advantage to keep herself and her loved ones safe. Her choices are limited and often costly. But, quietly, Griffith shows the toll that so much violence has on Hild’s mind and sense of herself. She becomes only woman among the King’s advisors, a vulnerable position. She is always watchful, even among those she loves and trusts most, and remains unmarried for as long as she can. Hild’s wisdom comes because she is observant, continually seeking out the pattern in things. Where her power comes from, how she uses it and what she has to sacrifice to keep it are the questions I found most fascinating about this book. And yet Hild has power too, as the King’s seer. We follow her, her half-brother Cian and friend Begu, as they grow up and join the royal court, where at any time the King’s anger could mean the death of one of his advisers. Before she is born, her mother dreams her destiny into being: this child will be light of world, an adviser to kings and a leader of people. The story starts when Hild is just a child, but a very special child. Thankfully for readers like me, who are not particularly interested in any of those things – although I do now know a lot more about seventh century politics than I ever imagined possible – ‘Hild’ is also a compelling novel about women and power and survival. If you want to learn how to make flax, understand the habits of birds or curse in a range of ancient languages – then ‘Hild’ is the book for you. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |