The setting for this
historical story is set in late 10th century France and Wales. It is the story of three women, Sigrid, Aina
and Adalmode. Sigrid is Norwegian and
the story opens with her being sold as a Northchild slave at a market in
Tallinn. Aina is heiress to the French
fortress of Segur. It is Aina’s mother
who buys Sigrid and she becomes Aina’s maid.
The girls grow up together and become confidantes. Adalmode is the daughter of the Viscount of
Limoges. Her father has promised her hand
in marriage to Guillaume, the young heir of the Duke of Aquitaine, but she has
fallen in love with Audebert who is being held prisoner by her father. Adalmode is close to her brother Guy and begs
his assistance. But Guy has problems of
his own trying to win the heart of Aina to whom he is betrothed. As the story unfolds the lives of these three
women become inextricably linked. I
enjoyed the historical detail of the story and the political power struggles
between the women and the men. A
genealogy of the characters that are based on real historical people together
with dates of accession to titles are included.
I was surprised by how powerful the women of that time were. I’m lucky to have heard Tracey talk about The
Viking Hostage and the importance of setting in her writing at the Parisot
Literary Festival and to attend some of her creative writing workshops. I’m looking forward to reading Tracey’s next
novel, Conquest – Daughter of the Last King, which is due to be released in September.
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