The Welsh Traitor's Daughter
by Arianwen Nunn
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 5 May 2023 | Archive Date 24 Sep 2023
Talking about this book? Use #TheWelshTraitorsDaughter #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
Inspired by the lives of nobles, Angharad ferch Owain and Gruffydd ap Cynan, ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ immerses the reader in the tumultuous changes of late 11th Century Wales.
While the hostile systematic Norman expansion wrests fertile lands from the Welsh, Angharad finds herself straddling two worlds: the sometimes chaotic but rich culture of the Welsh under threat from the cold brutality of their would-be Norman overlords.
Angharad’s journey into womanhood encompasses difficult choices exacerbated by her passionate love for her father’s enemy, the young firebrand and heir to the throne of Gwynedd, Gruffydd ap Cynan. Angharad is hurtled into the power plays of Norway, Ireland, England and beyond which inflame the already brittle alliances between the Welsh nobility impacting everything the Welsh hold dear.
‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ is a gripping story of romance, courage, ambition, treachery and the stark realities of life for a Welsh noblewoman. As she embarks on the fight of her life, Angharad questions the laws she grew up with, the place of women in society, religion and the bonds of kin. This story based on true events takes the reader to 11th Century Wales, Ireland and England while larger-than-life historical characters spring out of the pages.
Advance Praise
The Welsh Traitor's Daughter Review
“Does it not seem to you, the Norman appointed Welsh guardian of Gwynydd, that what is happening here is an appalling travesty of justice?”
Angharad is a fine lass with a good head on her shoulders. As the lone daughter of Lord Owain’s keep in the 11th Century, she is sheltered and protected as the prize of the castle. Surrounded by four virile brothers and a protective patriarch, she’s aware of the world around her yet still so very removed from it. At least she was, until Gruffydd came to town.
‘Aunty, you are wicked. I haven’t time to be noticing young men.’
“Suddenly, I have grown up, so quickly. Now everything is difficult, and people are conspiring against each other. Making the right choices about what to do is difficult.’
What’s a lass to do when her family straddles the noble line of protecting the Welsh? You see, Gruffydd is a bit of a rabble-rouser, and looking to stir up the Normans. Shake up the status quo and threaten the peace surrounding the keep. It’s quite difficult to be a young lady and run the manor. Be the voice of feminine reason in a den of lions.
‘Bold words,’ said Gronwy slouching in his chair, sharp eyes narrowing out of a fat, suspicious face, ‘but what advantage is it to us?
Oh, Gronwy – certainly not the brother to be speaking ill of anyone. Not the over-indulgent, carousing rakehell who got one of the tenant’s daughters in the family way. Trust Aunt Nest to spill the beans and add that worry to Angharad’s overly full plate.
“Don’t worry so much, Angharad. Things always work out in the end”
“Lady Angharad, I would be more than happy to take you hawking if you have the time and want to gain confidence with your bird. It is important to fly them regularly because otherwise they become stale.”
As far as 11th Century pick up lines go, this seems to be the way to go. Compliment the lass on her falconry, gain her trust. Gruffydd may be ready to stir up political controversy, but he also has an eye for the jewels of the keep. That bonding over the falcons opened up the door for a blooming romance between the two.
Was he the one she was meant to be with?
Could Angharad dare to dream of some small happiness for herself? A fierce and loyal protector of her own? Someone who would take care of her for a change.
‘So, we are truly fighting the Normans?’
Ah yes – the fierce battles. The ones to test the loyalties of the land and determine who has your back and who would care to stab you in it. Lest we forget, Gruffydd is a warrior and justice seeker. Raising troops to fight along with the cause – including poor Angharad’s father. Too bad that dear Uncle Uchdryd has chosen the opposing side.
Gronwy will make the decisions and you take your lead from him.
Well, that just happened. Of four brothers to leave in charge, Gronwy is quite obviously the very worst choice. Seeing those words sets up the story for what is sure to come, and whatever is coming can’t be good.
‘There is not one detail of you that I have seen, my Lady, which is not fixed in my memory.’
Okay – there actually was something good. Did you think Angharad would get away from Gruffydd?
Certainly the war hero must come home to claim his lovely bride. Of course our hero and heroine
marry and fulfill their love for one another. If only those pesky uprisings would stop and leave them to
their honeymoon.
“No Father. I am not merely my husband’s messenger…”
There is quite a bit of uprisings, actually. Angharad’s story doesn’t just set up the love story between
her and Gruffydd, but also reminds you that the practical and pragmatic lass from back on the keep is
alive and well. It seems that Gruffydd has no desire to temper those traits and instead offers a respect
to her thoughts on matters surrounding them. Quite a novel marriage for the time. But what to do when
your husband becomes the ruler of all around him and your family won’t fall in line?
“I want you to negotiate with the Normans on our behalf, Father. I want the restoration of Northern
Wales to the Welsh to be because of you.”
Things change. Uneasy peace reigns, but at what cost? Stress from family pressures add to the only
constant: change. Change in the way people grow, and marriages grow. It’s not always easy to be the
King’s Queen, and stresses have a way or mounting.
‘Doesn’t Corinthians tell us that when we love we do not take into account a wrong suffered?’
Angharad’s tale comes to an end as many, with questions. Easy questions such as what is next for the
battle-weary Welsh? Will Angharad and Gruffydd continue to grow in their marriage and survive seeds
of doubt? The ending seems to abruptly stop on a precipice; an already winding tale could supposedly
continue on further. It may not be the happy-ever-after a reader looks for at the end of a story, but it
does offer an interesting view of the shaping of a young woman during a decidedly important time in
history.
*****
“The Welsh Traitor's Daughter” receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company"
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9781916626454 |
| PRICE | US$6.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Delyth R, Reviewer
The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter is a captivating and compelling novel which everyone should read. The relationship between Angharad and Gruffydd ap Cynan throughout this historical novel is one of romance and powerful intrigue. The attention to historical detail is enthralling from the first page to the last. It is beautifully written, enjoyable and an engaging read. The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter by Arianwen Nunn is an historical gem that is highly recommended.
Anne M, Reviewer
The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter By Arianwen Nunn is a fact-based (insofar as there are facts available) about the King of Gwynedd, Gryffydd ap Cynan and his Queen, Angharad ferch Owain. The story takes place from about 1093-1103 and covers years of both war and peace. Angharad’s father was Welsh but the Norman earl leaned on him as governor of the area. He kept the peace. In many peoples’ eyes he was a traitor for working with the Normans. He viewed himself as a peace keeper.
The story was rooted deeply in the history of the time and the lifestyles of the people, both the wealthier and the peasants. Welsh law was much different than Norman law, as was their religion, although both were Christian. Angharad was a kind soul, who viewed everyone as her equal and worked hard for the common man. She was an excellent queen. Gryffydd was a peaceful man but would not run from a fight, even for his wife, whom he loved deeply. This is true historical fiction at it’s best, researched as much as possible and reminds me of Sharon Kay Penman and her works based on Welsh history. I enjoyed it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter by BooksGoSocial, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BooksGoSocial #ArianwenNunn #TheWelshTraitorsDaughter
Veronica D, Reviewer
If you like historical fiction then it is worth reading "The Welsh Traitor's Daughter". It is based on true events from Wales in the Middle Ages which I didn't know about before.
Reviewer 1166480
A meticulously researched book which brings to life a little-known period in Welsh history. Whilst staying true to established historical details, the author manages to develop the characters into well-rounded personalities, susceptible to the same loyalties, expectations and emotional conflicts as any modern day person. Colorful descriptions evoke a real sense of place and help to ground the reader in the period.
Jan S, Reviewer
A thoughtfully written book the author has obviously done lots of research into Welsh history. I really enjoyed reading this novel it was a gripping storyline and I found the characters very inspiring especially the heroine
Would definitely recommend this book!
Robin F, Reviewer
I absolutely loved this book - the detailed introduction provided a very useful framework and also a ready-reference as the novel progressed. The actual story was fascinating and it was difficult to put down after the first couple of chapters. What great read and a fascinating background. Thanks Arianwen - I look forward to the following volume(s)!
Natalie S, Reviewer
The Welsh Traitor's Daughter' was a wild ride! The historical accuracy was surprising given it is a little written about period in history, but Nunn has given a very accurate depiction of Wales in the middle ages and captured the raw emotions of the time perfectly. Although set completely in the middle ages, the emotional journeys of each character resonate with any modern audience, giving a nice sense of the unity of humanity across the ages. I hope Nunn continues to write about this period, as her style is beautiful and very engaging.
Isabelle D, Reviewer
"The Welsh Traitor's Daughter takes you to Wales just after the Norman invasion. It follows the life of Angharrad, only daughter after four sons in a family, through troubled times when Wales is trying to negotiate peace with the Normans. It is an excellent read, very well researched. I knew next to nothing about the history of Wales and I was gripped. I look forward to discover what happens to Angharrad in the next book!
At the beginning of the novel you are given some information on how to pronounce the names and I found this very helpful.
This is a very good read and I thoroughly recommend it. "
Eric H, Reviewer
I really enjoyed 'The Welsh Traitor's Daughter'. It was a great story and anyone who likes historical fiction should enjoy it. Who would have thought that so much was going on in Wales in the Middle Ages? The characters and story made a dark place in time become real!
Suet L, Reviewer
The Welsh Traitor's Daughter' is a bit of a blend of history and romance. I loved the characters and there was plenty of action. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction.
Account D, Reviewer
I fond this to be an engrossing story. The characters beautifully described and Nunn’s writing style is to be applauded - Welsh mediaeval history brought alive in a delightful way. I hope this will be the first of many.
Christopher N, Reviewer
I enjoyed this debut novel exploring a part of Welsh/British history with which I am less familiar. At times, I felt as if I was reading a Ken Follett novel, which I guess is high praise. The characters seem very real and alive and are beautifully described. The history is obviously well researched and the story is entirely plausible. I look forward to the next volume in the Welsh Warrior series.
Cheryl R, Reviewer
Bursting with colour and appreciation of the natural world, the author's passion for the beautiful country and history of Wales shines throughout. The characters are warm and engaging and well delineated, and the historical elements appear as painstakingly researched, opening the eyes to a fascinating period of history. The author has taken care to welcome readers into the world she depicts, for example through the helpful guide to Welsh pronunciation at the start. This would be the perfect book to read on holiday in Wales; I look forward keenly to the next volume!
Kate N, Reviewer
An enjoyable and well written historical novel of early Welsh history. Angharad is an intelligent and thoughtful character growing up into a position of importance and responsibility that will tax even her good nature to its limits. The history has been meticulously researched but at times delivers too much detail which becomes a little educational. I was greatly entertained by the lives of Angharad and her family, the tension as they escape to Ireland and their return to Anglesey to rebuild after the Norman attacks. The ending does peter out a little, obviously leading into a sequel but lacking a cliff hanger. An entertaining read that felt really true to time and place.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
Lucy K, Reviewer
I enjoyed reading ' The Welsh Traitor's Daughter' which took me on a journey through Wales, Ireland and England in the late 11 th and early 12 th centuries. Angharad and Gruffydd's love story is complicated by the trying political times they live in.
Through the lives of the colourful characters I glimpsed the adventures, ambitions and dreams which shaped Wales at that time.
Andrew N, Reviewer
This is an incredible story from a time and place we learn so little about from other sources. Arianwen has woven Welsh history into a captivating story that leaves the reader wanting to know even more about this incredible time!
Claudia R, Librarian
This is a truly good piece of historical fiction. The time period was well research and the characters believably written. I enjoyed the Welsh place names and bits of language. I have studied Welsh for years, and really appreciated that the author did not anglicize the Cymraeg.
The time period came to life in this book. The setting is established without including a tedious amount of detail. The author shows the reader the atmosphere through her storytelling ability. Although this characters were placed in a medieval setting, I found them relatable. The story moved a long at a good pace. The author successfully wove a fictional story in with historical fact and filled in any blanks in a way that was believable and interesting.
I would read this author again and recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction, history of Wales and the British Isles.
Thanks the the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Clare W, Reviewer
Fast paced, full of excitement and intrigue.
We journey back to 11th century Wales post Norman invasion.
The conquerer begins to divide lands between his nobles and Wales is looking a tempting and fertile land to carve up and share!
So refreshing to read a Welsh based historical fiction as the market is hugely crowded and over populated by the York/Tudor courts.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
