The Summer of the Danes

The Summer of the Danes (1991) Ellis Peters

Set in Wales in 1144.

This story is quite different from others in this series. Like the first, it is set in Wales, but instead of a peaceful search for a saint, there is a possibility of a fight between brothers and then invasion (by the Danes of the title).

I didn’t realize that the Danes controlled Ireland at times. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, but I just never knew it.

his grandmother had been a princess of the Danish kingdom of Dublin, more Norse than Irish, Ragnhild, a granddaughter of King Sitric Silk-Beard, and his mother.

I was also fascinated by the politics and laws of that place and time.

“Brothers have been the ruin of Welsh princedoms through all ages,” Cadfael observed ruefully. “Welsh princes should have only one son apiece. The father builds up a sound principality and a strong rule, and after his death his three or four or five sons, in and out of wedlock, all demand by right equal shares, and the law says they should have them. Then one picks off another, to enlarge his portion, and it would take more than law to stop the killing.”

Cadfael, of course, remains himself–curious and kind and well-aware of his own faults and failings (not that I’d particularly consider them such).

It was a matter of principle, or perhaps of honour, with Brother Cadfael, when a door opened before him suddenly and unexpectedly, to accept the offer and walk through it.

It is a blessed thing, on the whole, to live in slightly dull times, especially after disorder, siege and bitter contention.

There is no one who cannot be hated, against whatever odds. Nor anyone who cannot be loved, against all reason.”

This is a marvelous series, and each book is as good as the previous.
Rating: 9/10

Published by MysteriousPress

• Browse the archives:
  
• The Holy Thief » »
• « « The Potter’s Field