Carol McGrath published the third part of her The Daughters of Hastings series at the beginning of October. The Betrothed Sister is another history journey that started just after the Battle of Hastings. Our next guest is historian, who is specializing in medieval era. It’s is a real pleasure to welcome at Land of Books lady Carol McGrath for the following chat.

– Carol, what is The Betrothed Sister about?
– The Betrothed Sister tells the story of Harold II’s elder daughter Gytha, who, because her grandmother has the same name, is called Thea in the novel. It is a story of love, revenge, jealousy, and rivalry. Thea travels into exile in Denmark after The Battle of Hastings and the Norman take-over of England. After a time coping with the jealous Danish princesses, her cousin, King Sweyn, brokers a spectacular marriage for her with Prince Vladimir of Kiev. Thea now has to adjust to a very different society, one very protective of its women, deeply religious and war-like but with many beautiful palaces, castles and great trading wealth. Will her marriage bring her happiness? Will she earn her princely husband’s respect as together they confront danger from within and without the court? The story also contains a small sub-plot, that of Padar who was the Godwin skald/poet/spy and Thea’s protector.
Read the rest of this entry →