The Heart of the Conqueror

The Chronicles of Matilda, Lady of Flanders, Book 1

By: G. Lawrence

Narrated by: Marnye Young

October 14, 1066. Two armies converge to decide the fate of England....

The most famous date in English history, when the might of the English Saxons faced the wrath of the Norman invasion. The man who stormed the sands of Sussex was William, bastard duke of Normany, the man they eventually came to call the Conqueror....

But the heart of the conqueror was Matilda, lady of Flanders and duchess of Normandy. At the side of the most famous warlord of history, Matilda worked, not as a quiet, modest wife, but as a leader...as a ruler just as ruthless as her husband. Under her soft mask of beauty and modesty there lay the heart of a woman powered by ambition. A woman who was strong, courageous, and devious....

Through the eyes of one of the most extraordinary women of history unfold the events leading to the invasion of England and the battle that would decide its fate....

This is the story of Matilda, lady of Flanders, duchess of Normandy, and queen of England.

Contains mature themes.

©2017 Gemma Lawrence (P)2018 Tantor

a nice beginner level historical fiction

if I remember correctly this is the author's first novel, or first historical fiction. This book was okay.. the storyline kept me interested, the narration could have been better but it suited the protagonist. another reviewer had the good idea to speed up the listening time and that actually worked well for this one.

Loved the Alternative Point of View

Who ever thinks about the family that surrounded Wm. the Conqueror? This author was able to get into a possible frame of mind of Wm., but more importantly, into the reasoning of his wife, Matilda. Believable characters complete with both strengths and their weaknesses.

Good read!

Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Narrator was excellent.

interesting perspective

Enjoyable read. Too much detailed sex.
Though we do not know if Ms. Lawrence's imaginings of Matilda's personality are true, certain facts that are available substantiate much of her drawing of the character.

A most beautiful novel of Matilda of Flanders. Splendid writing and incredible performance.

While most learned people must know of King William I of England 'the Conqueror', perhaps not many know of his formidable and beautiful wife, the noble Matilda of Flanders. This marvelous book paints a vivid tapestry of her life, and those of her husband and children's, as spectacularly as the Bayeux Tapestry still enchants its viewers with rich details and remarkable depictions of the events leading to the conquest of England in 1066.
I'm still amazed at the writer's talent and vast imagination of both the tales recorded in history, and most brilliantly, of creating scenes and exchanges between every character.
A second book about Matilda in this series is also available, of which I plan to purchase and add to my ever growing library here, in addition to obtaining  my own copies of both titles in print format.