Author: G. Lawrence
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: G. Lawrence
Book Release Date: 2020
Pages: 446
Source: Personal Collection
Synopsis: Winter, 1110, England
On a beach, standing in the snow, a girl of eight winters waits for a ship that will take her from her homeland of England, from her family, to her husband. That girl is Matilda, daughter of Henry I, King of the English and Duke of Normandy. In time she would become Queen of the Germans and Romans, and Empress of the Holy Empire. From the dark forests and mighty castles of the German states of the Empire, to the Alps, northern Italy and Rome, Matilda will travel, at first the apprentice of power, learning from her husband, Heinrich, the Emperor. Through times of war and peace, loss and deepest sorrow, her story unfolds, leading her back to the place of her birth, and the promise of a throne.
Child of Water is the first book in the series The Heirs of Anarchy, by G. Lawrence.
My Review: Empress Matilda was the first woman to claim the throne of England. It was because of her gender that she was refused England’s throne which created a civil war in England. In Child of Water, it chronicles Empress Matilda’s early life. Matilda is the daughter of King Henry I of England and his first wife, Margaret of Scotland. At the age of eight, she was sent to marry Emperor Heinrich V of Germany. During her marriage with Emperor Heinrich V, she learns how to wield power.
Empress Matilda is a really fascinating figure. She fought hard to claim her birthright. I like this historical portrayal of Empress Matilda. She is sent to a foreign court at a young age. Gradually, she learns the art of statecraft and how to rule. I found Empress Matilda to be a strong queen. She is very devoted to her first husband and is supportive of him. Empress Matilda is also very intelligent. She knows that as a woman she has to fight and forge her own path in a world dominated by men. Therefore, I was really captivated by her character and was invested in the story.
Overall, this book is about freedom, power, love, and loss. I thought all of the characters were very realistic and complex. I was particularly fascinated with her first husband, father, and stepmother. There were times that I thought that this novel was too inundated with lush descriptions. Nevertheless, I found the novel to move at a steady and even pace. I look forward to reading the second installment in the series, Melusine! I recommend this novel for fans of The Stolen Crown, Lady of the English, and Matilda Empress!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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