In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages

This is a long book but well worth reading if you are interested in medieval France. The author seemed very taken with the period and the characters, and i got to see the French monarchy pass from almost rendered irrevelant to amassing power, all through the eyes of the Duke of Orleans and other characters. His poetry was very interesting, would have liked to see more. But we are lucky to even have access to this book, thanks to the efforts described in the preface. Have to add that the spelling errors and apparent printing errors are numerous. This Duke was a most interesting person.

There’s nothing better than curling up with a historical classic this time of year and believe me In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages is considered a classic for a reason. Told in brilliant vivid prose this novel weaves pivotal events from the late 14th and 15th centuries to create a rich tapestry of characters, imagination and dedication to history and precise details that may leave the reader saying “they don’t write books like this anymore”. A little patience is asked of those who desire to experience this strong tale of intricate destinies, courtly intrigues and passionate storytelling though. It may not be for everyone and to modern eyes and sensibilities could be considered too much of a challenge for many to finish (but can be well worth it if the reader is persistent enough), there are parts toward the end that unfortunately wander down too many pathways of dry rustling pages of the central character’s daily life while the world snaps and burns outside his private walls and it can be very easy to hope for another view to appear. There is also a noticeable switch of enthralling drama and action to subdued philosophical thoughts and rambling themes that can confuse and disappoint some towards the end also. Still overall if any reader who enjoyed  The Accursed Kings series by Maurice Druon  or  Katherine by Anya Seton  desires more perfect examples of committed fiction or a worthy literary challenge, I think you will be pleased with In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages. I know I was and can’t wait for my next step back into history with another understated title and hidden gem of literary entertainment.

This is an absolutely fascinating historical trip through the Hundred Years War between France and England. This is not an easy read (I had to make notes in margins and occasionally refer to a reference), but what a delight. Reading this is like finishing a hard, sweaty, but very fulfilling workout.The accuracy of this book seems very reliable based on the reference sources that I used in reading it. The characters are historically accurate. At the same time, the author manages to put life into what textbook simply portray as dry historical characters. There are few fictional characters who can be as memorable as the royalty of England and France. Crazy King Charles, his bizarre wife Isabeau, the child brides, the haughty Duke of Burgandy, and then throw in Joan of Arc -- what a mixture! One can't make that stuff up. The pain, frustration, anxiety, and fear of those thrown into the path of history based on their birth is so vividly portrayed. It's a world different from ours, but yet human nature remains the same.Reading this puts our modern day political messes in perspective. For those that believe times have never been worse, haven't lived in the Middle Ages.For anyone seriously interested in the Middle Ages or otherwise loves good historical fiction. This is it.

A historical novel and a very well written account of French court history around 1400. I would have rated it 5 star if the Kindle version hadn't had numerous spelling and spacing errors, no doubt due to unedited electronic processing of the text. Better to read the printed version. Hella Haasse is a highly acclaimed Dutch writer, for all the right reasons.

This is a fictionalized biography of Charles of Valois, Duke of Orleans, a French nobleman who spent 25 years of his life held captive for ransom in England following his capture at the historic battle of Agincourt. This book is not so much about plot as about Charles' internal landscape. More a poet than a man of government, Charles is used as a catspaw by the various kings and politicos whose efforts to achieve their own agendas underlie the events narrated. Driven by the promise made to his mother on her deathbed to avenge his father's murder, Charles' powerlessness over events and attempts to fulfill his vow as well as find some inner contentment are beautifully depicted and lyrically recounted. This book is beautifully written and the fact of its translation into English from Dutch is in no way a hindrance to the grace and rhythm of the narrative. I found the recurring references to the "forest of long awaiting" to be evocative and moving as Charles struggles to "keep the faith" through years of exile and frustration. The final description of his release from the forest is one of the loveliest passages I have read. There is satisfaction, too, in knowing that Charles' son was destined to become Louis XII, King of France. Apart from a few slow passages (there seem to be endless plots and jockeying for position among the squabbling factions), I found this book to be eloquent and moving. Recommended.

I actually really like this book but it would have benefited from some more diligent editing. Too many pages did little to advance the plot and one whole section of the book could have been reduced to a chapter or totally cut. That said, this was very well done historical fiction.

This translation to English has been a marvel. Thank you for finding the manuscript & publishing it. The author deserves so many accolades for bringing this period to life.

I found this book profoundly boring. I know the history but these people never came alive for me at all. I plodded through almost half of the book before I finally just couldn't deal with it anymore. I also found all the typos in the Kindle version disturbing. I expect more than what I got from this book.

I adore this book - I used to work in a bookshop 20 years ago and must have sold thousands of copies to very happy customers. Rich and extremely readable. Sadly, the copy I received wasn't this edition but a much uglier one :( shame as the one in the photo was the edition I had back in the day and was a thing of beauty. Please update the image!!!

Can write an endless review, but stick to just a few words. I read the Dutch original version. This book is taking you in from page 1 and after some 600 pages you really feel miserable it's over. Hella Haasse is one of the greatest story tellers we had.

The story and the writing are amazing. The digital reproduction of it is not. It seems that no one actually read the manuscript in digital form after using some text recognition software to scan the book. There are multiple spelling mistakes and nonsensical characters throughout the e-book. It is a real shame as this is a wonderful story that made me want to learn more about the period.

My mum recommended this book to me so went hunting. The book arrived REALLY quickly. Wrapped very well, in excellent condition and much better than expected. Would happily use again