The Brothers of Gwynedd: Comprising, Sunrise in the West, the Dragon at Noonday, the Hounds of Sunset, Afterglow and Nightfall
- Book Reviews,
by Edith Pargeter, Ellis Peters
Brothers of Gwynedd Quartet: Comprising Sunrise in the West, The Dragon at Noonday, The Hounds of Sunset, Afterglow and Nightfall FROM THE PUBLISHER The story of Llewelyn, first true Prince of Wales, is the history of medieval Wales in dramatic and epic form.
Llewelyn's burning vision is of one Wales, united against the threat of the English. But before he can achieve his dream, he must first tackle enemies nearer home. All three of his brothers hamper his efforts to create an independent state. The best-loved of the three, David, brought up throughout his childhood at the English court, restless, charming, torn between two loyalties, is fated to be his brother's undoing. Despite the support of his beloved wife Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself trapped in a situation where the only solution is his own downfall and a tragic death... FROM THE CRITICS Publishers Weekly Those who fancy historical fiction with an emphasis on the history will savor this convincing tale of 13th-century Wales. Originally published in England as four discrete novels, the 822-page this is correct/i have finished book/pk work limns political machinations and ``the cleaner business of war'' in a period of Welsh national revival. Four brothers--Llewelyn, Owen Goch, Rhodri and David--vie for power among themselves and with the English king, Henry III, until Llewelyn emerges triumphant as prince of Wales. He is plagued by his favorite brother David's treacherous links to England, as well as by the reluctance of the Welsh to see themselves as a nation rather than as separate tribes. A rebellion by English barons, disrupting that country's affairs, only postpones the inevitable: the English march on Wales, Llewelyn is killed and David, who had finally sided with his brother, is executed. Without condescending to mimic medievalismsi added s/pk , the precise narrative style complements the historical authenticity of the tale. Readers familiar with Pargeter's Brother Cadfael mysteries (written as Ellis Peters) will find this quartet more serious fare. (June)
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