Set in 7th century Britain, 'Hild' follows the early years of a young woman who later became known as St. Hilda of Whitby. The book delves into the historical details of life among the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, exploring the interactions and exchange of new religions and ideas during this tumultuous time. The narrative vividly brings to life the political and violent society of seventh-century Britain, as well as the evolving transition from paganism to Christianity and tribalism to a new destination. The story primarily focuses on Hild's growth from a little girl to a young woman, navigating her role as a seer with great observational and predictive abilities.

The book is praised for its rich historical fiction, intricate storytelling, and detailed world-building. It offers a deep exploration of gender and sexuality, portraying a complex and intriguing main female character in a dense, long novel that immerses readers in the daily life and challenges faced by women in a community thriving amidst blood, death, plots, and double-crosses. The author, Nicola Griffith, deftly weaves together elements of history, imagination, and intricate character development, creating a compelling narrative that engages readers with its lyrical language and evocative descriptions of seventh-century England.

Characters:

Characters are multifaceted and vividly depicted, with Hild representing intelligence and adaptability in a male-dominated society.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is lush and poetic, intertwining detailed world-building and character development with a strong sense of place and time.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot chronicles the early life of Hild, detailing her journey from a young girl to a powerful seer in a tumultuous medieval political landscape.

Setting:

The setting immerses readers in a vivid representation of 7th century Britain, highlighting cultural and political dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally slow and reflective, focusing on character development and intricate details, although the conclusion feels rushed.

THE CHILD’S WORLD CHANGED late one afternoon, though she didn’t know it. She lay at the edge of the hazel coppice, one cheek pressed to the moss that smelt of worm cast and the last of the sun, listen...

Notes:

The novel is set in the 7th century during a time of violent political shifts in Britain.

Hild is based on the historical figure known as Hilda of Whitby.

The story begins with Hild as a child and follows her development into a powerful woman.

Hild's mother prophesied that she would be 'the light of the world'.

Griffith explores themes of nature, self-discipline, and the complexities of human behavior through Hild's perspective.

Hild serves as her uncle King Edwin's seer, offering counsel while navigating court politics.

The narrative features a richly detailed world, capturing the dynamics of life in early medieval Britain.

Griffith's descriptions of landscapes and animals blend beautifully into the story, adding depth to Hild's experiences.

The author faced challenges with pacing and character density, making it hard for some readers to track the plot.

Hild deals with the conflict between paganism and the rise of Christianity in Britain.

Griffith employs a mix of old language and names, making it occasionally difficult for modern readers to follow the story easily.

There is mention of various significant historical events and figures during Hild's time, giving context to her story.

The novel suggests potential future conflicts to be explored in a sequel as Hild's story is not concluded in this first book.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of violence, political machinations, and instances of emotional distress, generally flagged by readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, particularly involving complex relationships and bisexuality.

From The Publisher:

WINNER OF THE WASHINGTON STATE BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION

In seventh-century Britain, a new religion is coming ashore and small kingdoms are merging, frequently and violently. Hild is the king's youngest niece, with a glittering mind and a natural authority.

She is destined to become one of the pivotal figures of the Early Middle Ages: Saint Hilda of Whitby. But for now she has only the powerful curiosity of a bright child and the precarious advantage of a plotting uncle, Edwin of Northumbria, who will stop at nothing to become overking of Angles. Hild establishes a place for herself at his side as the king's seer, and she is indispensable-as long as she doesn't lead Edwin astray. The stakes are high-life and death-for Hild, for her family, and, increasingly, for those who seek the protection from this strange girl who seems to see the future. Drawing from the few records history has left us, Nicola Griffith has brought the young Saint Hilda's harsh, but beautiful, world to vivid, absorbing life.

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Hild?

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About the Author:

Nicola Griffith is author of five previous novels. She has been a recipient of the Tiptree, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards, the Premio Italia, and the Lambda Literary Award (six times)-most recently for her memoir, And Now We Are Going to Have a Party. She lives with her wife, the writer Kelley Eskridge, in Seattle, Washington.

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Hild

Nicola Griffith

Book 1 in the series:Light of the World