The Widow Queen

May 21, 2021

Duke Mieszko I ruled 10th-century Poland as a converted Christian. His two legitimate children, daughter Swietoslawa and son Boleslaw, were his means to greater power. Swietoslawa, "the bold one," possessed both beauty and intelligence. Yet her real value was political. At a time when noble daughters were used, the book says, as "seals of peace, alliances, ceasefires," and Poland's borders were fluid, Swietoslawa is married to King Eric of Sweden. He renames her Sigrid Storr�da, as he cannot pronounce her name. Swietoslawa's bold intellect gains her respect at court, and when she is widowed, she is again crowned queen when she marries Sven Haraldsson, king of Denmark, who renames her Gunhild. In her first novel in English translation, Cherezinska restores and draws on the history of the real Swietoslawa, whom she calls "the causative axis of events" across several countries. Although largely fictionalized, the novel's narrative is drawn from history's footnotes. Set during a time of transition between paganism and Christianity, the story features dozens of characters across Europe. The book's maps and genealogical charts are helpful, but it is a challenging entry point to the era. VERDICT Political intrigue driven by a woman's unacknowledged influence is woven through a medieval history, targeting informed readers.--Jessica Bushore, Xenia, OH

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 14, 2021
"Either you play the game or they will play you, there's no other way." Medieval Scandinavia is the game board in Polish author Cherezinska's epic historical saga. In the vein of Bernard Cornwell and Philippa Gregory, she tells the story of Scandinavia through the life of Swietoslawa of Poland, also known as "the bold one." Swietoslawa adores her father, Mieszko, Duke of Poland. However, her adoration doesn't make her naive to the fact that she is merely a pawn in his quest for glory. To strengthen his alliances, Mieszko sends his bold daughter to the court of Sweden to be the bride of King Eric. Yet her heart belongs to Olav Tryggveson, the last legitimate heir to the throne of Norway. But Olav is currently in exile and must win back his throne before he can have Swietoslawa. Fate, as always, has other plans. The Widow Queen is an epic historical saga full of political intrigue, familial drama, and lust. Readers will be absolutely transported, and eager for the sequel.

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