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1066 Turned Upside Down



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Amazon Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Such fun!, 20 Aug. 2016
By Tricia Preston

I love my historical fiction, being particularly partial to Arthurian Legend, Bernicia, Robin Hood, the Wars of the Roses and, of course 1066. The authors who write these wonderful books are all committed to carrying out extensive research to weave the known facts into their works and in 2016, the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings et al, what could be better than letting their imaginative juices flow in a 'what if' scenario in this pivotal year in English History, especially because I am certain many of us would have loved things to have turned out very different.

We get eleven bite-sized, very varied tales, all easy to read in one sitting, working through the year, each briefly explaining the facts (so you are not at a disadvantage in you don't know them), whilst detailing why the 'what if' scenario could have happened. At the end of each tale are some useful author's notes and some interesting discussion suggestions and finally, at the end of the book, we find some extra information about each author.

Before reading this, I did have quite a few incredibly obvious ideas about what could happen, Edgar being acknowledged as Edwards successor by the Witan, Morcar and Edwin winning at Fulford, Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson winning at Stamford Bridge, William the Bastard drowning in the Narrow Sea and, of course, Harold II winning the Battle of Hastings. Not surprisingly, some of the authors stories were these scenarios but I was pleasantly surprised by the other twists that they came up with. Every contribution certainly merited 4 or 5 stars and because it was so much fun, they deserve 5 stars overall.

The real joy of a collection of stories like this is, of course, that you are likely to be introduced to writers you may not have come across before. I have only read works from three authors in this compendium, 'The Chosen Queen' by Joanna Courtney, 'The Handfasted Wife' by Carol McGrath and '1066: What Fates Impose' by Glynn Holloway, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed, so, if you like their stories in this book and are unfamiliar with them, check them out. Works of Annie Whitehead and Anna Belfrage were already on my 'TBR' pile and their contributions certainly did not disappoint, so I am looking forward, even more, to them hitting the top of the pile.

Moving on to the authors who are totally new to me, I found the inclusion of a story from Richard Dee, of the science fiction genre, a masterstroke and a worthy contribution. The tale based on her 'Roma Nova' series by Alison Morton was incredibly enjoyable and I will certainly be adding her to my 'TBR' pile. I loved the story about the discrete insurrection in the 'Bayeaux Tapestry' by Eliza Redgold, really making me smile and will be checking out 'Naked', her tale about Lady Godiva. Finally, the seafaring yarn from Helen Hollick was particularly gripping and I was delighted to find out that she has also written an Arthurian Trilogy, more additions to the pile.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating collaborative opus
ByDolphin TOP 500 REVIEWERon 1 August 2016

An ARC of this book was offered to me for review purposes. What a very unusual concept. History was never my first love in school, and our Italian curriculum focussed on the ancient Greeks and Romans, so I came to this with a completely open mind and no recent memory of the events that made 1066 such a pivotal year for the fortunes of what is now known as Britain, and consequently for the rest of Europe. Britain and France have a lot of shared links, conflict and alliances. In the year 1066, when King Edward died without issue, his brother-in-law was elected in his place. Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex and the second most powerful man in England, had for many years been his chief military commander, a man eminently capable but not in the royal line of descent. William, Duke of Normandy, claimed that he had been promised Britain (in what were, at best, suspect circumstances), so he started to amass a mighty invasion naval force. Harald Hardrada of Norway also saw an opening for his ambition to take over the rich lands so near his own domain.

In this precarious moment in time, many things could have happened as King Harold's initial stunning victories augured well but something went terribly wrong at Hastings. To mark the 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, a group of contemporary historical writers have provided their distinctive take on “what might have been”. The fascinating part of this exercise is that we have nine very different voices unleashing their individual imagination in eleven fictional accounts (two writers provided a double) loosely based on what meagre historical facts we have, taking all sorts of liberties, but generally staying true to the flavour of the times.

For me as a reader, it was a stimulating and demanding exercise to move from one piece to the next, because one had to erase the previous stories from short-term memory, and essentially start fresh with each one. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and, given the vast diversity of styles and approaches, I think anyone interested in this slice of history will find something to like. Naturally, I had my favourites and some that I did not care for, but the collection as a whole was very interesting. My hands-down favourite was the story involving a Roma Novan character, not surprising as I have enjoyed every single book of that whole series by Alison Morton. A close second was the re-imagining of the Battle of Hastings by Joanna Courtney, where the human element is touchingly explored. Even if you are not a history buff, the writing styles are all very approachable and generally enjoyable. All you need is a curious mind and the willingness to follow each of these nine creators in their singular pursuit.


5.0 out of 5 stars A seamless collaboration
By Reader & Revieweron 2 August 2016

All good fiction begins with a ‘what if?’ and these writers have certainly embraced that idea. Who hasn’t thought, ‘if only that had happened’ – even if about a washed out picnic, a road not taken – one moment that changes all.
In history – important history that still affects our lives – how might things be changed?
If you enjoy history and adore good writing, this collection will entertain – and make you think, just for a moment, what if…?

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant premise!
By Lanky Ladyon 29 August 2016

The premise of this anthology intrigued me enough to buy it. The various authors have all looked at the events leading up to, and after, the Battle of Hastings, using an alternative take on those events. What would have happened, for instance, if Harold Godwinson hadn’t become King? Or if all Duke William’s ships had been burned before they ventured on to the Narrow Sea? Or perhaps someone went backwards in time to change events? (Loved the twist in the tale in this one!) Or if the Bayeux Tapestry was actually subversive (having seen the tapestry, this theory is very credible!) There are nine stories in all, and I would thoroughly recommend this to devotees of historical novels. Fascinating!


5.0 out of 5 stars Alternative history at it's best, loved it. Great idea and a wonderful book to read
By Bairdy1985on 1 August 2016

What a brilliant book this was. I just love the idea that the authors have taken a period in time and let their creative juices flow. 1066 is a fascinating period to read about and to have these authors explore the “what if” was refreshing

I’m a big fan of collections like this, I find then fun to read. Not only do they flow easily since they are self-contained short stories but you also get introduced to some authors you might not previously have heard of. I’ll admit I’ve only read books be three of these authors.. that will soon change.

The book starts with a forward by C.C Humphreys. I’m the first to admit I’ve never really understood the need for these in a book but this one has changed my mind. This forward was witty and fun and perfectly set up the book for me as a reader

Each author tackles at least one story, they each take an event that happened and twist it.. they explore the possibilities that might have occurred if things went differently.

After reading other books I’ve always wondered about the “what ifs” Such as what would have happened if Harold had waited before going to war on that fateful day.. what would have happened if the rest of Harold’s army had arrived in time to engage in the fight..the outcome could have been so different

One of my favourite stories had to be the tale by Richard Dee, the perfect mix of science fiction and historical fiction, where the butterfly effect is explored and that if you could travel back to the past even the slightest change could mean big changes to the future

It was really good to see Annie Whitehead take part in this book also. If you’ve read my reviews you’ll know I’m a fan of hers and her story was particularly enjoyable to read. Her tale focused on the Battle of Fulford where Morcar and Edwin were defeated by Harald Hardrada.. what if this was the other way around??

Each story was well written and allowed the author to play with the events of history and I enjoyed every one of them. I also really liked at the end of each story the reader is given discussion suggestions which raise some interesting thoughts

This book was a gripping read and it’s opened my eyes to more wonderful authors.. I’ll be sure to add some of their books to my TBR list… some i already have:)

Any fan of the period who likes the idea of exploring the endless possibilities of what could have happen will enjoy this

5.0 out of 5 stars What a pleasure!
By Nicola Moxey on 6 September 2016

Well, what a pleasure! I thought I knew which alternative history I would have chosen, before buying this book; now I have 9 other great alternatives to choose!
Every story in this book is a joy to read - what a great selection of authors and stories!

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love History, Historical Fiction and have ever wondered 'what ...
By Richard on 16 October 2016

'What If'? Haven't we all asked this question of history? But few have answered it in such a way as nine different authors - all big names in this genre - have in this collection of short stories about the most momentous year in English History. To imagine Harold as the victor is the obvious answer, but these stories pose so many other possibilities. If Edgar Atheling had been elected king instead of Harold? If Edwin and Morcar had won the battle of Fulford and Harold would not have had to march to Stamford Bridge, fight a battle and then march all the way back to fight another? If William's fleet had been destroyed by the English before he even landed? If Harald Hardrada had won at Stamford Bridge and became Emperor of the North?

Each tale is imaginitive, powerful, extremely well written and, above all, gives us alternative situations that might actually have happened but for circumstances. If you love History, Historical Fiction and have ever wondered 'what if' yourself, then this uinique book is an absolute 'must'.

5.0 out of 5 stars What might have been...
By littleangelicroseon 21 August 2016

This volume is a collection of short stories by nine well-known authors that all concern the same theme – the intriguing ‘What if?’ of the events of 1066.

1066 has been declared one of the two memorable dates in English history and we all know what happened in the October of that year. This volume not only explores what else of great significance happened that same momentous year, but each story examines what might have been.

As a student of the Norman Conquest, I am well versed in the histories that these short stories challenge and they present the most tantalising glimpse into what England could have been had things happened differently. We could now be ruled by Danes, by Anglo Saxon descendants of Harold or Edgar the AEtheling. We see what happens if just one tiny thing changes, the butterfly effect of time travel, and we meet some wonderful characters as we go.

One story is set entirely in the present /near future, one has the potential to have been entirely true because we do not know enough to argue that it couldn’t be. The rest are glorious re-imagining by their authors, revelling in doing what I think most students of the era want to do – dispose of William of Normandy. And let’s face it, if in the Game of Thrones you either win or you die, any revision of those events is going to lead this way so I don’t think I’ve given the game away!

In those moments when the injustice of the Norman victory on that blood-soaked field of Senlac grates, at a distance of nearly a thousand years, even a descendent of one of William’s soldiers can pick up this volume and retreat back into ‘What if…?’ and indulge in a world that might have been.

Reviewed initially for the HNS and so good I have to tell everyone.

5.0 out of 5 stars beautifully researched and give a wonderful view of the world ...
By Beach Bunn yon 24 September 2016

These stories are 'faction' but well written, beautifully researched and give a wonderful view of the world of 'what if' What if William the Conqueror hadn't conquered ? The women in the kings' lives are well presented and with imagination. You won't be disappointed in this .


5.0 out of 5 stars DIDN'T WANT TO PUT IT DOWN!
By Julie Maloneon 20 September 2016

Recently downloaded a copy of 1066 Turned Upside Down by Helen Hollick and a group of other terrific writers. Having downloaded the book to read travelling to Tenerife for my son's wedding, I have to admit there were times when I found it hard to put down even when I should have been getting ready for the ceremony! These alternative stories of how things could have played out in 1066 were fascinating and imaginative and very well written.

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed this collection of alternative stories
By Serena Byrdon 30 November 2016

I enjoyed this collection of alternative stories, though some seemed more alternative than others, which was a little confusing! My favourite was the Roman story, probably because it truly seemed alternative. One thing I particularly liked was that the stories are complex and have some explanatory material with them. This is a collection that will bear rereading, I think, as will some of the authors; I've already bought two of Alison Morton's alternate Rome novels on the strength of what I found here.


5.0 out of 5 stars 1066 but not as you know it....
By jaffareadstooTOP 500 REVIEWERon 2 August 2016

I'm fascinated by historical fiction written by authors who wade way through dusty history books and ponder long into the night about the minutiae of the lives, and times, of historical figures, always maintaining historical accuracy, so that no-on can ever accuse them of changing, or of rearranging history. It must be a temptation though, on occasion, to have the opportunity to rearrange events to give a voice to that little mischievous murmur that whispers ever so softly… what would have happened, if only.

In 1066 Turned Upside Down, nine talented historical fiction authors , all at the top of their game in terms of historical fiction, have taken the facts, as we know them, about the tumultuous events of the year, 1066 and have given us their alternate versions of events. All of the eleven stories have an air of authenticity and each combine historical facts with a delightful twist. All of the stories are readable in short snippets , little bite sized stories, which you can comfortably read in one sitting, but which untimely offer a fresh approach to a time in history that most of us feel we know really well.

Whilst I am familiar with some of the authors who have contributed, others are new to me, but what convinced me about the combined quality of this book was just how seriously these committed authors take their craft. They make history come alive, and with real conviction turn fact into fiction and fiction into fact, cleverly manipulating events so that everything you read becomes totally convincing and in some cases you wish it had happened just so.

I’m not going to single out any one story as my ‘favourite’ as each one brings something different to the feast and I think the stories should be looked at as a collective whole rather than singletons, however, it must also be said that each story is complete within itself and stands proudly alone.

It’s a great idea to take something as momentous as 1066 and turn it completely on its head but in this 950th anniversary year of the Battle of Hastings, it’s refreshing to look at events in a totally different way and I commend these fine authors for their inventiveness and obvious enthusiasm for their chosen genre.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Collaboration
ByInge H. Borg on 2 December 2016

This interesting alternative history of England’s tumultuous year 1066 is a collaboration of nine authors, each a successful writer of his/her own historical fiction novels: Joanna Courtney, Helen Hollick, Anna Belfrage, Richard Dee, G.K. Holloway, Carol McGrath, Alison Morton, Eliza Redgold, and Annie Whitehead.
In 1066 Turned Upside Down, each writer envisions a fascinating “what if” version about that fateful year in England's history. And with each outcome, modern man would have inherited a much different world, in some instances giving rise to my notion of “too bad it didn’t happen that way.”

I must confess to not knowing much about this time in England’s long history. However, having read James M. Hockey’s excellent “Edith Fair as a Swan: Tales of Bowdyn 3” (an excellent series, by the way), I was at least familiar with King Harold’s “common wife Edith.”
Because of this, and the excellent Foreword by C. C. Humphreys, I enjoyed the “what if” scenario in 1066 even more.

Inge H. Borg, Author of the "Legends of the Winged Scarab"

5.0 out of 5 stars A great idea
By Highlanderon 27 August 2016

What a great idea. A collection of short stories by well-respected authors looking at 1066 from an entirely different viewpoint. The one thing they have in common? The 'what if?'.

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love history and are fascinated by the ‘what ifs’ that ...
By Clive Barclayon 29 December 2016

If you love history and are fascinated by the ‘what ifs’ that could have changed key events in history to re-orientate the future, then ‘1066 Turned Upside Down’ is a must read. The authors have come up with some intriguing short stories set around key events during that epic year but with alternative outcomes. The stories leave you wondering what life would be like today if any of these had become part of British history.

5.0 out of 5 stars 950 years to the day
By kato staron 27 October 2016

I found and read this during the 950 year celebrations. The what ifs are fun, thought provoking and a darn good read!

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting collection
ByJohn Ruddy on 4 December 2016

An interesting collection of stories from acclaimed writers of historical fiction. The questions posed certainly made me think! This could be used by students of history.

5.0 out of 5 stars Englisc
By Steve L Preston on 5 December 2016

Amazing...... I'm an Englisc man and some of these stories should have been.... I'd definitely recommend to lovers of history, fictional or not

4.0 out of 5 stars I particularly loved the one which involved a time-travelling teen
By Kizzia on 30 November 2016

Although I didn't gel with the style of every author in this anthology, I really appreciated the eleven very different stories looking at different scenarios in which William didn't win. I particularly loved the one which involved a time-travelling teen!

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and eclectic mix of fictional alternatives
ByJohn Hopper VINE VOICE on 18 October 2016

This collection of stories from published historical novelists imagines alternatives outcomes to the events of the most famous date in English history. It's a thought-provoking reminder at the time of the 950th anniversary of the Norman Conquest how differently the long term history of the country might have been had events turned out differently that year. Some are the more conventional alternatives, where Harold waits a day to allow more of his men to catch up before advancing to face William and defeating him with larger and more rested forces. But among the other scenarios included are more indirect ones where Harold's allies Edwin and Morcar defeat Harald Hardrada at Fulford, thereby freeing King Harold from the need to march up north to face the Norwegian king at Stamford Bridge; or conversely, where Hardrada defeats Harold at the latter battle and then teams up with Edwin and Morcar to confront and defeat the greater threat that they see William as posing, making England part of a longer-lasting Scandinavian empire. Even after Harold's defeat at Hastings, other scenarios were possible: in one here, the young Edgar the Atheling is able to resist William and prevent him from taking London, killing the Duke in the process. An interestingly eclectic collection.

4.0 out of 5 stars An unusual take on history!
ByAmazon Customer on 1 December 2016

A book consisting of alternate short stories of "what ifs". A really different idea that works well, and the different authors are to be congratulated on their imaginations about the time around 1066.
I liked some stories more than others, but on the whole it's an enjoyable book. I can definitely recommend reading it if you'd like to see another version of history.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative and credible alternative history
By Christopher Wardon 15 November 2016

Really good read and highly recommend it. Most of the stories were credible alternatives to real life. All were hugely enjoyable. Thank you.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good short stories
By John Paul Stubbingson 27 December 2016

A good mix of sort stories that make you think "what if?" Taken from several different angles all filling out a very important year in English history.


on 30 January 2017

This e-book is a series of short fictions, by various authors, each based on alternative history outcomes for the events of 1066. The stories were rather variable in quality (the 'Roman' one was particularly silly), and between them they only threw up one good idea (that Harold Godwinsson sent the fyrd home and stopped watching for the Normans because he believed that William's excursion to Dives in a storm had finished his invasion prospects).

I am keen on both alternative history and 1066, so snapped this up in a Kindle daily deal, but I wouldn't have wanted to pay more than the £1.99 I actually did for it. Disappointing.
HH] well it is only £1.99 - it'llnot be priced higher, and obviously this person hasn't grasped the concept of 'having a bit of fun' *laugh*
on 1 February 2017

Ok. I wanted a bit more excitement but good alternative writing.


HH] This 1 star is actually quite amusing. What IS she going on about ? *laugh*

1.0 out of 5 stars Not impressed.
By Rosie Hawtreyon 18 November 2016

Some of the writing was good, the concepts were interesting but the execution was terrible, not to mention the lack of research.

For example, the Roman story. The woman and girl were high ranking, probably what would have been a similar level to the old equites class, it is 1065, they wouldn't have carried the Gladius Hispaniensis, for so many reasons, not the least of which it was a lower class, out of date weapon only suitable for unmounted troops, both would have been armed with the Spatha, a completely different weapon, used differently. Greek fire, while useful if you can't afford napalm, the story behind that being available to a Roman state in 1065 would need a rewrite of history almost as substantial as going the whole way and giving them a couple of A10 Warthogs to be going along with "you worry about those fighters, I'll worry about the castle" (apologies to George Lucas). At least the Manuballistae were accurate, although I'd imagine they'd have been a sight more advanced.

Oh dear... And angsty tweenie stepdaughter & company - did you bother to consult anyone with medical training? Making someone with an allergy to anything up chuck when he's been fed it in any situation is idiotic, the acid plus the allergen coming back up again risks oedema of the throat, swelling and the inability to breathe - since I doubt anyone was trained to do a tracheostomy in the 1060s it would have been exaunt daddykins stage left. Get lots and lots of milk and shove it down him until he can't manage any more or up chucks - at least he's less likely to suffer a closed airway.

The problem is this, you can't make a change to 1066 without changes happening well before. It's like you can't have Hitler without Arminius & Varus and the savage bad weather during the battle of the Teutoburg forest in 9CE, and you can't have Arminius without 200 years of Roman military policy, or for that matter the Roman invasion of Spain, Mithridates IV, the ceding of Petra, etcetera etcetera etcetera.. and if you go all the way back and ride the analogy to breaking point, you can't have Donald Trump without Cicero (and I hope no one tells Cicero that, poor guy!) or the siege of Troy.

2 Comments|
Kizzia
Having read the book myself this review confuses me. What bit of "fiction" do you not get? Historical fiction does not have to be completely historically accurate (if you ever can be when you go back that far). Plus this book is very clearly based on the idea of "what if" where a small change to the narrative changes the whole - which is perfectly possible. I'm not entirely sure what you're saying in the last paragraph (it doesn't make sense logically or historically) but whilst you couldn't have had Hitler as he was in this world without the entire history that lead up to him it is still perfectly possible to say "What if Hitler had died serving on the Western Front in WWI?" or "What if Hitler had been badly wounded and disabled/disfigured in WWI?" and write a story based on that premise. If you don't fiction which works in that way, I have to question why you bought the book in the first place, never mind leaving a 1 star review based on the fact that you chose to read a book you were never going to like.

Helen Hollick 2 months 
I think you've somewhat missed the point that all these stories are 'What If' and written as a nudge towards discussion - I don't think we meant any of them to be taken seriously! What a shame you couldn't see the fun side of them!

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