I read and enjoyed Hild very much, so was looking for this continuation of her story. However, unlike other reviewers, I thought this one was in need of copious editing because there was so much extraneous detail that did not add to the story in any way. And there was so much thinking. The first and the final sections were breathtaking and heartbreaking. But the middle was quite the slog. Hild thinks (in great detail), Hild plans (in great detail), Hild makes ink (in great detail), Hild thinks some more about her plans (in great detail), Hild makes something else (in great detail).... Hundreds of pages of this. And my degree was history, so it wasn't because I wasn't interested in the everyday aspects of the time period. But I feel it should have been integrated a little more smoothly so as not to bog down the narrative, but bogged down it was.
Yet I wouldn't have missed it. Hild is a fascinating, little known individual, and this interpretation of the smattering of known details of her life seems relatively plausible, and emotionally true. So if you didn't get enough detail in Hild, then this is the novel for you.
Recommended.

Finally finished this - it's a loong book. Almost reduced to 4 stars due to the length, it's extremely detailed - 750 pages covering about a 2 year span. But since the story and writing are so good, and many people love a long and detailed book, 5 stars it is.
It's a great story of a strong woman who rose to power and played an instrumental role in bringing peace to northern England. For a while at least!
The writing is really good, dense and lyrical with good use of old Britain words: names, places and things. Griffith does a really good job of keeping things straight and not too confusing, and there is a glossary at the end (which I didn't really need). There's also a good author's note at the end explaining her research and which parts are fiction. Not a lot is known for sure about St Hilda! I didn't know that there were several languages in use at the time, although with the fragmented nature of the land then, it's not surprising. Back then what's now Britain was many small territories, each with its own "king", and a complex overall governmental structure to keep things somewhat peaceful.

Disclaimer: I ended up buying this one and reading it back to back with Hild. NetGalley gave me an ARC for Menewood!

I don't usually read fiction set in Medieval/early Europe, but boy was I happy I picked this one up. Without spoiling anything, the love and detail put into Hild's universe is insane and not talked about enough. Genuinely one of the best written books I've read in a very long time.

I cannot recommend this enough - if you like historical fiction at all, please give Nicola Griffith a try. You will not be disappointed. 5/5 stars, and my first 5 stars of the entire YEAR.

Nicola Griffiths creates a singular work of medieval fiction that accurately portrays the period and the many mysteries of people's lives during this time. This title starts immediately after the first book's events and takes its time to show where Hild has ended up, and where she must go next in the face of new developments. Would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in this period!

Its been several years since Hild came out so I was a bit lost coming into the second book in the series. From my review, I know I liked Hild but this book was just so full of names & places that I couldnt remember that I struggled through it. I also generally do not like battle scenes so that contributed to my frustration with this book. I wont be purchasing this book for my library unless a patron specifically requests it. I did finish Menewood but I felt like it was more a chore than a pleasure. Even the parts about the natural environment and the characters relationship were not enjoyable because the difficulties I had with the book.

Hild is a young woman at the heart of the violence, subtlety, and mysticism of the early medieval age. I did not read the first book, but the 2nd book. But Menewood was really good and the way history comes to life. Now I'll go back to read Hild the first one.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy for an honest review.

I am admittedly conflicted about the Hild series. On one hand, I was continually annoyed by the lesbian content especially given that it is out of place in its historical context. If I had known this was in there, I would never have cracked the cover. On the other hand, these two books contain some of the best prose I have read in my 65ish years as an avid reader. The story, characters, pacing, and prose are among the best ever written. In most books fluffed up with flowery description, I speed read right past, but Griffith's entire style is "descriptive". It is woven between each drop of ink and paper fiber and lives and breathes and leaves you hungering for each and every word. Bravo, Ms. Griffith. I love what you have done. In all my years, I have rated very few works with 5 stars, but Hild and Menewood are two of those elite few.

I'm late on giving feedback bc I had to go back and read the first book. There are a lot of references with no backstory, so it was making it difficult to invest without having the initial story. Others may not have that issue but I did.

The book is very dense and slow paced. It's not meant to be something you sprint through. So be prepared to spend the time on this book and you may pick it up/put it down over time. It's well worth it though. It's well written and plotted and there is so much richness involved in the storytelling.

An impressive and rich follow-up to Hild. Sometimes long and not especially fast-moving, but by design. The descriptions and time spent in Hild's mind are well worth the pace.

MENEWOOD
Nicola Griffith, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2023, $35.00, hb, 720pp, 9780374208080

Menewood is a sequel to Griffith’s earlier novel Hild and the reader will get the most from it by having read Hild first, but even alone Menewood is a brilliant novel as well as a craft class in world building, as crucial to a historical novel as it is to fantasy or science fiction. The seventh century Britain of Griffith’s novel is so fully realized that we feel as if she had been there, observing, as Hild does, everything about her world from the smallest of its wild things to the ambitions of its kings.
Menewood continues the story of the woman who would (far beyond the end of this novel) become St. Hilda of Whitby, abbess and advisor to kings. Almost nothing is known of Hild’s early life before she joined the Church. Griffith has constructed a fiction to fit the few known facts, revolving around Hild’s determination to protect Menewood, her hidden valley in what is now West Yorkshire, and its people, from the ravages of both invading kings and her own family, a tangled royal dynasty most often at war with itself. In the process Hild becomes both warrior and kingmaker, navigating the ambitions of rival lords and the equally ambitious rivalry of factions within a church at this point only tenuously established among the kingdoms of Britain, and often distrusted by kings as likely to wear Thunor’s hammer around their necks as a cross.
To help the reader navigate this unfamiliar world, the front matter provides three maps, a family tree for Hild and the rival branches of her family, and a cast of characters necessary to untangle the many unfamiliar and often similar sounding names of the early English. The back matter includes a useful glossary.
Highly recommended.

Amanda Cockrell
This review appeared in the November 2023 issue of Historical Novels Review.

I loved Menewood by Nicola Griffith. The 10-year wait was absolutely worth it and the story is amazing.

The story picks up right after Hild ends and carries on seamlessly. I was worried that the story would change drastically but it didn't. The writing style did change slightly from Hild, but it is very subtle and fits very well.

The writing style is not the only thing that has changed since Hild. As a character, Hild faces many challenges, both physically and mentally, but in the end, she becomes a stronger and more passionate person. Gwladus becomes more of a main character and really helps move the story along. All the other characters have strong character arcs as well.

Because Menewood picks up where Hild left off, all of the questions I had were answered quickly and were replaced with so many new ones. Menewood covers a fairly long length of time but there is so much action that the story never lagged. I felt so many emotions throughout the book I almost cried at the end. The ending is perfect and I had no questions that were left unanswered.

Thank you to NetGalley, Farrar, Straus and Giroux Publishing and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

TW
childbirth
war
death of spouse/child
sexual assault
weapons

"Menewood" by Nicola Griffith is a riveting sequel that picks up where "Hild" leaves off. In this second installment of The Hild Sequence, Griffith continues to immerse readers in the world of seventh-century Britain through extensive details of daily life that infuse the story with realism. "Menewood" continues to unfold the political and cultural changes of this era. Hild herself has evolved from the bright, observant child from the first novel into her new role as the Lady of Elmet.

From the outset, it is apparent that the Isle will soon face tumultuous change. Edwin Overking, who once valued Hild's counsel, has become increasingly volatile and unpredictable, with rival kings threatening his position. The specter of war looms, and "Menewood" wastes no time launching us directly into the heart of the action. Hild must then navigate the chaos and upheaval of the aftermath to ensure the safety and and security of the people she loves.

What distinguishes "Menewood" and The Hild Sequence generally is its unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of life in seventh-century Britain. It doesn't shy away from depicting the violence, suffering, and daily hardships of the era. Content warnings for war, death, including the death of children and animals, as well as instances of sexual assault, are essential. These elements add depth and authenticity to the story, and while the world is a brutal place, it is compelling in evoking feelings of empathy with the characters.

While the subject matter is unapologetically gritty, the novel's exploration of the lives of historical figures about whom there is limited historical information, is completely engrossing. The author skillfully weaves her imaginative storytelling into the historical tapestry. This book is a testament to Nicola Griffith's writing and her ability to bring history to life. If you were captivated by "Hild," "Menewood" will exceed your expectations. It's a gripping and immersive journey that leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the series.

I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD, for an advance copy, which has not impacted the content of my review.

10/10

A Masterpiece

Griffith is not just a wordsmith, she is a master storyteller of our time.

Reading Hild and Menewood was much like stepping from my living room directly into 7th-century Britain and I couldn't have been more delighted.

Menewood picks up a several months after the ending of Hild and takes us through the next four or so years of Hild's life. Griffith does a wonderful job of recreating this world for the reader. I'm not sure which details I loved the most because they were all interesting. One of the things that stood out for me, as a military veteran, is the descriptions of Hild sitting with all of her men to learn of their tales of events after a battle. This was mostly done so Hild could learn of events she didn't witness herself, but I recognized it as an early way to help her men work through their trauma.

I also enjoyed the insight into daily life of the times. How the paper was made for Hild to write to another leader, planting of crops, the care of wounds and injuries. Griffith weaves all of this into Hild's story in a way that is both beautiful and fascinating. I can't wait for the next part of Hild's story.

Nicola Griffith picks up right where Hild left off. Like it hasn’t been 10 years.

Hild is now married but there’s no quiet life for her. She and Cian are pulled back into King Edwin’s court. But Hild has secrets she doesn’t want the king to know. Welcome back to 7th century England and the history that unfurls.

I loved getting to know Menewood and more about Hild and those she loved. Griffith does a great job of once again painting a rich world that the reader can fall into. I’ve read a fair bit of historical fiction but it’s always been later in history. So I was thrilled to be able to experience that same wonder at something completely new.

In this highly anticipated sequel Menewood sees the return of Hild, now a woman grown at 18 faced with war and turmoil she can no longer afford to be the bright eyed child she once was. Instead we find a young adult who, undoubtedly, carries the world on her shoulders as she harbours a power that could shift the tides of fate. She must do what she can to protect those she cares for most and ensure that not only do her people survive, she does too.

Given the scarcity of original source material pertaining to Hild, Griffith masterfully crafts a character that is both relatable and distant, powerful yet powerless in the throes of war. Her attention to detail paired with her illustrative prose builds an immersive seventh century Northumbria and the people who live, breath and die for it.


While the size of this tale can, understandably, be off putting to some at first glance, it contains an engaging narrative seen in only a few historical fiction novels. A strong sequel comes from Griffith and I greatly look forward to what she produces next. Though a note to any future readers - make sure to bookmark the maps, notes and glossary. They will be your best friend on this endeavour.

A Farrar, Straus and Giroux ARC via NetGalley. Many thanks to both the author and publisher.

Griffith’s tale follows the life of Hild, a real historical figure, and Griffith fleshes out her heroine with snippets of recorded history; the reader is swept up in the day-to-day travail of Hild’s complicated life as a singular aristocrat with an inheritance of old world abilities, a lightbringer. Her mother, a powerful figure whose mastery of diplomacy helped to protect her and her two daughters, teaches Hild to observe closely, and to wield her powers of observation like a weapon. As a result, Edwin King, Hild’s uncle, uses Hild as such, alongside the new priests that bring Christianity to the British Isles, who offer their own version of counsel and see Hild as a witch. It’s a difficult path to tread. Griffith does an excellent job of capturing the critical juncture of old religion clashing with new under a king whose greed forces him to accept counsel from any and all sources.

As a reward for her skills in assisting Edwin with gaining allies against Cadwallon of Gwynedd and Penda of Mercia, who are setting their sights on conquering Northumbria, Edwin awards her land and marriage to Cian Boldcloak. Even as she rejoices in the gift of Elmet, she is plagued by the knowledge that Cian should not be hers. Edwin’s gift effectively removes Hild’s influence from his court. This is fine with Hild. Her desire has always been to gain Elmet as her own, to make Menewood a sanctuary. So now she makes a shift from Godmouth and Light Bringer to King, with Cian by her side. Hild knows that it’s only a matter of time before war comes to Edwin, so she works with her people to make Elmet secure and hidden.

When she is summoned back to Edwin to give counsel to a king who is slowly losing his grip on his kingship, Hild knows that her time grows short. To complicate matters, Hild is pregnant. As much as Edwin needs her advice, he hates the idea that Hild’s offspring could potentially usurp his line. Hild knows that Edwin’s kingdom is doomed, but she is no oathbreaker. And so it is that Hild finds herself fighting for her life at the battle of Hatfield Chase, where Cadwallon and Penda defeat Edwin King, and Hild makes the ultimate sacrifice.

The reader has already come to appreciate Hild’s ability to survive, but it will take more than that to help her regain her footing after devastating loss.

The character development in these novels is just right to give you a firm sense of who Hild is, and the wonderful ways the characters have shifted and hardened to handle the new lay of the land past the death of Edwin King. In this, Hild truly is a light bringer, because her care for her people and care for the land removes the shadows so the reader can recognize its impact.

I love the way Griffith writes love – whether that is love held between friends, mother to child, child to mother, lover to lover. And I deeply appreciate her historical narrative, the way that the British Isles struggled under warring overlords and petty kings between the Roman colonization and decampment, Christianization, and the next wave of Viking raiders.

Reader advisory: complex, historical adult fiction, a couple of overt sexual scenes. Readers who are not familiar with Anglo Saxon/Briton history would do well to read up on the time period to better understand context.

Thank you, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and NetGalley, for granting me a copy of this book for review. Any opinions are my own; I’m not receiving any kind of douceur for my write-up.

Truly, this is epic. It is wonderful, it is deep, it is carefully plotted and full of gorgeous detail. It is full of characters who grow and relationships that deepen. And at the center of it, Hild herself is magnificent.

Mind, exactly none of that equates to being a quick read. At times in my life when I moved through books more quickly, this still would have been at least a week, and as is, it was a full month. I regret nothing — rather, I look forward to circling back around to reread the first book. And then probably reading this again.

On that point, I’d say yes, if you have the time, if your memory of book one is fuzzy, do reread Hild before diving into Menewood. If I hadn’t had a NetGalley ebook with a countdown clock for this one, I would have. As is, I caught up within the first few chapters, but I’m sure there were details that would be more resonant if I’d read the first book more recently.

Fellow ebook readers, also know that there’s a glossary and a pronunciation guide waiting for you at the end. I’ll be picking up a hard copy of this one for the next read. (And to sit on the shelf next to Hild, as it so richly deserves.)

The arc of the book spans periods of preparation and information gathering that build up to two major battles. Hild is constantly weighing what she knows, working out what others are likely to do, and maneuvering to put herself at the best advantage. Her eye — and thus ours — is keen to patterns in the natural world, and she’s a very canny judge of character. The skills she learned as a young girl to make herself seem witchy are still serving her well, and her reputation continues to grow.

It’s not the only thing that’s growing. During the first third of the book, Hild is pregnant — but she’s still at the beck and call of the king, and she feels her position is somewhat precarious. The way she feels herself forced to balance her own family with her obligations to the wider world feels very relatable, even while the details of her situation are like nothing I ever expect to experience.

Content warning for child loss. Also for the occasional imagery that some may find gruesome, ranging from digging up a hastily buried body in order to bury it more properly, depictions of butchering and sausage-making, and battle scenes.

As alluded to before, thanks very much to NetGalley and @fsgbooks for sending me this ebook.

Powerful follow-up, with a vivid world and emotional depth that entranced me. Nicola Griffith has another fantastic book here. She has quickly grown to be one of my favorite writers.

Menewood (The Hild Sequence, #2)
by Nicola Griffith
The book is amazing. I loved the development of the characters. Coming at this second book in the series, as a new reader I was absorbed by the characters and their personal growth. The rise and fall of the events made it like a roller coaster, with a surprise out of blue events that add to the drama.
The character of Hild, is a great influential character for young girls. She shows how the observant nature of watching nature can help with predicting future events understanding the cycles of the world. Her connections with the changes may make her magical to the people of her country and times. She works through so many personal struggles, where the reader follows along with her finding insight and understanding as she navigates her personal and societal struggle, between kings, and invasion.
This is no reflection on the writing but I had to go get the audible version of the book as I scoped through the book. I found myself focusing on the text, not knowing the terms and meanings of new vocabulary, that the audible book poured though with ease. I hope that the published edition will have more of a definitive explanation of the terms.