Lord of Sunset is an historical novel about the life of Harold of Wessex, the last Saxon king of England. Harold is a shadowy historical character, best known as an embroidered figure on the Bayeaux tapestry. Parke Godwin takes this figure and brings him to three-dimensional life.

Harold is the second son of a powerful noble. He is capable and loyal to his family and to his King. In Harold’s time, England was technically a kingdom, but actually was a confederation of powerful nobles. The king was a figurehead to whom the nobles swore fealty, but was not all-powerful. Harold dreamed of a united England under a powerful king. His dream is shared by his distant cousin, Edith of Nazeing. Harold and Edith fall in love, but because they are distant cousins, they are unable to marry in the Church. They do marry under the old rite of handfasting, and for twenty years Edith is Harold’s partner and the love of his life. She is with him in everything and is there at the Battle of Hastings where Harold’s dream of a united England is fulfilled – but under William of Normandy, not Harold.

Lovers of historical romance will probably not like the way Mr. Godwin portrays the relationship between Harold and Edith. Yes, they love each other deeply, but Harold is not at all faithful to Edith. During the course of the novel, he undertakes many missions to various parts of the kingdom and often warms his bed with a willing serving girl. To Harold, a bed-mate is no different than food and drink – just an object to be used for his comfort. His sexual relationships with nameless women do not in any way detract from the love and loyalty he has for Edith. This is not politically correct now, but it is historically accurate.

Each chapter of Lord of Sunset is told from the viewpoint of one of the characters. Some chapters are told from Harold’s point of view, some from Edith’s, and other chapters are told form the point of view of one of the supporting characters. It all adds up to give the reader a vivid picture of the life and political turmoil of 11th Century England.

Lord of Sunset is a powerful and moving book. It will reward the reader by bringing to life the half-legendary characters who were the founders of England.