The result of the latest Classics Club Spin was revealed yesterday.
The idea of the Spin was to list twenty books from my Classics Club list, number them 1 to 20, and the number announced by the Classics Club represents the book I have to read before 31st January 2020. The number that has been selected is…
13
And this means the book I need to read is…
In a Dark Wood Wandering by Hella S Haasse
This novel exemplifies historical fiction at its best; the author’s meticulous research and polished style bring the medieval world into vibrant focus. Set during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), the narrative creates believable human beings from the great roll of historical figures. Here are the mad Charles VI, the brilliant Louis d’Orleans, Joan of Arc, Henry V, and, most importantly, Charles d’Orleans, whose loyalty to France brought him decades of captivity in England. A natural poet and scholar, his birth and rank thrust him into the center of intrigue and strife, and through his observant eyes readers enter fully into his colorful, dangerous times. First published in the Netherlands in 1949, this book has never been out of print there and has been reprinted 15 times.
I’m very happy with this result! In a Dark Wood Wandering has been on my TBR for years and I’m not sure why I keep putting off reading it as it definitely sounds like my sort of book. I think it will get 2020 off to a good start!
Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
She Reads Novels 
I’ve read another book by Haasse recently – The Black Lake – and loved her writing style. And I have In a Dark Wood Wandering on my TBR, so I am looking forward to your review! 🙂
This will be my first book by Haasse, so I’m pleased to hear you loved her writing. If I enjoy this book, I’ll think about reading The Black Lake as well.
I think I’ve said before that I loved this book. It’s years since I read it so it will be lovely to read your thoughts, and maybe you will inspire a re-read.
I’m glad you loved it and I hope I will too. It does sound good!
Until you mentioned the title, I have never heard of this book but, since it’s a novel set in the Middle Ages, I really must read it! There are so many historical details that I lack, especially in France, and historical novels help me to fill in the gaps if they are well researched.
I love this period of history, but there are some big gaps in my knowledge too, so I’m really looking forward to reading this book.
I hope it turns out to be as good as it sounds – the blurb is very tempting! 😀
It does sound interesting and I’ve heard good things about it too. Hopefully it will be a great start to my 2020 reading!
I haven’t read this and not heard of it either. It sounds good – I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks. It sounds like my sort of book, so I’m definitely hoping to enjoy it!
Great book!
It does sound great! I’m looking forward to reading it.