All the Gold in Abbotsford
by E. L. Daniel
Publication Date: May 10, 2022
★★★★☆
Stephen, a man in exile, returns home to his estranged wife and his town to find it riddled with corruption and lies. There is unrest with the English ruler and a taste of war is in the air.
Partnering with the local abbot, Stephen attempts to sow a plan for liberation for the town of Abbotsford. With plot to overthrow the King, they strive to unmask the fraudulent members of the town. This attempt couples with Stephen's own wish to win the love and affection of his wife, but at what cost?
There were a lot of small coincidences when I accepted this ARC to read and review. The author reached out to me on Instagram, and the title and release date alone felt like kismet. Why, you may ask? Well, there's a list!
I was raised in a Canadian city called Abbotsford, which lies just outside Vancouver in the Lower Mainland of BC
The release date was the day before my birthday!
Not super connected, but I work in the mining industry with a government regulator, so the aspect of gold was intriguing - and there is small mention to mining (gold and quarry) regulations throughout this novel.
Based in the 1300s in England, All the Gold in Abbotsford is a historical fiction with some creative freedoms. Though this iteration of Abbotsford does not exist in English history, the key players and events, such as members of the English and French monarchy, the Despenser War, the downfall of Edward II and the rise of Isabella of France (via her son, Edward III) are all prominent themes of the book.
As with any book based in and around English history, this book is rife with political intrigue. The way that the author intertwines strategic plots throughout her story is masterful. Pieces that seemed small and insignificant at the beginning come around full-circle to be revealed by the end. The way that the characters interact - and their intentions within - are paramount for the reveal at the conclusion.
The characters themselves are well-written - as are their struggles and developments. Interactions were subtle - as they were during the time - which is unlike modern fiction. The way people interacted was indirect, as airs were presented and misdirection was common. Watching the development between Stephen and his wife, Elena, was an interesting dynamic. Arranged marriages and courting efforts were vastly different in medieval England compared to today, and most were often akin to strategic warfare. Much is the same in the way this couple interacts - but there is a beautiful story of growth and love imbedded in their fight to find common ground with each other.
As expected, the role of women in the High to Late Middle Ages was slight - even moreso in their involvement in men's work. Restrictions were coming into place that kept them from participating outside of their station, when property rights were changing and guilds became increasingly male-only. Though there were significant female figures during the age (Isabella of France, Joan of Arc, Saint Teresa of Avila), most women were placed below men in most avenues, including church, state and craftsmanship. This is easily reflected in Elena's role and in the role of other women in Abbotsford.
The writing in this book is exquisite. The style is descriptive, immersive and believable. When I tell you I had to check that there wasn't a true Abbotsford in England, it is not a stretch. Though there were houses (Abbotsford, Scottish Borders), and settlements (Abbotsford, West Sussex), there is very little remnants of the fictionalized town of Abbotsford that the author presents.
I truly enjoyed my time with this book - albeit, it took me awhile to get through with my other priorities. I believe it would be an enjoyable read for those that enjoy historical fiction, as it is similar to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander and books by Philippa Gregory (The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen).
The subject matter is generally safe, with some mildly implied sexual content. Some aspects of the story may be disturbing, as it reflects realities of the age - these may include violence, murder, and sexual assault.
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