Graham Temby

Conflict Graham Temby

The perilous adventures of a young Saxon boy in 1066.

We've all heard about the Battle of Hastings but have you ever imagined what it would have been like to fight in it? Conflict is an historical novel which gives an account of the Norman Conquest from someone who was on the losing side. The narrator of the story, John, is now an elderly man, looking back on his time as a young Saxon boy sent to fight against the invading Normans in 1066.

His recollections create an interesting, exciting and at times heart-breaking tale of the Battle of Hastings told from the point of view of a child, thrust into a conflict he didn't ask for or even understand.

Expecting adventure, John initially heads to Stamford Bridge with his father to fight against the invading army of the Norwegian king, Harald Hardrada. This battle against Scandinavian invaders is thought to have heralded the end of the Viking Age but was soon overshadowed by the Battle of Hastings just a few weeks later.

Hot on the heels of their victory against the Vikings, John and his father join the armies marching south in a bid to see off yet more invaders, this time from France. However, this journey ends in tragedy for the pair, forcing John to leave behind his childhood and become the head of his household.

Aimed at older primary children and teenagers, and written by a retired primary school teacher, Conflict gives a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in Britain's history.