Essex Dogs: The epic Richard & Judy Summer Book Club Pick 2023 from a Sunday Times bestselling historian (Essex Dogs Series 1)

Product Information

But for me one of the captivating aspects is the strong sense of brotherhood that mirrors the renowned "Band of Brothers" narrative that emerged from World War II, where - almost 600 years later - soldiers of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment also landed in Normandy. It follows a band of men-at-arms during King Edward III's invasion of France during the early years of the Hundred Years War, starting with a scene that is essentially 'Omaha Beach'. In between the bloodshed, of which there is plenty, they drink a lot, loot, insult one another and complain about the incompetence of their leaders: “[Expletive] Lords. Jones has us spend time with nearly everyone from the Dogs as we get to know each one of them and both how and why they fight.

From the off, it's clear that we're in for a breathtaking, violently graphic encounter between the medieval armies of England led by Edward III (as well as the young Black Prince) and France. That’s the history bit underlying the fiction, the first attempt at fiction, apparently, by this historian. This book starts out brilliantly following a small group of ten soldiers (Englishmen, Scotsmen, Welsh folk and others), the Essex Dogs, as they arrive on the shores of Normandy in 1346 to storm the beaches and take France for King Edward III.Their bravado and resilience was to be commended, more than prepared to give their lives for King and country. But first they must survive a bloody war in which rules are abandoned and chivalry itself is slaughtered.

The ending of this one, which seems to work to set up the series as a whole more than anything, certainly points to that. There are passing references and little nuggets of information about the backgrounds of the Essex Dogs, including mention of their previous leader, the enigmatic Captain. Although the Essex Dogs are entirely the product of the author’s imagination, real historical figures play a part as well. So we follow the story of 'Loveday' and his small band, comprised of soldiers, archers, a failing priest, and a fairly young, inexperienced boy.Their adventures are they fight their way into France are completely gripping and, as Judy says, often very funny. Rooted in historical accuracy, and told through an earthy cast of archers, men-at-arms and misfits, Essex Dogs delivers the stark reality of medieval war in the round – and shines a light on ordinary people caught in the storm.

And I think its strength is in bringing that time period to life, much like Dan Jones has always managed for me in his nonfiction books. This group of men sleep on the ground, wear mostly leather clothes, and depend on the longbow, sword, ax and knife when fighting.An award-winning historian, journalist and television presenter Dan Jones work includes The Plantagenets, The Wars of the Roses, and The Templars.