Gudrun's Tapestry
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Book Club Picks: Gudrun's Tapestry

Gudrun is a woman on a quest. Her mission - to bring down the most powerful, and definitely most frightening, man of the fifth century.

We learn of her intentions as she allows her true self begin to unfold in her prisoner's tent, waiting endlessly to make a move. Edeco is Attila's right-hand man, and takes a liking to this odd little woman who has given herself over to his master so freely.

As their friendship grows, we also learn of Gudrun's past life, of the heartache and sorrow that carried her to her current position. As the narrative switches from past to present, the reader is allowed to build the story themselves, and in some cases draw their own conclusions about what might have happened or what might have been if these characters found themselves born in different times with different names.

The real question remains - will Gudrun succeed in convincing Edeco to help her bring down Attila's regime? Can they trust each other to see through this task?

Book Club Picks: Gudrun's Tapestry Opinion

Set in the time of Attila the Hun, when men slashed their faces to show allegiance and women were thought of as nothing more than a wife or servant, this novel sets sharp contrast between the norms of the time and the behavior of one woman, Gudrun.

Gudrun may be one of the strongest, smartest, most cunning, and intelligent heroines of this genre I've had the pleasure to meet. I, at once, found her weak yet passionate, foolhardy yet brave, and so certain of her task that I couldn't imagine she had been anything less than this superwoman who comes to bring down Attila at any point in her life. It was by sweet recollection she shared her past with readers, at the same time bonding her life and heart to another unattainable man - Edeco.

I wouldn't classify this story as fantasy because it's people are as real as you and me. But the element of mystery surrounding the Germanic tribes and their customs cannot be denied. I felt as if I not only made a friend in Gudrun while reading, but also learned quite a bit about a culture of which I previously knew nothing.

If you are partial to a deeply passionate, deeply saddening tale of love and family, I suggest you pick up a copy.

Book Club Picks: Gudrun's Tapestry Discussion Questions

1. Did Sigurd really ever love Brunhild or was he enchanted by her?
2. Was the war sword the cause of each character's downfall?
3. Would you have given yourself to Attila's service for the same purposes as Gudrun? Could you do it?

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