Paul Bernardi Captures the Drama of Anglo-Saxon and Norman England in Gripping Historical Fiction
Blending Fact and Fiction with Expert Precision
Paul Bernardi masterfully blends historical accuracy and compelling narratives to bring Anglo-Saxon and Norman England to life. His acclaimed novels captivate readers with rich characters, immersive storytelling, and meticulous research.
Paul Bernardi has carved a distinct name for himself in historical fiction, blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling to bring the turbulent world of Anglo-Saxon and Norman England vividly to life. His passion for history, which took root in his school days and flourished at the University of Leeds, drives his commitment to authenticity while maintaining an engaging narrative that captivates readers.
Bernardi’s debut trilogy, The Huscarl Chronicles, introduced audiences to the chaos of the Norman Conquest through the eyes of Thurkill, a young warrior navigating the seismic shifts of 1066. The series established Bernardi as a formidable voice in the genre, masterfully weaving themes of honor, loyalty, and survival. He followed this success with the Rebellion trilogy, beginning with Blood Feud, which delves into the lasting impact of Norman rule in northern England. Expanding his repertoire, he also penned Blood Price, a standalone murder mystery set during the reign of King Knut, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a storyteller.
Published by Sharpe Books, Bernardi’s novels appeal to both history enthusiasts and fiction lovers. His ability to craft complex, relatable characters—such as Thurkill and Oslac—combined with his skill in balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling, has garnered a devoted readership. His work transports audiences to a bygone era, making history both accessible and gripping.
Bernardi’s storytelling brilliance transforms history into gripping fiction, making the past vividly accessible through engaging characters, precise details, and compelling narratives.
The Inspiration Behind the Stories
Bernardi’s fascination with history began early. A school project on Roman Britain sparked a deep appreciation for research and storytelling. This passion led him to study history at the University of Leeds, where he focused on the Anglo-Saxon era. Despite the scarcity of primary sources—often referred to as the “Dark Ages”—Bernardi sees this as an opportunity rather than a limitation. “When it comes to writing historical fiction, there’s so much space for your imagination to fill,” he explains.
Balancing Historical Accuracy with Storytelling
Bernardi is a self-proclaimed stickler for accuracy, ensuring that even the smallest historical details are correct. “The details help transport the reader to the time and place, but careless mistakes can just as easily jolt them out of the story,” he says. However, when it comes to broader historical narratives, he believes in flexibility. “People don’t read novels for a history lesson; they want a thrilling ride.”
His attention to accuracy is evident in all his works, though he acknowledges that minor discrepancies can sometimes draw undue criticism. Reflecting on a review of Blood Price, where a reader mistakenly claimed falconry was a Norman introduction, Bernardi had to resist the urge to correct the misconception. His research showed that elite Anglo-Saxon classes practiced falconry as early as the tenth century.
“People don’t read novels for a history lesson; they want a thrilling ride.” – Paul Bernardi
Crafting Complex Characters
One of Bernardi’s greatest strengths is his ability to create relatable characters grounded in historical settings. He strives to ensure that his protagonists are not just distant historical figures but real people with universal emotions. “Thurkill, for example, is a highly principled young warrior, but he’s also a cheeky sod at times—always a heartbeat away from a clip round the ear from his aunt,” Bernardi notes.
This approach resonates with readers, as evidenced by a recent review praising Blood Feud for depicting Oslac as “not one step removed from Superman but a fairly ordinary bloke fighting for his family and beliefs.”
Future Works and Advice for Aspiring Writers
Bernardi is currently working on the second book in his Rebellion trilogy, with plans to complete the final installment by the end of 2025. While his primary focus has been the Anglo-Saxon period, he is intrigued by other historical eras, particularly the late medieval period, as inspired by Helen Castor’s The Eagle and the Hart, which explores the conflict between Richard II and Henry IV.
For aspiring historical fiction writers, Bernardi offers three key pieces of advice:
- Just Start Writing – “Don’t worry if you think it’s rubbish. The key thing is to finish. You can always edit later.”
- Avoid Overloading with Historical Detail – “Your novel exists to entertain. Resist the temptation to describe every intricate step of medieval sword-making.”
- Keep the Story Moving – “Start with something significant and action-packed. Hook your reader early and keep the pace fast.”
Paul Bernardi continues to enrich the world of historical fiction with his immersive storytelling and dedication to historical integrity. His novels do more than narrate the past—they breathe life into it, making history as thrilling as the present.
