‘Before now, women have always seen the world through the light of men’s ambitions. But, though this may shape the physical space they move within, they may not play by the rules of what women are perceived to be able to offer. Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great and intricately connected to many Anglo-Saxon noble houses, is in this mould. And Annie Whitehead takes you right there. World-building is a key element of the historical novel and this is one of Ms Whitehead’s major talents. If you are curious as to how a modern woman would make her way in the Anglo-Saxon world, ‘To Be A Queen’ is the winter read for you!’