Review of “The White Horse King”, by Benjamin Merkle

I’ve just completed reading The White Horse King, by Benjamin Merkle, which is an historical account of  the life of King Alfred. I at first hesitated to accept a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson publishers, fearing it would be too thick and boring. Neither of these two fears were ever confirmed. It was truly a fascinating read from start to finish, based on a person and period in history with which I had little to no familiarity with. Merkle made the subject matter approachable. He would not speak over your head, neither would he talk down to you in his writing style. I felt as though I had been given access to the very place where Alfred lived.

Alfred was an exceptional character in history. His life of struggle against the Vikings, his innovations, and his re-establishment of Christian worship and learning give him such a place of relevance in our modern world that can be hidden behind the dates in which he existed. The stand that he made against the tyranny and oppression of the Viking raids make him an example of leadership and bravery that could speak to anyone today. Alfred was the real thing. He was not perfect. But he acquired the heart of God, and the heart for his country.