I Will Maintain

In I Will Maintain, Marjorie Bowen presents the story of William of Orange in a fresh and exciting way, uncovering an infamous feud that dominated 17th century England. William of Orange became King of England, beat the French, and restored the protestant faith. But he was a pupil and prisoner of John de Witt, the leader of the Dutch Republic. They spent much of their lives as rivals but could never hate each other. Both were proud leaders, but the rise of one would always mean the fall of the other. The prince, unlike Witt, had the support of the people.

William of Orange remains a puzzle in the book, as different people had different perceptions of him. To the French was a possible ally, a cousin of Louis XIV. For de Witt, he was the most harmful man alive. When the people went against him, and the French approached the borders, de Witt soon became a desperate man. The prince must decide whether to side with the French, end the war, become a king, or side with the people and continue a hopeless battle full of uncertainty.