I do love good historical fiction and at the top of the
pantheon of writers in that genre stand three women. The first for me was Colleen McCullough whose
Master of Rome series, starting with The Grass Crown, brought me back to
classical Rome like nothing else. Then very recently for me it was Hillary Mantel who described the
era of Henry VIII in all its intriguing complexity.
Then there is Sharon Kay Penman whose specialty is the Middle Ages of Great Britain
and France. Her attention to detail in
that time is such that you know the history always comes first, and the fiction
is sprinkled in just enough to make the real events and people of that time
period into a novel.
The first one I read was Christ and His Saints Slept
which introduces the genesis of the Plantagenet dynasty as Queen Maude fights to
secure her claim to the English throne.
Her writing is set during the period of Henry II and Eleanor of
Aquitaine. And what a series of novels it
is…..
Time and Chance (2002), continues the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine
and her husband, and focuses on the rift between Henry II and Thomas
Becket. Time and Chance spans a 15-year period from 1156 to 1171 as Henry
II became estranged from his wife (although Eleanor and Henry have eight
children during thirteen years), and from his close friend and advisor Thomas
Becket. King Henry's decision to elevate Becket to the Archbishop of Canterbury
becomes a fulcrum for discord between Henry and Eleanor. While reading this
book I could still visualize Katherine Hepburn as Queen Eleanor in the film The
Lion in Winter.
The Devil's Brood (2008), opens with the conflict between
Henry II, his wife, and their four sons, which escalates into a decade of
warfare and rebellion pitting the sons against the father and the brothers
against each other while Eleanor spends the period imprisoned by Henry. Penman
places the characters against a tightly woven tapestry of medieval life,
personal conflict, and dramatic characters.
Which brings me to my most recent read, Lionheart (2011). The book focuses on Richard the Lionheart's
Crusades in the Holy Land and on what happened to Eleanor when she was finally
released after spending sixteen years in a confinement.
The book is a stunning story of a great medieval warrior-king, the
accomplished and controversial son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine:
Richard, Coeur de Lion. They were called "The Devil's Brood," though
never to their faces. They were the four surviving sons of Henry Plantagenet
and Eleanor of Aquitaine. With two such extraordinary parents, much was
expected of them.
But the eldest-charming yet mercurial-would turn on his
father and, like his brother Geoffrey, meet an early death. When Henry died,
Richard would take the throne and, almost immediately, set off for the Holy
Land. This was the Third Crusade, and it would be characterized by internecine
warfare among the Christians and extraordinary campaigns against the Saracens.
And, back in England, by the conniving of Richard's youngest brother, John, to
steal his crown.
In Lionheart, Sharon Kay Penman displays her remarkable
mastery authentic history and human characterization. The
result is a powerful story of intrigue, war, and- surprisingly-effective
diplomacy, played out against the roiling conflicts of love and loyalty,
passion and treachery, all set against the rich textures of the Holy Land. It's
as if you were there, in this strange, beguiling, vanished time that haunts the
Middle East even today. Penman has triumphed in capturing its elusive essence
and the remarkable story of the English king called Lionheart.
I have read The Thornbirds by Colleen McCollough. I loved the movie too.
ReplyDeleteGood Lord, TB... your descriptions are fantastic! You should be a writer!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy historical novels, too; and you do make these sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteI also recommend Eleanor of Aquitane and the Four Kings, by Amy Kelly. Fascinating period in English and European history.
ReplyDeleteI echo Mrs. A's comment, Trout.
ReplyDeleteI like historical fiction so these will be put on my list.
ReplyDeleteI've read very few historical fiction books, but the ones I've read were some of the most enjoyable stories I remember. Maybe I'll try out one of these books if it's available for my Kindle.
ReplyDeleteSounds good. I would probably enjoy this/these.
ReplyDeleteThese sounds like something I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy Thorn Birds so I will probably give The Grass Crown a good look. Thanks TB.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I will have to read these.
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