Scan barcode
thefictionaddictionblog's review against another edition
5.0
lizabeth Chadwick's The Summer Queen tells the story of young Alienor (who will be called Eleanor from now on, because my spellcheck prefers it), from her childhood with her sister Petronella in Aquitaine, through her marriage to Louis of France, the birth of their two daughters, and finally their divorce, and her remarriage. The novel retells historical events, adding personalities to historical characters. I'm not sure how much was embellished for the book -- the actual events are pretty dramatic by themselves. (When I read historical novels, I'm really a history hobbyist, not a serious scholar, so as long as characters aren't using technology that hasn't been invented yet, or traveling across Europe at unreasonable speeds for horseback, I'm happy.)
My full review: Historical Drama in 'The Summer Queen'
My full review: Historical Drama in 'The Summer Queen'
franfernandezarce's review against another edition
painfully boring, I must say. although it is evident the amount of research Chadwick went through, her writing style only gave this novel a self-contained crisis of identity: is it a biography or a romance novel? because, I'm afraid, as a historical romance novel, it did not work for me.
pagesofcozy's review against another edition
4.0
I am now a fan of Elizabeth Chadwick and I can’t wait to pick up the next book in this historical fiction series centered on Eleanor of Aquitaine.
jennysaisquois's review against another edition
4.0
As a longtime student (both casual and academic) of medieval history, I've been aware of and interested in Eleanor of Aquitaine for a long time, but while I was familiar with the basics of her youth and first marriage, I didn't know nearly as much about that period of her life as I had learned about her life after marrying Henry Plantagenet. The Summer Queen was a fascinating look at Eleanor/Alienor's early life, the life of medieval women, and the politics of medieval France. It's clear from the outset that Elizabeth Chadwick put a lot of effort into researching this book, and it pays off with abundant detail of clothing, architecture, food, travel, warfare, and politics that gives a vibrant picture of the time without feeling dry or shoehorned in. A modern reader - especially a modern woman - can find much to identify with in Alienor, who despite her wealth, privilege, and ability was constantly sidelined or disregarded because of her gender. Nevertheless, she's portrayed here as a woman of her time in her attitudes towards faith and family. I was a little disappointed that the book ends early in her second marriage; it was so satisfying to see Alienor enjoying a relationship with a partner who valued her intelligence and experience as a ruler in contrast to her first marriage.
Happily, there are plenty of readalikes that spring to mind that feature interesting and intelligent medieval women and intrigues and complicated relationships on large and small scales. I'd particularly recommend Judith Koll Healey's Princess Alais series, in which the daughter of Alienor's first husband and his second wife solves mysteries of high politics and court intrigue. Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death features another outstanding, although fictional, woman, a doctor summoned to England by Henry II as a forensic investigator. Cora Harrison's Burren Mysteries is set in early Tudor-era Ireland and deals with more local politics and mysteries, but also features a woman wielding influence in male-dominated spheres.
Happily, there are plenty of readalikes that spring to mind that feature interesting and intelligent medieval women and intrigues and complicated relationships on large and small scales. I'd particularly recommend Judith Koll Healey's Princess Alais series, in which the daughter of Alienor's first husband and his second wife solves mysteries of high politics and court intrigue. Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death features another outstanding, although fictional, woman, a doctor summoned to England by Henry II as a forensic investigator. Cora Harrison's Burren Mysteries is set in early Tudor-era Ireland and deals with more local politics and mysteries, but also features a woman wielding influence in male-dominated spheres.
sara_gabai's review against another edition
4.0
so far (25%) very good. good characters, good writing. an interesting change from science fiction and fantasy...
finished. and I already started the next book. very interesting.
finished. and I already started the next book. very interesting.
toryp's review against another edition
3.0
poor alienor :/
this book's enjoyment was tanked by how depressing it was... purposeless. disappointment.
this book's enjoyment was tanked by how depressing it was... purposeless. disappointment.
mountainblue's review against another edition
5.0
This book reminds me of why I love historical fiction and the fact that it's based on historical characters and events (even if the author took a few liberties to fit the drama) makes it that much more enjoyable.