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cbendixe's review against another edition
4.0
When I read this as a kid, this book began my lifelong obsession with Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen to two kings, and the mother of two more. She lived so long ago (1122-1204), and yet this fictional biography for middle readers/young adults is so accessible and fresh. The story of her amazing life is told from a few perspectives, each with a unique insight into her character and yet they do not gloss over her imperfections. It was a great relief to re-read this book that I so loved as a young reader, and not only enjoy its historical intrigue and romance, but also renew my obsession with Eleanor!
amibunk's review
4.0
E. L. Konigsburg is one of my favorite children's authors and I must admit to a fascination with Eleanor of Aquitaine, so a novel by Konigsburg about Eleanor was bound to ring my literary bell. For children reading this book, I do feel a bit of background on Eleanor and some knowledge of the Catholic view of Heaven and purgatory would enhance the pleasure from this book. It might not be necessary, but I do believe this information will make reading the book easier and more enjoyable.
While the writing in this book does not shine as much as Konigsburg's later works, it is a solid and strong piece of literature.
While the writing in this book does not shine as much as Konigsburg's later works, it is a solid and strong piece of literature.
mrswythe89's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know what prompted me to start picking up E. L. Konigsburg's books, but she's very good. I could totally see myself becoming a giant Plantagenet geek if I'd read this when I was younger.
mada21's review
4.0
3.5 It has an interesting approach, as interesting is the subject. It was good, but not very good, I really liked the finale.
rebeccacider's review
Got it in my head that I wanted to read E.L. Konigsburg's backlist. This fictionalized biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine is dated and missable, but no doubt inspired some kid in the 70s to grow up and become a medieval historian. Konigsburg's passion for the source material is obvious, and I did enjoy her sweet illustrations.
The upshot is that I do know quite a bit more about Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Plantagenets than I did before. (Turns out that The Lion in Winter is ENTIRELY FICTIONAL, I am very offended and would like a refund please.)
Would I recommend this for a kiddo interested in medieval history? Sure, why not, but for goodness' sake supplement it with some newer books, preferably ones that center the experience of ordinary people living under the rule of these messy megalomaniacs.
The upshot is that I do know quite a bit more about Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Plantagenets than I did before. (Turns out that The Lion in Winter is ENTIRELY FICTIONAL, I am very offended and would like a refund please.)
Would I recommend this for a kiddo interested in medieval history? Sure, why not, but for goodness' sake supplement it with some newer books, preferably ones that center the experience of ordinary people living under the rule of these messy megalomaniacs.
poachedeggs's review against another edition
3.0
This is the story of a pretty awesome lady, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Not only did she live to the ripe old age of close to 80 in the 12th-13th centuries, and wield a lot of power, she bore numerous children, effectively divorced her first husband, and, um, supported her own sons' rebellions against her second husband.
Konigsburg has three different people - an abbot, Eleanor's second mother-in-law, and a knight - tell Eleanor's story from the vantage point of Heaven. I'm not sure if I quite appreciated what I thought was a bit of a gimmicky setting though, and the deliberate mention of presidents and televisions (which were few and far between, but somehow more intrusive because of that). But this was very readable and entertaining - and a great way of bringing the rather incestuous history of this branch of royalty to life.
Konigsburg has three different people - an abbot, Eleanor's second mother-in-law, and a knight - tell Eleanor's story from the vantage point of Heaven. I'm not sure if I quite appreciated what I thought was a bit of a gimmicky setting though, and the deliberate mention of presidents and televisions (which were few and far between, but somehow more intrusive because of that). But this was very readable and entertaining - and a great way of bringing the rather incestuous history of this branch of royalty to life.
linneahedvig's review against another edition
3.0
This was an enjoyable book, although it read more like a history than a novel. There was very little dialogue and a lot of quasi-facts. I was in the mood for British history, though, so I didn't mind. My favorite part was the beginning where it delved into how heaven works and how all these historical figures relate to each other. I wanted the whole book to just be about that.
froydis's review
4.0
A very fun book! I liked this retelling of the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, and that they are all in heaven telling the story. This is a fun read for teens who are interested in European history.
ckarako's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
knitstock's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes