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mum2m1l2c3p4's review against another edition
5.0
Really fascinating. I love learning about earlier monarchs, and Ms Chadwick's take on Eleanor's story is quite realized with her research.
zipperhead's review against another edition
3.0
An ok book. It would drag along for a bit then pick up with some fast pace. Only to revert back to dragging along.
giovannadevito00's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kimberwood's review against another edition
5.0
I love a good historical fiction, especially one focused on a strong queen! I didn't know anything about Eleanor of Aquitaine, and obviously this is a fictitious account of her life, but it was a great read nonetheless. It's been a while since I dove into a good series on royal history (my all time favorite wheelhouse,) and so I'm excited to continue with the next book and keep learning about this incredible woman of history.
mellanclear's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
dani_sherlock's review against another edition
3.0
I had high hopes for this book and sadly it did not live up to expectations. The book was well researched and I also appreciated that the author explained in the afterword where she had deviated from historical facts and for what reasons. I enjoyed the pacing of this book. These two aspects meant that I did enjoy the book overall however...
I felt that the writing was full of clichés which really detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Phrases such as "made her feel bright inside her heart" were jarring. This also made the characters lack authenticity. I found the characters were also caricatured; they also didn't much over the course of the story.
I was looking for a new historical novelist to read and might give one more a try but this one wasn't for me.
I felt that the writing was full of clichés which really detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Phrases such as "made her feel bright inside her heart" were jarring. This also made the characters lack authenticity. I found the characters were also caricatured; they also didn't much over the course of the story.
I was looking for a new historical novelist to read and might give one more a try but this one wasn't for me.
klherring's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first Chadwick novel and I wasn't sure what to expect. I love historical fiction, but hate those that fall into the category of historical romance. I was anxious that this might slide a little into that realm and was really pleased to find that it did not. I haven't read much about Eleanor of Aquitaine, and so this was an educational read for me. While I enjoyed, I did find it a little tedious at times, though I can't say what really caused my interest to lapse. However, I think I will enjoy reading the rest of this serious and other works by this author. Nice work and well researched!
mrs_george's review against another edition
4.0
I knew very little about Eleanor of Aquitaine but saw this at the library and with a trip to Europe on the horizon I added it to my kindle. I’m so glad I did! Eleanor is so interesting and I look forward to continuing her story in the next book.
felinity's review against another edition
4.0
This is a new take on one of the most famous queens in English history. Chadwick uses her non-Anglicized name "Alienor" instead of the more common "Eleanor", because she called herself Alienor and used that name to sign her charters. That also helps separate her from other fictionalized accounts of Aquitaine's famed beauty (especially those of [a:Sharon Kay Penman|24655|Sharon Kay Penman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1234237583p2/24655.jpg], with which I was much more familiar).
I always enjoy the richness of Chadwick's writing, surrounding the reader with sensory descriptions of sound, scent and sight, and this was no exception. I was immersed in Aquitaine and the French court, from the feeling of the fabrics worn to the stifling heat and odors in the summer.
This is more than just Alienor's story though. Through her the reader sees her increasing alienation at the French court, helped by her mother-in-law's disapproval and the influence of bishops and religious leaders, and then we see the potential joy in her initial relationship with Louis, a seed which never comes to fruition. We watch as the marriage mirrors her experience at court, the relationship souring as Louis withdraws his affection as he longs for a male heir, under the influence of male companions. We see the suspicion, the desperation, the hostility, the fervor, and the betrayals.
It's not just Alienor's story though. We also see a lot more of Louis than I had expected. He's not just the French king, left in a corner, but someone we come to know, even though our understanding of his motives is often opaque.
I look forward to reading the next one!
I always enjoy the richness of Chadwick's writing, surrounding the reader with sensory descriptions of sound, scent and sight, and this was no exception. I was immersed in Aquitaine and the French court, from the feeling of the fabrics worn to the stifling heat and odors in the summer.
This is more than just Alienor's story though. Through her the reader sees her increasing alienation at the French court, helped by her mother-in-law's disapproval and the influence of bishops and religious leaders, and then we see the potential joy in her initial relationship with Louis, a seed which never comes to fruition. We watch as the marriage mirrors her experience at court, the relationship souring as Louis withdraws his affection as he longs for a male heir, under the influence of male companions. We see the suspicion, the desperation, the hostility, the fervor, and the betrayals.
It's not just Alienor's story though. We also see a lot more of Louis than I had expected. He's not just the French king, left in a corner, but someone we come to know, even though our understanding of his motives is often opaque.
I look forward to reading the next one!