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fornia's review
3.0
truly excellent historical fiction, even if i lost track of the politics about halfway through [in my defense, why is it so complicated??? esp with so many people being referred to with like seventeen diff names/titles]
it's a really pacy and surprisingly action-y? not in terms of like action movie action but it's just a very Eventful and compelling narrative
i will say tho, i don't know if this is what penman wanted me to take away from her books, but my one big takeaway is that these dumbasses just needed therapy and thousands of people probably could've lived
it's like
one white family's reality-tv-show drama, but the consequences aren't just storming out and maybe some harsh words said in anger. instead, every time there's like. a little bitty argument. hundreds of people die. because these motherfuckers can't just Sit Down and Talk about their problems. they need family counseling and they needed it nine hundred years ago tbh
it's a really pacy and surprisingly action-y? not in terms of like action movie action but it's just a very Eventful and compelling narrative
i will say tho, i don't know if this is what penman wanted me to take away from her books, but my one big takeaway is that these dumbasses just needed therapy and thousands of people probably could've lived
it's like
one white family's reality-tv-show drama, but the consequences aren't just storming out and maybe some harsh words said in anger. instead, every time there's like. a little bitty argument. hundreds of people die. because these motherfuckers can't just Sit Down and Talk about their problems. they need family counseling and they needed it nine hundred years ago tbh
daisyq's review
4.0
It took 100 or so pages to get going, but this was a credible and fascinating psychological portrait of a pretty exhausting family. Knowing the outline of the rebellions and Eleanor's imprisonment, I'd always found it hard to imagine how people could behave as they did. This made it feel real to me, and that is a great achievement.
Some nitpicks, which try the patience in a book this long:
- the focus on the fictional Ranulph & Rhiannon & co seemed mostly unnecessary padding in a book with this many historical characters, which rarely (if ever) allowed exposition that wouldn't have been achievable some other way
- there's occasional repetition (I'm pretty sure I read about the fate of Eleanor's niece Isabelle at least 3 times)
- some clunkiness (e.g. post-coital dialogue that has one character explaining to another: "Boys stay in their mother's care only till they are seven or so[...]").
Some nitpicks, which try the patience in a book this long:
- the focus on the fictional Ranulph & Rhiannon & co seemed mostly unnecessary padding in a book with this many historical characters, which rarely (if ever) allowed exposition that wouldn't have been achievable some other way
- there's occasional repetition (I'm pretty sure I read about the fate of Eleanor's niece Isabelle at least 3 times)
- some clunkiness (e.g. post-coital dialogue that has one character explaining to another: "Boys stay in their mother's care only till they are seven or so[...]").
bristoni74's review
4.0
4.5 stars. The 3rd novel in this series and another great read, this time with Henry's wife and son's rebelling against him. I love how Sharon Penman creates such believable characters and their complex relationships. Her writing is so accessible and entertaining. My favourite historical fiction author.
endlessmidnight's review
5.0
A spectacular end to the story of Henry II and the relationship he has with his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine throughout the later years of marriage and the tensions diving deep into the why. Everyone here is complicated, difficult and oftentimes more complicated. And doing justice to their real-life counterparts and the real relationships.
It was often painful to read, about the constant squabbling between the brothers and the sometimes legitimate grievances created. The estrangement that they had which was natural, completely being in touch with just who they are and what they wanted. This was a perfect conclusion that dealt with why the Plantagenets failed in their quest for empire.
If they had just set aside their own personal interests to work together, but that never happened and it was painful to read it happen sometimes. But it was deeply entertaining.
It was often painful to read, about the constant squabbling between the brothers and the sometimes legitimate grievances created. The estrangement that they had which was natural, completely being in touch with just who they are and what they wanted. This was a perfect conclusion that dealt with why the Plantagenets failed in their quest for empire.
If they had just set aside their own personal interests to work together, but that never happened and it was painful to read it happen sometimes. But it was deeply entertaining.
tanyarobinson's review
5.0
Penman is amazing - she has the kind of familiarity with Henry II's court that would come with living in it. Being something of a medieval historian myself, I appreciated her afterward which indicated the few times she had strayed from historical fact, and was impressed that even lesser characters such as maids and squires were real people pulled from 12th century documents. Her astute historical interpretations show how thoroughly she has studied those sources, unlike many writers of historical novels who sample little bits of the past and turn them into fiction. How I would love to crawl inside Penman's head and experience her array of knowledge about this time and its people. Reading her books is the next best thing.
duchessofreadin's review
4.0
Once again, there was no disappointment in this read! I found myself drawn into the charismatic nature of Eleanor of Aquitaine, and felt as though I were moving through the pages with them. Henry could not have ever seen what his choices were doing to his sons. By refusing to give them as much freedom as he had enjoyed in his younger years, they started seething with anger, and that anger finally spilled over into rebellion. These rebellions were played out again and again, as each son sought to get what he considered rightfully his. Henry did nothing though to help their rebellious spirit, by making one empty promise after another. In the end it cost him all his sons, as they all deserted him, two in death, and the remaining two, Richard and John, once again in rebellion. Eleanor had at first approved and even helped with their rebellion, spending the last sixteen years of her marriage in confinement, as Henry had swore to her that he could never trust her again. Although their trust never reestablished, they came together to mourn their two sons, dead before their time, and also other passing family members. But they also came together to try and reunite their family, to put to bed once and for all the rebellions, but Henry was never happy if he was not in control, and his double dealing with his sons, cost him that lasting peace.
I was so drawn into this story that I could not put the book down! It was like being caught between living in the past and the present. I found myself wondering more and more what these forces must have been at the time it was being played out!
I was so drawn into this story that I could not put the book down! It was like being caught between living in the past and the present. I found myself wondering more and more what these forces must have been at the time it was being played out!
dwellordream's review
emotional
slow-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? Yes
4.0
amanda31's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, what a great history lesson and what a story. Sharon Kay Penman really knows how to make history come alive. I can't wait to read more of her books!
librarianonparade's review against another edition
3.0
I've waited a long time for this book and it doesn't disappoint. There isn't another writer of historical fiction out there who can make it as real and gripping as Sharon Penman. What I particularly liked about this book is the sense of sadness and age that overhangs it - Henry and Eleanor growing old, apart, their sons tearing the family apart with their battles, the remembrance of things past, happier times, from the previous books. Henry and Eleanor are such vivid, vital characters and you really feel everything with them in this book. The only thing I could never sympathise with was Eleanor's attachment to Richard at the expense of her other sons, but then I've never ascribed to Good King Richard/Evil King John legend.
madeleine_grace's review against another edition
5.0
Let's be real....I'd read anything that Sharon Kay Penman wrote even if it's like her grocery list....not trying to sound creepy at all. I JUST REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVE HER!
That being said, I feel conflicted about this book....I did not think it was the strongest of the series or even her strongest book in general but I felt it also contained some of the best scenes in the Penman canon...the scene when Henry learns of Hal's death was heart-breaking and chilling, when Constance and Geoffrey care for Aenor in the nursery and when RANULF FINALLY GOES HOME AND STAYS WITH RHIANNON....guys, I wept like a small child which was unfortunate as I was on a plane at the time. However, the beauty of these scenes is partially derived from the fact that I have gotten to know these characters over three (very long) books and have become really attached to them.
There some things that were really well-done:
Rosamund Clifford.....fabulous lady. Loved her in this...she really matured more and came alive in this novel
Constance....loved her shrew-like nature and her lack of sentimentality. Great character.
Will Marshall---Will Marshall was boss in this. I loved him and found a great amount of respect for his character.
I do have some criticisms however.
The first being.... WHERE WAS MY HOMEBOY RANULF???????????????
Ranulf, my literary husband, I missed you a lot. I have maintained that I would be happy if the books were jut about Ranulf. I understand the character was older and not as active but even when he was there, he wasn't really important and I missed him a great deal.
I also wished that Alys was given more emotion, she was very 2-dimensional.
The portrayal of the mercenaries were also weirdly unsympathetic and bordered cartoonish.
Geoffrey and Constance's relationship---don't me wrong I loved the two of them together but it was too easy. I understand that Penman couldn't waste a lot of time but still...she's done "he's not that bad because he doesn't rape you" ploy before and it has become a cliché.
Also...what's with all the happy marriages??? There's like two unhappy marriages in all three books. Anyway....
It was a mixed bag though I do have Lionheart at home....SO PUMPED!
That being said, I feel conflicted about this book....I did not think it was the strongest of the series or even her strongest book in general but I felt it also contained some of the best scenes in the Penman canon...the scene when Henry learns of Hal's death was heart-breaking and chilling, when Constance and Geoffrey care for Aenor in the nursery and when RANULF FINALLY GOES HOME AND STAYS WITH RHIANNON....guys, I wept like a small child which was unfortunate as I was on a plane at the time. However, the beauty of these scenes is partially derived from the fact that I have gotten to know these characters over three (very long) books and have become really attached to them.
There some things that were really well-done:
Rosamund Clifford.....fabulous lady. Loved her in this...she really matured more and came alive in this novel
Constance....loved her shrew-like nature and her lack of sentimentality. Great character.
Will Marshall---Will Marshall was boss in this. I loved him and found a great amount of respect for his character.
I do have some criticisms however.
The first being.... WHERE WAS MY HOMEBOY RANULF???????????????
Ranulf, my literary husband, I missed you a lot. I have maintained that I would be happy if the books were jut about Ranulf. I understand the character was older and not as active but even when he was there, he wasn't really important and I missed him a great deal.
I also wished that Alys was given more emotion, she was very 2-dimensional.
The portrayal of the mercenaries were also weirdly unsympathetic and bordered cartoonish.
Geoffrey and Constance's relationship---don't me wrong I loved the two of them together but it was too easy. I understand that Penman couldn't waste a lot of time but still...she's done "he's not that bad because he doesn't rape you" ploy before and it has become a cliché.
Also...what's with all the happy marriages??? There's like two unhappy marriages in all three books. Anyway....
It was a mixed bag though I do have Lionheart at home....SO PUMPED!