Lionheart

Sep 18, 2011 Misfit rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Penmenians (Penman fans)

Shelves: harriet-loved-it, medieval, crusades

Over the years I have tried several different novels that focused on the Lionheart whilst he was on crusade, yet none of them really managed to engage me (although they did make for good sleeping pills). I’d about given up hope on ever finding one that would hold my interest until word came that Sharon Kay Penman was planning to continue her Angevin series with a book on Richard and I was dancing with joy – if anyone could do it, the fabulous Sharon Penman could. Was I bored?

No, I was not.

I thin...more Over the years I have tried several different novels that focused on the Lionheart whilst he was on crusade, yet none of them really managed to engage me (although they did make for good sleeping pills). I’d about given up hope on ever finding one that would hold my interest until word came that Sharon Kay Penman was planning to continue her Angevin series with a book on Richard and I was dancing with joy – if anyone could do it, the fabulous Sharon Penman could. Was I bored?

No, I was not.

I think everyone knows the bare bones of this story, as well as all the myths and legends that have sprung up around it so I’ll pass on trying to recap it and just share my thoughts on the reading experience. I absolutely loved how the author portrayed Richard. He is very much a man of his times, a king and a warrior who did what was necessary to get the job done and keep his men (and women) safe. I loved his sardonic wit, and had many laugh out loud moments. I felt his anguish at some of the tougher decisions he was forced to make, as well as his frustrations with the constant backstabbing and squabbles amongst those who were supposed to be his allies (damn those double-dealing Frenchmen…). His sense of timing and drama were perfection (oooh, that last-minute swoop into Cyprus to save the day once again, you just can’t make that stuff up).

And how did Richard’s queen Berengaria fare? Imagine being torn from your home and family, married to a virtual stranger, trekking half way around the world, surviving perils on the high sea, the stench and disease of a military camp and more, yet she handled it like a seasoned pro. Richard’s sister Joanna was another favorite, very much a chip off of the old Angevin block and always there to knock some sense into her hard-headed brother when needed.

While I enjoyed this novel a great deal, this is not a light and easy read and is one best read without all of life’s little distractions (no kids) so it can be savored as only a Penman novel should be. The cast of characters is large and complex (there are a lot of POV switches), as well as complicated politics and back-history the reader needs to take in. If you are looking for a light easy read with romanticized view of Richard this is probably not the book for you.

Lastly, are you going to have another great love story like Penman gave us in Here be Dragons and The Reckoning? Will they smoke off the pages like Henry and Eleanor in When Christ and His Saints Slept? Can’t tell you that (besides, since there is one more book coming the story is only half told), but I will tell you that Berengaria’s first…ummm…*cooking lesson* was priceless. The bed burning in Here Be Dragons is still tops, but Penmenians* will love it.

*Many thanks to you-know-who for coining that phrase and letting me ~~steal~~ use it

Review copy provided by the folks at Putnam, thank you.

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Feb 04, 2012 Ellen Ekstrom rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Bad Son, Bad King, Bad Husband, but Medieval Rockstar...

Sharon Kay Penman continues her saga of the most dysfunctional family of the twelfth century, the Plantagenets, with this first of two books about Richard, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine’s third son, who later became known by his nickname, Lionheart. In fact, he’s the only English monarch not known by his reignal number. If you said “Lionheart” to someone today, they would probably know you were talking about King Richard the First of En...more Bad Son, Bad King, Bad Husband, but Medieval Rockstar...

Sharon Kay Penman continues her saga of the most dysfunctional family of the twelfth century, the Plantagenets, with this first of two books about Richard, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine’s third son, who later became known by his nickname, Lionheart. In fact, he’s the only English monarch not known by his reignal number. If you said “Lionheart” to someone today, they would probably know you were talking about King Richard the First of England, the epitomy of the Crusader and medieval superman.

The story starts out slowly and with a fictional character that sort of, kind of, disappears into the background midway through the first quarter of the very long book, never to be seen or heard again. While I understand the author’s use of the character to introduce us to the kingdom of Sicily and Richard’s youngest sister, Queen Joanna of Sicily, I thought it was unnecessary. Joanna’s story gives a back story to the conflict brewing among the nobility of southern Europe and we see Richard as a loving brother and diplomat – someone you don’t mess with.

I didn’t like the Richard in Penman’s trilogy that preceded “Lionheart.” He was a spoiled, nasty boy and adolescent with nothing but vengeance on his mind. He doesn’t like his brothers and sees them as the competition. Granted, his father Henry didn’t have the best parenting skills, but Richard was as brutal and mean with his brothers as he was with Henry, going to war with them whenever his precious Aquitaine was threatened. He was considered Eleanor’s favorite and that comes out in the story. I was glad to find Richard a more sympathetic character in “Lionheart,” more mature, but just as reckless and daring, courageous on the battlefield leading his army into bloodbath after bloodbath, getting out of one impossible tight spot after another and surviving. Richard takes the cross, the oath to fight for the restoration of Jerusalem after the battle of Hattin and the fall of Jerusalem in 1187. Here, Penman gets repetitious. The massacre known as the Horns of Hattin and the fall of Jerusalem to Salah al-Din is mentioned in almost every chapter, as a lesson to be learned. No one wants to repeat this horrible mistake. Also, the description of Richard’s royal ship, The Sea Cleaver, comes up more than once, as do the affinities of the men closest to Richard.

Tthe political battles between the Kings of England and France were telling and well portrayed – the less than Christian behavior and attitude of the Kings of England and France toward one another made taking Jerusalem even more difficult than the superior forces of Salah al-Din. If anything, the infighting between the monarchs made the Third Crusade a failure, in my opinion. They were too busy fighting each other to concentrate on defeating Salah al-Din.

We see the “Lionheart” in action from battle to battle, whether on the desert sand or in a castle hall. Richard’s prowess as a battle commander and a warrior was legendary in his own day and he was mobbed like today’s rockstar by his admirers. Penman shows us Richard the egomaniac: his entry into the port at Acre is an event to be witnessed. In fact he makes a spectacular entrance everywhere he goes. His men loved him because he walked among them, toiled and fought alongside them, and put his own safety aside to protect them. Above average in height and looks, he was a dashing prince and one to be obeyed. Penman does a fine job showing this.

I appreciated that Penman didn’t fall back on the Victorian supposition that Richard was gay. Few if any chronicles of his time make this claim. He was promiscuous and had one known illegitimate child, a boy, and he was taken to task bishops for neglecting his wife. Penman shows a man who goes about the motions of being married, trying to be a husband. If Berenguela of Navarre had been a trebuchet or arbalest, Richard would have paid more attention. Still, he’s no monster – just a man with a mission – to reclaim the Holy Land from the infidels, and the mission is his mistress. War is what Richard knows and it’s what he does best. He was also well-read, a poet and a musician, but it was the warrior everyone loved and feared.

This is another Penman book that gives you history and entertains while offering a lesson.

I’m looking forward to “The King’s Ransom” – I’m dying to find out what went wrong between Richard and his queen, and how Penman will deal with the Blondel legend.

A good reading experience and a great introduction for those who have never read about Richard I.(less)

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Nov 01, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, first-read

I have been a fan of Sharon Kay Penman's books since I read Here be Dragons many years ago. To this day it remains one of my most favorite books. I was thrilled to win a copy of her latest book.

Richard I, the Lionheart, was a legend in his own time. Son of Henry II and Eleanor of Acquitaine, he was part of a legendary family. Lionheart picks up right after his coronation as he is preparing to honor his vow to free the Holy Land from the Saracens. The book covers the journey to the Holy Land, hi...more I have been a fan of Sharon Kay Penman's books since I read Here be Dragons many years ago. To this day it remains one of my most favorite books. I was thrilled to win a copy of her latest book.

Richard I, the Lionheart, was a legend in his own time. Son of Henry II and Eleanor of Acquitaine, he was part of a legendary family. Lionheart picks up right after his coronation as he is preparing to honor his vow to free the Holy Land from the Saracens. The book covers the journey to the Holy Land, his conflicts with his supposed allies in the Crusade as well as his marriage to Berengaria. It ends as Richard is heading back to his lands, the Crusade over due to the inability of the Crusaders to agree on a course of action and Richard needing to head back to deal with his "loving brother", John and the French King who are forming some type of alliance.

I will admit that as much as I love Penman's books and her attention to detail, I did not expect to like ths book as mch as I did. I haven't really read a lot about Richard and what I did know about him did not get me too thrilled about a book focusing on a small portion of his life, especially the Crusades and one battle after another. I found though that I really did like this one. Penman has focused more on the politics and personalities of the Crusade rather than the actual battles. While Richard has a larger than life personality, he is also very human as well. He is so focused on the crusade and trying to do what is right rather than what is popular or expected as a Christian prince fighting the "infidel" that he doesn't really want to deal with his bride who has joined him. You see Richard as more of a long-term thinker rather than quick-tempered and warlike. I also liked that we were re-introduced to Joanna, Richard's younger sister. Joanna more than holds her own with her formidable brother and I hope that we see more of her in the next book that will continue Richard's story.

As always, Penman provides a detailed author's note which provides a little more background on the historical facts.

Read as part of Goodreads First Read program.(less)

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Mar 22, 2012 Snap rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-novel, read-in-2012

I love the Penman historical novels, but this wasn't my favorite. It was still excellent. Her research into Richard is extensive and this book covers his crusade to take Jerusalem; his marriage to Berengaria; his concern about what the King of France and his brother, John are up to ... no good for sure. Lots of characters to keep straight. I learned a lot about the crusades. It took me awhile to read this book. I started several months ago and read half and then quit. Who knows why? My mood? I p...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have enjoyed all of Sharon's books, but this one ranks up there with Sunne in Splendor in terms of completely resetting my opinion of a person from history. I started the book being indifferent to Richard. I grudgingly had to admit, chapter by chapter, that he began to grow on me. By the end he really had endeared himself to me.

As with all of Sharon's books, the characters are classic Penman -- luring you into their world where you see them as more than just figures from history, but living, b...more I have enjoyed all of Sharon's books, but this one ranks up there with Sunne in Splendor in terms of completely resetting my opinion of a person from history. I started the book being indifferent to Richard. I grudgingly had to admit, chapter by chapter, that he began to grow on me. By the end he really had endeared himself to me.

As with all of Sharon's books, the characters are classic Penman -- luring you into their world where you see them as more than just figures from history, but living, breathing humans. I have not come across many authors who have the ability to make you feel so much for the characters in a story the way Sharon does. Be prepared for some powerful emotions to be evoked in this one!

Here are some of my thoughts posted on Facebook immediately after finishing:

"Finished. What a ride! I think Lionheart is my favorite of the "Angevin series" because it surprised me more than any of the other books and changed many of my views. I did not expect to have my opinion of Richard changed nearly this much. It sounds so trite to say the book is full of dimension, but I don't know any other way to put it. When others have managed to portray the same events in 2D, Sharon has managed to go somewhere between 3D and 4D. As Sharon states in her A.N. that a friend of hers said, "There was a reason Richard was Eleanor's favorite." I can see it now. Thank you, Sharon. Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!

Sunne and HBD series are still topping the list of favorites, but each of these books is appealing to me for vastly different reasons. Lionheart did not have the same gut-wrenching pain as Sunne and HBD, but it was full of so many other things. I could quote Sharon's entire A.N. and it would basically say it all for me. The colorful details, the better-than-Hollywood events, the complexity of emotions surrounding a certain "massacre" between political need and personal disgust at it. Each little detail was like a dot of paint on a canvas. Combine those dots of light with the compelling complexity of Richard's fully developed personality as seen in a way I've never experienced before and you have a very compelling painting. I spent most of Devil's Brood being very confused by Richard and wanting to thwack Henry upside the head. Lionheart was a lightbulb for me regarding Richard. On a completely different note, my mind was swimming from the overwhelming amounts of research that Sharon had to do. Her list of references was astounding. I always tell everyone she is my favorite novelist, but she is also an historian of the highest order!"(less)

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Dec 31, 2011 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I usually don't enjoy reading about battles, but that's unavoidable when reading a novel about Richard I (Lionheart) during the Third Crusade. Of course, I knew that Sharon Kay Penman would be able to able to draw me into her novel with her exquisite writing and her always impeccable research. Her writing makes Richard seem as alive today as he was back in 1192. Sharon, I can't wait to read more about Richard in "A King's Ransom." I join your many other readers who are eagerly awaiting that book...more

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May 05, 2013 Deanne Fox rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wouldn't want to be entertained while learning fantastic things about history from any other author. The subject of Richard the Lionheart of England on the third crusade provided the background I've always wondered about to the crusades, and handled the intricate backstory and people/relationships involved with ease.
The truth is stranger than fiction they always say, and I loved learning the truths in this case. Richard leaping out of his ship in full armour in the waves and wading ashore bra...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Mielasbooks rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: maragoodreads

In this gritty, unsentimental, and richly detailed epic, Penman (The Sunne in Splendour) tackles the legendary King Richard the Lionheart (son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine), and nearly succeeds in making him human. As Richard leads the Crusades in Outremer (the land beyond the sea), Penman depicts many story lines: the friction between the English and French allies; the complex political tension between warring factions within Jerusalem; the mutual admiration between Richard and Saladin...more In this gritty, unsentimental, and richly detailed epic, Penman (The Sunne in Splendour) tackles the legendary King Richard the Lionheart (son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine), and nearly succeeds in making him human. As Richard leads the Crusades in Outremer (the land beyond the sea), Penman depicts many story lines: the friction between the English and French allies; the complex political tension between warring factions within Jerusalem; the mutual admiration between Richard and Saladin (a Sunni Muslim who became leader of the Saracen forces and sultan of Egypt); and Richard's neglect of his young bride, Berengaria. The story follows Richard as he journeys from England to Sicily to free his sister, to Cyprus and Outremer, and finally to his departure from the Holy Land to reclaim his own lands from his treacherous brother John. Though hinting about events that don't take place in the book may feel frustrating, and though Penman never allows readers to meet the elusive Saladin, she ably captures the political intricacies of the time. Readers will eagerly await the next installment, which will focus on Richard's capture and ransom on his way home. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Saracens called him Malik Ric. The English called him Lionheart. In Penman's latest historical, Richard I, determined to conquer the Holy Land and capture Jerusalem, journeys first to Sicily and Cyprus to free his imprisoned sister, Joanna; battle against self-proclaimed emperor Isaac Comnenus; and marry his bride, Berengaria of Navarre. Despite the departure of the French from Outremer (the Crusader states established after the First Crusade), Richard seizes strategic cities in the Holy Land as he maintains diplomatic relations with the Saracens. His legendary feats in battle and genius as a military commander bring him closer to capturing the Holy City. When word reaches him that England is in turmoil, Richard must decide whether to make a peace treaty with the Saracens or continue to fight for Jerusalem. His surprising choice will leave readers begging for more of Lionheart; Penman will continue his story in 2012 with . VERDICT As in her previous historical novels () and mysteries, Penman expertly weaves well-researched historical events into her fast-paced revisionist story. Certain to appeal to historical fiction fans interested in the medieval era. [See Prepub Alert, 4/11/11.] Cheryl Seymour, Ogdensburg, NY (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

I actually have read some of this book (though I never FINISHED it); I found it to be slightly confusing, but interesting enough to hold my interest. It would work for a patron looking for an atmospheric historical novel with plenty of drama. (less)

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Sep 13, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the second book I've read by Sharon Kay Penman. I loved Sonne in Splendour, which is about Edward IV and Richard III, but I'm kind of a Richard III freak, so maybe it's not a surprise that I liked that one so much. Richard I, the main character of Lionheart, is not really my cup of tea, and that was part of the problem for me. Nevertheless, Penman makes a point of staying a close as possible to the historical record, and for this book she had plenty of primary sources to go on. The resul...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Booknblues rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After reading Devil’s Brood by Sharon Kay Penman about the sons of Eleanor of Aquitane and Henry II, I eagerly awaited the release of Lionheart about Richard I. I was interested to see Penman’s approach to his life. While much has been written about Richard, often the most discussed aspects of his life is his failure to attend to English needs and his sexuality. One is often left wondering why he was so admired during his time.

I should not have worried. Penman did the research that she is famous...more After reading Devil’s Brood by Sharon Kay Penman about the sons of Eleanor of Aquitane and Henry II, I eagerly awaited the release of Lionheart about Richard I. I was interested to see Penman’s approach to his life. While much has been written about Richard, often the most discussed aspects of his life is his failure to attend to English needs and his sexuality. One is often left wondering why he was so admired during his time.

I should not have worried. Penman did the research that she is famous for and gave him flesh and blood so the reader could understand why those who followed him so admired Richard. Penman gives us a Richard that is recklessly courageous, but also a brilliant strategist and someone with humor and understanding as the following example illustrates:

Coming to a halt a sword’s length away, Richard regarded the other man, his face inscrutable. Just when the suspense had become intolerable, he said, “You fought very well today.”
Guillaume had not realized he’d been holding his breath. “so did you,” he said laconically, and thought he saw the corner of Richard’s mouth twitch.
“It is passing strange, but the climate of Outremer seems to be affecting my memory. for the life of me, I cannot recall anything that happened between us in bygone days.”
It is indeed odd,” Guillaume agreed gravely, “for I am suffering from the same malady.”
“Well then, we’ll just have to start anew from this day. come on back to my tent and we’ll eat and refight the battle,” Richard said, and this time Guillaume was sure he caught the hint of a smile.”

Lionheart covers the time in Richard’s life from when he is leaving England to go on the third crusade in July 1189 until the time he is leaving the Holy Land and is planning on returning to England in August 1192. I found Penman’s description of the crusade, the strategy involved and the fighting to be easy to follow and gave me more depth of understanding than other books which I had read about the Crusades. Helpful as well, were the maps and the list of characters as is typical of a Penman book there are numerous characters.

Even though Lionheart is a hefty book, I found I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I think fans of historical fiction and particularly those fond of the medieval period will find that it is a must read. And now I must wait for A King’s Ransom.(less)

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Aug 07, 2012 Anna Pearce rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

Summary of Book: Richard the Lionheart, son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, goes on Crusade. There is strife. Richard is the bravest man to ever brave. Richard does not manage to win because the French are treacherous. Richard is sad, and returns to England. Since this is a very long book, that's a very short summary. There's lots in the middle.

Summary of my feelings reading this book: Interesting! Interesting! Ooh, that's probably not accurate. Interesting! Oh look, the wars are starting....more Summary of Book: Richard the Lionheart, son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, goes on Crusade. There is strife. Richard is the bravest man to ever brave. Richard does not manage to win because the French are treacherous. Richard is sad, and returns to England. Since this is a very long book, that's a very short summary. There's lots in the middle.

Summary of my feelings reading this book: Interesting! Interesting! Ooh, that's probably not accurate. Interesting! Oh look, the wars are starting. Bored bored bored bored bored bored bored, interlude where something other than war happens, exciting! bored bored bored bored bored. The end. Still bored.

Generally I've liked most of Penman's stuff (I've not read her mysteries) but when she decides she's going to write about a war that actually takes place on the battlefield her stuff gets plodding and difficult and frightfully dull. Lionheart takes place almost entirely on the battlefield (much like When Christ and His Saint's Slept, the other Penman book I hate) and it feels like something I need to plod through so the next book (A King's Ransom) will make sense. Frankly, I should have just read Wikipedia's article on the Third Crusade and been done with it. The only other thing I think I needed to know was that she's (of course) included the offspring of her fictional Welsh Gary Stu character, who just happens to be present at all of the major things that she needs someone to be present for.

The book also suffers from many of the other problems that Penman's works do. If someone likes or admires Eleanor of Aquitaine, they're "good"; if they distrust her or treat her with disdain for being an uppity woman, they're "bad". Men we are to like are always kind and romantic towards their wives, with the common mention of them satisfying these women sexually. Unkind men are bad. (Their wives are always long-suffering.) Many of the main characters show a remarkable amount of religious tolerance - an acceptance and even appreciation for Jewish people during a time of heavy persecution of Jews, for example. Less sympathetic characters can be talked into considering Jewish people to be good; evil characters distrust everyone who would ever consider such a thing. I don't know, it's just kinda tiring how easy it is to assign people a side in these books, as though the whole historic situation isn't a big complicated mess of conflicting things. (It's not that I want the average heroine to be anti-Semitic, it's more that even the background characters who hardly ghost across the page have the same check box morality. It's the Crusades, for crying out loud! I'm expecting someone other than the hated French to say "Gosh, these non-Christian people are suspicious characters, what with the years-long war and all.")

What I generally like about Penman's works is the way that she draws the family conflicts out, puts them on center stage, and makes them the key reason for events. What I love about her earlier works focusing on Eleanor of Aquitaine, on Henry II, on John, on Richard III, is how much they're small family dramas played out by people with huge amounts of power and armies at their beck and call. The falling apart of Eleanor and Henry's marriage literally rips apart a kingdom, and the reader inevitably ends up feeling the whole thing makes a painful sort of sense.

Without that emotional bond, though, her novels just don't work for me. Both Saints and Lionheart just move characters from one battle to another. While I have no doubt they're historically accurate in the details, they don't make great reading.

I am looking forward to the next one, though. It looks like family drama will once again rule the book, and that's the Penman I love. (less)

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Mar 18, 2012 Karen Brooks rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A while ago now, I asked two very accomplished historian friends to recommend to me a writer who uses history and historical sources to create a rollicking work of reliable but still entertaining fiction. Both independently said the same name: Sharon Kay Penman. They were not wrong. I adore her work – her trilogy on Eleanor and Henry and their dysfunctional family was gripping, exciting and quite depressing, but always wonderful to lose yourself in. When I saw she’d continued writing about this...more A while ago now, I asked two very accomplished historian friends to recommend to me a writer who uses history and historical sources to create a rollicking work of reliable but still entertaining fiction. Both independently said the same name: Sharon Kay Penman. They were not wrong. I adore her work – her trilogy on Eleanor and Henry and their dysfunctional family was gripping, exciting and quite depressing, but always wonderful to lose yourself in. When I saw she’d continued writing about this great and terrible family with Lionheart, this time focussing on Eleanor and Henry’s third son, the much maligned Richard, I was delighted and grabbed it at once.
And what a read it is. Taking as it’s starting point Richard’s promise to join the crusade and his difficulty getting started and the politics of having the French King, Phillipe, join the mission, Lionheart is everything you’ve come to expect from a Penman novel. Determined to present Richard not merely as the great warrior and negotiator or the villain that history and some historians paint, Penman goes to great lengths and has done a lot of research to show the man’s complex dimensions. How this king could not only leave his country for years to go on this religious crusade and wrest the Holy land back from Saladin, but how he could acknowledge failure, respect his enemy, make brutal decisions and at the same time sacrifice his ego and reputation to make sensible ones, is very satisfying.
Painting him as much more than a violent thug, Penman shows us a complex, man, a little afraid of feeling too deeply, prone to bouts of illness who always thought about the needs of his men above his own and, unfortunately, sometimes that of the women in his company – mainly his sister Joanna, the Queen of Cyprus and his new bride, Berengaria.
Covering the period leading up to the trip to the Holy land and the time Richard was there, the sacrifices, losses, disease, heat, battles, reprieves, betrayals, loves and friendships are described. The alien land and strange culture, of not just the Middle East, but even the fellow-crusaders from other countries are brought to life vividly. You can feel the heat, taste the exotic drinks and foods, suffer the sea and other sicknesses and wince at the cures. Sympathetic to the zeal that drove the crusades, she nonetheless manages to present both religions as striving to fight for what they believed, even as their charismatic leaders understood what was at stake.
While there are a few fictitious characters, most are based on history and the events they endure are also recorded. That Richard stayed as long and dared what he did while there is mind-boggling but it’s to Penman’s credit that, even when he makes the most sickening and seemingly irrational of decisions, we are given a context and insight into why.
My only criticism, and it is slight, is that sometimes the book feels cold to read. It does lapse into more history than fiction or at least, it feels that way. I wondered if that was a reflection of the main character who runs from his emotions but never his enemy.
It’s also fascinating learning about the women of Richard’s mobile court and what they had to deal with in terms of travel, geography, illness, pregnancy and the expectation that as a noblewoman, you were male and crown property. I lied the women in this novel very much.
What I also loved about this book was Penman’s wonderful note to her readers at the back where she explains the writing of the historical novel and the research and choices she makes. I found this to be such an interesting and erudite section – I enjoyed it as much as the book and can’t wait to explore her website.
Overall, I terrific read and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
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Feb 22, 2012 Debbie rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: didn-t-finish

Here's the problem with historical fiction - the fiction part has to ring true and be as interesting as the historical part. It doesn't with this book. I know it got great reviews and I really wanted to like it but I just lost interest. Partly it was because of some of the inane conversations that the author made up between characters (the fiction part of the story) - for example.. the author could have Richard and Berengaria discuss anything from fabric swatches for one of his many palaces to p...more

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Nov 17, 2011 Jay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is Sharon Kay Penman's latest (and penultimate) book about the Angevin dynasty, focusing on the eldest surviving son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine--Richard, later known as Lionheart for his fearlessness in battle.

The story picks up directly from the end of The Devil's Brood, just after Henry's death and Richard's ascension to his throne. Almost immediately, Richard takes the cross and travels to the Holy Land to begin the Third Crusade to recapture Jerusalem from the Saracens under S...more This is Sharon Kay Penman's latest (and penultimate) book about the Angevin dynasty, focusing on the eldest surviving son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine--Richard, later known as Lionheart for his fearlessness in battle.

The story picks up directly from the end of The Devil's Brood, just after Henry's death and Richard's ascension to his throne. Almost immediately, Richard takes the cross and travels to the Holy Land to begin the Third Crusade to recapture Jerusalem from the Saracens under Saladin. Along the way he gets married, sacks Messina, and conquers Cyprus--all just side adventures prior to his initial goal, completing the two-year siege of Acre already in progress.

The sequence of events that Penman describes in vibrant detail--the ousting of Isaac Comnenus as Emperor of Cyprus, the capture of Acre, the saving of Jaffa, and all the battles and skirmishes against Saladin's forces in the Holy Land--would be ludicrously and improbably swashbuckling if it weren't for the fact that they all actually happened, and more or less exactly as Penman relates them (her list of sources in the back of the book reads like the library of a PhD in medieval and crusader studies). As in all her books, she does a phenomenal job of bringing actual men and women from the 12th Century to life for us in the 21st, weaving their conversations, loves, jealousies, friendships, and conflicts around a solid foundation of verifiable historical events. As with her other books, I can't recommend this one too highly. And also as with her other books, I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel, A King's Ransom, which is already under construction.

One word of warning: if you are French, or proud of your French ancestry, you will not like the way the French are generally portrayed in this book. Since it's written from Richard's point of view (albeit in the third person), the French and particularly their king, Philippe Capet, are portrayed as faithless, untrustworthy, scheming, and cowardly. A book on the Third Crusade written from the point of view of, say, Philippe, or Hugh of Burgundy, or the Bishop of Beauvais, would be a very interesting counterpoint.

Now while I wait for A King's Ransom to come out, I'm going to start on Penman's four-book Justin de Quincy set of mystery novels.(less)

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Nov 15, 2011 Miss Melly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, my-faves, plantagenet

This is not the first novel I have read about Richard I, but it is the best. Penman has raised the bar.

The previous "Angevin" novels (When Christ and His Saints Slept, Time and Chance, Devil's Brood) used a wide-angled lens which encompassed almost every person and every place. Lionheart, however, hones in almost excusively on Richard and leaves all in his shadow. It is brilliantly done.

That is not to say that the other characters are insignificant or sketchily drawn - Henri of Champagne breath...more

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Nov 11, 2011 Ken Kugler rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sharon Kay Penman has done a masterful job, once again, of bringing a time period to life as well as the characters that populate the story. Richard is made whole, with his ego, lust for life, as well as many faults. His mother Eleanor, sister Joanna, wife Berenguela are used to bring the times and story filled with many details that are extrapolated. Sharon Kay Penman's skill in bringing this story to life is skillful as well as a lot of fun. This is not an easy story to tell. he quest to recap...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So much is known about Richard the Lionheart. Even people who don't know much about history have at least heard about him. He is a true legend. Yet in this magnificent novel Ms. Penman manages to make him both bigger than life and ordinary man.

Richard ascends to the throne of England upon the death of his father, Henry II. His mother is Eleanor of Aquitaine and he had spent most of his life in her domain thinking he would be ruling there. He never expected to be King of England. He had "taken t...more So much is known about Richard the Lionheart. Even people who don't know much about history have at least heard about him. He is a true legend. Yet in this magnificent novel Ms. Penman manages to make him both bigger than life and ordinary man.

Richard ascends to the throne of England upon the death of his father, Henry II. His mother is Eleanor of Aquitaine and he had spent most of his life in her domain thinking he would be ruling there. He never expected to be King of England. He had "taken the cross" and found himself on the third crusade right after he was crowned King. He was unmarried and his heir was his youngest brother John whom he really did not trust. Smart man.

Richard was a soldier through and through. He was a brilliant battle commander and strategist. He and Phillipe Capet of France were joining forces to go on the crusade together but neither man liked nor trusted one another.

The book is a history lover's dream, full of detail and life created from the records left by peoples long dead. Fortunately with Richard there are records from both sides - those that hated him and those that revered him so a somewhat true picture of the man can be formulated. So often with historical records only one side is left to tell the tale.

This is not a book for someone looking for a fast, light read. This is a book for someone who wants to truly immerse themselves in time and place. There are a lot of characters from a number of countries to keep straight - this is sometimes a challenge but they are important to the telling. I have never been disappointed in a book from Ms. Penman, in fact I look forward to each one with a passion.

Lionheart tells only half of Richard's story; the rest will be told in the sequel - A King's Ransom. So my waiting begins. I first discovered Ms. Penman's books in the '80ies with The Sunne in Splendour and drove my husband crazy for every time we went to a book store I had to look for the next book and when it wasn't there I was crushed. This was, of course, before the internet became so ever present.

So if you love history and you want a deep, involving book pick up Lionheart. You will not be disappointed.(less)

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Jan 06, 2013 Don rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A number of consumer reviews, both here and at Amazon, have commented favorably on the historical accuracy of this historical novel. I know the history only in broad strokes, so I take it on faith that the novel is accurate. That's it's principal virtue. It's other virtues are that, as with the other books by Penman that I have read, the story moves fairly quickly and easily and she draws fairly rich characters.

Having said that, what bothered me about the book is the sense that the characters w...more

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Apr 14, 2012 Annika Hipple rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This is another terrific book by one of my absolute favorite authors. As always, Sharon Kay Penman's research is impeccable, and she takes very few liberties with the historical record. At the same time, her storytelling skills are outstanding, so the wealth of detail never overwhelms the characters and plot. It's a fine balancing act, and one that Penman invariably manages with aplomb. I give this book four stars only because I didn't find Richard Lionheart quite as compelling as some of Penman...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Caroline rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Sharon Penman has always been my favourite historical novelist, and a new publication from her is always a cause for celebration. That said, I was a little hesitant about this novel, mainly because Richard I has never been one of my favourite historical figures. It took me a while to get around to picking this book up, and whilst I'm not sorry I did (I'll never be sorry to read a Penman novel) I don't think it's up there with her Welsh trilogy or The Sunne in Splendour.

Part of the problem is, I...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book because I like the work of Sharon Kay Penman, who is a great novelist with an equally great respect for history. Her research is impeccable and her author’s note at the end grounds the story firmly in actual events. That said, I have never had much use for her hero, Richard, a medieval ruler who bled his taxpayers dry to finance his military adventures in the Middle East. The author has a stroke of genius in telling the story as much as possible through the eyes of his mother El...more

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Nov 11, 2011 Nancy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was ok. I find this time period quite interesting, but am no expert on it.

The problem I have is keeping everyone straight. Everyone is someone's cousin, brother, uncle, sister, in law, sometimes two or three times over. Befuddles the brain sometimes. I would have preferred a family tree in the front, rather than just a list. And with so many similar names, I was confused.

Also, my medieval times geography/place names is a little rusty as well. So a journey from here to there doesn't really m...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Lorinda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about the third crusade from 1190-1192. Penman has done extensive research and presents a picture of Richard I that is sympathetic but also probing. Her characters interact in scenes that are believable and provide evidence of different points of view. The language is clear but rich and propels the story along. The French crusaders, including Philippe, King of France, thwart Richard at every turn while Saladin is shown to be a generous enemy and the two opposing l...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lionheart is the tale of King Richard and focuses on his time during the third crusade. The book focuses on the battles, Richard's use of diplomacy, his marriage to Berengaria, and the many obstacles those that took up the cross faced. It gives a fascinating look at one of the most famous men of history and legend.

I was really impressed by this book. The amount of detail about not only Richard but those closest to him really made me feel like I now have a better understanding of the man Richard...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Jori Richardson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: lovers of real historical fiction

Recommended to Jori by: Early Reviewers

Shelves: books-owned, historical-fiction, medieval, real-hf, european-royalty

This book opens in 1189, and Richard the Lionheart, son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, has recently taken the throne. Immediately, he sets out on the Third Crusade, with the hope of conquering Jerusalem.

This was the first of Sharon Kay Penman's books that I have read, but I certainly will not be the last. If there is one word to describe my reaction to this book, it would be: impressed. Very, truly impressed. Penman is obviously a seasoned, masterful writer. If her other books...more This book opens in 1189, and Richard the Lionheart, son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, has recently taken the throne. Immediately, he sets out on the Third Crusade, with the hope of conquering Jerusalem.

This was the first of Sharon Kay Penman's books that I have read, but I certainly will not be the last. If there is one word to describe my reaction to this book, it would be: impressed. Very, truly impressed. Penman is obviously a seasoned, masterful writer. If her other books are even half as good (which I am willing to bet that they are), I'll be happy to read them all.

The scope of the world that she covers in this book is expansive - and the world that comes across to the reader is fascinating. It is some of the most realistic historical fiction that I have ever read.
She uses a large number of characters to tell the story, allowing us to see the complex, controversial time of the Crusades from differing perspectives. The story is illustrated with plenty of points of view - both the Saracen's and the Templar's. While the story is never strictly told from an Arab's view, Penman subtly highlights the injustices of war.
With all of these eyes to look through, the book feels so much more filled out than others I have read on the topic. Other authors would not find keeping such an enormous cast under control, but Penman does so effortlessly.
She has a way of immersing her story - and her readers - in a vividly real historical world. I felt that I learned as much from this book as I would a non-fiction volume.

Another thing that made me appreciate this book was that, well, I found myself appreciating it. Let me explain. I usually cannot stand military / war stories. True, the further back in time, the more likely I am to be able to bear it, but war stories and soldiers simply do not interest me. Perhaps I have read too many. Who knows.
However, this book pulled me in, including the battle scenes. And I can't remember a book doing that for a very long time.

I found myself actually looking forward to the historical note at the end, knowing that it would be just as riveting as the fiction.

This is real historical fiction, Outlander.(less)

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Feb 05, 2012 Charles rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An excellent,very well researched&documented and beautifully written account of the 3rd Crusade & the role of Richard Lionheart as the prime mover, who is unfortunately unable to live up to his goal of freeing Jerusalem from the Saracens, but who did manage, after much bloody warfare, to set up a peaceful coexistence between Christians &Saracens which lasted over 100 years.
The complex character of Richard is well developed-extreme courage in combat combined with caution in risking th...more

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May 14, 2013 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: firstreads

Interesting,well researched look at part of Richard the Lionheart's life through a fictionalised narrative. I'd probably have immersed a bit more thoroughly when I was younger. Well worth a look for all the history buffs. I'd probably have to reread and take notes to properly review this book but the book arrived at a difficult time for me personally.
This book was an advanced reading copy from goodreads.

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Nov 06, 2011 Shawn Davis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Penman's historical fiction could often be used as illustration literature for history classes - and Lionheart is certainly no exception to this pattern.

Following the Crusade years of Richard I of England, Penman interweaves background and personality into a historical narrative in a way that grips the reader from the start. Berengaria, Richard's Queen, is usually limited to an ethereal background role in stories about Richard - Penman fleshes out her character. Berengaria was indeed quiet, but...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Shirley Schwartz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-5-star-reads

A true epoch-done Sharon Kay Penman style. I love Sharon Kay Penman's historical novels. They are so thoroughly researched and so well-written. The historical characters seem to come right off the page into your own life as you read. I have always loved the legend of Richard I (Richard the Lionheart), and was thrilled when i saw this book come out. Ms. Penman does her usual masterful job of depicting this larger-than-life warrior king. This is the first book of his remarkable attempts at the inf...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Lisa (Harmonybites) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Those Who Love Historically Accurate Historical Fiction

Shelves: fiction, historical-fiction, novels

Penman is one of my favorite novelists, so I was happy when I won a free advanced copy of this novel, to be published in October, from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's program. This novel has many qualities that define the best of historical fiction. First, Penman has an evident respect for history and well-researched knowledge of the periods she depicts. Her characters don't sound like reality tv stars nor is her history risible such as that of Philippa Gregory. In this novel of Richard the Lion...more Penman is one of my favorite novelists, so I was happy when I won a free advanced copy of this novel, to be published in October, from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's program. This novel has many qualities that define the best of historical fiction. First, Penman has an evident respect for history and well-researched knowledge of the periods she depicts. Her characters don't sound like reality tv stars nor is her history risible such as that of Philippa Gregory. In this novel of Richard the Lionhearted and his war in the Holy Land, Penman quotes primary sources such as medieval chroniclers who were witnesses to the Third Crusade from both sides, Frank and Saracen. She has a way with the telling detail, whether sexual practices, medicine, cuisine or details of dress or siege warfare that brings another age and land to life. And as with her other books, I greatly appreciate her afterwards that detail what liberties she took with history.

Most crucially Penman doesn't just write historical characters as modern people in dress up. She's a great tour guide into that foreign land--a century long past--and in that regard I rank her with the best writers of historical fiction such as Mary Renault and Robert Graves. She writes of a mindset alien and alienating to contemporary sensibilities yet manages to still make her characters sympathetic. This is no mean feat given medieval views on warfare, religious tolerance and the status of women. This is particularly so when it comes to the title character. We see Richard from a multiplicity of views, although rarely his own. There are dozens of point of view characters here in a sprawling book spanning around 600 pages covering from July of 1189 to August 1192, from the time Richard becomes King to when he leaves the Holy Land. We're taken from Normandy to Sicily to Cyprus and then on to Palestine.

And the portrait that emerged of Richard was more complex and intriguing than I expected. Penman's is a rounded picture, that neither glosses over his flaws nor paints over his virtues. This is a king who doesn't hesitate to force women into unwanted marriages nor to slaughter men who surrendered to him when required out of military necessity, who has a bad temper, holds grudges and can be ruinously stubborn. But this is also a man who can be generous and has a good sense of humor, who others willingly follow into battle because he shares their hardships, is reckless with his life but careful of the lives of his men, and who displayed an undaunted courage that earned him the sobriquet "lionhearted" even before he became a king, let alone a crusader. Nor as depicted here is he a narrow-minded religious bigot, but someone who respected his adversaries and tried to come to terms with them in ways his fellow crusaders did not. There are also other fascinating portraits here, from famous figures such as Eleanor of Aquitaine to more obscure figures such as Henri, Count of Champagne. I finished this book better understanding the Third Crusade and why it was a qualified failure, from the point of view of the European crusaders. We get some sense of their foes as well, but primarily from the Eurocentric point of view--we never really get inside the heads of the defending Muslims.

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the period, King Richard the Lionhearted of England, or who enjoys Penman's work. As to the reason I don't give this top marks... Well, Sharon Kay Penman has formidable competition--from Sharon Kay Penman. Her biographical novel of Richard III, The Sunne in Splendour, and of King John's daughter Joanna, Here Be Dragons, are two of my favorite novels and would certainly make my top twenty list of favorite historical fiction, and Here Be Dragons is high on my list of the most moving love stories I've ever read. I didn't find Lionheart as moving or impressive as those novels. Nor do I find Penman as remarkable a stylist as Hilary Mantel of Wolf Hall or Dorothy Dunnett of Game of Kings. But that is to set a very high bar, and I'm sure few, if any, historical novels published this year will be as good as Lionheart.(less)

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