Book Review: When a poet writes queer historical romance…
Solomon's Crown, by Natasha Siegel (Dell)
When a poet writes queer historical romance…
The relationship between Richard I (“Lionheart”) of Englandand Philip II (“Dieudonné”) of France has been the subject of much debate, particularlywhether it was of a romantic and sexual nature, as a number of medieval andmodern scholars attest, or an intense friendship at a time when sharing a bed wasa common expression of trust. Historically, the relationship turned bitter andended only with Richard’s death in 1199.
Historical fiction, especially romantic historical fantasy, takessuch questions as these as a starting place. It goes beyond the dry facts anddates to the juicy question of, “What If?’ What if Richard (then Duke ofAquitaine), larger-than-life action hero, and introverted, cautious Philip fellin love the first time they met? Richard was not then heir to the throne andhad a contentious relationship with his father, Henry II. Philip, newlyascended, had to contend with repairing the damage to France caused by theweakness of his late father. But what if they each found solace, completion,and joy in one another?
In the hands (or rather, the pen) of a brilliant poet, theanswer is a heartbreakingly beautiful story whose words sing on every page. Theauthor relates how she used history as a starting point and then followed wherethe story lead her. This is the “romantic fantasy” aspect of Solomon’s Crown.This love story shaped Western Europe perhaps never happened but should have.It is not altogether accurate regarding the social attitudes of 12thCentury C.E. England and France. I agree with most of Siegel’s choices and withher commitment to make the story emotionally true.
My favorite character was neither Richard nor Philip, butPhilip’s wife, Isabella of Hainaut. In Siegel’s version, by the time Philip wasforced into marriage, he had had enough lustful encounters with Richard to havefigured out his sexuality, to the point of severe doubts he can perform on hiswedding night. She’s very young (only eleven years old) and terrified ofpregnancy (the desired result of said wedding night) and its high mortalityrate. When she summons the courage to beg Philip to postpone intercourse, he’srelieved. But he’s a kind person, so when she lies beside him, unable to sleep,he soothes her by reciting her favorite poem (in Latin). The next day, shememorizes the following part to recite to him. With such a beginning, theybecome friends. She turns out to be a perceptive, resourceful person who has noissues with Philip’s relationship with Richard, not just the sex but the love.Like Richard’s mother, the redoubtable Eleanor of Aquitaine, Isabella maturesinto a force in her own right. While Philip and Richard wrestle with innerdemons and family power struggles, Isabella’s character growth and essentialdecency stand out.
I loved every page of this book, even though I knew theromance would eventually fizzle and Richard would die. Those sad events remainin the future, and perhaps in Siegel’s world, the lovers will remain joyouslydevoted and grow old together.
