Almodis the Peaceweaver

by Tracey Warr

A story of love, adventure and scandal based on the real life of the eleventh-century Countess Almodis de la Marche. After generations of fighting amongst the ruling families of eleventh-century Occitania, the marriage of Almodis de la Marche to Hugh of Lusignan is intended to bring peace and harmony to the region. But at a time when a noblewoman’s purpose is to produce an heir, Almodis resolves to create her own dynasty. Almodis’s path to power and happiness is fraught with drama. Having escaped her mariage blanc to God-fearing Hugh, she weds the lascivious Pons of Toulouse and takes over the administration of the great city. However, his distrust leaves him plotting to imprison her at a nunnery. Fearing for her life, Almodis flees in the dead of night – the young, gallant Count of Barcelona might be her one chance, if only he wasn’t betrothed to another… Intrigue, forbidden love and murder underpin this extraordinary story based upon the life of a real medieval countess, whose children went on to rule southern France and northern Spain.

Genres: Historical Fiction, France

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2011

About the author

Tracey Warr was born in London, lived in southwest Wales and now lives in southern France. The castles and landscapes of Wales and France inspire her historical fiction. She is the author of six historical novels set in medieval Europe. She draws on old maps, chronicles, poems and objects to create fictional worlds for readers to step into. Sign up for her quarterly newsletter for book offers, events, and articles on writing and publishing. https://justmeandering.substack.com

Her writing awards include an Author’s Foundation Award, a Literature Wales Writer’s Bursary, the Rome Film Festival Book Initiative, and a Santander Research Award.

She has also published books on contemporary art including The Artist's Body and Remote Performances in Nature and Architecture. She is the author of future fiction: Meanda (French edition) and The Water Age and Other Fictions. She has also published the workbooks: The Water Age Art and Writing Workshops and The Water Age Children's Art and Writing Workshops.

Before becoming a full-time writer she worked as a contemporary art curator and art history academic. She teaches on MA Poetics of Imagination at Dartington Arts School, UK.

She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical Novel Society, Historical Writers Association.

Reviews

[Sara Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a strong and female leader in medieval times.

[Deity World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good emotional historical read again I lived in the Aquitaine region of France this brought me back memories of home

[Gavin Felgate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is based on the true story of Almodis, a noblewoman living in 11th Century France; it tells of her life, and the three husbands she married, and also a plot made against her. Most is based on fact although, as the author's notes reveal, a few of the events did not necessarily happen.

The story seems quite slow-paced at times, with long discussions on politics and the romance between Almodis and other characters. It is also told from the points of view of Almodis and Bernadette and at some points I got slightly confused as to who the narrator was; it is written mostly in the present tense, which gives you a sense that you are experiencing the events with the characters, though at times the narrative suddenly slips into the past tense, which seemed a bit strange. Almodis is written very well, as a strong and independant female character, who the reader is likely to root for throughout.

This book probably won't suit everyone's tastes, and I had mixed feelings about it, although the narrative gets more interesting and exciting towards the end, though many of the most thrilling sections seem just too short.

Overall, worth reading, but don't expect a complex storyline.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first historical novel that I've ever read and I loved learning about medieval French history; for example, I had no idea that the Languedoc region of France originates from the term langue d'Oc, meaning language of the occitaine. At times, the intricate family details were hard to follow, although I quite enjoyed the challenge of remembering who was related to whom, as it took my mind away from other things that were happening when I was reading the book...
The only thing that sometimes marred my enjoyment of the plot, which was a page turner, was the rather clunking prose. I couldn't decide whether it was deliberately simplistic, in order to reflect the narrator's medieval sensibilities, or whether the author was simply not very good at using figurative language. Despite this, I was relctant to leave this French world when I reached the last page, which is always the sign of a story well told

[Malacima · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definitely enjoyable book that seemed to be historically accurate (insight into 11th century France.) and an interesting read although sometimes the research is not well integrated. Story about a noblewoman Almodis is written very well, as a strong and independant character but I'm not sure she really was as the author presented it. She definitely had an impact on history through her marriages and had many important descendants.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical novel based on the life of an 11th century French noble woman, Almodis provides an interesting view of the role of women at this time before the church became more powerful and women's role more circumvented. Married to three men and mother of twelve children Almodis is educated and determined to live her own life. There are adventures, unhappy marriages and eventually contentment before her life ends prematurely after she is poisoned. An interesting read although sometimes the research is not well integrated and the list of characters becomes overwhelming.

[David Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, the gold standard of immersive medieval historical fiction is the late Sharon Kay Penman, and this book compares favorably.

Like the best historical fiction, this book not only opens a window to another time and place (11th century Occitania, in this case), but also to a character who is sympathetic, relatable, and uniquely themselves. Almodis de la Marche is a singular personage, about whom we have few facts, but what we do have, tell the story of a consequential life.

I came to this novel knowing only the bare bones about this shadowy figure, mostly because she was the mother of more well-known figures. Tracey Warr brings Almodis and her time to life in a way that sheds light on not just her story, but on the historical epoch in which she lived.

My only criticism is that given the eventful life she lived, I felt like this book could have been double the length. Despite that, the author cover's her subject's life thoroughly, and the inventions that fill in the blanks of the historical record feel sensible and well-researched.

This is listed as the second book of the House of La Marche series. I didn't read the first book, as I came to this primarily because of my interest in Almodis, and I'm happy to report I wasn't lost at all. In fact, after finishing it, I immediately bought another book by Tracey Warr, Love's Knife, the first book in her new Trobairitz Sleuth series, which features many elements from Almodis, including a cast of characters drawn from her family.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almondis seems to be a 21st Century woman trapped in the middle of the 11th Century. Perhaps many other women were too, but not all had the drive of Almondis to insist on her own position in her society and her marriages, and to found a large dynasty of decendants who influenced southern France for years following her lifetime.

Almondis was a real person of the 11th Century, although most of the book is fictional, since it is not possible to know the necessary facts of someone of that time. I will admit that I found it rather difficult to get into the book to start with. So many places and characters that were/are real but that I was ignorant of, that I found it hard to keep them straight in my mind. However the strength of Almondis as the main character compelled me to keep reading. I became well and truly hooked, and determined to follow up in learning a bit more about the life and times of Almondis.

I am in awe of the research done by the author. There is an impressive list of sources at the back of the book for anyone wanting to follow up. My only historical query is that I am not sure that paper was actually available in Almondis' times. Parchment would have been used for all her many written communications. But, for sure, the book is recommended for anyone who loves history.

I received an advance copy free and this is my honest review.

[V ❣️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The best way to create truth is to assert it, I have read, and I do believe in the power of the written word, both in war and in love.”

This was one of the most interesting historical fiction books I’ve read. I only had limited knowledge of Almodis de La Marché prior to reading, and this was a great introduction to her and the life she led.
Almodis followed her own heart and path, regarding herself and her children above all. She was a powerful, intelligent, and quick witted person that men around her feared, loved, and lusted over. Her life was never boring, and neither was this novel!
You follow Almodis and her maid, Bernadette, throughout the years, beginning from her childhood and ending at her tragic and untimely demise. Between there are recounts of her travels, war, abduction, escape, scheming and motherhood,
If you are a lover of history, pick this one up! Not only is the story of Almodis one that is interesting and rewarding, but so are the lives and actions of her close allies and family.

Thank you to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Annamarie Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finiished Almodis the Peaceweave by Tracey Warre. I rarely read historical fiction but the exquisite details evoking the lifestyle, customs, even the tastes, smells and textures of daily life had me convinced I was reading historical fact. The book tells of so much more than the life of the female lord of the title. It describes the place in society of women, high born and low, and their subjection to bedding, wedding and contant childbirth in the service of political alliance rather than personal preference or passion. The reader might not like or even admire the beautiful, intelligent, passionate, strong minded Almodis but she certainly can't be ignored or forgotten.
Thank you Tracey, for an enthralling read.

[Laura Degenhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down. Perfect balance of historical reference and page turning writing style. Evocative, lyrical and thought provoking.

[Susie Helme · Rating 5 out of 5]

A noble hostage living at Chateau de Montrueil-Bonnin with her beloved grandfather William V duke of Aquitaine and her unloving step-grandmother Agnes of Mâcon, Almodis de la Marche (1020-1071) has grown up estranged from her La Marche family, including her twin sister Raingarde.
Reunited at Chateau Narbonnais on the occasion of the investiture of Pons son of William Taillefer as 2nd count of Toulouse, she is determined to use the inside knowledge she has gained about the Aquitaines for the advancement of her kin, and she is more politically savvy than many of the men. In a time of warfare, a noble woman is supposed to be a ‘peaceweaver’. She is betrothed to Hugh V lord of Lusignan, Raingarde to Pierre Raymond of Carcassonne.
She finds her childhood friend Geoffrey the Hammerer of Anjou is less appealing as an adult, now married to her old foe Agnes and busily taking other people’s lands. Exercising her falcon, she is attracted to young Ramon (Berenger I), count of Barcelona. Perusing the books in the library, she meets Dia, a female troubadour, a trobairiz.
Hugh is gay, but she manages to squeeze three children out of him before being repudiated for an invented ‘consanguinity’. She marries Pons, unfortunately for her keener in the bed, and births Toulouses in quick succession. As Countess of Toulouse, still barely 20, she makes her mark as a capable châtelaine and ruler and establishes an enviable court. Newly widowed, Geoffrey, who is training her sons to be knights, makes a play for her affections, but she is loyal to Toulouse if not to Pons.
The youthful attraction between Ramon and Almodis is consummated in secret, and she falls pregnant. Now, her scheming to keep Pons from her bed works against her. Learning from a servant that Pons is planning to imprison her to marry an Aragonian princess, she flees to Ramon’s rescue (kidnap) and becomes Countess of Barcelona. But the pope considers this marriage adulterous and excommunicates them. As a ‘morning gift’ (given by the groom to the bride after the wedding night) he builds her a library.
When her sons come to battle over Aquitaine and when there’s a crisis of title succession to Carcassonne, Almodis again has to be the peaceweaver.
Shortly after this period came the Crusades and the Albigensian Crusade. Almodis’ story shows how these events were just part of the same pattern of territorial aggression by second and third noble sons.
In a society where nobles married several times in their lives (if not death, there was always real or imagined adultery or consanguinity to justify a desired repudiation), seeking more favourable alliances as their family rose, it was the women who handled the daily matters and the children. I enjoyed reading how Almodis handled her children’s jealousies.
Warr admirably and believably reads emotion and familial intrigue into the biographical data history has left us of these people. A sometime resident herself of Occitan, she pains a rich picture of a noble culture which was quite alien to the Capetian culture of the North, working in lovely details—eg. her first husband’s family suspects witchcraft because Almodis has birthed twins.
Almodis de La Marche was my ‘step granddaughter of step grandson of stepson of 4th cousin 31x removed’.
I also read Warr’s novel Daughter of the Last King (I lost my review before I could type it up) about Nest verch Rhys (my 20th great grand-aunt), daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr, last king of Deheubarth. I liked Almodis better. Perhaps Nest had a less interesting life. But I think it was because Nest straddled the new world order between the Welsh and the conquering Normans, and this divided consciousness wasn’t examined as well as I would have liked. Contrastingly, Almodis is highly politically savvy. She plays the cards; she doesn’t have them played on her.

[Emily Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting insight into 11th century France. These times were dominated by supreme rulers of divided lands, cultural and religious differences and threats, and the individual endeavours and adventures in between. It is common to hear of man's achievements and defeats, but dressed in skirts and fineries, on the home front and in court, women played an integral role too. Almodis de la Marche was one such woman. She marries three times and mothers many children. She thwarts her husbands and outwits men. She is devilishly ambitious for her family and at times, she is so selfless that she forgets to allow herself to love. Once her peace-weaving times are at an end, she finds her sole mate and enjoys the last few moments with him. Time is cruel but her legacy lives on through her name and her children.

This summer, we drove across the continent to a small village called Lac Doux for a wedding. The Aquitaine and Pyrénées regions were achingly gorgeous, with vineyards and greenery sweeping far into the distance. Crystal blue skies delicately brush the tops of the hills and the white clouds dance overhead. I had a clear vision while reading this story as I doubt the landscape has changed too dramatically. Najac was a particularly beautiful medieval town, and a small mention was paid to it in the book. France is culturally and historically rich country and I hope that their peace and tranquillity continues long into the future.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definitely enjoyable book that seemed to be historically accurate, I do quickly check history to better understand characters. It is definitely an era that I find fascinating as was "Conquest" which was my favorite of the two books. I am reading "the Viking Heritage" now and of course the characters are connected.

I did not know nearly enough about this part of France and it is interesting. My maternal line was named Faunt (L'Enfant ) and were Anglo Normans in Ireland from the 12th century. My Grandfather's Y DNA line goes back to Sardinia. We know when they went to England and into Ireland but not when they moved into Normandy. They were in the employ of the Norman Kings from 1250 until the 1500s. So of course I am entranced!!

Almodis did not take to being a Peaceweaver really well, or rather she did but she had some huge bumps in that road. I adore the fact that her children were cohesive with each other even though they all did not share the same father.

She had two loves and one very messy marriage if all of this is accurate. The author says some thoughts and actions of her characters were fictional but the basic facts are there. She was very resilient, partly from being a child hostage in her grandmother's court and partly, presumably, from some terrible events that she both witnessed and experienced.

All three of these books are superbly done with vivid female heroines. So excited that "Conquest" has a sequel coming.

[Highlyeccentric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh now THIS was delightful. Warr manages a really believable level of daily-life detail (ignore the terrible cover), and in some ways I think narrative is the best antidote to the temptation to read dynastic history as that of vague political forces rather than *individuals*. Almodis grew up with a grandfather she loved - and who held her hostage. The back-and-forth alleigances between her family, her grandfather's family, and Guy's faction, are in many ways more comprehensible as personalised narratives than in a conventional historical recount.

I got disproportionately annoyed at the recurring references to Anglo-Saxon cultural phenomena that shouldn't have any valence in Provence (Beowulf! Not a character anyone in Provence had heard of!), and the peace-weaver idea given prominence as if that was a phrase in common use. And I think Jon Jarrett's right about the politics of Barcelona getting short shrift compared to Toulouse. Still. A+, would read again.

[Harriet Springbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating journey through the 11th century in my part of France. Although I struggled at the beginning with all the names and the series of events, the story quickly focused on the engaging Almodis. I really cared about her and enjoyed reading about a woman in power - especially as her voice contrasted with her lovable servant Bernadette, who was also realistically portrayed. Once I'd started I couldn't put the book down. Fantastic description of country life throughout the year (Bernadette) and the scene in the well felt very real. I also appreciated the author's note at the end, which explained the historical and fictional balance.

[Eileen Iciek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about a woman I had never heard of before. She definitely had an impact on history and had many important descendants.