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Eleanor of Aquitaine #3
The Autumn Throne
England, 1176 Imprisoned by her husband, King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England, refuses to let her powerful husband bully her into submission, even as he forces her away from her children and her birthright. Freed only by Henry's death, Eleanor becomes dowager Queen of England. But the competition for land and power that Henry stirred up among his sons has intensified to a dangerous rivalry. Eleanor will need every ounce of courage and fortitude as she crosses the Alps in winter to bring Richard his bride, and travels medieval Europe to ransom her beloved son. But even her indomitable spirit will be tested to its limits as she attempts to keep the peace between her warring sons, and find a place in the centres of power for her daughters. Eleanor of Aquitaine's powerful story is brought to a triumphant and beautiful close by much-loved author Elizabeth Chadwick
505 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
554 people are currently reading
4632 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
48 books3,259 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
September 10, 2016
I have read books by hundreds of authors and Elizabeth Chadwick occupies my number one spot among them. No author brings the Middle Ages to such vivid life. Eleanor of Aquitaine was such a remarkable woman that even 800 yrs after her death she still has no equal. With the conclusion of this series I feel like I have lost a friend. Even if you're not sure about historical fiction centered around this time period I promise you'll be a fan of EC after one novel. The biggest compliment I can give this novel is that I think Eleanor would be so proud of this chronicle of her life. Outstanding as always.
February 21, 2017
The Autumn Throne flows smoothly as the reader is captured by Elizabeth Chadwick’s exquisite prose that tells the tale of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s last years. Beginning with her years of imprisonment by order of her husband King Henry II at the Palace of Sarum, she is freed by her son Richard Lionheart. The novel spans her last 30 years of life until her death at Fontevraud Abbey.
Now a widow, in her last 30 years Eleanor lived a period of glory and loss. If this volume lacks the ups and down of her relationships with both of her King husbands, it is in many ways as fascinating. She acted as regent during her son Richard's absences from the kingdom as he goes on Crusade; collected and organized his ransom; negotiated treaties; arranged marriages; dealt with her son John's treacheries, later supporting his ascension to the throne. This time was not a peaceful or easy period for England, and Eleanor had her hands full but she did not seem to slow down. The book flows, and Chadwick certainly makes Eleanor and the other characters in the book become real people and not merely historical figures.
The Autumn Throne brings to a close another great Chadwick trilogy with the enticing and poignant story of this remarkable woman. It tells us how she had to fight and play the game of power every year of her life without demure and was capable of making history in an era dominated by men.
Now a widow, in her last 30 years Eleanor lived a period of glory and loss. If this volume lacks the ups and down of her relationships with both of her King husbands, it is in many ways as fascinating. She acted as regent during her son Richard's absences from the kingdom as he goes on Crusade; collected and organized his ransom; negotiated treaties; arranged marriages; dealt with her son John's treacheries, later supporting his ascension to the throne. This time was not a peaceful or easy period for England, and Eleanor had her hands full but she did not seem to slow down. The book flows, and Chadwick certainly makes Eleanor and the other characters in the book become real people and not merely historical figures.
The Autumn Throne brings to a close another great Chadwick trilogy with the enticing and poignant story of this remarkable woman. It tells us how she had to fight and play the game of power every year of her life without demure and was capable of making history in an era dominated by men.
December 3, 2017
I seem to be developing quite a taste for royal historical novels. I'm slowly expanding my reading beyond that of the Plantagenet/Tudor times and that's one of the two reasons I downloaded this as an arc from netgalley.
The other reason was more personal. I'm keen on genealogy and Eleanor (or Alienor in the book) is actually my 25th great grandmother! I know this is a work of fiction but as with many of these based on extensive research so fascinating to discover what this woman (and great granddad King John) was potentially like. And what a woman. I love the idea that well into her 70's she was still extensively travelling and being involved in politics.
I really struggled to like eldest son Richard (Lionheart) and wondering if that's latent DNA of being related to his brother. It made me chuckle anyway.
In terms of the actual book, it's a long story covering 30 years and sometimes I felt that time span. It's 520 pages (according to Goodreads) and I couldn't seem to read at my usual pace. I wouldn't say the story dragged, it did keep my attention but I struggled with the length on this one.
The writing is excellent though. You can tell there has been a lot of research as the characters are very well rounded and fit the personalities we know of them. Alienor is a very strong woman but the author isn't afraid to show her more vulnerable side. It's a fascinating insight into a woman who once travelled by horseback to Jerusalem when women were meant to be at home producing heirs and also gave us a couple of iconic kings and an incredible dynasty.
My first book with this author but I'll be going back to read the first two books to see if that Jerusalem journey is recounted as it's caught my interest and to see the other works this author has done. Highly recommended
The other reason was more personal. I'm keen on genealogy and Eleanor (or Alienor in the book) is actually my 25th great grandmother! I know this is a work of fiction but as with many of these based on extensive research so fascinating to discover what this woman (and great granddad King John) was potentially like. And what a woman. I love the idea that well into her 70's she was still extensively travelling and being involved in politics.
I really struggled to like eldest son Richard (Lionheart) and wondering if that's latent DNA of being related to his brother. It made me chuckle anyway.
In terms of the actual book, it's a long story covering 30 years and sometimes I felt that time span. It's 520 pages (according to Goodreads) and I couldn't seem to read at my usual pace. I wouldn't say the story dragged, it did keep my attention but I struggled with the length on this one.
The writing is excellent though. You can tell there has been a lot of research as the characters are very well rounded and fit the personalities we know of them. Alienor is a very strong woman but the author isn't afraid to show her more vulnerable side. It's a fascinating insight into a woman who once travelled by horseback to Jerusalem when women were meant to be at home producing heirs and also gave us a couple of iconic kings and an incredible dynasty.
My first book with this author but I'll be going back to read the first two books to see if that Jerusalem journey is recounted as it's caught my interest and to see the other works this author has done. Highly recommended
October 28, 2016
A daunting task it must be to breathe freshness into a formidable historical persona with the unmatched fiery spirit of anyone in her era, and to illuminate such a larger-than-life character in a work of fiction. In Summer Queen, young Alienor of Aquitaine became queen to King Louis VII of France, and later in Winter Crown, as queen to King Henry II of England, she bore England's sovereign eight children.
Chadwick's last installment in the trilogy of Alienor of Aquitaine picks up as she is imprisoned by Henry at Sarum Castle for supporting a rebellion by his sons, and proceeds with the telling of the autumn of her life, of the distrust by Henry for her and their Devil's Brood, aptly portraying a dysfunctional royal family. Flanked on occasion by Alienor's reminiscences as queen of two powerful and politically adversarial countries, she became an elated mother to kings and queens, and unconsolably, a heartbroken parent mourning the untimely deaths of her children. Along the road map of her travails - as regent to the kingdom, maternal advisor, political liaison, ransom procurer, marital matchmaker, and defender ( in her late 70's, mind you) against a siege at Mirebeau castle - historical facts were kept in check.
Somehow disappointingly, Autumn Throne couldn't quite shake off a flatness of affect as that element of history-telling predictability extinguished any surprising sparks. I expected striking figures such as Henry II and Richard I, and naturally Alienor, to leap off the page with animated characterization, to stimulate the imagination and adrenalin flow. Even John, considered to be the darkest( and I'm being polite)son of the brood, seemed uncharacteristically filial, and oddly competent.
Alienor of Aquitaine is historically noted as politically-minded and clever by nature, a fair yet shrewd, powerful and successful female monarch in an inflexibly male-dominated world. In raising female significance and rights even in her time would be a considerable feat, yet one she could nonetheless manipulate from her high position. I, however, could not reconcile with her demanding her grand-daughter, Blanche, not yet a full fledged teen, to marry mainly for political alliance, a business deal royal families have done for centuries. Alienor, in whose court 'chivalry' was said to be vitally alive, came off atypically unsympathetic. In coercing Blanche over her older sister to marry Louis, the son of King Philip II of France, Alienor seemed coldly pimpish while rationalizing that 'its your duty like it was mine' ( I paraphrase). Such an event did happen, but the unnecessarily crude delivery is tweak-able in fiction-land. However, recalling 'Alienor' of the first two books, I think this may have been an unintended effect.
Least climactic in the series of Alienor of Aquitaine, Autumn Throne still offers die-hard Chadwick fans relaxed entertainment and easy transport into Alienor's medieval zone. And yes, her signature shiny knight, William Marshal, delightfully made appearances, vaguely restoring the fading sentiment of chivalry to Alienor's autumn.
Chadwick's last installment in the trilogy of Alienor of Aquitaine picks up as she is imprisoned by Henry at Sarum Castle for supporting a rebellion by his sons, and proceeds with the telling of the autumn of her life, of the distrust by Henry for her and their Devil's Brood, aptly portraying a dysfunctional royal family. Flanked on occasion by Alienor's reminiscences as queen of two powerful and politically adversarial countries, she became an elated mother to kings and queens, and unconsolably, a heartbroken parent mourning the untimely deaths of her children. Along the road map of her travails - as regent to the kingdom, maternal advisor, political liaison, ransom procurer, marital matchmaker, and defender ( in her late 70's, mind you) against a siege at Mirebeau castle - historical facts were kept in check.
Somehow disappointingly, Autumn Throne couldn't quite shake off a flatness of affect as that element of history-telling predictability extinguished any surprising sparks. I expected striking figures such as Henry II and Richard I, and naturally Alienor, to leap off the page with animated characterization, to stimulate the imagination and adrenalin flow. Even John, considered to be the darkest( and I'm being polite)son of the brood, seemed uncharacteristically filial, and oddly competent.
Alienor of Aquitaine is historically noted as politically-minded and clever by nature, a fair yet shrewd, powerful and successful female monarch in an inflexibly male-dominated world. In raising female significance and rights even in her time would be a considerable feat, yet one she could nonetheless manipulate from her high position. I, however, could not reconcile with her demanding her grand-daughter, Blanche, not yet a full fledged teen, to marry mainly for political alliance, a business deal royal families have done for centuries. Alienor, in whose court 'chivalry' was said to be vitally alive, came off atypically unsympathetic. In coercing Blanche over her older sister to marry Louis, the son of King Philip II of France, Alienor seemed coldly pimpish while rationalizing that 'its your duty like it was mine' ( I paraphrase). Such an event did happen, but the unnecessarily crude delivery is tweak-able in fiction-land. However, recalling 'Alienor' of the first two books, I think this may have been an unintended effect.
Least climactic in the series of Alienor of Aquitaine, Autumn Throne still offers die-hard Chadwick fans relaxed entertainment and easy transport into Alienor's medieval zone. And yes, her signature shiny knight, William Marshal, delightfully made appearances, vaguely restoring the fading sentiment of chivalry to Alienor's autumn.
June 10, 2019
The third book in Elizabeth Chadwick’s Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, The Autumn Throne details the last twenty-eight years of Alienor’s life, starting from her incarceration for having supported her sons in revolt against her husband King Henry II to her death in 1204. In between are periods of glory and discontent, of war and peace, of gains and losses, of joys and tears—and through it all, Alienor has remained a steadfast queen and a constant fixture within the political realm.
Eleanor of Aquitaine led an extraordinary life and not everyone can boast of that great feat. That she had weathered all storms and come out of it still polished and unbending is indeed remarkable. She may not have made all the correct choices in life, but looking at it from her perspective (or from how she was presented in this book), you can find a degree of respect and understanding in her decisions.
I’ve always known the author is a good storyteller and can make every character and historic event seem alive with her words, as I’ve seen in her other works. But there were moments (or chapters) in this book when I did not feel that magical connection; it somehow lacks the fluidity and dynamism I’ve felt with most of her books. Honestly it was a little tedious for me reading the first chapters—thinking most were merely long-winded discussions of Alienor's trivial life in prison anyway—and only felt that familiar magical pull at the part when Richard the Lionheart becomes king. And I truly feel guilty because I so love Elizabeth Chadwick and shouldn’t feel this way about her work!
But still, The Autumn Throne is worth a try. Good writing, great pace. And I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to read something about the Middle Ages and the Plantagenets.
Eleanor of Aquitaine led an extraordinary life and not everyone can boast of that great feat. That she had weathered all storms and come out of it still polished and unbending is indeed remarkable. She may not have made all the correct choices in life, but looking at it from her perspective (or from how she was presented in this book), you can find a degree of respect and understanding in her decisions.
I’ve always known the author is a good storyteller and can make every character and historic event seem alive with her words, as I’ve seen in her other works. But there were moments (or chapters) in this book when I did not feel that magical connection; it somehow lacks the fluidity and dynamism I’ve felt with most of her books. Honestly it was a little tedious for me reading the first chapters—thinking most were merely long-winded discussions of Alienor's trivial life in prison anyway—and only felt that familiar magical pull at the part when Richard the Lionheart becomes king. And I truly feel guilty because I so love Elizabeth Chadwick and shouldn’t feel this way about her work!
But still, The Autumn Throne is worth a try. Good writing, great pace. And I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to read something about the Middle Ages and the Plantagenets.
December 1, 2023
Finally, the trilogy is complete. I had been waiting for close to a decade to finish this story. And I had wanted to read the Autumn Throne in the month of November, to fulfill Fall Flurries. This was the first time it ever actually worked. I really enjoyed returning to this story.
There is something about these royal court stories, even from the 11th century. Power, intrigue, family rivalry, succession, alliances of children across countries, wars, greed, plotting, murder, isolation. Those dynamics remain in play today, they just have different settings and dynamics. I enjoyed this trilogy, that took me a decade to complete.
There is something about these royal court stories, even from the 11th century. Power, intrigue, family rivalry, succession, alliances of children across countries, wars, greed, plotting, murder, isolation. Those dynamics remain in play today, they just have different settings and dynamics. I enjoyed this trilogy, that took me a decade to complete.
October 18, 2016
The Autumn Throne is the third and final book in Elizabeth Chadwick's
Eleanor of Aquitaine
trilogy and brings to a close the riveting and fascinating story of this tremendously interesting woman. A duchess in her own right, but also a queen twice over, she was quite the stateswoman within the confines and attitudes of the times. She was a tigress where her children were concerned, especially her sons, but also - as revealed by this author's scholarship and thorough research - a loving mother who suffered much in her ambitions for her children.
Eleanor - or more correctly - Alienor, was banished and held captive by her second husband Henry II after she supported her two eldest sons in a revolt against Henry. The Autumn Throne begins with Alienor having already served two years of what was to be fifteen years of imprisonment. She had already suffered the indignation of being publicly usurped by her husband's mistress, and now, adding insult to injury, she has been incarcerated, with few luxuries and little or no company. Over the course of her fifteen years confinement she is occasionally summoned by her husband for various reasons - but always because he requires something from her. Occasionally she is given a few luxuries, but always her freedom is curtailed; however, never does she compromise her integrity in order to please Henry or to earn herself more comforts and often she is sent back into cold penury because of his anger at her obstinacy. In the end, her cruel imprisonment is brought to an end by the sudden death of Henry, and Richard honours his mother publicly as Queen of England.
Elizabeth Chadwick portrays Henry II as a cold and distant man; a man who never shows weakness and who seems undisturbed at the deaths of his own children - and that portrayal, as I see it - is spot on. The way I read and understand it, is that the author's interpretation is based on his treatment of a wife who brought him many riches and lands, who faithfully stood by him, bore a large family in quick succession and - in the very early years of their marriage - played an active role in the governing of their vast joint holdings in England and France. Henry was a wheeler and dealer and as Ms. Chadwick succinctly showed in The Winter Crown he often got his fingers burned - one has only to think of the catastrophic failure of his attempt to deal with Thomas Becket. He seems to have been a man who was afraid to delegate power in case it diluted his own; this is borne out by the fact that he was shown to be a reasonably loving and caring father whilst his children were young but treated his sons as rivals once they grew to young adulthood.
Elizabeth Chadwick's characters are beautifully drawn and developed and she brings the various members of the family and other peripheral characters to brilliant and vibrant life. My particular favourites are Richard and John. Richard, Alienor's favourite son and the heir to her personal dominions of Gascony, Aquitaine and Poitou, is a stunning character, tall and golden, a god amongst men - truly worthy of his nickname of 'Lion Heart'. In contrast, John is shown from an early age as being a sly troublemaker who wheedles his way into his father's affections for his own gain - but as he is his father's son, he has no real depth of feeling and cares for few. In the end he leaves his father alone to die a degrading and undignified death.
Alienor outlived all but one of her sons. In this book, the events leading up to Richard's death - her frantic race to be by his side - and her dreadful sorrow are palpable and empathetically portrayed by this author who has expertly mixed her vast historical knowledge and research with her immense talent for transporting us into the moment.
I love Elizabeth Chadwick's clever little observations/historic touches and how she reaches her conclusions as to how they may have come into being. Such as how we see Alienor overseeing the carving of the effigy of Henry's tomb in Fontevrault Abbey, Chinon and her reasoning as to why he is depicted as a young man. And too, there is Alienor's own effigy, and the possibility that she may have had a hand in the planning and design of it; the explanation of her own attire (her headdress) and the fact that she is holding an open book.
The Autumn Throne is a wonderful ending to a fantastic series. Alienor of Aquitaine has been adroitly and sympathetically portrayed by this great author of historical fiction and as has been the case with William Marshal, I suspect that she has increased the level of interest in this fascinating, medieval queen. A highly recommended must-read for fans of historical fiction.
Eleanor - or more correctly - Alienor, was banished and held captive by her second husband Henry II after she supported her two eldest sons in a revolt against Henry. The Autumn Throne begins with Alienor having already served two years of what was to be fifteen years of imprisonment. She had already suffered the indignation of being publicly usurped by her husband's mistress, and now, adding insult to injury, she has been incarcerated, with few luxuries and little or no company. Over the course of her fifteen years confinement she is occasionally summoned by her husband for various reasons - but always because he requires something from her. Occasionally she is given a few luxuries, but always her freedom is curtailed; however, never does she compromise her integrity in order to please Henry or to earn herself more comforts and often she is sent back into cold penury because of his anger at her obstinacy. In the end, her cruel imprisonment is brought to an end by the sudden death of Henry, and Richard honours his mother publicly as Queen of England.
Elizabeth Chadwick portrays Henry II as a cold and distant man; a man who never shows weakness and who seems undisturbed at the deaths of his own children - and that portrayal, as I see it - is spot on. The way I read and understand it, is that the author's interpretation is based on his treatment of a wife who brought him many riches and lands, who faithfully stood by him, bore a large family in quick succession and - in the very early years of their marriage - played an active role in the governing of their vast joint holdings in England and France. Henry was a wheeler and dealer and as Ms. Chadwick succinctly showed in The Winter Crown he often got his fingers burned - one has only to think of the catastrophic failure of his attempt to deal with Thomas Becket. He seems to have been a man who was afraid to delegate power in case it diluted his own; this is borne out by the fact that he was shown to be a reasonably loving and caring father whilst his children were young but treated his sons as rivals once they grew to young adulthood.
Elizabeth Chadwick's characters are beautifully drawn and developed and she brings the various members of the family and other peripheral characters to brilliant and vibrant life. My particular favourites are Richard and John. Richard, Alienor's favourite son and the heir to her personal dominions of Gascony, Aquitaine and Poitou, is a stunning character, tall and golden, a god amongst men - truly worthy of his nickname of 'Lion Heart'. In contrast, John is shown from an early age as being a sly troublemaker who wheedles his way into his father's affections for his own gain - but as he is his father's son, he has no real depth of feeling and cares for few. In the end he leaves his father alone to die a degrading and undignified death.
Alienor outlived all but one of her sons. In this book, the events leading up to Richard's death - her frantic race to be by his side - and her dreadful sorrow are palpable and empathetically portrayed by this author who has expertly mixed her vast historical knowledge and research with her immense talent for transporting us into the moment.
I love Elizabeth Chadwick's clever little observations/historic touches and how she reaches her conclusions as to how they may have come into being. Such as how we see Alienor overseeing the carving of the effigy of Henry's tomb in Fontevrault Abbey, Chinon and her reasoning as to why he is depicted as a young man. And too, there is Alienor's own effigy, and the possibility that she may have had a hand in the planning and design of it; the explanation of her own attire (her headdress) and the fact that she is holding an open book.
The Autumn Throne is a wonderful ending to a fantastic series. Alienor of Aquitaine has been adroitly and sympathetically portrayed by this great author of historical fiction and as has been the case with William Marshal, I suspect that she has increased the level of interest in this fascinating, medieval queen. A highly recommended must-read for fans of historical fiction.
November 15, 2019
Era logico immaginare che nel terzo volume il succedersi degli eventi subisse un'accelerazione: perché così vuole l'impostazione di una trilogia, e perché cosi vuole anche la Storia vera e propria di cui si conosce già in anticipo l'esito. Quindi me lo sono letto nel giro di breve, e amen, nel complesso è stato un discreto intrattenimento. Anche un po' di più, a metà tra il buono e il discreto.
Bisogna ammettere che la scrittura - così pure come la traduzione - appare un po' più sciatta rispetto i primi due volumi. Non potrei consigliare di leggere solo i primi due perché si resterebbe con una storia monca, ma non potrei neanche consigliare questo come buona lettura, per dovere di decenza rispetto le buone letture devo lasciare un gradino di distanza.
Da un punto di vista narrativo un po' più ampio, guardando più alla costruzione della storia che alla scrittura, riconosco all'autrice le capacità non soltanto di sostenere il ritmo fino all'ultimo, ma di saper mettere la giusta dose di empatia - né troppa, né troppo poca - per far digerire al lettore la vecchiaia della protagonista e soprattutto la numerosa, pressoché infinita sfilza di lutti che la Regina si trova a dover affrontare: per quanto la scena sia sempre la stessa a ripetersi (il messaggero che arriva trafelato e sporco, si inchina, riferisce chi è morto 'stavolta) non arriva ad annoiare veramente perché è palpabile l'emozione della protagonista così come l'emozione dell'autrice.
Il vero valore aggiunto di questo libro è essenzialmente nel fatto di chiudere il cerchio, assume valore in quanto facente parte di un unico lavoro che comprende anche gli altri due; sulla base di tale ragionamento assegno tre stelle anche a questo libro, in modo da lasciare il voto rotondo alla intera trilogia.
PS - altro valore aggiunto è stato apprendere che la canzone (rotrouenge sarebbe il termine esatto) intitolata "Ja Nus Hons Pris" è stata effettivamente scritta da Riccardo Lionhearted durante la prigionia, sia il testo che la melodia, ed è una delle canzoni più antiche giunte fino a noi. Se si pensa a tutte quelle canzonette insulse che sbiadiscono nel tempo di un'estate... a paragone, pensare da dove ci giunge questa fa venire le vertigini.
Bisogna ammettere che la scrittura - così pure come la traduzione - appare un po' più sciatta rispetto i primi due volumi. Non potrei consigliare di leggere solo i primi due perché si resterebbe con una storia monca, ma non potrei neanche consigliare questo come buona lettura, per dovere di decenza rispetto le buone letture devo lasciare un gradino di distanza.
Da un punto di vista narrativo un po' più ampio, guardando più alla costruzione della storia che alla scrittura, riconosco all'autrice le capacità non soltanto di sostenere il ritmo fino all'ultimo, ma di saper mettere la giusta dose di empatia - né troppa, né troppo poca - per far digerire al lettore la vecchiaia della protagonista e soprattutto la numerosa, pressoché infinita sfilza di lutti che la Regina si trova a dover affrontare: per quanto la scena sia sempre la stessa a ripetersi (il messaggero che arriva trafelato e sporco, si inchina, riferisce chi è morto 'stavolta) non arriva ad annoiare veramente perché è palpabile l'emozione della protagonista così come l'emozione dell'autrice.
Il vero valore aggiunto di questo libro è essenzialmente nel fatto di chiudere il cerchio, assume valore in quanto facente parte di un unico lavoro che comprende anche gli altri due; sulla base di tale ragionamento assegno tre stelle anche a questo libro, in modo da lasciare il voto rotondo alla intera trilogia.
PS - altro valore aggiunto è stato apprendere che la canzone (rotrouenge sarebbe il termine esatto) intitolata "Ja Nus Hons Pris" è stata effettivamente scritta da Riccardo Lionhearted durante la prigionia, sia il testo che la melodia, ed è una delle canzoni più antiche giunte fino a noi. Se si pensa a tutte quelle canzonette insulse che sbiadiscono nel tempo di un'estate... a paragone, pensare da dove ci giunge questa fa venire le vertigini.
January 16, 2021
Chadwick’s historical novels never cannot deliver. She really breathes life into actual people and the lives they led. This one, about Eleanor of Aquitaine, is no exception. Highly recommend! You can find full review on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com/...
January 3, 2018
Absolutely perfect.
November 1, 2016
3.5 stars
The final book of the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy. EC always writes biographical novels better than her historical romances and, this being the last part of Alienor's life (EC's chosen spelling, as being how she signed herself) there's not a lot of romance going on, thankfully!
It's a competent account but leaves something to be desired. In her author's note she explains that she left the issue of Richard's sexuality alone as there really isn't any evidence for homosexuality. This struck me as a bit of fence-sitting, to be honest. That aside, she presents a lot of the gossip of the time as if it were fact - Henry II's alleged affair with Alais/Alys of France, for instance. She certainly doesn't like Henry and appears to blame him for everything. Poor old John also gets the traditionalist treatment and is presented as a proper bad egg.
The history itself is pretty sound and, as the gossip is part of history, acceptable in the story but disappointing. It's as if she didn't bother to get to know the characters. Most of them are fairly superficially drawn.
A disproportionate portion of the book is spent with Alienor imprisoned by Henry and the very colourful final 15-20 years is pretty much whizzed through until we reach her being besieged by Arthur and rescued by John. Following this, she receives the news of Arthur's disappearance in 1203 as if it were a natural occurrence and entirely what she would have expected John to do. NOTE: no-one knows what happened to Arthur and so yet again EC is going with the gossip that credits his death to John, though she stops short of accusing him of personally having murdered him.
It's a good read but disappointing. Pretty much every point where a novelist could have put forward her own theory, to be justified in the Author's note, is characterised by fence sitting in the form of presenting historical gossip as fact, reminding me of The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia which was one of the biggest bitch-fests I have read in a long time!
The final book of the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy. EC always writes biographical novels better than her historical romances and, this being the last part of Alienor's life (EC's chosen spelling, as being how she signed herself) there's not a lot of romance going on, thankfully!
It's a competent account but leaves something to be desired. In her author's note she explains that she left the issue of Richard's sexuality alone as there really isn't any evidence for homosexuality. This struck me as a bit of fence-sitting, to be honest. That aside, she presents a lot of the gossip of the time as if it were fact - Henry II's alleged affair with Alais/Alys of France, for instance. She certainly doesn't like Henry and appears to blame him for everything. Poor old John also gets the traditionalist treatment and is presented as a proper bad egg.
The history itself is pretty sound and, as the gossip is part of history, acceptable in the story but disappointing. It's as if she didn't bother to get to know the characters. Most of them are fairly superficially drawn.
A disproportionate portion of the book is spent with Alienor imprisoned by Henry and the very colourful final 15-20 years is pretty much whizzed through until we reach her being besieged by Arthur and rescued by John. Following this, she receives the news of Arthur's disappearance in 1203 as if it were a natural occurrence and entirely what she would have expected John to do. NOTE: no-one knows what happened to Arthur and so yet again EC is going with the gossip that credits his death to John, though she stops short of accusing him of personally having murdered him.
It's a good read but disappointing. Pretty much every point where a novelist could have put forward her own theory, to be justified in the Author's note, is characterised by fence sitting in the form of presenting historical gossip as fact, reminding me of The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia which was one of the biggest bitch-fests I have read in a long time!
October 1, 2016
I have always been fascinated by this period of history and so I entered this Goodreads Giveaway hoping I would be one of the lucky ones chosen. When it arrived I could hardly wait to start reading. In Junior School I felt so sorry for all those disappearing Plantagenets and a little later I lapped up the film, The Lion in Winter. Here is the same story from the female perspective and it is told so well. Obviously when you write a historical novel the balance has to be between fact, fiction, invention and implied fact and you need to hold the reader’s attention. Elizabeth Chadwick does this beautifully. Her characters spring to life and her insight into this period reads as authoritative. I cannot complain about the work of any author that keeps me reading virtually non-stop for five hundred pages. Here we see a celebration of the strength of character of Eleanor of Aquitaine (Alienor); how she rises above the many cruel wrongs inflicted on her; how she holds it all together despite one tragedy after another and, in an age where surviving past forty was rare, she outlives them all except John. This is the final part of a trilogy and I haven’t had the privilege of reading the first two in the series but you don’t have to read them first to enjoy this wonderful book. It stands alone and is glorious in its interpretation of a savage period in history where psychopathic Kings and Barons vied to destroy each other and the very act of childbirth itself was life and death. Highly recommended and deserving of its 5* ratings.
May 15, 2018
Eleanor of Aquitaine was undeniably a force to be reckoned with during her lifetime and still stands as an indestructible heroine hundreds of years later. Whatever one may think of her; her energy and persona are beyond powerful. Elizabeth Chadwick has brought Eleanor (Alienor, as she is referred to in Chadwick’s novels) to life with her early years with Louis of France and followed up with her marriage to Henry FitzEmpress . Chadwick brings forth the next portion of Alienor’s life in, “The Autumn Throne”.
In “The Autumn Throne”, readers are thrown back into the saga of Alienor’s life focusing on her ‘imprisonment’ after colluding with her sons against her husband King Henry and the subsequent drama of trying to maintain innocence and peace. “The Autumn Throne” wastes no time on character or situational introductions and is therefore not a stand-alone novel, by any means. This is coupled with Chadwick’s penchant for not being a fluffy, overly-romanticized historical-fictional author and rather focusing on factual events and history.
Chadwick is masterful at maintaining a more academic stance and yet having a beautiful knack for storytelling and literary language. Chadwick’s ratio of narrative-to-background is in perfect chemistry while her writing is descriptive and illustrative. “The Autumn Throne” is certainly enjoyable to read.
That being said; Chadwick does occasionally mount the fluffy side (I suppose general readers must stay entertained) and not much ‘happens’ in a large chunk of the novel. There is an absence of character development or study of Alienor and there is too much ‘talk’ of events rather than living the action. Chadwick does induce page-turning in hopes of the foreshadowed drama but it can be said that “The Autumn Throne” is slower than its two novel predecessors.
In usual Chadwick fashion, “The Autumn Throne” follows a short-chapter format which also skips chronological order and includes story apses. This mechanical device is both positive and negative in that it makes “The Autumn Throne” readable with easy access but it also cuts attention and weakens the plot depth.
With the progression of “The Autumn Throne”; one would hope that the political events would gain more focus or that of the dramatic lives of Alienor’s sons but the story continues to glide by with not much happening but instead with the characters discussing events. This consequentially negatively impacts the characterization of Alienor making her bravado shine less and creating a weaker persona.
“The Autumn Throne” makes a noticeable about-turn (in a positive way) when the plot focuses on the relations between King Richard and Prince John and the hostage captivity of Richard. Chadwick’s storytelling becomes steadfast and rich with a fast-paced heartbeat. The writing at this point is much more moving and entertaining but saddens in regards that the entire novel isn’t like this and is a “little too late” for some readers.
After this emotional climax, the final quarter of “The Autumn Throne” feels a bit ‘forced’ and ‘rushed’ focusing on the drama between the newly-crowned King John and his nephew Arthur. Chadwick’s writing, although still flourished, doesn’t feel natural and is a noticeable departure from the previous section. This, along with the concluding Epilogue, makes for a somewhat lackadaisical ending that doesn’t leave Alienor on a legendary note neither in the novel itself or in Chadwick’s trilogy.
Chadwick’s ‘Author’s Note’ is a welcome supplement explaining the historical accuracies in the story and any liberties taken (which are rare and far between) and also offers a selection of further reading sources for curious readers.
“The Autumn Throne” wraps up Chadwick’s Alienor trilogy showcasing Chadwick’s penchant for historical focus with a literary edge educating readers while also entertaining. However, “The Autumn Throne” is the weakest in the trilogy with a flatter storyline than the previous novels with a more, “As you know, Bob”- style writing and a lesser emotive depiction of Alienor. “The Autumn Throne” is still much better than many other similar historical fiction novels but it is a weak note for the trilogy. Despite this slight disappointment, the story is solid-enough and definitely worth a read if having read the first two novels.
In “The Autumn Throne”, readers are thrown back into the saga of Alienor’s life focusing on her ‘imprisonment’ after colluding with her sons against her husband King Henry and the subsequent drama of trying to maintain innocence and peace. “The Autumn Throne” wastes no time on character or situational introductions and is therefore not a stand-alone novel, by any means. This is coupled with Chadwick’s penchant for not being a fluffy, overly-romanticized historical-fictional author and rather focusing on factual events and history.
Chadwick is masterful at maintaining a more academic stance and yet having a beautiful knack for storytelling and literary language. Chadwick’s ratio of narrative-to-background is in perfect chemistry while her writing is descriptive and illustrative. “The Autumn Throne” is certainly enjoyable to read.
That being said; Chadwick does occasionally mount the fluffy side (I suppose general readers must stay entertained) and not much ‘happens’ in a large chunk of the novel. There is an absence of character development or study of Alienor and there is too much ‘talk’ of events rather than living the action. Chadwick does induce page-turning in hopes of the foreshadowed drama but it can be said that “The Autumn Throne” is slower than its two novel predecessors.
In usual Chadwick fashion, “The Autumn Throne” follows a short-chapter format which also skips chronological order and includes story apses. This mechanical device is both positive and negative in that it makes “The Autumn Throne” readable with easy access but it also cuts attention and weakens the plot depth.
With the progression of “The Autumn Throne”; one would hope that the political events would gain more focus or that of the dramatic lives of Alienor’s sons but the story continues to glide by with not much happening but instead with the characters discussing events. This consequentially negatively impacts the characterization of Alienor making her bravado shine less and creating a weaker persona.
“The Autumn Throne” makes a noticeable about-turn (in a positive way) when the plot focuses on the relations between King Richard and Prince John and the hostage captivity of Richard. Chadwick’s storytelling becomes steadfast and rich with a fast-paced heartbeat. The writing at this point is much more moving and entertaining but saddens in regards that the entire novel isn’t like this and is a “little too late” for some readers.
After this emotional climax, the final quarter of “The Autumn Throne” feels a bit ‘forced’ and ‘rushed’ focusing on the drama between the newly-crowned King John and his nephew Arthur. Chadwick’s writing, although still flourished, doesn’t feel natural and is a noticeable departure from the previous section. This, along with the concluding Epilogue, makes for a somewhat lackadaisical ending that doesn’t leave Alienor on a legendary note neither in the novel itself or in Chadwick’s trilogy.
Chadwick’s ‘Author’s Note’ is a welcome supplement explaining the historical accuracies in the story and any liberties taken (which are rare and far between) and also offers a selection of further reading sources for curious readers.
“The Autumn Throne” wraps up Chadwick’s Alienor trilogy showcasing Chadwick’s penchant for historical focus with a literary edge educating readers while also entertaining. However, “The Autumn Throne” is the weakest in the trilogy with a flatter storyline than the previous novels with a more, “As you know, Bob”- style writing and a lesser emotive depiction of Alienor. “The Autumn Throne” is still much better than many other similar historical fiction novels but it is a weak note for the trilogy. Despite this slight disappointment, the story is solid-enough and definitely worth a read if having read the first two novels.
April 19, 2023
Recensirò questo libro, ma in realtà recensirò l'intera trilogia brevemente e senza troppi spoiler.
Elizabeth Chadwick è riuscita a dare un sentore "pop" a una trilogia medievale, scardinandola dal rigore che di solito mi aspetto per libri del genere. Quello e metafore ardite sono una cifra stilistica che comunque lascia il libro scorrevole e godibile, i suoi punti di forza.
Ho preferito di gran lunga la vecchiaia di Alienor (come la chiama l'autrice, e come si definiva lei stessa nei documenti) dove è stata libera da mariti e gravidanze e scene un po' piccantelle che mi hanno fatto pensare che dietro questo libro ci fossero degli sceneggiatori di HBO. "La nonna d'Europa" quando ha potuto esercitare la sua influenza, brilla. Quello e l'avanzare della figura di Giovanni senza terra, il personaggio di gran lunga più sfaccettato del libro.
Elizabeth Chadwick è riuscita a dare un sentore "pop" a una trilogia medievale, scardinandola dal rigore che di solito mi aspetto per libri del genere. Quello e metafore ardite sono una cifra stilistica che comunque lascia il libro scorrevole e godibile, i suoi punti di forza.
Ho preferito di gran lunga la vecchiaia di Alienor (come la chiama l'autrice, e come si definiva lei stessa nei documenti) dove è stata libera da mariti e gravidanze e scene un po' piccantelle che mi hanno fatto pensare che dietro questo libro ci fossero degli sceneggiatori di HBO. "La nonna d'Europa" quando ha potuto esercitare la sua influenza, brilla. Quello e l'avanzare della figura di Giovanni senza terra, il personaggio di gran lunga più sfaccettato del libro.
July 16, 2021
The last book in the Alienor of Aquitane trilogy, The Autumn Throne follows the last 30 years of Alienor's life from her imprisonment by Henry II, King Richard's reign and death and then finally the years of King John (Lackland).
This has been on my favourite historical fictions trilogies I've read over the past few years as I just love how detailed Elizabeth Chadwick can be in her story telling, and I always felt really close to Alienor as a character. She is such an interesting, strong female figure in history at a time when women were shoved into a corner and expected to do very little but give birth to sons. Alienor did that but she also spoke up when she needed to, advised her husband and her sons when they ruled and often turned the tide of things due to her intelligence and her political navigating skills.
I read Elizabeth Chadwick's William Marshal books years ago when I was younger but this book really makes me want to reread them as boy, does she love William! It could get a little bit silly almost at times, as the way Elizabeth and Alienor both thought of William, it was very much like the sun shone out of his behind. It's not hard to tell who the author's favourite historical figures are, and who she really did not like (cough King John cough).
If you enjoy historical fiction, and particularly that following female figures in power's POV - less violence and sword swinging more scheming behind closed doors, and trying to overthrow stupid husbands, this is one for you!
This has been on my favourite historical fictions trilogies I've read over the past few years as I just love how detailed Elizabeth Chadwick can be in her story telling, and I always felt really close to Alienor as a character. She is such an interesting, strong female figure in history at a time when women were shoved into a corner and expected to do very little but give birth to sons. Alienor did that but she also spoke up when she needed to, advised her husband and her sons when they ruled and often turned the tide of things due to her intelligence and her political navigating skills.
I read Elizabeth Chadwick's William Marshal books years ago when I was younger but this book really makes me want to reread them as boy, does she love William! It could get a little bit silly almost at times, as the way Elizabeth and Alienor both thought of William, it was very much like the sun shone out of his behind. It's not hard to tell who the author's favourite historical figures are, and who she really did not like (cough King John cough).
If you enjoy historical fiction, and particularly that following female figures in power's POV - less violence and sword swinging more scheming behind closed doors, and trying to overthrow stupid husbands, this is one for you!
January 5, 2019
Eleanor of Aquitaine was an amazing woman. Elizabeth Chadwick tells her story in such a way that you feel as if you lived and breathed alongside the characters.
October 1, 2016
Much as I love work by Elizabeth Chadwick I think I am getting a bit "Eleanored" out. The book flows and Chadwick certainly makes Eleanor and the other characters in the book become real people, but I have read so many books on either Eleanor, or those around her, that I found little new in this book. So, four stars, less a reflection on the author and more me knowing the period too well.
December 9, 2017
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a remarkable woman. I have read many books about the Tudors but this was my first time reading of Queen Eleanor, Henry and her children. I loved it all. Happy reading everyone :)
August 20, 2019
Another great installment of Alienor of Aquitaine's life. This volume was my favourite of the three as it covers a time period I was less familiar with. Well told and and seemingly well researched.
October 10, 2016
what a fantastic life! this is a monument to an impressive woman, capable of making history and playing in the powerful politics of her time without demure. Liked this trilogy very much.
August 13, 2022
This has been an excellent trilogy, and I don't know why it took me so long to finish it. It was a perfect example of a well written historical fiction, and firmly cemented Eleanor of Aquitaine as one of my favourite historical figures of all time.
Like in the first two books, I really admired Eleanor and her strong will, her force of character even in the direst of circumstances. I rooted for her for the whole novel (the ending, where she resists against a siege, was one of the best parts of the book for me), and I felt a lot of sympathy for the heartbreak she had to suffer, especially the deaths of her children.
Apart from Eleanor's character, my favourite aspect of the story were the turbulent relationships between her sons. Each of them was a well drawn character, and very interesting to follow.
Absolutely recommended if you like Eleanor of Aquitaine or the historical period.
Like in the first two books, I really admired Eleanor and her strong will, her force of character even in the direst of circumstances. I rooted for her for the whole novel (the ending, where she resists against a siege, was one of the best parts of the book for me), and I felt a lot of sympathy for the heartbreak she had to suffer, especially the deaths of her children.
Apart from Eleanor's character, my favourite aspect of the story were the turbulent relationships between her sons. Each of them was a well drawn character, and very interesting to follow.
Absolutely recommended if you like Eleanor of Aquitaine or the historical period.
October 21, 2025
Triloģijas pēdējā daļa! Vēsturiski interesanti notikumi, tomēr vienlaikus tie mijas ar gariem aprakstošiem tekstiem! Šai daļai ir nepieciešama lasītāja pacietība!
July 18, 2021
I am still enthralled with Ailenor of Aquitaine! What a courageous, relentless, indomitable woman. This trilogy gives so much detail to the story of Henry’s Queen, Richard & John’s mother.
Thank you, Elizabeth Chadwick for your research & well told story of this moment in time!!!
Thank you, Elizabeth Chadwick for your research & well told story of this moment in time!!!
July 27, 2020
4 stars - not so much for the artistic achievement as for the research that went into this work. I loved learning more about Alienor, a Queen I used to know nothing of at the time of leaving school, as nobody mentioned her name in my history classes. We heard the names of her husbands and sons, not hers nor her daughters' names. I can only hope that if this was also the case in the UK it has changed now.
There was a biography which I read many years ago intrigued simply by the sound of Alienor's name (by Regine Pernoud), where I first learnt about this wonderful woman, her strong will, her achievements, her leadership.
In Alienor's vast inheritance and family links I finally discovered the origins of 100 years war! Before that discovery I could never figure out how and why it all had started, and it annoyed me greatly. This was not mentioned in history lessons either. Alienor's biography was one of the triggers that pushed me towards reading more popular history for pleasure. Suddenly it all made greater sense and started falling into places.
As incredible as it sounds, Alienor inspired me personally at the time of my first encounter with her. A woman who lived 800 years before me had actually influenced my life, and I'm not saying this lightly. I made one of the most important decisions in my life after reading her biography, and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever taken She taught me how to be strong against adversities, she taught me that a woman can be like a cane, she will bend but not break.
Chadwick wrote that Alienor was often told she was acting out of her place, but indeed she was exactly in a place she was supposed to be. She has my admiration and respect, for breaking the rules, for making new ones, for standing up to bullies, for standing up even to the ones she loved, for defending fiercely her independence even when it would have been easier to give in.
There was a biography which I read many years ago intrigued simply by the sound of Alienor's name (by Regine Pernoud), where I first learnt about this wonderful woman, her strong will, her achievements, her leadership.
In Alienor's vast inheritance and family links I finally discovered the origins of 100 years war! Before that discovery I could never figure out how and why it all had started, and it annoyed me greatly. This was not mentioned in history lessons either. Alienor's biography was one of the triggers that pushed me towards reading more popular history for pleasure. Suddenly it all made greater sense and started falling into places.
As incredible as it sounds, Alienor inspired me personally at the time of my first encounter with her. A woman who lived 800 years before me had actually influenced my life, and I'm not saying this lightly. I made one of the most important decisions in my life after reading her biography, and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever taken She taught me how to be strong against adversities, she taught me that a woman can be like a cane, she will bend but not break.
Chadwick wrote that Alienor was often told she was acting out of her place, but indeed she was exactly in a place she was supposed to be. She has my admiration and respect, for breaking the rules, for making new ones, for standing up to bullies, for standing up even to the ones she loved, for defending fiercely her independence even when it would have been easier to give in.
June 6, 2020
Alienor is opgesloten in Sarum door haar man koning Henry II. 15 jaar lang zal ze ver weg van het politieke spel moeten zien te overleven. Ondertussen vechten haar zonen onderling en tegen hun vader om land en macht. Na de dood van haar man wordt haar favoriete zoon Richard koning van Engeland en terwijl die op kruistocht vertrekt staat Alienor voor heel wat uitdagingen. Zo trekt ze in volle winter de Alpen door om haar zoon zijn bruid te brengen en zorgt haar jongste telg John voor allerlei problemen. Om van de koning van Frankrijk nog maar te zwijgen.
Dit is het laatste boek uit een heuse trilogie over Eleanor Of Aquitaine. Ook wel de meest bad ass queen uit de vroege middeleeuwen genoemd. Ik vond dit zeker het beste boek uit de reeks. In boek één is Eleanor nog vrij jong, in boek twee baart ze het ene kind na het andere maar in dit boek wordt ze echt koningin. Ook al start het verhaal met haar 15-jaar lange opsluiting. Dan merk je dat ze wel veel verder van de actie afstaat, dus dit deel was tegelijk boeiend om te lezen, maar soms ook frustrerend.
Halverwege wordt ze de befaamde queen mother zoals we haar kennen. Ik vond het ook enorm fijn dat al haar kinderen, ook haar dochters, een plaats krijgen in het verhaal. Op het einde past alles mooi in elkaar.
Is dit beste historische trilogie die ik ooit gelezen heb? Neen, Chadwick overtuigt me nog net niet voldoende. Maar dat ik nog boeken over Eleanor wil lezen, dat staat vast. Het is een periode waar ik nog te weinig over lees. En ik vond de personages echt goed neergezet. Zelfs John was nog vrij genuanceerd, wat met zo'n door en door slechte koning niet eenvoudig is. Ook haar kleindochter Blanche of Castilië fascineert me door dit boek. Dus hopelijk kom ik haar nog eens ergens tegen.
Mooie afsluiter! Ik pak ooit nog wel eens een Chadwick op.
Dit is het laatste boek uit een heuse trilogie over Eleanor Of Aquitaine. Ook wel de meest bad ass queen uit de vroege middeleeuwen genoemd. Ik vond dit zeker het beste boek uit de reeks. In boek één is Eleanor nog vrij jong, in boek twee baart ze het ene kind na het andere maar in dit boek wordt ze echt koningin. Ook al start het verhaal met haar 15-jaar lange opsluiting. Dan merk je dat ze wel veel verder van de actie afstaat, dus dit deel was tegelijk boeiend om te lezen, maar soms ook frustrerend.
Halverwege wordt ze de befaamde queen mother zoals we haar kennen. Ik vond het ook enorm fijn dat al haar kinderen, ook haar dochters, een plaats krijgen in het verhaal. Op het einde past alles mooi in elkaar.
Is dit beste historische trilogie die ik ooit gelezen heb? Neen, Chadwick overtuigt me nog net niet voldoende. Maar dat ik nog boeken over Eleanor wil lezen, dat staat vast. Het is een periode waar ik nog te weinig over lees. En ik vond de personages echt goed neergezet. Zelfs John was nog vrij genuanceerd, wat met zo'n door en door slechte koning niet eenvoudig is. Ook haar kleindochter Blanche of Castilië fascineert me door dit boek. Dus hopelijk kom ik haar nog eens ergens tegen.
Mooie afsluiter! Ik pak ooit nog wel eens een Chadwick op.
March 4, 2019
This is a good conclusion to Chadwick's series about Eleanor. If anyone captured the queen, I think it was Chadwick. The conflict between her sons and their heirs forms much of the book.
October 25, 2016
I found it overly melodramatic with clunky writing. I prefer Sharon Kay Penman's interpretation and style of writing.
January 22, 2017
Another fantastic Chadwick! The final book in Eleanor's trilogy. An Extraordinary life perfectly wrapped up.
January 28, 2018
Eleanor of Aquitaine is no mere queen. She is THE Queen. Who else in history do you know of who dealt so well with not one but two power hungry, controlling, and sadistic kings? Who won the world? Eleanor did. But let me tell you, it wasn't easy. In this book we find Eleanor in her later years, after she managed to divorce and escape from sexist, insecure, and self centered King Louis VIII.
Eleanore, who had been blamed by Louis VIII for not bearing him sons, bore Henry II male heirs as well as used her mad skills to help him literally rule the world. What a woman, right? I bet you are thinking Henry II was very pleased and worshiped his wife. Nope. Having all that power, money, and land wasn't enough for him. Henry II made it his mission to punish Eleanor until she gave over her lands and her subsequent power. He punished her a very long time because Eleanore of Aquitaine did not allow him to defeat her.
You know how you say, "I would rather die than do (fill in the blank with some thing you think you are that resolved about)," and ask yourself if you *really* mean it. Do you really have the strength to endure hardship to hold onto what you claim to value? Eleanor did. Henry locked her away-- for a long, long time. She never once gave in. When she was taken from her children, when she didn't have adequate food, when she was practically going mad from the imprisonment, she held strong. Even when she could taste freedom, smell the air, dream of what it would be like to walk where she liked, to interact with people she desperately loved and missed, she refused to give in. She took her punishment and never let it crush her soul.
Through it all, she focused on the strength of her character. It reminds me of that scene in G.I. Jane where Jane told her fellow male soldiers that she would likely be raped. The enemy would do that to 1) destroy her inner self and 2) to upset her fellow soldiers. She told them that if she was raped, the rapists could take nothing from her. He would not have her permission to make her weak. She instructed her fellow soldiers to not react. If I made a sci-fi film, Eleanor of Aquitaine would somehow be able to time travel and she and G.I. Jane would have a discussion in which they would each think, I get you. I really get you. There were parts of her that Henry II could not defeat, no matter what he did, and because of this, because of her resolve, she is simply one of my favorite heroes of all time.
Her will was tested often, as the will of a queen often is. She endured the loss of two beloved sons and watched her daughters move to distant lands to make marriage alliances. However, she outlived Henry II by many years and enjoyed her rightful freedom and power for decades after his death. In the end, the men who tried to rule her were but a blip on her radar as she went on with her life.
Eleanore, who had been blamed by Louis VIII for not bearing him sons, bore Henry II male heirs as well as used her mad skills to help him literally rule the world. What a woman, right? I bet you are thinking Henry II was very pleased and worshiped his wife. Nope. Having all that power, money, and land wasn't enough for him. Henry II made it his mission to punish Eleanor until she gave over her lands and her subsequent power. He punished her a very long time because Eleanore of Aquitaine did not allow him to defeat her.
You know how you say, "I would rather die than do (fill in the blank with some thing you think you are that resolved about)," and ask yourself if you *really* mean it. Do you really have the strength to endure hardship to hold onto what you claim to value? Eleanor did. Henry locked her away-- for a long, long time. She never once gave in. When she was taken from her children, when she didn't have adequate food, when she was practically going mad from the imprisonment, she held strong. Even when she could taste freedom, smell the air, dream of what it would be like to walk where she liked, to interact with people she desperately loved and missed, she refused to give in. She took her punishment and never let it crush her soul.
Through it all, she focused on the strength of her character. It reminds me of that scene in G.I. Jane where Jane told her fellow male soldiers that she would likely be raped. The enemy would do that to 1) destroy her inner self and 2) to upset her fellow soldiers. She told them that if she was raped, the rapists could take nothing from her. He would not have her permission to make her weak. She instructed her fellow soldiers to not react. If I made a sci-fi film, Eleanor of Aquitaine would somehow be able to time travel and she and G.I. Jane would have a discussion in which they would each think, I get you. I really get you. There were parts of her that Henry II could not defeat, no matter what he did, and because of this, because of her resolve, she is simply one of my favorite heroes of all time.
Her will was tested often, as the will of a queen often is. She endured the loss of two beloved sons and watched her daughters move to distant lands to make marriage alliances. However, she outlived Henry II by many years and enjoyed her rightful freedom and power for decades after his death. In the end, the men who tried to rule her were but a blip on her radar as she went on with her life.
July 8, 2024
‘’ — Vous étiez unique, grand-mère, lança-t-elle à voix basse en regardant par-dessus son épaule. Et votre souvenir demeurera tant qu’il y aura des hommes.’’
Je craignais que le troisième livre commençant par les 16 années de sa séquestration soit un peu lent, mais ce fut définitivement mon préféré de la série! Autant au niveau de la force mental qu’elle a dû faire preuve pour surmonter la cruauté de son mari, mais également son émancipation à sa mort. Même durant sa séquestration, l’autrice a su nous captiver à chaque page tout en entretenant en nous la haine envers Henri, comme j’avais hâte à sa mort. Elle a su rendre l’histoire vivante et palpitante, mais surtout elle a su rendre un personnage tel qu’Aliénor, humain. Elle n’était pas qu’une reine, une comtesse ou une politicienne, elle était aussi une femme, une mère et une grand-mère, elle était profonde et aimait profondément ses enfants.
Sa relation avec Richard fut très bien dépeinte, les liens étroits qui les unissait et l’amour inconditionnel qu’ils se rendaient était aussi fort qu’émouvant, mais elle n’a pas que montré cela, elle a également montré l’amour d’Aliénor pour ses autres enfants, pour ses filles également et ses petits-enfants notamment la jeune Richenza qui ma émut à plusieurs reprises. L’autrice à su me faire ressentir une large gamme d’émotion, de la joie pure pour Aliénor, à la colère et la frustration, à la tristesse jusqu’à m’en faire pleurer avec ses deuils.
Je ne me suis ennuyé à aucun moment durant cette lecture et malgré que je connaissais bien son histoire, que je savais la fin du livre en avance, j’étais tenu en haleine. Sa plume et toujours aussi agréable à lire, toujours aussi riche et délicate se qui s’agence à merveille avec le côté historique de son roman. Elle a bien mis son talent à l’ouvrage pour rendre hommage à cette femme qui à marquer l’histoire durant plus de 80 ans de vie. Pour vrai, je recommande cette série à n’importe qui, pas besoin d’être fan d’histoire tant les rebondissement et trahison son fréquent et le récit palpitant!
Je craignais que le troisième livre commençant par les 16 années de sa séquestration soit un peu lent, mais ce fut définitivement mon préféré de la série! Autant au niveau de la force mental qu’elle a dû faire preuve pour surmonter la cruauté de son mari, mais également son émancipation à sa mort. Même durant sa séquestration, l’autrice a su nous captiver à chaque page tout en entretenant en nous la haine envers Henri, comme j’avais hâte à sa mort. Elle a su rendre l’histoire vivante et palpitante, mais surtout elle a su rendre un personnage tel qu’Aliénor, humain. Elle n’était pas qu’une reine, une comtesse ou une politicienne, elle était aussi une femme, une mère et une grand-mère, elle était profonde et aimait profondément ses enfants.
Sa relation avec Richard fut très bien dépeinte, les liens étroits qui les unissait et l’amour inconditionnel qu’ils se rendaient était aussi fort qu’émouvant, mais elle n’a pas que montré cela, elle a également montré l’amour d’Aliénor pour ses autres enfants, pour ses filles également et ses petits-enfants notamment la jeune Richenza qui ma émut à plusieurs reprises. L’autrice à su me faire ressentir une large gamme d’émotion, de la joie pure pour Aliénor, à la colère et la frustration, à la tristesse jusqu’à m’en faire pleurer avec ses deuils.
Je ne me suis ennuyé à aucun moment durant cette lecture et malgré que je connaissais bien son histoire, que je savais la fin du livre en avance, j’étais tenu en haleine. Sa plume et toujours aussi agréable à lire, toujours aussi riche et délicate se qui s’agence à merveille avec le côté historique de son roman. Elle a bien mis son talent à l’ouvrage pour rendre hommage à cette femme qui à marquer l’histoire durant plus de 80 ans de vie. Pour vrai, je recommande cette série à n’importe qui, pas besoin d’être fan d’histoire tant les rebondissement et trahison son fréquent et le récit palpitant!
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