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Start by marking “When Christ and His Saints Slept (Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, #1)” as Want to Read:
When Christ and His Saints Slept
(Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine #1)
by
A.D. 1135. As church bells tolled for the death of England's King Henry I, his barons faced the unwelcome prospect of being ruled by a woman: Henry's beautiful daughter Maude, Countess of Anjou. But before Maude could claim her throne, her cousin Stephen seized it. In their long and bitter struggle, all of England bled and burned.
Sharon Kay Penman's magnificent fifth novel ...more
Sharon Kay Penman's magnificent fifth novel ...more
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Paperback, 784 pages
Published
February 6th 1996
by Ballantine Books
(first published January 1st 1994)
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Start your review of When Christ and His Saints Slept (Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, #1)

“Why is it honesty when a man speaks his mind and madness when a woman does?”
So 12th century England is basically A Game of Thrones.
I really enjoyed what Penman did with this book and it's made me eager to seek out her other stuff. When Christ and His Saints Slept complements another historical fiction book I love - Follett's The Pillars of the Earth - by filling in the historical and political background. This book focuses in more depth on the conflict between Empress Maude and the usurper ...more

You will look at this book and find the 742 pages daunting, but I will relieve your mind on that score. The book reads fast. Penman keeps the pages moving bringing history to life and putting flesh on the bones of a vast array of characters. Despite the plot involving so many historical figures I never found myself to be lost. I have read quite a bit about the Plantagenets and that may have helped me to decipher the where, why and what more easily, but I do think a reader with less background of
...more

Penman's broad epic scope focuses on the dynastic struggle for the crown of England. This takes place in the early 12th century when Henry I, who had over 20 illegitimate children, loses his one legitimate heir in the White Ship Ordeal (i.e. basically, a chunk of the fleet sank in the British storms). Upon Henry I's death it was settled that Henry's daughter, Maude, would rule. For his barons this was quite unpopular as women were not supposed to rule, which opened the doors for a cousin, Stephe
...more

What makes Sharon Penman's historical novels set in medieval Britain so amazing is how they combine sticking quite close to historical facts, with making a thrilling read enjoyable to modern readers, together with an engaging cast of characters.
This novel documents the nineteen year civil war between Empress Maud, Countess of Anjou and Lady of the English and King Stephen, a war which ravaged England and caused great suffering to the people.
Penman outlines the complex characters of Maude- proud, ...more
This novel documents the nineteen year civil war between Empress Maud, Countess of Anjou and Lady of the English and King Stephen, a war which ravaged England and caused great suffering to the people.
Penman outlines the complex characters of Maude- proud, ...more

Mar 02, 2011
Iset
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Absolutely everyone
Recommended to Iset by:
Dad
It was with great anticipation that I returned to Sharon Penman’s When Christ and His Saints Slept, the first book by Sharon Penman that I ever read at the tender age of 10, and which for good reasons immediately became one of my favourite books of all time and in all the years since has never been displaced from its solid and thoroughly deserved status as the cream of the crop not just of historical fiction but across genres. This is the only book for which I have ever stayed awake without slee
...more

"A man can be our enemy, Eustace, and still be a decent sort.
I've read all of Philippa Gregory's king and queen books, and this is only my second title by Sharon Kay Penman. I enjoy them both but for different reasons - PG shows you all the intrigues in the courts, but you're never really aware of what is happening to the man on the street. These are quick, easy and very intriguing reads. SKP shows the effects of the kings wars and decisions on the country as a whole. I found it especially sad t ...more

I liked this book, and am a fan of Penman's...but there were a few issues that I had with this one:
1.) "Head-hopping": Sometimes it's really hard to tell who she's talking about, and you have to go back and re-read to figure it out.
2.) Many scenes seem to have this basic structure:
1. Some major characters, most likely nobles, are talking about something eminently important.
2. Suddenly...A rider/knight will rush in to tell them that someone has died/been born, or a castle/city is under siege/ta ...more
1.) "Head-hopping": Sometimes it's really hard to tell who she's talking about, and you have to go back and re-read to figure it out.
2.) Many scenes seem to have this basic structure:
1. Some major characters, most likely nobles, are talking about something eminently important.
2. Suddenly...A rider/knight will rush in to tell them that someone has died/been born, or a castle/city is under siege/ta ...more

Sharon Penman has, for a long while now, taken first place on my list of favorite authors, in any genre!
No matter which genre I delve into, no author (so far) has been able to draw me in as well as Penman does. Medieval England is filled with all the elements one needs for an entertaining read, but no one highlights these elements quite like Penman!
What can I say? I loved this book! I couldn't put it down! ...more
No matter which genre I delve into, no author (so far) has been able to draw me in as well as Penman does. Medieval England is filled with all the elements one needs for an entertaining read, but no one highlights these elements quite like Penman!
What can I say? I loved this book! I couldn't put it down! ...more

"Never before had there been greater wretchedness in the country....And they said openly that Christ and his saints slept."
-The Peterborough Chronicle
This superb historical fiction novel covers a very tumultuous time in English history- a period lasting from 1135-1153 known as the "Anarchy" (though not in this book as this is term does not come into existence till the Victorian Era, where historian William Stubbs wrote a book on "The Constitutional History of England" and his student, John Round ...more
-The Peterborough Chronicle
This superb historical fiction novel covers a very tumultuous time in English history- a period lasting from 1135-1153 known as the "Anarchy" (though not in this book as this is term does not come into existence till the Victorian Era, where historian William Stubbs wrote a book on "The Constitutional History of England" and his student, John Round ...more

Now I read Sharon Kay Penman's When Christ and his Saints Slept many many years ago (I purchased a hardback copy with much anticipation when it was first released, mostly because of my adoration of Ellis Peters' brilliant Brother Cadfael series which takes place in the same historical period) and I must admit that I have neither the energy nor even the inclination to consider a detailed and intense rereading (at least at present) in order to pen a longer and more involved review, as my reading e
...more

A Sad and Tragic Period in England's History and truly a time when Christ and his Saints slept. A fascinating, complicated tale with a huge cast of characters, many with similar names. It was hard to keep track of at times, a list of who's who at the front of the book would have been helpful, as SKP did in the next book, Time and Chance.
The characters were well written, and I appreciated that neither Stephen (who did steal the crown) nor Maude were written as black and white/evil vs. saint -- a ...more
The characters were well written, and I appreciated that neither Stephen (who did steal the crown) nor Maude were written as black and white/evil vs. saint -- a ...more

This is not a great example of historical fiction. The story is thin and feels like it is just there to connect the historical elements that the author had researched and wanted to tell us about. It's hard to develop much interest in any of the characters. Really, this isn't so much a novel as a seemingly endless series of vignettes. I'm struggling to get through it, but sticking it out for some reason. I definitely wouldn't recommend.
...more

Jul 08, 2018
Steven Walle
added it
This was a great book written about the eleven hundreds in England and Normandy. It speaks of the fierce fighting for the crown and many betrails of the heart. I recommend it highly.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.

Before the Tudors and before the Plantagenets; England, France, and much of Europe was comprised of territories up for conquest. Although history always highlights men, there were women groveling for crowns, as well. Ever hear of Empress Maude versus King Stephen? Sharon Kay Penman traverses this period in her novel, “When Christ and his Saints Slept”.
A warning must initially be signaled that Penman’s novel is a heavy one. The pages immediately introduce a multitude of characters and the story i ...more
A warning must initially be signaled that Penman’s novel is a heavy one. The pages immediately introduce a multitude of characters and the story i ...more

"And so began for the wretched people of England, a time of suffering so great that they came to fear "Christ and his saints slept.""
Now I understand what the fuss on this book is about! It is a clear-cut narration of historical events leading to the Anarchy and what it was like for people from all standing to live through and suffer the tribulations of this particular period, starting from the day Stephen and Empress Maude fought over England’s crown. Reading this is like poring over a history ...more

Mar 31, 2020
Karen
added it
5 STARS

“In time of war, the Devil makes more room in Hell.”
What a fascinating tale of history this was. It has taken me over 2 months to finish it, but I am just getting started here. The Plantagenet line has just begun for England, and I cannot wait to read on. Having been to some of these sites several times, I have always been intrigued by the incredible lives that have shaped our history. Fascinating stories of men and women, some of valor and glory and so many of treachery and betrayal. Bro ...more

“In time of war, the Devil makes more room in Hell.”
What a fascinating tale of history this was. It has taken me over 2 months to finish it, but I am just getting started here. The Plantagenet line has just begun for England, and I cannot wait to read on. Having been to some of these sites several times, I have always been intrigued by the incredible lives that have shaped our history. Fascinating stories of men and women, some of valor and glory and so many of treachery and betrayal. Bro ...more

Mar 24, 2011
The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
It still boggles the mind to think that England went through twenty years of civil war because men just couldn't stand to see a powerful woman on the throne. When Christ and His Saints Slept is a very long book, which would make for a very interesting miniseries. This novel is the real Game of Thrones, played against a backdrop of shifting loyalties, clashing armies and the suffering of innocents. One cannot help to feel some sympathy for Stephen, the man who should not have been king. I wanted
...more

This truly epic novel covers the years between 1101 and 1154 in England and some duchies in France as the nobility fought an astonishingly long and destructive war over who would sit the throne of England; Stephen of Blois or the Empress Maude. A huge cast of characters populates this book and their conflicts with each other and themselves are what propels this story. All of them have distinctive personalities and personal motive is a huge factor in this story, as sides were changed often and lo
...more

It called to me, so I decided to reread it.
Wow, what a completely shitty time to live in England or France! It amazes me that one could carry on a war for 20 years and just dismiss the misery one is causing people. The common people didn't care who wore the crown. They just wanted to live their lives and feed their families. But every year or so you mow down their town on the way to the next castle, fort or stronghold. Your army marches on it's belly, so you take everything edible on the way thr ...more
Wow, what a completely shitty time to live in England or France! It amazes me that one could carry on a war for 20 years and just dismiss the misery one is causing people. The common people didn't care who wore the crown. They just wanted to live their lives and feed their families. But every year or so you mow down their town on the way to the next castle, fort or stronghold. Your army marches on it's belly, so you take everything edible on the way thr ...more

Sharon Kay Penman is the all time master of historical fiction. (Her Welsh Princes trilogy even made my Dad cry!)
This is the first in her Plantagenets series. It starts with the death of the only *legitimate* son of King Henry I and what that leads to. Will his daughter take the crown back from her cousin Stephen? What happens when her son Henry meets the Queen of France, Eleanor of Aquitaine?
This is some of the most dramatic and romantic of historical times. Names from history litter this book ...more
This is the first in her Plantagenets series. It starts with the death of the only *legitimate* son of King Henry I and what that leads to. Will his daughter take the crown back from her cousin Stephen? What happens when her son Henry meets the Queen of France, Eleanor of Aquitaine?
This is some of the most dramatic and romantic of historical times. Names from history litter this book ...more

At over 36 hours on audio,
Perhaps this sort of long form historical novel is not for everyone. It is the sad story of the 18 years civil war between Stephen and Maud. If you read the Brother Cadfael novels you will likely enjoy reading more about this war and the people who inhabited it. Sharon Kay Penman is a master at characterization and capturing a time. Writing one novel like this is astounding; writing as many as she has is almost incomprehensible.
Perhaps this sort of long form historical novel is not for everyone. It is the sad story of the 18 years civil war between Stephen and Maud. If you read the Brother Cadfael novels you will likely enjoy reading more about this war and the people who inhabited it. Sharon Kay Penman is a master at characterization and capturing a time. Writing one novel like this is astounding; writing as many as she has is almost incomprehensible.

Sometimes I have a difficult time deciding how to rate a book. I expect to find that a 5-star book stands out among the millions of written pages out there. This one does. I have read it before and knew exactly what would happen, but that didn't stop tears from forming in my eyes at times as Penman skillfully made history come alive.
Even the title is more eye-catching and thought provoking than most. When Christ and His Saints Slept was an era of English history fraught with unfortunate events b ...more
Even the title is more eye-catching and thought provoking than most. When Christ and His Saints Slept was an era of English history fraught with unfortunate events b ...more

I have read this several times but realised during this re-read how much more critical a reader I have become - not necessarily a good thing, in some ways. So, the complaint first; writing forsoothly. I wish she wouldn't. Also, the use of the term 'lad/lass' every time someone speaks to someone else gets REALLY irritating. I know it's an English habit but not everyone uses it and I doubt it was different then. It's part of the writing forsoothly. I think it's one of the dangers of writing about
...more

Well! My first impression, back when this book appeared in 1995, was that it ran aground on all the author's research and failed really to ignite as a big sprawling work of fiction. But now, returning to the book a quarter-century later, I saw SO much more of its merits. In some very real sense, this could be viewed as a work of dramatized history rather than historicized drama - it's fantastic and well-paced and genuinely empathetic throughout. So glad I re-visited this one.
...more

Apr 27, 2016
James Burns
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
my-librairy,
historical-romance
I have always loved historical books about Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, and even though this a work Historical Fiction it was well researched and meets my criteria for Historical Novels. 1st, is it historical accurate describing Battles, and Characters. 2nd, are the characters described real people and how many fictional people are there. 3rd, Can the book come to life as if I'm living the story.
I don't have the words to describe how much I enjoyed reading this book.
The first chapters ...more
I don't have the words to describe how much I enjoyed reading this book.
The first chapters ...more

I didn't like this book, skipping over and skimming through the last half as fast as I could.
Set in 1135 England, it tells the story of Stephen and Maude's fight over the thone.
I picked out this as my first Penman novel because it was set in the era of Brother Cadfael. The amount of time spent on Maude's unhappy marriage and Stephens wife was tedious and jumping from one drama to the next drama was too much action and not enough story or character building. The history was fascinating but the w ...more
Set in 1135 England, it tells the story of Stephen and Maude's fight over the thone.
I picked out this as my first Penman novel because it was set in the era of Brother Cadfael. The amount of time spent on Maude's unhappy marriage and Stephens wife was tedious and jumping from one drama to the next drama was too much action and not enough story or character building. The history was fascinating but the w ...more

Christ and his saints slept because they read this book.
There's too much exposition and too little action. The characters spend most of their time playing the "as you know, Bob" game. Very little happens "on stage"; most important events are revealed in letters that are read out to the amazement and shock of all present. Characters are too farsighted at times, having an unrealistic ability to foresee all the repercussions of an event. ...more
There's too much exposition and too little action. The characters spend most of their time playing the "as you know, Bob" game. Very little happens "on stage"; most important events are revealed in letters that are read out to the amazement and shock of all present. Characters are too farsighted at times, having an unrealistic ability to foresee all the repercussions of an event. ...more

8/14/19 Audible (members) daily deal! $6.95

4 and ½ Stars! History of 12th Century England Brought to Life
This story of England and France in the time of the Civil War between Stephen and the Empress Maude begins in 1135 A.D. and continues to 1154 A.D. As King Henry I dies, his barons faced the unwelcome prospect of being ruled either by Henry's beautiful daughter, Maude, Countess of Anjou, or her cousin Stephen, a great battle commander but a weak statesman. The Civil War that resulted from their struggle for the Crown was to wreak havoc ...more
This story of England and France in the time of the Civil War between Stephen and the Empress Maude begins in 1135 A.D. and continues to 1154 A.D. As King Henry I dies, his barons faced the unwelcome prospect of being ruled either by Henry's beautiful daughter, Maude, Countess of Anjou, or her cousin Stephen, a great battle commander but a weak statesman. The Civil War that resulted from their struggle for the Crown was to wreak havoc ...more

I have meant for some years to read this author's long novel about Richard III, so when this one instead appeared in a charity shop was tempted. I didn't know much about the period it covers other than remembering that the war between King Stephen and Empress/would-be Queen Maude (aka Matilda) forms the background to the Cadfael series by Ellis Peters.
I enjoyed this book in parts, principally when the scenes developed naturally with some nice interaction between historical characters such as Hen ...more
I enjoyed this book in parts, principally when the scenes developed naturally with some nice interaction between historical characters such as Hen ...more
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Play Book Tag: When Christ and His Saints Slept(Listopia) 4.5 stars | 2 | 18 | Sep 03, 2018 04:24PM |
Penman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer.
The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following ...more
The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following ...more
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Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine
(3 books)
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