Hal, the Young King, who lives in the shadow of his father, expects his due to come easily and never learns to stand on his own two feet. Richard, distrustful of his father, ineffectual in the protection of his mother, grows angrily possessive of Aquitaine, his inheritance. Geoffrey, enigmatic and more like Henry than Henry would care to admit, takes advantage of his brothers’ discontent to further his own ends. John, the son Henry fatally underestimates, lives in their shadows, growing increasingly malcontent. Eleanor, wife, mother, queen, gives 16 years of her life for one mistake, and yet rises above them all in the end.
I enjoyed Devil’s Brood, as I enjoy most of Sharon Kay Penman’s novels. She is a gifted storyteller with the ability to make you like – or at least sympathize with - historical characters you might otherwise disdain. The history is never a mere backdrop, but a full course meal of authenticity, romanticism and imagination. The author’s historical note at the end helpfully explains where she embellished or changed historical fact.
If you like Elizabeth Chadwick, especially the William Marshal novels, you’ll like Devil’s Brood, in which Marshal appears throughout. Rating: Excellent! Note: This review is based on the Advanced Reading Copy.
A classic novel of the gay experience during the post-Depression era, The City and the Pillar deserves praise for its candid portrayal of homosexuality during a time when being gay was considered shameful and immoral. The book originally appeared in 1948, making it contemporary fiction rather than a historical novel.
While I used to devour mysteries as if they were a source of life’s sustenance, I have not read more than a few over the past couple of years. They became too formulaic, if not entirely predictable. Many of the historical mysteries just didn’t offer enough history to hold my attention. Thus, when I read that An Instance of the Fingerpost was hailed as a literary mystery set against the background of the English Restoration, I was intrigued.
, a historical novel about Constance of York who was Edward III’s granddaughter and Richard II’s cousin, offers a bibliography of fiction and non-fiction on Richard II. I especially appreciate that Wainwright highlights the novels that are biographical fiction. He lists separately those that provide background information on Richard or the times.
relates the life of his friend and lover from the time of his arrival in England as a teenager until his murder during the early years of Edward’s reign. Edward’s attraction is immediate.
The Time of Singing by Elizabeth Chadwick, 2 October 2008 (U.K. release). This is the story of Roger Bigod and Ida de Tosney as they struggle to hold on to their family and lands under the tumultuous reigns of three kings – Henry II, Richard I and John.
Crown in Candlelight by Rosemary Hawley Jarman, 1 November 2008 (U.S. release). Biographical fiction on Katherine of Valois, covering her life with Henry V of France and Owen Tudor. Reprint.
I, Jacqueline by Hilda Lewis, 1 November 2008 (U.S. release). Biographical fiction on Jacqueline of Hainaut. Reprint.
The King’s Grey Mare by Rosemary Hawley Jarman, 1 November 2008 (U.S. release). Biographical fiction on Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV. Reprint.
Blood Royal by Elisabeth McNeill, 1 December 2008 (U.S. release). Product description: Nathan, a pedlar and seller of embroidery threads, first sets his eyes on Mary Queen of Scots as an infant being crowned at Stirling Castle. He follows her life, being one of the many who are drawn to her, and becomes more closely involved in her life than a mere pedlar could possibly imagine.
After the Lies by Mandessa Selby, 17 December 2008 (U.S. release). A love story during the Indian wars in Texas in 1873.
Blindspot by Jane Kamensky and Jill Lepore, 9 December 2008 (U.S. release). Historical mystery set in 1764 in Boston.
The Virgin Queen’s Daughter by Ella March Chase, 30 December 2008 (U.S. release). Speculation surrounding an illegitimate child belonging to Elizabeth I.
People of the Thunder by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear, 6 January 2009 (U.S. release). Product description: By 1300 AD, the Sky Hand people had crushed and enslaved the Albaamaha people and built their high-walled capital, Split Sky City, to dominate towns up and down the Black Warrior River. Great armies are on the march, and a cunning new leader, Smoke Shield, has risen. He will lead the Sky Hand people either to stunning triumph or to bloody doom.
Twelve by Jasper Kent, January 2009 (U.S. release). An army captain under Alexander I discovers intrigue and treachery in a band of Wallachian mercenaries during Napolean’s invasion of Russia in 1812. Twelve is the first in a series of 5 novels that span Russian history from the Revolution of 1917 to the first World War. Excerpt.
The Antigallican by Tom Bowling, January 2009 (U.S. release). In June 1794, the first major naval engagement of the Napoleonic Revolutionary War takes place between British and French ships. The story centers around the French frigate, The Hortense, which is commanded by Republican Admiral Jan Van Stabel and on its way to deliver corn to the French.
Fire and Sword by Simon Scarrow, 8 January 2009 (U.K. release). The third book in a quartet focusing on Wellington and Napoleon.
Roanoke by Margaret Lawrence, 27 January 2009 (U.S. and U.K. release). “Roanoke tells the story of two Queens and two continents, linked by one of history’s most fascinating unsolved mysteries: What Really Happened to the lost colony of Roanoke?” (High Crimes Mystery Bookshop)
by Roberta Gellis. The second book in The Roselynde Chronicles, a historical romance with strong historical background. Eleanor plays a minor role.
by Jean Plaidy. The 5th book in the Queens of England Series focuses on Eleanor.
by Robin Paige. A historical mystery with early 20th century researchers investigating the poisoning of Rosamund Clifford.
by Margaret Ball. Biographical fiction on Eleanor.
by Nora Lofts. Biographical fiction on Eleanor. Later reprinted as Queen in Waiting.
by Sharon Kay Penman. I haven’t read this novel yet. The second in the Henry II and Eleanor trilogy, it covers the early years of their marriage