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Eleanore of Avignon
Rich with unforgettable characters, gorgeously drawn, and full of captivating historical drama, Eleanore of Avignon is the story of a healer who risks her life, her freedom, and everything she holds dear to protect her beloved city from the encroaching Black Death
Provence, 1347. Eleanore (Elea) Blanchet is a young midwife and herbalist with remarkable skills. But as she learned the day her mother died, the most dangerous thing a woman can do is draw attention to herself. She attends patients in her home city of Avignon, spends time with her father and twin sister, gathers herbs in the surrounding woods, and dreams of the freedom to pursue her calling without fear.
In a chance encounter, Elea meets Guigo de Chauliac, the enigmatic personal physician to the powerful Pope Clement, and strikes a deal with him to take her on as his apprentice. Under Chauliac’s tutelage she hones her skills as a healer, combining her knowledge of folk medicine with anatomy, astrology, and surgical techniques.
Then, two pieces of earth-shattering the Black Death has made landfall in Europe, and the disgraced Queen Joanna is coming to Avignon to stand trial for her husband’s murder. She is pregnant and in need of a midwife, a role only Elea can fill.
The queen’s childbirth approaches as the plague spreads like wildfire, leaving half the city dead in its wake. The people of Avignon grow desperate for a scapegoat and a group of religious heretics launch a witch hunt, one that could cost Elea—an intelligent, talented, unwed woman—everything.
Provence, 1347. Eleanore (Elea) Blanchet is a young midwife and herbalist with remarkable skills. But as she learned the day her mother died, the most dangerous thing a woman can do is draw attention to herself. She attends patients in her home city of Avignon, spends time with her father and twin sister, gathers herbs in the surrounding woods, and dreams of the freedom to pursue her calling without fear.
In a chance encounter, Elea meets Guigo de Chauliac, the enigmatic personal physician to the powerful Pope Clement, and strikes a deal with him to take her on as his apprentice. Under Chauliac’s tutelage she hones her skills as a healer, combining her knowledge of folk medicine with anatomy, astrology, and surgical techniques.
Then, two pieces of earth-shattering the Black Death has made landfall in Europe, and the disgraced Queen Joanna is coming to Avignon to stand trial for her husband’s murder. She is pregnant and in need of a midwife, a role only Elea can fill.
The queen’s childbirth approaches as the plague spreads like wildfire, leaving half the city dead in its wake. The people of Avignon grow desperate for a scapegoat and a group of religious heretics launch a witch hunt, one that could cost Elea—an intelligent, talented, unwed woman—everything.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2024
508 people are currently reading
18879 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth DeLozier
1 book262 followersElizabeth DeLozier holds a BA in Spanish literature, a BS in biological anthropology, and a doctorate in physical therapy. An avid traveler, animal lover, and history nerd, she lives in Southern California with her husband, twin sons, and rescue dogs. Eleanore of Avignon is her debut novel. For more, follow her on instagram at @elizabethdelozierwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,029 reviews
January 3, 2025
WOW. That was incredible.
(All I did today was read. And eat white bean chili. It's been a great Christmas eve lol)
This was one of my favorite fiction books of 2024!
Click here to hear more of my thoughts over on my Booktube channel, abookolive.
(All I did today was read. And eat white bean chili. It's been a great Christmas eve lol)
This was one of my favorite fiction books of 2024!
Click here to hear more of my thoughts over on my Booktube channel, abookolive.
December 27, 2024
We are taken back to 1347. Eleanore is of an age to be married but she doesn’t want to be caged. She’s a herbalist and midwife, having learned the skills from her late mother.
A chance opportunity arises to be an apprentice to the physician of the pope and leads her to be the midwife for Queen Joanna of Naples. But the dreaded black plague arrives. The infectious disease knocks out thousands and has now settled in Avignon, along with the evil that rises among zealots threatening her, and a witch-hunt begins.
This was an amazing debut into the foray of HF. However, even though DeRozier has created this brilliant character, she diminishes her with the musings of a dramatically love sick female. This I could have done without. Hey a little romance is ok but having it laid out so descriptively and flowery was not. Sigh. So close to being a 5 star read.
4.5⭐️
The Black Death wiped out 40% of the European population during this time. Wow. And we thought Covid was bad.
A chance opportunity arises to be an apprentice to the physician of the pope and leads her to be the midwife for Queen Joanna of Naples. But the dreaded black plague arrives. The infectious disease knocks out thousands and has now settled in Avignon, along with the evil that rises among zealots threatening her, and a witch-hunt begins.
This was an amazing debut into the foray of HF. However, even though DeRozier has created this brilliant character, she diminishes her with the musings of a dramatically love sick female. This I could have done without. Hey a little romance is ok but having it laid out so descriptively and flowery was not. Sigh. So close to being a 5 star read.
4.5⭐️
The Black Death wiped out 40% of the European population during this time. Wow. And we thought Covid was bad.
November 24, 2024
This is an incredible debut novel. It had me enthralled. In this historical fiction book, set in 14th century France, the focus is on medicine. It is a story about a time in history when women were not allowed to become physicians and the use of herbs and homemade tonics by midwives was seen as witchcraft.
Eleanore (Elea) is an herbalist and midwife in Avignon, who was trained by her mother. Through an unusual set of circumstances, Elea becomes the assistant and apprentice to the Pope's physician, Guy de Chauliac, known as Guigo. When Joanna, Queen of Naples, Sicily, and Jerusalem arrives in Avignon to face a trial for murdering her husband, Elea becomes her midwife during her pregnancy and delivery.
In 1347, all across Europe, the plague was sweeping the towns and countryside, and people were dying by the thousands. Elea and Guigo were in a race against death to find a cause and a cure. They were trying to save as many lives as they could with almost nothing. And Elea sought to protect her own family, as well as the Queen, while being hunted by a vindictive and ruthless priest.
Whereas COVID has killed approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. since January of 2020, the plague, once known as the Black Death, killed 25 million people in Europe. Wiping out one third of Europe's population from 1347-1351. It was horrific.
Eleanor is a wonderful character, and her feelings are acutely portrayed in this story. Her feelings of desperation, sadness, and fear are on full display. She is defiant and resilient and hard working. This book was unputdownable, and I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read what this author, Elizabeth DeLozier, writes next.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction set around the Renaissance or medieval times, but with very relatable characters.
Eleanore (Elea) is an herbalist and midwife in Avignon, who was trained by her mother. Through an unusual set of circumstances, Elea becomes the assistant and apprentice to the Pope's physician, Guy de Chauliac, known as Guigo. When Joanna, Queen of Naples, Sicily, and Jerusalem arrives in Avignon to face a trial for murdering her husband, Elea becomes her midwife during her pregnancy and delivery.
In 1347, all across Europe, the plague was sweeping the towns and countryside, and people were dying by the thousands. Elea and Guigo were in a race against death to find a cause and a cure. They were trying to save as many lives as they could with almost nothing. And Elea sought to protect her own family, as well as the Queen, while being hunted by a vindictive and ruthless priest.
Whereas COVID has killed approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. since January of 2020, the plague, once known as the Black Death, killed 25 million people in Europe. Wiping out one third of Europe's population from 1347-1351. It was horrific.
Eleanor is a wonderful character, and her feelings are acutely portrayed in this story. Her feelings of desperation, sadness, and fear are on full display. She is defiant and resilient and hard working. This book was unputdownable, and I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read what this author, Elizabeth DeLozier, writes next.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction set around the Renaissance or medieval times, but with very relatable characters.
June 22, 2025
Reading this further validated for me the old saying: "Good things come to those who wait." Elizabeth DeLozier's debut novel, Eleanore of Anignon was more the worth the time spent on a six month wait list.
Fourteenth century Europe was overflowing with vile antisemitism, xenophobia, and rampant misogynistic brutality while the Black Plague spread throughout Europe like wildfire.
Beginning in 1347, this horror claimed the lives of more than forty percent of Europe's population by the year 1351. Not an easy death by any means. The pain, blood loss and delirium was unfathomable.
A powerful, heartrending, and immensely infuriating look into a part of history I knew too little about. Hard to read, but oh, so necessary. After all, history does tend to repeat itself...
Fourteenth century Europe was overflowing with vile antisemitism, xenophobia, and rampant misogynistic brutality while the Black Plague spread throughout Europe like wildfire.
Beginning in 1347, this horror claimed the lives of more than forty percent of Europe's population by the year 1351. Not an easy death by any means. The pain, blood loss and delirium was unfathomable.
A powerful, heartrending, and immensely infuriating look into a part of history I knew too little about. Hard to read, but oh, so necessary. After all, history does tend to repeat itself...
April 26, 2025
Eleanore of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLozier
is fantastic and wonderful with a little bit of everything.A Historical Fiction novel during the Black Death in the 14th Century Province. Eleanore (Elea) Blanchet was born to a mother who is a herbalist and midwife who dies in childbirth. Elea follows in her mother’s footsteps which allows her to become an apprentice to a physician, Guigo de Chauliac. As she saves lives, and sadly looses a few, she is captured and tried as a witch. The novel is intense, a lot of action, the reader feels as though they are there witnessing what is going on. From saving lives to trials. Action, love, forbidden romance, a little bit of everything. This is a novel I didn’t want to end.
is fantastic and wonderful with a little bit of everything.A Historical Fiction novel during the Black Death in the 14th Century Province. Eleanore (Elea) Blanchet was born to a mother who is a herbalist and midwife who dies in childbirth. Elea follows in her mother’s footsteps which allows her to become an apprentice to a physician, Guigo de Chauliac. As she saves lives, and sadly looses a few, she is captured and tried as a witch. The novel is intense, a lot of action, the reader feels as though they are there witnessing what is going on. From saving lives to trials. Action, love, forbidden romance, a little bit of everything. This is a novel I didn’t want to end.
November 23, 2024
A very, very strong 4. I would have needed more of the dog to make it a 5. I’ll stand by this assertion to my death.
August 22, 2024
Eleanore lives in 14th century Avignon with her parents and her twin sister Margot. Her mother was an herbalist and midwife, and some people who were fearful of a strong woman called her a witch. Eleanore assisted before her mother's death, and has recently requested to apprentice herself to the local physician, who is more enlightened than many around him. An evil priest who refused to give Eleanore's mother the last rites is now plotting to harm Eleanore, and things get even worse with the arrival of the plague. The characters are vividly drawn as is the setting of medieval France, and the author's extensive research is impressive. Without a doubt one of the best historical fiction novels I've read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.
May 19, 2025
kind herbalist girls i love you so bad!!! baldoin 😽😽😽 so good that it cured my slump even though i was working 50 hours a week. a perfect main character, very real and high stakes, relentless pacing, easy writing, and a medieval european setting 😲 i've been dreaming of reading a book like this since january
March 22, 2024
Synopsis:
Rich with unforgettable characters, gorgeously drawn, and full of captivating historical drama, Eleanore of Avignon is the story of a healer who risks her life, her freedom, and everything she holds dear to protect her beloved city from the encroaching Black Death
Provence, 1347. Eleanore (Elea) Blanchet is a young midwife and herbalist with remarkable skills. But as she learned the day her mother died, the most dangerous thing a woman can do is draw attention to herself. She attends patients in her home city of Avignon, spends time with her father and twin sister, gathers herbs in the surrounding woods, and dreams of the freedom to pursue her calling without fear.
In a chance encounter, Elea meets Guigo de Chauliac, the enigmatic personal physician to the powerful Pope Clement, and strikes a deal with him to take her on as his apprentice. Under Chauliac’s tutelage she hones her skills as a healer, combining her knowledge of folk medicine with anatomy, astrology, and surgical techniques.
Then, two pieces of earth-shattering news: the Black Death has made landfall in Europe, and the disgraced Queen Joanna is coming to Avignon to stand trial for her husband’s murder. She is pregnant and in need of a midwife, a role only Elea can fill.
The queen’s childbirth approaches as the plague spreads like wildfire, leaving half the city dead in its wake. The people of Avignon grow desperate for a scapegoat and a group of religious heretics launch a witch hunt, one that could cost Elea—an intelligent, talented, unwed woman—everything.
What I really loved:
- I’m in a fair historical fiction mood lately and this one did not disappoint! I loved the feeling of being taken back in time to Avignon. Having visited the Provence region of France a handful of years ago, it was lovely revisiting it in a different way, through a historic lens, and through the eyes of characters that really lived.
- There were many characters that I really enjoyed, and while the novel didn’t go too terribly deep into who they were as people, it felt like the spirit of who they were was captured well.
- I loved the herbalist and midwifery perspective and feeling like I was a fly on the wall as physicians attempted to do the best they could with the knowledge they had (and some absolutely outrageous ideas) to fight off an invisible enemy that can now be treated with basic antibiotics.
- I really enjoyed the female perspective of a character trying to become something that society deemed entirely unattainable. While there were some unrealistic turns in the plot with her character, I suspended my disbelief for the sake of being hopeful and happy that a female character in a terrible time in history was able to come out okay.
- It was bingeable - I read most of it in one sitting and just couldn’t stop. Lots of plot!
What I didn’t love:
- This felt like a really fast read! Some of that was because it was really good, and so I read quickly. But also I don’t know that this was a very large book either. I think if the author had wanted to, she could’ve expanded even more on the events and people of the time in more detail. But as it stands, it was still fantastic and enjoyable. If you especially are the type of reader that does not enjoy dense historical fiction with lots of detail but stories that you can still feel immersed in, I think this is a solid choice!
- I feel like all the loose ends were tied up very quickly at the end. It was still well done but the end kind of snuck up on me and then the story was over. I still think readers will be entirely content with the ending regardless!
Overall:
I really did enjoy this one! It immersed me in a time and place, surrounded me with historical people and events, and kept me reading until the last line. If you like historical fiction, just enjoy detail to really set the stage and the players (but not too much), and a good feministy plot line, I definitely recommend it!
Thank you to both Dutton (Penguin) and Netgalley for allowing me to read an early review copy!
Rich with unforgettable characters, gorgeously drawn, and full of captivating historical drama, Eleanore of Avignon is the story of a healer who risks her life, her freedom, and everything she holds dear to protect her beloved city from the encroaching Black Death
Provence, 1347. Eleanore (Elea) Blanchet is a young midwife and herbalist with remarkable skills. But as she learned the day her mother died, the most dangerous thing a woman can do is draw attention to herself. She attends patients in her home city of Avignon, spends time with her father and twin sister, gathers herbs in the surrounding woods, and dreams of the freedom to pursue her calling without fear.
In a chance encounter, Elea meets Guigo de Chauliac, the enigmatic personal physician to the powerful Pope Clement, and strikes a deal with him to take her on as his apprentice. Under Chauliac’s tutelage she hones her skills as a healer, combining her knowledge of folk medicine with anatomy, astrology, and surgical techniques.
Then, two pieces of earth-shattering news: the Black Death has made landfall in Europe, and the disgraced Queen Joanna is coming to Avignon to stand trial for her husband’s murder. She is pregnant and in need of a midwife, a role only Elea can fill.
The queen’s childbirth approaches as the plague spreads like wildfire, leaving half the city dead in its wake. The people of Avignon grow desperate for a scapegoat and a group of religious heretics launch a witch hunt, one that could cost Elea—an intelligent, talented, unwed woman—everything.
What I really loved:
- I’m in a fair historical fiction mood lately and this one did not disappoint! I loved the feeling of being taken back in time to Avignon. Having visited the Provence region of France a handful of years ago, it was lovely revisiting it in a different way, through a historic lens, and through the eyes of characters that really lived.
- There were many characters that I really enjoyed, and while the novel didn’t go too terribly deep into who they were as people, it felt like the spirit of who they were was captured well.
- I loved the herbalist and midwifery perspective and feeling like I was a fly on the wall as physicians attempted to do the best they could with the knowledge they had (and some absolutely outrageous ideas) to fight off an invisible enemy that can now be treated with basic antibiotics.
- I really enjoyed the female perspective of a character trying to become something that society deemed entirely unattainable. While there were some unrealistic turns in the plot with her character, I suspended my disbelief for the sake of being hopeful and happy that a female character in a terrible time in history was able to come out okay.
- It was bingeable - I read most of it in one sitting and just couldn’t stop. Lots of plot!
What I didn’t love:
- This felt like a really fast read! Some of that was because it was really good, and so I read quickly. But also I don’t know that this was a very large book either. I think if the author had wanted to, she could’ve expanded even more on the events and people of the time in more detail. But as it stands, it was still fantastic and enjoyable. If you especially are the type of reader that does not enjoy dense historical fiction with lots of detail but stories that you can still feel immersed in, I think this is a solid choice!
- I feel like all the loose ends were tied up very quickly at the end. It was still well done but the end kind of snuck up on me and then the story was over. I still think readers will be entirely content with the ending regardless!
Overall:
I really did enjoy this one! It immersed me in a time and place, surrounded me with historical people and events, and kept me reading until the last line. If you like historical fiction, just enjoy detail to really set the stage and the players (but not too much), and a good feministy plot line, I definitely recommend it!
Thank you to both Dutton (Penguin) and Netgalley for allowing me to read an early review copy!
November 22, 2024
This book was not it for me, and I have to say I am highly suspicious of the 5-star reviews from people who, coincidentally, received ARCs. The sentences themselves are mostly well-written and the premise is semi-interesting and that’s the whole of any positives I can share about this book. Both the characters and the plot are underdeveloped and uneven, but most irksome was the initial plot point in which the MC becomes the apprentice to the renowned physician Guy de Chauliac which was insanely, infuriatingly implausible. I have no problem suspending my disbelief in many circumstances but the scenarios and MC’s behavior were totally wild, and there were definitely ways in which it could have been made believable. We’re fed some storylines in the beginning that never really come to anything, and the MC never really does anything throughout plague times that requires any of her supposed amazing healer ability. She is wholly unremarkable. The ending, while fine, was half-baked. Overall, an unsatisfying read.
If you want a good plague story with a much better female healer protagonist, try Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks.
If you want a good plague story with a much better female healer protagonist, try Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks.
January 3, 2025
when i tell you i was sat the entire time
January 4, 2025
Y'all, this is not the book's fault, but I am so tired of ignorance, fanaticism and witch hunts. My soul is weary.
But up until that ending, I was really enjoying this. It's still a four star read, but I'm unable to overcome my own personal feelings rn for whatever reason to get behind how this ended. I don't know how else it could have ended, but I just know it didn't satisfy me narratively the way I wanted.
Don't listen to me I'm just being cranky. Read this book about a medieval French lady becoming a doctor and fighting the plague.
But up until that ending, I was really enjoying this. It's still a four star read, but I'm unable to overcome my own personal feelings rn for whatever reason to get behind how this ended. I don't know how else it could have ended, but I just know it didn't satisfy me narratively the way I wanted.
Don't listen to me I'm just being cranky. Read this book about a medieval French lady becoming a doctor and fighting the plague.
July 11, 2025
In the middle of the fourteenth century, not Rome, but Avignon was the seat of the papacy. It was where, in 1348, the trial of Queen Johanna of Naples was held, when she was accused of ordering the assassination of her husband. Later that year, the outbreak of bubonic plague reached Avignon and decimated its inhabitants. History notes that the Pope Clement VI’s personal physician, Guy de Chauliac, didn’t leave the city (as most other physicians and people of means) but stayed on and kept treating the plague patients and documenting the symptoms.
Amidst all this, young Elea, a daughter of a talented herbalist and midwife, and her tween sister navigate the world where being a woman and, especially one with skills and ambitions beyond what is the norm at the time, means leaving very dangerously.
When she becomes Guy de Chauliac’s apprentice, which is also where the history probably diverges slightly from the historical truth, not everyone is happy, and she earns some very influential enemies.
I really enjoyed the book; it is interesting, well-written, and left me with a much sharpened taste for some more good historical fiction.
Amidst all this, young Elea, a daughter of a talented herbalist and midwife, and her tween sister navigate the world where being a woman and, especially one with skills and ambitions beyond what is the norm at the time, means leaving very dangerously.
When she becomes Guy de Chauliac’s apprentice, which is also where the history probably diverges slightly from the historical truth, not everyone is happy, and she earns some very influential enemies.
I really enjoyed the book; it is interesting, well-written, and left me with a much sharpened taste for some more good historical fiction.
January 8, 2025
3.75/5 stars
dunno why but i love reading about female physicians so much
dunno why but i love reading about female physicians so much
September 12, 2025
● "Mirtis niekada nebuvo priešas. Baimė - tai priešas. Neapykanta - tai priešas. Neišmanymas - tai priešas."
Šis romanas į mano norų sąrašą pakliuvo iškart, kai pamačiau viršelį ir anotaciją. Labai mėgstu knygas apie stiprias moteris, ypač tais laikais, kai neturėjo lygių teisių kaip vyrai.
Eleonora Avinjonietė - jauna mergina, gyvenanti XIV a. Prancūzijoje ir turinti didžiulį norą gydyti žmones. Gydymo meno išmokusi iš savo mamos ir stengėsi tai puoselėti. Visame romane iš lėto pasakojama, kaip jai sekėsi tai daryti, kaip gydė ir kaip pavyko šiek tiek iškilti.
Pirmoji kūrinio dalis atrodė vidutiniška - nei labai įdomu, bet ir ne taip, kad nesinorėtų skaityti. Trūko šiek tiek veiksmo nors įdomumo teikė visi aprašymai, kaip tuo metu buvo gydomi ligoniai - kokiomis žolelėmis ir kokie gydymo būdai taikomi. Kalbant apie patį marą, tikėjausi kiek daugiau scenų su ligoniais, gal kiek žiauresnių ir išsamesnių, bet buvo įdomu, kaip stengėsi kovoti su ta baisia liga, nunešusia nesuskaičiuojamą kiekį žmonių gyvybių.
Persiritus į antrąją romano dalį, link pabaigos - sulaukiau ir daugiau veiksmo, įtakojusio įvertinti kūrinį geriau. Pabaiga man tikrai patiko - nesitikėjau, kaip viskas baigsis, spėliojau, kokią pabaigą autorė pasirinks: ar sušvelnins visą veiksmą, ar rinksis kitą kelią, skaudesnį. Bet atomazga manęs nenuvylė, o ir pati Eleonora atsiskleidė kaip tikrai stipri jauna moteris, kovojusi su to meto tikėjimo fanatikais.
Jei jums įdomu sužinoti, kokie gydymo būdai buvo taikomi, kaip buvo žiūrima į tų laikų gydymo metodus ir pačius gydytojus ir per tikėjimo prizmę, nepraleiskit šios knygos pro akis😊
Šis romanas į mano norų sąrašą pakliuvo iškart, kai pamačiau viršelį ir anotaciją. Labai mėgstu knygas apie stiprias moteris, ypač tais laikais, kai neturėjo lygių teisių kaip vyrai.
Eleonora Avinjonietė - jauna mergina, gyvenanti XIV a. Prancūzijoje ir turinti didžiulį norą gydyti žmones. Gydymo meno išmokusi iš savo mamos ir stengėsi tai puoselėti. Visame romane iš lėto pasakojama, kaip jai sekėsi tai daryti, kaip gydė ir kaip pavyko šiek tiek iškilti.
Pirmoji kūrinio dalis atrodė vidutiniška - nei labai įdomu, bet ir ne taip, kad nesinorėtų skaityti. Trūko šiek tiek veiksmo nors įdomumo teikė visi aprašymai, kaip tuo metu buvo gydomi ligoniai - kokiomis žolelėmis ir kokie gydymo būdai taikomi. Kalbant apie patį marą, tikėjausi kiek daugiau scenų su ligoniais, gal kiek žiauresnių ir išsamesnių, bet buvo įdomu, kaip stengėsi kovoti su ta baisia liga, nunešusia nesuskaičiuojamą kiekį žmonių gyvybių.
Persiritus į antrąją romano dalį, link pabaigos - sulaukiau ir daugiau veiksmo, įtakojusio įvertinti kūrinį geriau. Pabaiga man tikrai patiko - nesitikėjau, kaip viskas baigsis, spėliojau, kokią pabaigą autorė pasirinks: ar sušvelnins visą veiksmą, ar rinksis kitą kelią, skaudesnį. Bet atomazga manęs nenuvylė, o ir pati Eleonora atsiskleidė kaip tikrai stipri jauna moteris, kovojusi su to meto tikėjimo fanatikais.
Jei jums įdomu sužinoti, kokie gydymo būdai buvo taikomi, kaip buvo žiūrima į tų laikų gydymo metodus ir pačius gydytojus ir per tikėjimo prizmę, nepraleiskit šios knygos pro akis😊
March 26, 2025
I’m an avid reader who devours over 100 books annually, and this one stands out as one of the best I’ve read in a long time. It’s undoubtedly a new favorite.
The narration by Saskia Maarleveld was simply delightful. I hadn’t realized I had listened to her books before.
This book not only cured my genre slump but also introduced me to a new genre. As a mood reader, I usually don’t gravitate towards historical fiction as my first choice. However, I came across a brief mention of this book on TikTok, which piqued my interest.
It’s an exceptional debut novel.
DeLozier conducted remarkable research by delving into the journals of some of the pioneering doctors who treated the plague.
Eleanore is one of the most genuinely likable and formidable characters I’ve encountered in a long time.
I truly can’t recommend this book along.
There is NOT boring
The narration by Saskia Maarleveld was simply delightful. I hadn’t realized I had listened to her books before.
This book not only cured my genre slump but also introduced me to a new genre. As a mood reader, I usually don’t gravitate towards historical fiction as my first choice. However, I came across a brief mention of this book on TikTok, which piqued my interest.
It’s an exceptional debut novel.
DeLozier conducted remarkable research by delving into the journals of some of the pioneering doctors who treated the plague.
Eleanore is one of the most genuinely likable and formidable characters I’ve encountered in a long time.
I truly can’t recommend this book along.
There is NOT boring
July 8, 2025
Really, really close to a home run. No significant issues or anything that kept me from being fully engaged, but the character development was a hair shy of jumping off the page. The plot was impeccable, and this debut author will be an auto buy for me from now on.
June 6, 2024
ASI read the author’s note, I was surprised to learn this was a debut novel! So well researched and written! The descriptions of life in the 1300’s in Avignon seemed very realistic to me. And the way the author wrote the story kept me completely engaged!
I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four and a half stars!
I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four and a half stars!
August 8, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read this year that is sent in the plague time period and I’m not mad at it. The thing that grabbed me right away was the writing style. It was so lovely. “I will miss her like the dead miss breathing.”
Any nurse or medical professional will be pleased with this one. The doctoring descriptions were well done. I also loved how much I learned from this little book. If I’d been physically reading, I could have taken copious notes on all this education.
I loved the characters early in the book. I felt their sorrows and their pains. I LOVED the sisterly bond between the main character and her twin. The ending got me good. I wasn’t expecting it.
I loved the medical details but if you are squeamish, maybe don’t read or listen while eating. The Plague was a nasty business.
THOUGHTS:
The dog played an unnecessary role in this book, and I wanted more with him.
The ending was too fast. It was like the author realized “oh I need to end it” and then threw something together.
The romance wasn’t believable for me. The tension was amazing. But she says she loves him and she’s only seen him a few times, and they’ve barely talked? Not realistic enough for me.
I wish that the main character was a real person. Sadly, most of the characters are purely fictional. (I didn’t let this influence my rating)
OVERALL:
If you love unique historical fiction books set in the time of the plague, medical references and moments in history where the health sciences struggled and shined, then this is for you.
ROMANCE: light kissing only
Any nurse or medical professional will be pleased with this one. The doctoring descriptions were well done. I also loved how much I learned from this little book. If I’d been physically reading, I could have taken copious notes on all this education.
I loved the characters early in the book. I felt their sorrows and their pains. I LOVED the sisterly bond between the main character and her twin. The ending got me good. I wasn’t expecting it.
I loved the medical details but if you are squeamish, maybe don’t read or listen while eating. The Plague was a nasty business.
THOUGHTS:
The dog played an unnecessary role in this book, and I wanted more with him.
The ending was too fast. It was like the author realized “oh I need to end it” and then threw something together.
The romance wasn’t believable for me. The tension was amazing. But she says she loves him and she’s only seen him a few times, and they’ve barely talked? Not realistic enough for me.
I wish that the main character was a real person. Sadly, most of the characters are purely fictional. (I didn’t let this influence my rating)
OVERALL:
If you love unique historical fiction books set in the time of the plague, medical references and moments in history where the health sciences struggled and shined, then this is for you.
ROMANCE: light kissing only
January 13, 2025
Listen, historical fiction about women in medicine are my catnip!!
This one is set during the years of the black plague in France and we follow the days of Eleanore (Elea) who is a herbalist and midwife but yearns to study to be a physician. Unfortunately, that job is only for the men. But when sickness hits her city, Elea finds herself in a world and surrounded by people she never would’ve imagined.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quiet story, if that makes sense, but like I said these types of books draw me in every time. I don’t usually read historical fiction set this far back in the past and loved learning so much about this time period.
This one is set during the years of the black plague in France and we follow the days of Eleanore (Elea) who is a herbalist and midwife but yearns to study to be a physician. Unfortunately, that job is only for the men. But when sickness hits her city, Elea finds herself in a world and surrounded by people she never would’ve imagined.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quiet story, if that makes sense, but like I said these types of books draw me in every time. I don’t usually read historical fiction set this far back in the past and loved learning so much about this time period.
January 17, 2025
What exquisite writing and impeccable research by author Elizabeth DeLozier! I have long been fascinated by historical fiction written about the days of the Black Death, so this book had me captivated from the start. Elea is a remarkable protagonist: strong yet sensitive, a capable healer, a loving twin sister and daughter. I only wonder how she managed to avoid contracting the plague herself, considering that the medical opinion at the time concluded that it was spread by "bad air", which we all know not to be true.
I listened to the audiobook, which was expertly narrated. A big thumbs up from me on this affecting and engrossing novel.
I listened to the audiobook, which was expertly narrated. A big thumbs up from me on this affecting and engrossing novel.
November 23, 2024
Eleanore of Avignon is a historical fiction novel that takes place during The Black Death in France. Our main character, Eleanore is a healer apprentice under the Pope’s physician who refuses to accept the limitations put onto her by her gender and status.
This novel is going to be one of my favorites of the year, especially in the category of historical fiction. The Black Death is a time period that I know some about from schooling, but DeLozier so masterfully weaves in the descriptions of the horror of the plague with Eleanore’s journey, that I feel like I now have a much better understanding of that time period. A fierce and tenacious main character, Eleanore stops at nothing to help the people in the country that she loves, and I could have read about her for hundreds more pages.
There was a touch of romance, an ode to sisterhood, and beautiful friendships and working relationships between characters. I enjoyed every second of this book.
Do not miss out on this one!!
This novel is going to be one of my favorites of the year, especially in the category of historical fiction. The Black Death is a time period that I know some about from schooling, but DeLozier so masterfully weaves in the descriptions of the horror of the plague with Eleanore’s journey, that I feel like I now have a much better understanding of that time period. A fierce and tenacious main character, Eleanore stops at nothing to help the people in the country that she loves, and I could have read about her for hundreds more pages.
There was a touch of romance, an ode to sisterhood, and beautiful friendships and working relationships between characters. I enjoyed every second of this book.
Do not miss out on this one!!
January 22, 2025
This novel takes place in 1348, during the plague, involving a midwife and a physician. I mean, it has everything that I like!
September 2, 2025
“You are myself”
★★★★★
Where’s the 6-star rating when you need her? I don’t throw that around often as it’s usually reserved for the rare few that break into my top five reads of the year, but I’m pretty confident this is the top read of 2025. Like, very confident. And the audacity of it just sitting on my shelf since November 2024, acting like it wasn’t about to ruin me in the best way? Rude.
Elea is our FMC, a herbalist and midwife who, against all odds, becomes apprentice to Guigo, the personal physician to Pope Clement. Leaving behind her quiet life tending to expectant mothers and her beloved father and twin sister (“you are myself” 🥹), she’s suddenly thrust into an intense education, just as the bubonic plague arrives.
But the story doesn’t stop there. Beyond the plague, Elea becomes midwife to the Queen, faces dangerous whispers of witchcraft, and even finds herself tangled in the beginnings of a tender romance. And that ending? It left me absolutely SHOOK.
And to think, this is a debut?! I cannot wait to see what Elizabeth writes next.
★★★★★
Where’s the 6-star rating when you need her? I don’t throw that around often as it’s usually reserved for the rare few that break into my top five reads of the year, but I’m pretty confident this is the top read of 2025. Like, very confident. And the audacity of it just sitting on my shelf since November 2024, acting like it wasn’t about to ruin me in the best way? Rude.
Elea is our FMC, a herbalist and midwife who, against all odds, becomes apprentice to Guigo, the personal physician to Pope Clement. Leaving behind her quiet life tending to expectant mothers and her beloved father and twin sister (“you are myself” 🥹), she’s suddenly thrust into an intense education, just as the bubonic plague arrives.
But the story doesn’t stop there. Beyond the plague, Elea becomes midwife to the Queen, faces dangerous whispers of witchcraft, and even finds herself tangled in the beginnings of a tender romance. And that ending? It left me absolutely SHOOK.
And to think, this is a debut?! I cannot wait to see what Elizabeth writes next.
June 20, 2025
Eleanore of Avignon is a historical fiction that spans 1347 to 1348 in France during the Black Plague.
Overall, 5 stars. As someone whose worst and least favorite subject in school was history, I will say that if I learned about history through books and stories like this, that would no longer be the case. Eleanore's story was so intriguing, and she reminded me a little bit of Martha Ballard from The Frozen River. I knew absolutely nothing about the Black Plague and this book was very educational and entertaining, especially the historical note at the end of the book. Eleanore Blanchet was a great main character, her dedication, her perseverance, and her kindness. I'm so happy that Baldoin was included in the book, it just gave the book some much needed levity during such a rough time. I loved everything about this book, the characters (minus Father Loup, he can die in a fire), the pacing, the story, and especially the historical context.
Format: audiobook, Saskia Maarleveld is THE BEST (also had the ebook mostly for name reference)
Eleanore Blanchet - mom died, mom was a midwife and herbalist
Margot - Eleanore's twin, betrothed to Erec
Guigo/Guy de Chauliac: - physician
Pope Clement VI - 1342-1352
Queen Joanna of Naples
Father Loup
Baldoin - dog
Overall, 5 stars. As someone whose worst and least favorite subject in school was history, I will say that if I learned about history through books and stories like this, that would no longer be the case. Eleanore's story was so intriguing, and she reminded me a little bit of Martha Ballard from The Frozen River. I knew absolutely nothing about the Black Plague and this book was very educational and entertaining, especially the historical note at the end of the book. Eleanore Blanchet was a great main character, her dedication, her perseverance, and her kindness. I'm so happy that Baldoin was included in the book, it just gave the book some much needed levity during such a rough time. I loved everything about this book, the characters (minus Father Loup, he can die in a fire), the pacing, the story, and especially the historical context.
Format: audiobook, Saskia Maarleveld is THE BEST (also had the ebook mostly for name reference)
Eleanore Blanchet - mom died, mom was a midwife and herbalist
Margot - Eleanore's twin, betrothed to Erec
Guigo/Guy de Chauliac: - physician
Pope Clement VI - 1342-1352
Queen Joanna of Naples
Father Loup
Baldoin - dog
October 5, 2025
I loved this so much!! A midwife during the plague! She ends up practicing and learning from a world renowned doctor who works for the pope! This was so interesting. He was based on a real person. He was so fascinating!
Perfect balance of history and plot. I loved the characters. This was the perfect pace for me. I loved how strong and amazing Elea was. I loved her ch. She always stuck up for herself! She was always ready to learn and help people in need.
The plague enters the story and I love reading how people may have coped and what it was like for the people and Elea (nurse/midwife/doctor) (I’m a nurse).
Enrages me how the Jews were treated. The plague must be their fault they said. And women. Because a woman is smart and knows how to care for and heal people she must be a witch. Grrrrr!
This book got me so emotional excited and curious. Read in two sittings. She says her next book is likely coming out summer ‘26 about Jake the ripper. I can’t wait!
Perfect balance of history and plot. I loved the characters. This was the perfect pace for me. I loved how strong and amazing Elea was. I loved her ch. She always stuck up for herself! She was always ready to learn and help people in need.
The plague enters the story and I love reading how people may have coped and what it was like for the people and Elea (nurse/midwife/doctor) (I’m a nurse).
Enrages me how the Jews were treated. The plague must be their fault they said. And women. Because a woman is smart and knows how to care for and heal people she must be a witch. Grrrrr!
This book got me so emotional excited and curious. Read in two sittings. She says her next book is likely coming out summer ‘26 about Jake the ripper. I can’t wait!
September 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Ok wow 😮 I can’t believe all the emotions this book dragged from me and it was a debut?! Wild.
I’ll definitely be reading more from Elizabeth DeLozier in the future. Her writing reminded me of Katherine Arden’s because there’s a hint of whimsy there that feels effortless yet historical.
This is set in 14th century Provence, France when the plague hits and society basically succumbs to fear. Unfortunately we know what that felt like a bit while COVID was at its peak. It’s also when the author was writing this book!
Thankfully witch hunts look a little different in modern times. 😮💨
Thanks for reading this with me Leslie! I’m glad we both enjoyed it!
Ok wow 😮 I can’t believe all the emotions this book dragged from me and it was a debut?! Wild.
I’ll definitely be reading more from Elizabeth DeLozier in the future. Her writing reminded me of Katherine Arden’s because there’s a hint of whimsy there that feels effortless yet historical.
This is set in 14th century Provence, France when the plague hits and society basically succumbs to fear. Unfortunately we know what that felt like a bit while COVID was at its peak. It’s also when the author was writing this book!
Thankfully witch hunts look a little different in modern times. 😮💨
Thanks for reading this with me Leslie! I’m glad we both enjoyed it!
January 13, 2025
I've realized that I am a sucker for an oddly specific micro-genre of historical fiction that I am naming "Women ahead of their Time", and this one being one of those. I still cannot get Martha Ballard from "The Frozen River" out of my mind from last year; her strength, constancy, and resiliency stay with me as I suspect Eleanore's determination, stubbornness, and intuition will as well.
This is deeply historical, France in the 1340's to be exact, and it was completely transportive and so descriptive in its scenery and language used. I was enraptured from first page to last.
While there were some slower portions, hence the 4 stars, I found this story to be entertaining and informative. I haven't read tons of stories detailing the spread of the Black Plague, or the Black Death, but I have a little and I have never heard or seen that many blamed the spread on the Jewish population, saying they poisoned the wells and water supply in town. The Jewish nation has long been singled out and punished without warrant. This was also a time of spiritual radicalism and the word of the Pope or of your local Bishop was as if it was the word of God himself. Many abused that power and fueled the fire of hate-mongering and rumor that already existed.
This was a somewhat dark & macabre novel, just based on the topic alone and the fact that death is its central plot, but also quite hopeful and beautiful. I loved the relationship Elea had with her now deceased mother and the ways in which she celebrates, and lives in, her legacy. Her relationship with her sister Margot and father were also very dear. There was a gentle romance detailed throughout the second half I also found compelling, and while it was left open ended, I feel I know how it ends. This novel sings with themes of friendship, trust, determination, and the quest for knowledge.
4 stars! Highly recommend if this seems at all of interest to you. Very well done and well plotted, although, I did think the ending came together a bit too quickly. It was a big, long run up to the climax and then was over in a matter of a few pages. But, that didn't bother too much overall.
This is deeply historical, France in the 1340's to be exact, and it was completely transportive and so descriptive in its scenery and language used. I was enraptured from first page to last.
While there were some slower portions, hence the 4 stars, I found this story to be entertaining and informative. I haven't read tons of stories detailing the spread of the Black Plague, or the Black Death, but I have a little and I have never heard or seen that many blamed the spread on the Jewish population, saying they poisoned the wells and water supply in town. The Jewish nation has long been singled out and punished without warrant. This was also a time of spiritual radicalism and the word of the Pope or of your local Bishop was as if it was the word of God himself. Many abused that power and fueled the fire of hate-mongering and rumor that already existed.
This was a somewhat dark & macabre novel, just based on the topic alone and the fact that death is its central plot, but also quite hopeful and beautiful. I loved the relationship Elea had with her now deceased mother and the ways in which she celebrates, and lives in, her legacy. Her relationship with her sister Margot and father were also very dear. There was a gentle romance detailed throughout the second half I also found compelling, and while it was left open ended, I feel I know how it ends. This novel sings with themes of friendship, trust, determination, and the quest for knowledge.
4 stars! Highly recommend if this seems at all of interest to you. Very well done and well plotted, although, I did think the ending came together a bit too quickly. It was a big, long run up to the climax and then was over in a matter of a few pages. But, that didn't bother too much overall.
April 11, 2025
4.5 🌟
i’m going to start this review by ranting a bit about someone else’s review of it. there’s a one star review of it here on goodreads that refers to it as ‘DEI fluff’ and encourages readers who ‘LOVE DEI’ to read it, but those who don’t to walk by, fast. firstly, i feel that the entire point of this story flies right the hell over that reviewers head. at no point during this story does it feel like pandering to any specific demographic. it merely does not vilify minorities?? oh my, the horror… i’d encourage that reviewer to have a think about the fact that, given that they take umbrage with diversity equity and inclusion, they would very likely be on the wrong side of history during the persecution that jews, miscegenates, ‘witches’, and all those who thought differently faced during the 14th century— as im certain they are on the wrong side of history NOW. there have always been people with empathy and compassion for others, even those they don’t understand. you just probably aren’t one of them.
as for the book itself, i adored it, for so many reasons. the black death is one of my biggest hyperfixations and you can tell that a ton of care and research went into the accuracy of how the plague progressed, and the social and political upheaval that resulted. the story dragged slightly toward the middle but at no point was i bored and i was always eager to pick it up, reading hours of it at a time. overall it’s a well-researched, compassionately told story of survival and hope during the plague years, and i wish i could read it all over again for the first time <3
i’m going to start this review by ranting a bit about someone else’s review of it. there’s a one star review of it here on goodreads that refers to it as ‘DEI fluff’ and encourages readers who ‘LOVE DEI’ to read it, but those who don’t to walk by, fast. firstly, i feel that the entire point of this story flies right the hell over that reviewers head. at no point during this story does it feel like pandering to any specific demographic. it merely does not vilify minorities?? oh my, the horror… i’d encourage that reviewer to have a think about the fact that, given that they take umbrage with diversity equity and inclusion, they would very likely be on the wrong side of history during the persecution that jews, miscegenates, ‘witches’, and all those who thought differently faced during the 14th century— as im certain they are on the wrong side of history NOW. there have always been people with empathy and compassion for others, even those they don’t understand. you just probably aren’t one of them.
as for the book itself, i adored it, for so many reasons. the black death is one of my biggest hyperfixations and you can tell that a ton of care and research went into the accuracy of how the plague progressed, and the social and political upheaval that resulted. the story dragged slightly toward the middle but at no point was i bored and i was always eager to pick it up, reading hours of it at a time. overall it’s a well-researched, compassionately told story of survival and hope during the plague years, and i wish i could read it all over again for the first time <3
July 9, 2024
What an awesome read! I was initially denied on another book request site and I was majorly bummed, I absolutely had to read this wonderful story about Eleanor, a young woman following in the footsteps of her dead mother who was a midwife and gifted herbalist who tended the townsfolk of Avignon. Set in Provence 1347, Eleanor is called upon to tend the sick to create tinctures and salves to comfort and heal but Eleanor wishes to be more than the town midwife but her profession comes with a price, she is lives in fear of being branded a witch as her mother once was by the narrowminded heretics of her town. By a chance encounter with Pope Clement's personal physician, Guigo de Chuliac, Elea ends up his assistant and begins to learn the wonders of medicine in a time when women were scarcely allowed to be more than just wives and mothers. As Elea and Guigo forge a friendship of respect and trust the Black Death descends upon them and they are are racing against time to try and help find a way to counter this merciless plague that is killing everyone across Europe.
Based on real life people and events this was a tremendous read about a young woman who is unafraid of pursuing her dreams while facing the dangers of death and persecution. This was a fantastic read, Recommended.
Thank you to author Elizabeth DeLozier and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Based on real life people and events this was a tremendous read about a young woman who is unafraid of pursuing her dreams while facing the dangers of death and persecution. This was a fantastic read, Recommended.
Thank you to author Elizabeth DeLozier and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
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