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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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2024
624 people are currently reading
28122 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth DeLozier
3 books326 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 1,259 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
February 16, 2026
I can only echo many reviewers in their thoughts about this wonderful debut novel set in the 14th century as the plague is sweeping across Europe. I was completely immersed in Eleanore's story and the many vivid characters in the novel. As a nurse I am always interested in the evolution of medicine throughout history and this novel provides a glimpse into medieval practices through both Eleanore as an herbalist and midwife and a true-life renown physician in Europe, Guy (Guigi) de Chauliac. Eleanore becomes an unlikely apprentice of Guigi and finds herself in the midst of the desperate attempts to treat the citizens of Avignon when the plague descends upon the city.
If you don't like descriptions of difficult childbirths or illnesses this is not for you.
It is also a story of relationships, family, friendship, religion and politics. It all just draws the reader further into life in medieval times and the scourge both religious (which is heinous and too relevant today) and that which the plague leaves in its wake.
The denouement will be reminiscent of a beloved 19th century classic and not wanting to spoil anything for the reader because I didn't see it coming, I'll leave it at that.
Some people have said that the epilogue was unsatisfactory, but I needed it after so much despair, hate, and fear in the last few chapters.
I look forward to what Delozier will bring us next.
If you don't like descriptions of difficult childbirths or illnesses this is not for you.
It is also a story of relationships, family, friendship, religion and politics. It all just draws the reader further into life in medieval times and the scourge both religious (which is heinous and too relevant today) and that which the plague leaves in its wake.
The denouement will be reminiscent of a beloved 19th century classic and not wanting to spoil anything for the reader because I didn't see it coming, I'll leave it at that.
Some people have said that the epilogue was unsatisfactory, but I needed it after so much despair, hate, and fear in the last few chapters.
I look forward to what Delozier will bring us next.
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.
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!
March 12, 2026
This is a beautiful debut novel. Eleanore is a midwife.in 14th century Avignon as the Black Death approaches. She learned everything she knew from her beloved deceased mother. She meets the personal physician of Pope Clement he is so impressed by Eleanor’s knowledge that he makes her his assistant.
The Black Death shows it’s evil head as Queen Joanna of Naples comes to Avignon to stand trial for her husband’s murder. She employs Eleanor as her mid wife for the birth of her child.
This book is beautifully woven story filled with historical history. It just draws you in to the 14th Century France.
I loved Eleanore’s character. She was such a strong willed woman.
This book is highly recommended.
I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth DeLozier has instore for next.
The Black Death shows it’s evil head as Queen Joanna of Naples comes to Avignon to stand trial for her husband’s murder. She employs Eleanor as her mid wife for the birth of her child.
This book is beautifully woven story filled with historical history. It just draws you in to the 14th Century France.
I loved Eleanore’s character. She was such a strong willed woman.
This book is highly recommended.
I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth DeLozier has instore for next.
November 18, 2025
Recently back from a fall trip around France. I have to say that the Provence area was a favorite, especially Arles, Avignon, and Orange. So much beauty and history I just had to learn more. This book caught my eye as it seemed to capture a story that might embrace many of these along with a story about the Black Death so important in shaping this time.
Perhaps my expectations were too high. This book has gotten many great reviews by people whose opinions i trust. Yet I found myself disappointed for a variety of reasons. First, the story while a good one was just a little too implausible and I found the POV of Eleanor juvenile and so self centered, perhaps she was written that way on purpose but she became annoying instead of the heroine she is meant to be.
Second. The sister relationship between Eleanore and Margo ends up shaping the book. The Black Plague, history and Avignon take a back seat to this story. Much of the great history gets lost.
Third: It develops into a forbidden love romance
The novel did incorporate real historical figures and some medical care woven into the story but I never felt engaged and once again their stories took a back seat to the overshadowing of the adolescent Eleanor and her belief that she could take on the world and come out on top. And of course had to fall in love with a handsome man
It is a debut novel and for a debut it reaches far, perhaps too far but I came away feeling it was predictable and could have given the reader so much more both in history and place. The author references The Great Mortality by John Kelly and A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman both I would recommend for historical accounts of the period and Geraldine Brooks Year of Wonders for a fictional account of a healer dealing with Black Death. I just can't recommend this for a historical account but as a YA historical novel it may hit a mark for some, just not me.
I did listen to much of it on audio, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and also had a hardback print from the library.
Perhaps my expectations were too high. This book has gotten many great reviews by people whose opinions i trust. Yet I found myself disappointed for a variety of reasons. First, the story while a good one was just a little too implausible and I found the POV of Eleanor juvenile and so self centered, perhaps she was written that way on purpose but she became annoying instead of the heroine she is meant to be.
Second. The sister relationship between Eleanore and Margo ends up shaping the book. The Black Plague, history and Avignon take a back seat to this story. Much of the great history gets lost.
Third: It develops into a forbidden love romance
The novel did incorporate real historical figures and some medical care woven into the story but I never felt engaged and once again their stories took a back seat to the overshadowing of the adolescent Eleanor and her belief that she could take on the world and come out on top. And of course had to fall in love with a handsome man
It is a debut novel and for a debut it reaches far, perhaps too far but I came away feeling it was predictable and could have given the reader so much more both in history and place. The author references The Great Mortality by John Kelly and A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman both I would recommend for historical accounts of the period and Geraldine Brooks Year of Wonders for a fictional account of a healer dealing with Black Death. I just can't recommend this for a historical account but as a YA historical novel it may hit a mark for some, just not me.
I did listen to much of it on audio, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and also had a hardback print from the library.
January 3, 2025
when i tell you i was sat the entire time
November 23, 2025
4.5 stars. I love historical fiction about women and medicine although way back when they were called witches too. This story is about one such woman, intelligent and following her mother’s abilities to care for people through herbs. Absolutely loved this debut novel.
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.
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
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.
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😊
January 26, 2026
4.5 rounded UP.
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.
February 7, 2026
Audiobook (10 hours) narrated by Saskia Maarleveld
Publisher: Books on Tape
Saskia Maarleveld is an excellent award winning narrator. It is always a pleasure, as it was this time, to enjoy a novel with Saskia. Everything from the main character, conversations, to the overall descriptive narrative is well done. Saskia is also very good at enhancing suspenseful moments with tone and expression.
The audio is flawless.
Elizabeth DeLozier has an interesting education background with a BA in Spanish literature, a BS in biological anthropology, and a doctorate in physical therapy, as listed in her GR profile. She used all of that knowledge, skills, and more to knock her debut novel out of the park.
Eleanore of Avignon: A Novel is an excellent full 5 star read.
The characters are not only built well, but they grow, consider past experiences, create relationships, suffer loss, and more. These are well written, well built characters that I had to check and double check to see if some of them were real. How could these experiences in this time be so intricately detailed if not based on reality?
The world is incredibly well done. Based in reality in a time not forgotten, but worn beyond tatters in the tale of time. DeLozier has revitalized that time in this story with modernized language and some terminology. At one point that did stick out to me that I am unsure if it was instinct or intended, one character told another to wash her hands. At that time, germs were not understood, however, some things were done that addressed germs 'accidentally'. In the situation, it occurred to me that this could have happened, so I looked it up and apparently people did wash their hands but not because of germs, which they weren't aware of, but for other reasons.
I found an all access article that briefly speaks about medieval hygiene that some may find interesting:
https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval...
With these characters, in this world, DeLozier also brings in science. Articulate, detailed, well executed science that fits the time, creates a realness and insight into what is going on with the characters at this time. The science, while well detailed is interesting, intriguing and also used to elevate the mood of the story. It is never overdone to the point of boring, and in fact adds to both the character identities and world building.
Moments. There are so many moments that I can visualize, sitting here after reading that stuck with me for various reasons. I think one of the things that made these moments stick is that in addition to creating these characters who feel so real, each situation has it's own ambience that is, well I would say well choreographed. For example, at one point one of the characters is running through the street, we get the details that tell the time with the light and shadows, the scents, the sounds, amount of people on the streets, doors and windows that are opened and/or closed, the feeling of the air on their face and temperature of such, all of these things create the ambience and atmosphere, and then one of the characters look back and we get the view of how that characters face and hair looks from the person behind. This moment was so well written that I could feel what was going on in the characters head, heart, and system as I had so much information about that moment. It is written in such a way as to enhance the scene, was well paced, not burdensome and just written as if the scene was painted with words. As I type this, I must add that of course, I also had the awesome Saskia Maarleveld in my ear who is incredibly skilled at narrating such moments. Together DeLozier and Maarleveld are impressive. I do believe that the scene would read well in print, however, I cannot neglect mentioning that even with the excellence of creation that a highly skilled narrator can elevate even those words to another level.
So yeah, I am loving this book that I did not pick. It was a book club pick from Historical Fictionistas. I need to shout them out as this group has had some memorable reads over the years. I believe it was the first book club that I joined and I have zero regrets and lots of thanks for the journeys that I have gone on, to times and places I may never have ventured into had it not been for the exquisite tastes in both the nominations and voting, as well as the guided tours of times and places by the moderators. Truly a group effort. I highly recommend Historical Fictionistas to any historical fiction fan. Next month we are reading Hamnet.
Publisher: Books on Tape
Saskia Maarleveld is an excellent award winning narrator. It is always a pleasure, as it was this time, to enjoy a novel with Saskia. Everything from the main character, conversations, to the overall descriptive narrative is well done. Saskia is also very good at enhancing suspenseful moments with tone and expression.
The audio is flawless.
Elizabeth DeLozier has an interesting education background with a BA in Spanish literature, a BS in biological anthropology, and a doctorate in physical therapy, as listed in her GR profile. She used all of that knowledge, skills, and more to knock her debut novel out of the park.
Eleanore of Avignon: A Novel is an excellent full 5 star read.
The characters are not only built well, but they grow, consider past experiences, create relationships, suffer loss, and more. These are well written, well built characters that I had to check and double check to see if some of them were real. How could these experiences in this time be so intricately detailed if not based on reality?
The world is incredibly well done. Based in reality in a time not forgotten, but worn beyond tatters in the tale of time. DeLozier has revitalized that time in this story with modernized language and some terminology. At one point that did stick out to me that I am unsure if it was instinct or intended, one character told another to wash her hands. At that time, germs were not understood, however, some things were done that addressed germs 'accidentally'. In the situation, it occurred to me that this could have happened, so I looked it up and apparently people did wash their hands but not because of germs, which they weren't aware of, but for other reasons.
I found an all access article that briefly speaks about medieval hygiene that some may find interesting:
https://www.worldhistory.org/Medieval...
With these characters, in this world, DeLozier also brings in science. Articulate, detailed, well executed science that fits the time, creates a realness and insight into what is going on with the characters at this time. The science, while well detailed is interesting, intriguing and also used to elevate the mood of the story. It is never overdone to the point of boring, and in fact adds to both the character identities and world building.
Moments. There are so many moments that I can visualize, sitting here after reading that stuck with me for various reasons. I think one of the things that made these moments stick is that in addition to creating these characters who feel so real, each situation has it's own ambience that is, well I would say well choreographed. For example, at one point one of the characters is running through the street, we get the details that tell the time with the light and shadows, the scents, the sounds, amount of people on the streets, doors and windows that are opened and/or closed, the feeling of the air on their face and temperature of such, all of these things create the ambience and atmosphere, and then one of the characters look back and we get the view of how that characters face and hair looks from the person behind. This moment was so well written that I could feel what was going on in the characters head, heart, and system as I had so much information about that moment. It is written in such a way as to enhance the scene, was well paced, not burdensome and just written as if the scene was painted with words. As I type this, I must add that of course, I also had the awesome Saskia Maarleveld in my ear who is incredibly skilled at narrating such moments. Together DeLozier and Maarleveld are impressive. I do believe that the scene would read well in print, however, I cannot neglect mentioning that even with the excellence of creation that a highly skilled narrator can elevate even those words to another level.
So yeah, I am loving this book that I did not pick. It was a book club pick from Historical Fictionistas. I need to shout them out as this group has had some memorable reads over the years. I believe it was the first book club that I joined and I have zero regrets and lots of thanks for the journeys that I have gone on, to times and places I may never have ventured into had it not been for the exquisite tastes in both the nominations and voting, as well as the guided tours of times and places by the moderators. Truly a group effort. I highly recommend Historical Fictionistas to any historical fiction fan. Next month we are reading Hamnet.
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
December 22, 2024
Disappointing Debut.
Narrated in the first person by the main character, Eleanore, events in 14th century France are played out against a backdrop of fear, superstition, religious persecution, plague and papal politics.
Even for historical fiction, I was less than invested in the storyline as both it and the character of Eleanore was far from believable, especially for someone who is well read in the medieval universe. The main character just seemed a little too larger than life, taking on roles that only they are capable as there was certainly no-one else in the whole wide world who can. And the plot itself ... bordering on fantasy fiction.
I would probably suggest this is more suited to young adult fiction or for someone with no idea of the historical times in which this is set. I actually hesitated in picking this up for review. I wished I had let it pass by.
Narrated in the first person by the main character, Eleanore, events in 14th century France are played out against a backdrop of fear, superstition, religious persecution, plague and papal politics.
Even for historical fiction, I was less than invested in the storyline as both it and the character of Eleanore was far from believable, especially for someone who is well read in the medieval universe. The main character just seemed a little too larger than life, taking on roles that only they are capable as there was certainly no-one else in the whole wide world who can. And the plot itself ... bordering on fantasy fiction.
I would probably suggest this is more suited to young adult fiction or for someone with no idea of the historical times in which this is set. I actually hesitated in picking this up for review. I wished I had let it pass by.
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!
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.
January 31, 2025
“I see Death now as Baldoin, a wild and untamable thing, not a specter to be feared, not a mysterious enemy, but a piece of nature older than stones. Death was never the foe. Fear is the foe. Hatred is the foe. Ignorance is the foe.”― Elizabeth DeLozier, Eleanore of Avignon
Story: 4 Stars
Audio: 5 Stars
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Available: Libby
This was a slower story that built to a memorable ending. Black Death was such a pivitol event throughout history and it is always interesting to see how societies dealt with it. Like that this focused on the medical journey to discover the cause and treatment of it. Quick read that i recommend.
Listened at 1.35 speed.
Story: 4 Stars
Audio: 5 Stars
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Available: Libby
This was a slower story that built to a memorable ending. Black Death was such a pivitol event throughout history and it is always interesting to see how societies dealt with it. Like that this focused on the medical journey to discover the cause and treatment of it. Quick read that i recommend.
Listened at 1.35 speed.
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!
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.
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