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Strongbow: The Story of Richard and Aoife
The dramatic story of the Norman conquest of Ireland in the 12th century. Full of battles and warfare, but a story of love, too, between an unlikely pair - wilful and wild Irish princess Aoife, and Strongbow, the greatest of the Norman knights to come to Ireland. A clash of cultures and a vivid story of one of the Greats of Irish history.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1992
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About the author
Morgan Llywelyn
77 books1,001 followersMorgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 12, 2017
I have the original paperback which was marketed as a YA novel, and it does come across that way. The tale follows Richard de Clare, a Norman knight known as Strongbow, and an Irish king's daughter, Aoife or Eva.
When the king of Leinster finds his enemies in other clans are plotting to seize his lands, he invites a Norman sell-sword over to Ireland with an army, just temporarily of course. He offers the leader a more permanent arrangement; marriage to his daughter and green lands to call his own. At this time King Stephen in England and Wales has been replaced by King Henry II who has his own wars going on in France. Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, has been stripped of his lands in the Welsh marches because his father backed the wrong side. He decides to give Ireland a try; Ireland is not then much thought of among Continental and British Normans as it still has towns settled by the Norse. But seeing de Clare gradually raise a massive army and take over city after town in Ireland is enough to make the King of England nervous.
Aoife gains our sympathy by being strong-minded and clever. She is educated as a King's daughter and knows Irish law as well as Latin. Most Normans can't even read and they expect women to be property, which is not the case under Irish law. Girls are regularly married off to seal treaties at this time but Irish girls have the right to refuse. The marriage is a dramatic one as they meet in the smouldering ruins of the conquered city of Waterford. Strongbow is shown as realising the value of a strong, educated wife as the years pass.
Culture contrast is a large part of the tale, and we meet major figures like bishop Laurence O'Toole, as well as seeing churches and abbeys founded, burnt, built, as suited the next conqueror. Strongbow founded and paid for Christ Church in Dublin. I'm delighted that Morgan Llywelyn, an American-Irish author, plucked this sweeping story from the history books and made this fictionalised account; nobody else had bothered.
When the king of Leinster finds his enemies in other clans are plotting to seize his lands, he invites a Norman sell-sword over to Ireland with an army, just temporarily of course. He offers the leader a more permanent arrangement; marriage to his daughter and green lands to call his own. At this time King Stephen in England and Wales has been replaced by King Henry II who has his own wars going on in France. Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, has been stripped of his lands in the Welsh marches because his father backed the wrong side. He decides to give Ireland a try; Ireland is not then much thought of among Continental and British Normans as it still has towns settled by the Norse. But seeing de Clare gradually raise a massive army and take over city after town in Ireland is enough to make the King of England nervous.
Aoife gains our sympathy by being strong-minded and clever. She is educated as a King's daughter and knows Irish law as well as Latin. Most Normans can't even read and they expect women to be property, which is not the case under Irish law. Girls are regularly married off to seal treaties at this time but Irish girls have the right to refuse. The marriage is a dramatic one as they meet in the smouldering ruins of the conquered city of Waterford. Strongbow is shown as realising the value of a strong, educated wife as the years pass.
Culture contrast is a large part of the tale, and we meet major figures like bishop Laurence O'Toole, as well as seeing churches and abbeys founded, burnt, built, as suited the next conqueror. Strongbow founded and paid for Christ Church in Dublin. I'm delighted that Morgan Llywelyn, an American-Irish author, plucked this sweeping story from the history books and made this fictionalised account; nobody else had bothered.
December 12, 2014
This book is a quick and easy read; its intended audience younger readers. My biggest gripe with the story was the veering from historic record in regards to Strongbow's children. Early in the book the author suggests Richard "Strongbow" de Clare had been married prior to going to Ireland and that this 'wife' had been the mother of his two children of record, Gilbert and Isabella. The story continues to build on this premise of the poor widower, Strongbow. The rest of the historic details, though, seemed to be true enough so that the reader gets the general flow of the invasion and conquest of Ireland as led by the Anglo-Norman forces during the reign of Henry II of England.
Edited 12/12/14: after digging a little more, I have to assume the writer based the premise on some fairly old (19th century) writers who claimed that Strongbow had been married prior to coming to Ireland. These writers also claimed Strongbow was close to being in his 60s when he married young Aoife, but we now know he was about 40 when he came to Ireland. He did apparently father some children before his marriage to Aoife, but this was to a unknown "mistress" and they were not recognized as his heirs. Once again, I am disappointed, as the story kind of makes Aoife seem stuck in perpetual childhood, when in fact she became a mother, was widowed, and then most likely supported her daughter's claim to the Pembroke inheritance. Their daughter, Isabella, went on to marry William Marshal, a man who was close to King Henry II.
Edited 12/12/14: after digging a little more, I have to assume the writer based the premise on some fairly old (19th century) writers who claimed that Strongbow had been married prior to coming to Ireland. These writers also claimed Strongbow was close to being in his 60s when he married young Aoife, but we now know he was about 40 when he came to Ireland. He did apparently father some children before his marriage to Aoife, but this was to a unknown "mistress" and they were not recognized as his heirs. Once again, I am disappointed, as the story kind of makes Aoife seem stuck in perpetual childhood, when in fact she became a mother, was widowed, and then most likely supported her daughter's claim to the Pembroke inheritance. Their daughter, Isabella, went on to marry William Marshal, a man who was close to King Henry II.
April 24, 2012
I first read about Richard and Aoife in Denee Cody's The Conquered Heart. I loved it! A historical romance that had real characters and a real historic setting? Just what I love the most. I set about researching everything I could about them to see if what I had read was real or not. I didn't find much and what I found was mostly courtesy of Wikipedia.
A few years later I found the books of Elizabeth Chadwick. I love her books, have been reading them as they are published and she is one of my favourite authors. You can see how thrilled I was when I saw Richard and Aoife's daughter as one of the main characters in a couple of her books. I loved those books but I still wanted more about Strongbow. I was quite happy when I discovered this book existed and quickly managed to get my hands on it.
The book is written, both from Richard and Aoife's point of view, in alternate chapters. It depicts first Richard's childhood and young adult years. His relationship with his father, and how that will influence him for the rest of his life, his relationship with his father. Then Aoife's relationship with her own father, a man with a fearless reputation but apparently very close to his children.
When Dermot MacMurrough, Aoife's father needs help to regain power and lands in his native Ireland he goes to England in search of a champion. To convince Richard he promises him what he cherishes the most, Aoife and his own kingdom after his death. Aoife isn't as happy as her father with the bargain but she eventually agrees to the marriage. She and Richard will fight and conquer both the lands and power that her family and his will wanted.
While it was nice to have an overview of events, the book is small and it covers a long period of time, I would have preferred to have more detailed information about, not only their relationship, but also about the daily aspects of their everyday life. The differences between Norman and Irish ways and their adjustment to each other and their new life. It also the first I heard of Richard’s first marriage and children and of him and Aoife having boys. I was under the impression he had only one son, who died early, and Eve, who became William Marshall’s wife…
I wonder if this is a good example of Llywelyn’s work? I’ve heard of her before but mostly in connection with Lion of Ireland, her book about Brian Boru.
I will continue to look out for books about Richard and Aoife. A couple of years ago I reread The Conquered Heart and, after all the meatier medieval reading I had been doing it seemed lighter and more romancified than what I remembered. I guess my hope is that Elizabeth Chadwick will eventually think of them as main characters for one of her books. That would make me really happy!
Grade: 4/5
A few years later I found the books of Elizabeth Chadwick. I love her books, have been reading them as they are published and she is one of my favourite authors. You can see how thrilled I was when I saw Richard and Aoife's daughter as one of the main characters in a couple of her books. I loved those books but I still wanted more about Strongbow. I was quite happy when I discovered this book existed and quickly managed to get my hands on it.
The book is written, both from Richard and Aoife's point of view, in alternate chapters. It depicts first Richard's childhood and young adult years. His relationship with his father, and how that will influence him for the rest of his life, his relationship with his father. Then Aoife's relationship with her own father, a man with a fearless reputation but apparently very close to his children.
When Dermot MacMurrough, Aoife's father needs help to regain power and lands in his native Ireland he goes to England in search of a champion. To convince Richard he promises him what he cherishes the most, Aoife and his own kingdom after his death. Aoife isn't as happy as her father with the bargain but she eventually agrees to the marriage. She and Richard will fight and conquer both the lands and power that her family and his will wanted.
While it was nice to have an overview of events, the book is small and it covers a long period of time, I would have preferred to have more detailed information about, not only their relationship, but also about the daily aspects of their everyday life. The differences between Norman and Irish ways and their adjustment to each other and their new life. It also the first I heard of Richard’s first marriage and children and of him and Aoife having boys. I was under the impression he had only one son, who died early, and Eve, who became William Marshall’s wife…
I wonder if this is a good example of Llywelyn’s work? I’ve heard of her before but mostly in connection with Lion of Ireland, her book about Brian Boru.
I will continue to look out for books about Richard and Aoife. A couple of years ago I reread The Conquered Heart and, after all the meatier medieval reading I had been doing it seemed lighter and more romancified than what I remembered. I guess my hope is that Elizabeth Chadwick will eventually think of them as main characters for one of her books. That would make me really happy!
Grade: 4/5
September 18, 2012
This is obviously written for Irish children of both sexes,as Llewellyn gives equal importance to Strongbow and Aoife,though historically-speaking this is an absurd notion. Aoife emerges as a significant power behind two powerful men,her father,the notorious & disloyal Dermot MacMurrough (who brought the scourge of the Normans down upon the island of saints & scholars)and her husband Richard de Clare,Norman adventurer(who is betrayed by the duplicitous Irish at every step).Llewellyn pleads her case for innate Irish superiority (using Normans as anachronistic stand-ins for English!)& an oafish interpretation of Irish motives,which undermines her own intentions as a pure story-teller.Mild propaganda,then...& another nail in the coffin of any serious treatment of the end of Ireland's imagined 'splendid isolation' of the Dark Ages.The patron saint of Ireland,Patrick,was taken as a slave FROM Britain TO Ireland(the native Irish were legendary dealers in captured slaves!).So who really threw the first stone in this long protracted struggle between the two islands? It certainly wasn't the English,was it,Morgan Llewellyn (Welsh as Cader Idris!)?? They didn't actually have the whip-hand in England in 1170,did they?
Why can't the Irish give the English the benefit of the doubt? We liked being invaded by the Normans as much as you did! (My name is an unfortunate accident of our inter-woven histories...&,for the record,I'm Church of England...a real Johnny-cum-lately!). My Irish roots tell me I would have sided with the MacMurroughs & O'Tooles...my English roots tell me I would have fought tooth-&-nail at Hastings!
Well-told tale,though...if a little bland.
Why can't the Irish give the English the benefit of the doubt? We liked being invaded by the Normans as much as you did! (My name is an unfortunate accident of our inter-woven histories...&,for the record,I'm Church of England...a real Johnny-cum-lately!). My Irish roots tell me I would have sided with the MacMurroughs & O'Tooles...my English roots tell me I would have fought tooth-&-nail at Hastings!
Well-told tale,though...if a little bland.
June 19, 2019
I usually love Morgan Llywelyn's novels. This one was good, but I didn't connect with it like I did with her other works. Alternating between Aoife's and Strongbow's points of view, it highlights Strongbow's invasion of Ireland. It attempts to make him a sympathetic figure, but knowing the conflict between Ireland and Britain for the 800 years after this makes it hard to feel too much for him.
February 9, 2019
hoarder challenge: #18 under 200 pgs.
2.5 stars
So I grabbed this one at one of the library used book sales. I always like to have a few small, short paperbacks that I can shove in a pocket or purse. (lightweight & takes up little room)
It’s a romance which also appealed to me.
A quick, easy read. Short alternating chapters of Richard & Aoife POV’s.
And it’s actually based on a true story.
when I looked up the true story online, the book wasn't as factual as i thought. but he did have some facts in there. the author's style of writing made it seem more believable than it was.
The history of the time period was broken down and explained in an easily understandable way.
I also liked learning about Ireland which isn't widely covered in alot of historical fiction. (it's usually regency england or scotland)
i'd recommend this book for YA to adults. it's a great introduction to the subject matter
2.5 stars
So I grabbed this one at one of the library used book sales. I always like to have a few small, short paperbacks that I can shove in a pocket or purse. (lightweight & takes up little room)
It’s a romance which also appealed to me.
A quick, easy read. Short alternating chapters of Richard & Aoife POV’s.
And it’s actually based on a true story.
when I looked up the true story online, the book wasn't as factual as i thought. but he did have some facts in there. the author's style of writing made it seem more believable than it was.
The history of the time period was broken down and explained in an easily understandable way.
I also liked learning about Ireland which isn't widely covered in alot of historical fiction. (it's usually regency england or scotland)
i'd recommend this book for YA to adults. it's a great introduction to the subject matter
February 1, 2019
Historical story made better since I purchased the book in the cathedral where Strongbow lies.
September 26, 2025
I’m sad I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Llywelyn is an amazing writer, but something just didn’t click for me with this one. It’s written for children, and naturally the writing is simplified, but that’s not what bothered me necessarily. It’s just that, somehow, I failed to connect with the characters in the way that I expected. It sits in a weird place: too simple for adults, too complicated for children. I’ve always loved history, but when de Clare enters his marriage and widowhood, it fails to touch a young person, I think.
Speaking of widowhood, it’s a little strange to me that there is a first wife of Richard and that the children of Aoife are attributed to her. I would’ve liked it better if it stuck to history: Aoife was his only wife and they had two children together, Isabel and Gilbert. Instead, Aoife has “sons,” when a much interesting and true story is that of her daughter Isabel de Clare who married William Marshal and has a beautiful wooden statue in Wexford. Instead, in the novel she is misplaced, forgotten, an unimportant daughter from another marriage, left in England because Richard doesn’t care that much for his children.
I also thought Aoife’s character was less developed than that of Richard. It was a little weird and confusing because on one hand, Aoife is a young girl who receives a little more freedom to play, she is given an education and more free will, and she is written to be of equal importance to Richard as a child, but then we switched to his POV and he says that women belong to men, his sister belongs to him, and he will marry her off at one point and she will belong to her husband. I suppose it is pretty challenging to write a book like this for children that doesn’t completely twist their ideas about life, while still being historically accurate. A difference is made between the “Irish way,” meaning to value women in society and give them a choice, and the “Norman way,” where Richard associates Aoife with a cow. I suppose a different approach to this would’ve been better, maybe a little emphasis on Richard changing his mind?
I wish Morgan Llywelyn wrote a book about them for adults. I would’ve loved to see if she’d approached certain themes differently and how.
Speaking of widowhood, it’s a little strange to me that there is a first wife of Richard and that the children of Aoife are attributed to her. I would’ve liked it better if it stuck to history: Aoife was his only wife and they had two children together, Isabel and Gilbert. Instead, Aoife has “sons,” when a much interesting and true story is that of her daughter Isabel de Clare who married William Marshal and has a beautiful wooden statue in Wexford. Instead, in the novel she is misplaced, forgotten, an unimportant daughter from another marriage, left in England because Richard doesn’t care that much for his children.
I also thought Aoife’s character was less developed than that of Richard. It was a little weird and confusing because on one hand, Aoife is a young girl who receives a little more freedom to play, she is given an education and more free will, and she is written to be of equal importance to Richard as a child, but then we switched to his POV and he says that women belong to men, his sister belongs to him, and he will marry her off at one point and she will belong to her husband. I suppose it is pretty challenging to write a book like this for children that doesn’t completely twist their ideas about life, while still being historically accurate. A difference is made between the “Irish way,” meaning to value women in society and give them a choice, and the “Norman way,” where Richard associates Aoife with a cow. I suppose a different approach to this would’ve been better, maybe a little emphasis on Richard changing his mind?
I wish Morgan Llywelyn wrote a book about them for adults. I would’ve loved to see if she’d approached certain themes differently and how.
March 12, 2018
I've had this book sitting on my shelf for a while and I've finally gotten around to it.
This is the story of Aoife, Princess of Leinster and Richard de Clare aka Strongbow who were quite the powerful couple in the twelfth Century.
Richard was hired by Aoife's father Dermot Mac Murrough, former King of Leister to seize back his lands that were taken from him by a loyal follower of the High King. He was promised Aoife's hand in marriage as well as the passing of the Kingship once Dermot dies.
Richard was understandably reluctant with being a man whose own lands had been taken from him in England and not sure if fighting for Irish nobility would be such a good idea. Plus he's a recent widower whose first wife was rather prickly, isn't a young man and had two kids who don't seem to want to associate with him.
After the reluctant blessing of King Henry II of England, he eventually sets out to help Dermot though not realizing just how much of a mountain he'll have to climb nor how much joy Aoife will bring to his life. He will find himself going through many trials and tribulations but with a woman at his side who brings such joy and laughter that will have him be a changed man.
An arranged marriage that eventually grows into a deep love and respect of each other, they were quite the strong people in their time and had several strong sons.
Such a pleasure to read this book and I look forward to reading more books by the talented Morgan!
This is the story of Aoife, Princess of Leinster and Richard de Clare aka Strongbow who were quite the powerful couple in the twelfth Century.
Richard was hired by Aoife's father Dermot Mac Murrough, former King of Leister to seize back his lands that were taken from him by a loyal follower of the High King. He was promised Aoife's hand in marriage as well as the passing of the Kingship once Dermot dies.
Richard was understandably reluctant with being a man whose own lands had been taken from him in England and not sure if fighting for Irish nobility would be such a good idea. Plus he's a recent widower whose first wife was rather prickly, isn't a young man and had two kids who don't seem to want to associate with him.
After the reluctant blessing of King Henry II of England, he eventually sets out to help Dermot though not realizing just how much of a mountain he'll have to climb nor how much joy Aoife will bring to his life. He will find himself going through many trials and tribulations but with a woman at his side who brings such joy and laughter that will have him be a changed man.
An arranged marriage that eventually grows into a deep love and respect of each other, they were quite the strong people in their time and had several strong sons.
Such a pleasure to read this book and I look forward to reading more books by the talented Morgan!
January 20, 2021
It was based on truth and was a story I didn't know about. It was interesting. I liked Aoife's strength and forthrightness and her loyal heart. I sort of felt sorry for Richard, who was a rather unhappy child and man. He seemed anxious. I was glad he found happiness with Aoife. The book was a little confusing as to who was fighting who and when and for what.
February 10, 2013
I'm not a huge fan of first person narrators, but this book was different. The narrator alternated between Aiofe and Richard each chapter. You got a different perspective in each chapter and I found that very informative. I felt that the author focused quite a bit on the role of daughters as property and also their roles as wives. Basically they were pawns in a elaborate game of chess. I liked that Aoife was such a strong character, it made her likable, she fought her own way. And I also found her struggle to understand her father's other persona to be believable.
I found it easy to read. I'm not sure on how accurate the history and the timeline but regardless it was a good solid read and I may just start reading more about Ireland.
3.5/5
I found it easy to read. I'm not sure on how accurate the history and the timeline but regardless it was a good solid read and I may just start reading more about Ireland.
3.5/5
April 10, 2011
Just okay - fascinating time period and great setting. But the writing glosses over too much and is too simplistic, so I didn't really get to care about the characters. So by the end, I was skimming past people I didn't care about talking about battles I wasn't very interested in. Eh. Could have been so much better - but I guess it's a decent, if superficial, introduction to these characters and this particular bit of history.
December 27, 2007
I read this book, Wind from Hastings and Isles of the Blest in succession - I had finally found them through some obscure books website and I was so excited to finally get my grubby little hands on them! And all three were worth all that trouble - very short Llewelyn books, but definitely wonderful stories.
January 28, 2009
I did not realize when I checked this out that it is a young adult book. That kind of threw me off, as the style was much more simplistic than Llywelyn's other works, and so it took a bit to get over that.
The story was interesting, and I had not heard of these historical figures, so that was fun. Give it to your 11 to 13 year old that is interested in history or Ireland.
The story was interesting, and I had not heard of these historical figures, so that was fun. Give it to your 11 to 13 year old that is interested in history or Ireland.
January 24, 2015
Written for younger folks, this was an interesting book split between two people's view. Some have reported some historical inaccuracies and I don't know the case. Nor do I have time to research it.
While written for kids, I'm not sure many would be interested enough to read it.
Interesting but a disappointing read from someone I've come to expct more from.
While written for kids, I'm not sure many would be interested enough to read it.
Interesting but a disappointing read from someone I've come to expct more from.
May 28, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book with my boys. Strongbow is an important figure in Irish history and the events portrayed in the story mark the beginning of what came to be English rule in Ireland.
A very good story and a somewhat accurate portrayal of the feisty Irish girl. I personally find much to relate to in Aoife (pronounced Eeffa).
A very good story and a somewhat accurate portrayal of the feisty Irish girl. I personally find much to relate to in Aoife (pronounced Eeffa).
October 31, 2016
I think that this was a really interesting book. I didn't particularly like the way the monstrosity of the English was downplayed. These were terrible men who set Ireland up for hundreds of years of subjugation. As the book showed, English law at the time was a large step backwards for civilization. I would've liked to see the author be more sympathetic towards the Irish.
January 21, 2010
little book but pretty good
April 20, 2012
I love the story of Richard & Aoife, who is one of my favorite women of history...I just wish I could find more info about this fiery Irish woman!
August 9, 2012
It was a Short read. Very to the point and Very Informative. I would have rather have read this then read a Bio over him.
November 15, 2012
Morgan Llywelyn weaves wonderful historical fiction stories better than any other author. She is a treasure.
March 6, 2014
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12519954
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12519954
January 28, 2015
This one not for me, but maybe a young adult book? I can't figure out what reading group this one is for. It's going back to the library for someone else to try.
February 13, 2016
An excellent historical fiction book. Fast and easy and good read. Llywelyn always grabs you and pulls you along in the tale she weaves. Very recommended
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews