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Plantagenet Saga #6
The Queen from Provence
Marguerite, eldest daughter of the Count of Provence, had married a king of France - and now her sister Eleanor is determined to make just as grand a match. Good fortune and wily cunning bring her Henry of England. A good and generous husband but a weak king, he rules a nation that still remembers his cruel and foolish father, King John. As Henry showers gifts on his new bride his extravagance forces him to levy ever greater taxation on the land, and the spectre of revolt soon looms against him. For Simon de Montfort, the adventurer who will give England its first true parliament, the house of destiny is at hand.
310 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
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About the author
Jean Plaidy
187 books1,588 followersEleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
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-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 2, 2016
I really wanted to like this book. I absolutely LOVED Plaidy's Tudor saga and the Borgia books and thought, what with this novel being about the people I enjoy studying, I would love this too.
Sadly, the novel failed to come to life for me. It felt rushed, almost as if the author couldn't be bothered to tell the story of Henry and Eleanor. There was nothing real- no grit, no meat, no emotion; just a very basic and bare retelling of the key points of Eleanor's life with a bit of dialogue thrown in. Scenes such as the birth of a child, weddings, saying goodbye to loved ones etc. that should have been filled with feeling were dealt with in a sentence or two. Scene setting was often non-existent and the prose was repetitive.
I was bored for most of the time I was reading this and probably won't be reading any more of Plaidy's Plantagenet novels. The Tudor and Lucrezia Borgia novels were far superior.
Sadly, the novel failed to come to life for me. It felt rushed, almost as if the author couldn't be bothered to tell the story of Henry and Eleanor. There was nothing real- no grit, no meat, no emotion; just a very basic and bare retelling of the key points of Eleanor's life with a bit of dialogue thrown in. Scenes such as the birth of a child, weddings, saying goodbye to loved ones etc. that should have been filled with feeling were dealt with in a sentence or two. Scene setting was often non-existent and the prose was repetitive.
I was bored for most of the time I was reading this and probably won't be reading any more of Plaidy's Plantagenet novels. The Tudor and Lucrezia Borgia novels were far superior.
April 27, 2009
In the 6th Plantagenet novel you will learn about the reign of Henry III (1 Oct 1207 - 16 Nov 1272). This book follows Henry's reign from the time that he married Eleanor of Provence and promoted many of her French relatives, which caused a great deal of difficulty for him during his reign. Henry married Eleanor at the age of 29 which was old for a King who needed heirs, Eleanor was only 14.
Henry was the eldest son of King John and Isabella of Angoulême. His brother Richard took Eleanor's sister, Sanchia as his second wife when she was 16 years old. John and Isabella had 5 children, Edward I (became King in 1272), Margaret (married to the King of Scotland, Alexander III), Beatrice (married to Duke of Normandy, John II), Edmund (2nd marriage, Blanche of Artois) and Katherine (died aged 4, and it is believed that she was deaf).
What I loved about this book is that I learned about the Magna Carta, which I really new nothing about. The Magna Carta was the first document forced onto an English King (Henry's father) by a group of his subjects (the barons) in an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges. It explicitly protected certain rights of the King's subjects, allowing appeal against unlawful imprisonment. Magna Carta was arguably the most significant early influence on the extensive historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law today in the English speaking world. During his reign Henry stuggled with the Magna Carta and felt that it was constantly used against him.
Henry was known for his anti-Jewish decrees and unfair taxes, such as a decree compelling them to wear a special "badge of shame" in the form of the Two Tablets. He was also extravagant and when his first child, Prince Edward was born, Henry demanded that Londoners bring him rich gifts to celebrate. He even sent back gifts that did not please him.
A good historical novel inspires you to not only read more but to go and look up facts and make further discoveries. Jean Plaidy certainly does that for me.
Henry was the eldest son of King John and Isabella of Angoulême. His brother Richard took Eleanor's sister, Sanchia as his second wife when she was 16 years old. John and Isabella had 5 children, Edward I (became King in 1272), Margaret (married to the King of Scotland, Alexander III), Beatrice (married to Duke of Normandy, John II), Edmund (2nd marriage, Blanche of Artois) and Katherine (died aged 4, and it is believed that she was deaf).
What I loved about this book is that I learned about the Magna Carta, which I really new nothing about. The Magna Carta was the first document forced onto an English King (Henry's father) by a group of his subjects (the barons) in an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges. It explicitly protected certain rights of the King's subjects, allowing appeal against unlawful imprisonment. Magna Carta was arguably the most significant early influence on the extensive historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law today in the English speaking world. During his reign Henry stuggled with the Magna Carta and felt that it was constantly used against him.
Henry was known for his anti-Jewish decrees and unfair taxes, such as a decree compelling them to wear a special "badge of shame" in the form of the Two Tablets. He was also extravagant and when his first child, Prince Edward was born, Henry demanded that Londoners bring him rich gifts to celebrate. He even sent back gifts that did not please him.
A good historical novel inspires you to not only read more but to go and look up facts and make further discoveries. Jean Plaidy certainly does that for me.
May 9, 2017
I used to love Jean Plaidy's books so much when I was in my early teens, but they just don't do anything for me anymore. Lightly fictionalised history, little characterisation, points endlessly repeated (Henry likes "foreigners", we get it)... I like my fiction meatier, more interesting and complex. This story of Henry III, Eleanor of Provence, her family and the barons rebellion under Simon de Montfort is perhaps the best of the Plantagenet series so far, but it was something of a relief to finish.
Recommended for fans or younger readers only.
Recommended for fans or younger readers only.
February 3, 2024
Another great book in this series. Simon de Montfort is one of my favorite non-royal historical characters and I liked how the Barons' rebellion was portrayed here, though I wish it had been a bigger portion of the book. A few too many pages were dedicated to Eleanor's childhood and early days as Queen. Henry III reigned for so long that it's hard to fit his entire rule in one book, but it was fairly admirably done here. Looking forward to seeing more how this author treats Edward I.
March 13, 2012
Quite a good book focused on the life an reign of one of the perhaps lesser known Kings of England, Henry III and his relationship with his French Queen Eleanor de Provence. Henry not only devoted but was one of the rare kings who was faithful to his wife, but his devotion proved to be a double edged sword, and his reluctance to deal with Eleanor's extravangance and manipualtion of him eventually have disastrouns consequences for the whole Kingdom.
The narrative is a little repetitive, and the way that the novel focuses as much on personal relationships of the leading characters as much as politcal events may be off-putting for some.
I found the depiction of the character, actions and motivations of some of the secondary historical figures fascinating, particularly Prince Edward (later Edward I Longshanks) and the King's Brother John Duke of Cornwall. Plaidy's depiction of Prince Edward was unusually sympathetic (though not uncritical) and her explanation for one controversial incident in teenage years makes seems to make sense and causes me to question the assertion that this incident serves as proof of Edward's allegedly uncompomisingly and uncurably evil nature.
The narrative is a little repetitive, and the way that the novel focuses as much on personal relationships of the leading characters as much as politcal events may be off-putting for some.
I found the depiction of the character, actions and motivations of some of the secondary historical figures fascinating, particularly Prince Edward (later Edward I Longshanks) and the King's Brother John Duke of Cornwall. Plaidy's depiction of Prince Edward was unusually sympathetic (though not uncritical) and her explanation for one controversial incident in teenage years makes seems to make sense and causes me to question the assertion that this incident serves as proof of Edward's allegedly uncompomisingly and uncurably evil nature.
April 21, 2012
After reading one of Jean Plaidy's books from another series I was a little apprehensive to read this one. I felt that the last book had a strong narrative but that Plaidy disrupted the flow of the plot by adding events from the period in great detail, though they remained irrelevent to the main plot, causing me to skip chapters in order to return to the central characters. But with The Queen From Provence I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative which remained unblemished by odd chapters on inappropriate topics.
I find the reigns of the lesser known Kings and Queens far more interesting than, for example, the Tudors whose lifes are notoriously documented and Plaidy has thorougly piqued my interest in Henry III and Eleanor. Though sometimes the dialogue/narrative was a bit repetative I didn't find that it detracted from the plot at all. Thoroughly enjoying it so far!
I find the reigns of the lesser known Kings and Queens far more interesting than, for example, the Tudors whose lifes are notoriously documented and Plaidy has thorougly piqued my interest in Henry III and Eleanor. Though sometimes the dialogue/narrative was a bit repetative I didn't find that it detracted from the plot at all. Thoroughly enjoying it so far!
November 7, 2011
I felt the ending was rushes, while in outher ares it drug on forever and repeated some points over and over.
March 27, 2025
The Queen from Provence by Jean Plaidy continues the author's series on the kings of England. This particular book is about King Henry III and the woman he married, Eleanor of Provence.
Henry III became king at the young age of 9 after the death of his father, King John. His father was cruel and corrupt and this was a shadow that Henry worked hard to get out from under. He was helped to rule by William Marshal and Hugh de Burgh until he became old enough to rule the country himself. Some say that Henry was unsure of himself even as he got into his twenties and could be influenced too easily.
Henry did not marry until his late twenties. Enter his bride, Eleanor of Provence, and now she was his main influence. This was good when it came to Henry's family life. He was a devoted husband and father. He was one of the few monarchs that was faithful to his wedding vows. Eleanor's influence was not so good when it came to governing England. Eleanor had expensive tastes and Henry loved to give her whatever she wanted. Further, she came from a family not known for its wealth. Her parents and uncles among others needed money and all Eleanor had to do was ask her husband. Some of her relatives came over to England from Provence and were given positions of authority in Britain. In addition, Henry's siblings from his mother's marriage after King John died also came to England with their hands out. Where was all this money coming from that Henry used to give to his favorites? It came from the people of England as he repeatedly employed taxes and levies to pay for his generosity. The English became very tired of this and eventually they rebelled. All of this drama makes for a very enjoyable novel in the hands of Jean Plaidy. I highly recommend it.
Family Corner
===========
No sex or profanity, but some characters are unfaithful in their marriages.
Henry III became king at the young age of 9 after the death of his father, King John. His father was cruel and corrupt and this was a shadow that Henry worked hard to get out from under. He was helped to rule by William Marshal and Hugh de Burgh until he became old enough to rule the country himself. Some say that Henry was unsure of himself even as he got into his twenties and could be influenced too easily.
Henry did not marry until his late twenties. Enter his bride, Eleanor of Provence, and now she was his main influence. This was good when it came to Henry's family life. He was a devoted husband and father. He was one of the few monarchs that was faithful to his wedding vows. Eleanor's influence was not so good when it came to governing England. Eleanor had expensive tastes and Henry loved to give her whatever she wanted. Further, she came from a family not known for its wealth. Her parents and uncles among others needed money and all Eleanor had to do was ask her husband. Some of her relatives came over to England from Provence and were given positions of authority in Britain. In addition, Henry's siblings from his mother's marriage after King John died also came to England with their hands out. Where was all this money coming from that Henry used to give to his favorites? It came from the people of England as he repeatedly employed taxes and levies to pay for his generosity. The English became very tired of this and eventually they rebelled. All of this drama makes for a very enjoyable novel in the hands of Jean Plaidy. I highly recommend it.
Family Corner
===========
No sex or profanity, but some characters are unfaithful in their marriages.
December 28, 2019
Fictionalised history of Henry III and his French queen, Eleanor, the second daughter of an impoverished Count of Provence, with 4 beautiful daughters. Eleanor is used to being the ring-leader of the four daughters, feeling herself cleverer and in every other way the equal of her older sister. A Court friend of the Count's sings Marguerite, the oldest daughter's praises to the king of France, which results in their marriage.
Eleanor enlists his help and advice to meet Henry of England's brother whilst he is in France and give him a poem she has written about his English seat. It bears fruit, and results in her marriage to Henry in time.But she is used to being indulged and fails to see the danger she is putting her husband in by encouraging hin to promote her own relatives and countrymen ahead of English people.
This is a gentle history and a good way of learning about England and her neighbouring countries in the Plantaganet era.
Eleanor enlists his help and advice to meet Henry of England's brother whilst he is in France and give him a poem she has written about his English seat. It bears fruit, and results in her marriage to Henry in time.But she is used to being indulged and fails to see the danger she is putting her husband in by encouraging hin to promote her own relatives and countrymen ahead of English people.
This is a gentle history and a good way of learning about England and her neighbouring countries in the Plantaganet era.
January 5, 2022
2.5 rounded up.
Jean Plaidy was my introduction into historical fiction. I've always had a soft spot for her novels, but I've been apprehensive to read any again. I'm concerned I will find them lacking now. And after reading The Queen from Provence I fear my thoughts may be right. I enjoyed some parts of the novel, but it was very "tell" and not "show." Years would pass within two sentences and it was hard to keep up. Eleanor was one dimensional and insufferably arrogant. She obviously was not as clever as she thought. Simon de Montfort was also as pure and righteous as fallen snow, He reluctantly rebels because it was absolutely necessary and not for any of his own gain at all. Yeah, sure.
Jean Plaidy was my introduction into historical fiction. I've always had a soft spot for her novels, but I've been apprehensive to read any again. I'm concerned I will find them lacking now. And after reading The Queen from Provence I fear my thoughts may be right. I enjoyed some parts of the novel, but it was very "tell" and not "show." Years would pass within two sentences and it was hard to keep up. Eleanor was one dimensional and insufferably arrogant. She obviously was not as clever as she thought. Simon de Montfort was also as pure and righteous as fallen snow, He reluctantly rebels because it was absolutely necessary and not for any of his own gain at all. Yeah, sure.
June 2, 2018
I am truly running out of praise for this author - I adore her! What a great book regarding Queen Eleanor and Henry III. It also tells a smaller tale of her three sisters, Queen Marquerite of France, Beatrice and Sanchia. What a different tale as Henry III was the son of one of the worst Kings in history King John who came from probably the most dysfunctional royal family of all time to one of the closest and loyal families. Although I admire Queen Eleanor for the love of her husband and children but she truly would not be someone I would care for personally. This is the sixth book in the series and ends with her son King Edward I taking the throne - on to Book 7!
January 16, 2019
This is a paperback edition by Pan Books Ltd published January 1980
January 27, 2020
Eleanor was insufferably arrogant and Henry wasn't much better. Would have liked to have seen more of Simon De Montfort.
July 28, 2020
Very interesting story but I couldn't stand the main characters (sort of like their subjects).
February 27, 2022
Love the books where the hero is a women. Plaidy gives real justice the the women of history. Their strength and fortitude.
July 1, 2023
Very slow going!
November 1, 2018
The Queen from Provence is based around the marriage and relationship between Henry III and his Queen, Eleanor de Provence, and the events of Henry’s long reign. The writing style can be a little repetitive and tiresome in places, but it is an easy read.
July 12, 2016
Another great novelised account of a relatively calm period of English medieval history, if you call it that with the feuding, war-like Plantagenets. I love my English history, especially this dynasty who reigned over England for nearly 350 years. The main character is Eleanor, one of four sisters from Provence, France, who marries the weak King Henry III and virtually rules him throughout his long reign. Unfortunately, she brings in a lot of foreigners as friends and associates, who seem to get the top jobs at the expense of the English barons. The barons had already gone through major disagreement with Henry's father, the infamous King John, and are restless yet again, mainly to the the influx of all these foreigners. It seems we English have never liked this!!!
The King and Queen spend inordinate amounts of money on a lavish lifestyle whilst the rest of the nation have to pay for it through heavy taxes. Eventually, the barons (led by Simon de Montfort) have had enough and rebel as they did against Henry's father. All the time, the queen is telling the 'puppet' king, not to take any notice of them and it all concludes it bitter rivalries and civil battles. It seems that the only good thing that the King and Queen did right was produce a very strong heir, the next King, Edward I. He is the subject of the next book in the series. I can't wait. Anyone interested in this period of English history must read this series.
The King and Queen spend inordinate amounts of money on a lavish lifestyle whilst the rest of the nation have to pay for it through heavy taxes. Eventually, the barons (led by Simon de Montfort) have had enough and rebel as they did against Henry's father. All the time, the queen is telling the 'puppet' king, not to take any notice of them and it all concludes it bitter rivalries and civil battles. It seems that the only good thing that the King and Queen did right was produce a very strong heir, the next King, Edward I. He is the subject of the next book in the series. I can't wait. Anyone interested in this period of English history must read this series.
May 11, 2020
Leonor, la hija del Conde de Provenza; a pesar de no contar con una buena dote, busca un matrimonio ventajoso y acorde con el alto rango de su familia. Su hermana Margarita ha logrado casarse con el rey de Francia, por lo que Leonor pone los ojos en el rey de Inglaterra, hijo del difunto Juan Sin Tierra; Enrique III. Después de algunas artimañas en la corte, logra su objetivo y viaja a Inglaterra a desposarse con el rey, en quien encuentra un marido bueno y generoso, pero un rey débil para gobernar.
Enrique, siempre bajo la sombra y las amenazas de los antiguos errores de su padre, es un rey indeciso e imprudente, quien se deja influenciar fuertemente por Leonor de Provenza y sus familiares que llegan a Inglaterra con la descarada intención de escalar posiciones sociales y llevarse todo el dinero que puedan aprovechando el matrimonio de Leonor. Esto escandaliza y enoja a la corte y al pueblo inglés, por lo que todo su reinado estuvo bajo las constantes tensiones de posibles levantamientos.
Leer la sinopsis y reseña completa en:
https://elmundodeeleanor.wordpress.co...
Enrique, siempre bajo la sombra y las amenazas de los antiguos errores de su padre, es un rey indeciso e imprudente, quien se deja influenciar fuertemente por Leonor de Provenza y sus familiares que llegan a Inglaterra con la descarada intención de escalar posiciones sociales y llevarse todo el dinero que puedan aprovechando el matrimonio de Leonor. Esto escandaliza y enoja a la corte y al pueblo inglés, por lo que todo su reinado estuvo bajo las constantes tensiones de posibles levantamientos.
Leer la sinopsis y reseña completa en:
https://elmundodeeleanor.wordpress.co...
December 16, 2016
“The Queen From Provence” is an improvement on the previous novel in the Plantagenet Saga.
We still have to endure a certain amount of repetition, not only in repeating info in this book, but also from the earlier novels in the series. This is one of Ms Plaidy’s greatest faults.
One of her greatest attributes is to recreate the past in an on intriguing fashion. Once again we follow not only England’s Plantagenet monarchs, their friends, family, and emeries, but also their French contemporaries.
I consider myself knowledgeable regarding most English royal history, and to lesser extent France’s too, though the reigns of Henry III and of Louis IX are largely unknown to me.
Therefore, this novel – which, knowing Plaidy’s reputation for research – was an engaging way of learning what happened. Of course, many episodes have not been recorded from the 1200s, which gives the author room to add her own interpretations, something she does well.
A pretty good read.
We still have to endure a certain amount of repetition, not only in repeating info in this book, but also from the earlier novels in the series. This is one of Ms Plaidy’s greatest faults.
One of her greatest attributes is to recreate the past in an on intriguing fashion. Once again we follow not only England’s Plantagenet monarchs, their friends, family, and emeries, but also their French contemporaries.
I consider myself knowledgeable regarding most English royal history, and to lesser extent France’s too, though the reigns of Henry III and of Louis IX are largely unknown to me.
Therefore, this novel – which, knowing Plaidy’s reputation for research – was an engaging way of learning what happened. Of course, many episodes have not been recorded from the 1200s, which gives the author room to add her own interpretations, something she does well.
A pretty good read.
October 24, 2010
The Count of Provence has 4 beautiful daughters, all destined for great matches well above their stations. Eleanor marries King Henry III of England and Marguerite marries King Louis of France, placing them on opposite sides of an ever-present tension between the two countries. They are as different in their personalities as their countries and Kings. Their younger sisters are married within the ranks of their households, and sides must be taken as always in Royal clashes.
Though their rule was financially rocky, their marital bond was strong. King Henry III and Queen Eleanor made a surprising go of their marriage, raising 5 healthy children including successor to the crown Edward.
It's not my favorite by Jean Plaidy but it's good.
Though their rule was financially rocky, their marital bond was strong. King Henry III and Queen Eleanor made a surprising go of their marriage, raising 5 healthy children including successor to the crown Edward.
It's not my favorite by Jean Plaidy but it's good.
March 8, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Jean Plaidy's style is less frenetic than Philippa Gregory's, whose novels I discovered recently and has got me back to reading historical fiction. It has been about 20 years or more since I last read any Jean Plaidy novels, and I now want to read more.
This novel is set during a period of history about which I know very little - I have always been a fan of the tudors. Jean Plaidy portrays Henry III as good family man, but a fairly weak and selfish king. The final bloody battles with Simon de Montfort and his followers was inevitable, and even understandable. Great escapism, and I always learn something from these kinds of novels.
This novel is set during a period of history about which I know very little - I have always been a fan of the tudors. Jean Plaidy portrays Henry III as good family man, but a fairly weak and selfish king. The final bloody battles with Simon de Montfort and his followers was inevitable, and even understandable. Great escapism, and I always learn something from these kinds of novels.
November 30, 2014
I liked this part much better than both The Plantagenet Prelude and The Revolt of the Eaglets. I suspect the reason for it is the excellent translation that might have eliminated the irritating repetitions that plagued those books (I read them in English).
June 6, 2013
I grew weary of Eleanor of Provence. She seemed so self-absorbed and felt she deserved anything at the expense of her people. I was ready to throw the book at a wall if I saw that Henry her loved her so and would give her what she wanted. I kept reading book though because I love Plaidy's story line however, this character was an annoyance. I am not sure if this was on purpose to reveal Eleanor's true character.
September 3, 2018
Spoilt Eleanor of Provence marries the doting King Henry III. While the couple are a model family, showing an unusual amount of care and love to their children and each other, their lack of regard for the people of England leads to the Barons Revolt led by Simon de Montfort. Eleanor was annoying, for a woman as intelligent as she was supposed to be, she acted like an imbecile sometimes, and Henry should have known better. Their filial devotion however, was lovely to read
June 2, 2014
It was light and entertaining, but if I'm honest I'd probably have rated it lower if I'd been reading it as opposed to listening to it as an audio book. The POV was all over the place and it felt quite cliched with little depth; sometimes that's what you want though.
As I actually want to read some historical fiction about Edward I I'll be moving on to The Hammer of the Scots - so it can't have been that bad. :)
As I actually want to read some historical fiction about Edward I I'll be moving on to The Hammer of the Scots - so it can't have been that bad. :)
October 19, 2014
Book 6 of the Plantagenet Saga is set during the reign of Henry III, from his marriage to Eleanor of Provence until his death. As usual, the novel incorporates the POVs of numerous characters, bot at the English court and elsewhere. Henry III was one of those English kings I knew virtually nothing about, and while I enjoyed the story I am more looking forward to the next books covering characters whose lives I'm more interested in.
October 18, 2012
I love Victoria Holt's writing. This book does not have graphic language or love scenes although intriguing and well written. I enjoyed this historical fiction
outlining the family of the infamous Longshanks, the future King of England. His father was a kind hearted man who gave his wife anything she desired, to her detriment and to the detriment of the kingdom.
outlining the family of the infamous Longshanks, the future King of England. His father was a kind hearted man who gave his wife anything she desired, to her detriment and to the detriment of the kingdom.
May 25, 2015
The Queen from Provence is a great read, not only for its amazing insight into history, but also for what it can teach us - humanity as a whole - not to do in the future.
Read my full review on my book blog, Beyond Strange New Words.
Read my full review on my book blog, Beyond Strange New Words.
February 17, 2011
this book feels like something that had to be written to fill some gaps and give some information. Lots of what happens had already been told in The battle of the queens and other stuff is repeated in the book itself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews