The Land Beyond the Sea

by Sharon Kay Penman

1172. The Kingdom of Jerusalem, also known as 'Outremer', the land beyond the sea. Outremer was a young realm, one baptized in blood when the men of the First Crusade captured Jerusalem from the Saracens in 1099. Those crusaders who stayed had to adapt to an utterly new world, a land of blazing heat and exotic customs and enemies who were also neighbors.
Balian d'Ibelin had long enjoyed a relationship of mutual respect with Saladin. But Saladin was set upon taking Jerusalem by storm, seeing it as a blood debt, retribution for the massacre in 1099. Defeating Saladin would have been a challenge for any king, but while Baldwin IV was intelligent, educated, charismatic, courageous, and dedicated to the welfare and protection of his people, he was also doomed by his affliction with leprosy. However, he fought his disease as fiercely as he fought the Saracens, though, and when he learned that Saladin was planning to invade Outremer, he won a remarkable victory over a much larger Saracen army at Montisgard in 1177; Saladin himself barely escaped capture. Balian took part in that battle, too, for he was loyal to his young, dying king. Eventually, Balian's finest hour would come, for he convinced Saladin to accept a peaceful surrender . . .
Filled with drama and battle, tragedy and romance, Sharon Penman's latest novel tells the epic story of a clash of cultures that continues to resonate today.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Medieval, 12th Century, Middle East, War

672 pages, Paperback

First published January 23, 2020

About the author

Penman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer.

The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept (which dealt with the Anarchy and the early career of King Henry II of England), Penman ventured into the historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I. The mysteries did not enjoy the same success as her "straight" historical novels, to which she returned in 2002, with Time and Chance, again covering the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. In 2008, she published Devil's Brood, which was to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She soon realized that there was still more of the Angevins' story to tell and the result was Lionheart , followed by The King's Ransom. Henry and Eleanor's celebrated and controversial son, Richard the Lionheart is the major character in both books, although Eleanor, John, and Richard's favorite sister, Joanna, also get to spend time on center stage. She has just finished The Land Beyond the Sea, set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. It will be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam's and in the U.K. and Down Under by Macmillan and co; the publication date is early March, 2020.

Reviews

[Jeffrey Keeten · Rating 4 out of 5]

”He had grown up in a land at war, had never known a peace that was not fleeting, as ephemeral as the morning mists, and he’d accepted that as the natural order of things. It was different now. From this night on, he was responsible for the lives of the woman beside him and the little girl asleep in the chamber below. When he thought of his new wife and daughter exposed to the dangers he’d always taken for granted, he felt a hollow sensation in the pit of his stomach. To be a husband and father in Outremer was to learn to live with fear.”

A few months ago, I read Dan Jones’s latest book, Crusaders: The Epic History of the Wars for the Holy Land, and he certainly gave me a taste of the rich history of the Holy Lands and the Christians who felt it was their duty to their God to live there and protect that “sacred soil” from the heathen Muslims. When I realized that Sharon Kay Penman’s new book was set in the 12th century when Saladin was on the rise and the leader of the Poulains (the Franks who chose to stay and live in Outremer instead of returning to Europe) was a leper king,...well, how could I resist?

It was rather baffling as to how Baldwin IV became infected with leprosy. He was the son of the king and enjoyed all of the privileges that only the very elite of society experience. It was dire conditions that created a situation where a boy suffering from leprosy was asked to assume the throne, but he was the only candidate who would keep the fiercely competitive and obstinate Christians united for a common cause. It helped that he was wise beyond his years and quickly learned to separate the deceptions and the exaggerations from honesty and veracity. He had to keep this loose confederacy of strong, independent people united in a common goal of securing their own futures in a land hostile to their presence.

Penman is like Victor Frankenstein. She digs up the dusty bones of these 12th century figures and somehow resurrects them into living and breathing people. Balian d’Ibelin quickly became my favorite character and a central player in the cesspool of political alliances. I’m not a fan at all of religious wars or religious fanaticism or even people being religious, but once I set aside my abhorrence of the whole idea of the crusades and the irritation of Christian exceptionalism, I could enjoy reading about a group of people who were struggling against incredible odds for something they truly believed in.

The Poulains, frankly, can’t reproduce fast enough. They lose precious men with every battle they fight against a foe that can recruit fresh soldiers endlessly. The crusaders coming from the West only stay for a short while and are annoyingly condemning of how the people who live and breathe this life have chosen to defend themselves. There is too much posturing by the crusaders, who are really only there out of fear for their immortal souls. They hope spending a few months fighting Muslims in the Holy Lands will guarantee them a safe squeeze through the eye of the needle on their way to heaven. I haven’t really thought about that dynamic between those who have chosen to live in Outremer and those who have one boot on the boat, ready to return to Europe as soon as possible. Penman explores those conflicts and shows how inconsistently and frustratingly meager the help from the West proved to be. I have recently read the Jason Goodwin book about the Ottoman Empire, and one of the things that really stands out is the lack of help Constantinople received from the West when they were besieged by Mehmet II, even though the survival of Constantinople as a Christian stronghold was important to all of Europe.

How important was holding the Holy Lands to Western Europe in the 12th century? From a strategic standpoint, almost miniscule. From an emotional, spiritual standpoint, much higher, but most rulers in Europe had more immediate problems, closer to home, and in the case of Richard the Lionheart, nearly losing his throne to his little bro while he was cavorting in the Middle East. Going on crusade might be good for the soul, but it wasn’t at all advantageous to building and holding an empire.

So despite the fact that I believe these Christians should have packed their bags and returned to Europe, I found myself rooting for these plucky Poulains, even knowing that inner strife was going to be a cross that would prove too heavy a burden to bear over the long haul of history. Saladin could afford to lose battles, but the Poulains knew that to lose a catastrophic battle was to lose everything. It adds a little extra edge to every encounter.

Penman is not a gifted chronicler of battle scenes. Bernard Cromwell, in my opinion, is still one of the best at really putting a reader into the middle of the blood, the flatulence, the clash of metals, the screaming, and the roaring of hooves. Where Penman excels in this novel is with the political intrigue and making the reader really feel from the human side what it is like to live under the constant threat of annihilation. As cities fall and are regained, it is the common people who suffer the most. ”Above all, it was his bitter understanding of what happened when a city was taken by storm. It mattered little whether the soldiers were Muslims or Christians. The looting, the raping, the killing were always the same.”

Do most soldiers throughout history fight for a cause? Sometimes, but most of the time they are driven by the desire for booty. The Muslims had a three day rule for their soldiers: three days of pillaging, looting, and raping, and then the city had to return to being controlled by a governing force. So as a Christian living in one of the cities being besieged by Muslims, you had no illusions as to what would await you and your family if the city walls failed or your defenders made a critical mistake.

I always appreciate it when a book gives me a totally new perspective on an aspect of history. I’ve had more than a little fascination with how the leper king came to power, and Penman brings him vividly to life through the trials and tribulations of ruling with such an infirmity, but also by showing what a strong and inspirational leader he proved to be. Don’t ask Calgon to take you away during your days of quarantine, but rather ask Penman to sweep you away to another place and time. Live through the lives of her real life characters, and experience a world that will make you feel snug and secure in your mini-paradise.

If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten and an Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jeffreykeeten/

[Roman Clodia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Agnes de Courtenay is surely the greatest bitch in all of Christendom!"

I'm a fan of Penman's meticulous, detailed historical fiction but have to admit that this is one of my least favourite of her books. Partly my disappointment is with the meandering narrative, more of which later, and partly with the less than stellar writing, not what I expect from Penman at all.

There are constant jarring moments when people in the twelfth century Kingdom of Jerusalem suddenly say things as if they're C21st contemporaries: 'William had a penchant for sometimes oversharing', for example; or 'De Toron is... what? Eighteen? That's old enough to have grown a pair.' This is even more odd set against the sprinkling of 'ere', 'mayhaps' and 'for certes' used in speech.

Then there are the wholly unnecessary similes which clutter the prose, many of which are also risible clichés: 'we can cut through their ranks like a hot knife through butter', 'letting Damascus fall into Saladin's clutches like a ripe plum', 'he had the look of a cat that had got into the cream', 'his mouth was as dry as the Negev Desert' - please, editors, can you not let these pass?

More pressingly, the story feels shapeless and lacks a clear direction. It opens in the 1170s, ends in the 1190s, but those points feel a bit arbitrary. That might have worked if we had a strong focus on characters but Penman, who has in the past created wonderful characters such as her Richard III, Simon de Montfort, and Richard I, doesn't manage that here. There is no protagonist apart from, maybe, the Kingdom itself. Baldwin, the so-called Leper King, is important but he's not a PoV character; Balian d'Ibelin is a ridiculously idealised 'modern man' dressed up in medieval clothing (he's one of the few Franks who speaks Arabic, he treats his wife as an equal and the pair are totally loved-up, he adores and is adored by his children and step-children, he's always polite to and friendly with the lower classes and Muslims, he rails against constrictions against men being in the birthing chamber and breaks the rules to be with his wife in childbirth, he doesn't mind that she gives him daughters instead of sons, he's not worried about being in contact with Baldwin who has leprosy and doesn't subscribe to the superstitions of the period - natch!). There's a whole chorus of characters without much, um, character. It's very different from the recent Richard I books (Lionheart, A King's Ransom) which centred on a flawed but charismatic protagonist on whom to hang the complicated politics.

Battle scenes have never been Penman's forté, and that feels another lack here as there are many skirmishes as well as 'big' battles and sieges that just don't feel terrifying and bloody in the way they should. I would also have liked to have seen a more critical eye cast over the politics of the period: in her afterword, Penman mentions she's read the Arabic sources alongside the western ones (presumably, though, those that have been translated and are accessible), but there's a sort of normalisation of the very fact that these Franks are struggling to keep a Christian kingdom upheld in the heart of the Middle East precisely because they have adopted and westernised a Jewish cult figure as their own.

I've been very critical but should say that this isn't a bad book and that the level of research is, as usual, impressive. Penman takes a granular approach to history so the detail is here of politics, the plotting, the attempted coups, and the struggle for power around the crown. It doesn't reduce to being a bodice-ripper as so much historical fiction is. All the same, as a fervent fan of Penman who has been looking forward to this book all year, I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed.

p.s. It's worth mentioning that this flips back in time before the two Richard I books, and there are mentions in the background of Henry II's imprisoning of Eleanor and the rebellion of his sons.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC via NetGalley

[Geevee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book exploring some fifteen years and the events surrounding Outremer - the Crusader states - in the Middle East.

My first by the late Sharon Penman and I see why she has so many fans. The writing is lively and brings to life the period and the cast of characters, which as readers of medieval history know can be complex and difficult to follow, making for not just a fast-paced read but also an opportunity to learn about the Land Beyond the Sea (Outremer translates to overseas).

I was struck by the complexity and challenge Ms Penman had in writing this book. to be able to weave her dialogue and events against the real events and known events is a fine achievement. There is a skill to this as unless one deviates to far from real events then the author must walk a fine and limited line. For me, she does this superbly. There were a few niggles with dialogue as others reviewers on GR have mentioned, but for me, given the scope, expanse and sheer level of research needed to create this story I can overlook these.

Ms Penman has also provides a very useful afterword on the real characters and also a author's note outlining her approach and where she did deviate or tweak her story. There is also a very helpful list of the main sources she used to assist with her research and writing, and this will see me seek out some of those.

I have read few 5 star fiction books of late; most for me are good and very enjoyable but happily sit in the three or four star range, but this one has hooked me and will be one that I shall cite as a enjoyable and informative favourite.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has been reading, loving, and re-reading Sharon Kay Penman's novels for over 20 years, I was thrilled to be granted access to an advance reader copy via Edelweiss. The Land Beyond the Sea did not disappoint! Penman brings the historical figures of twelfth century Jerusalem and its surrounding lands vividly to life, and creates plenty of complex, often at-odds heroes and heroines to root for over the course of this epic, standalone novel. I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and family sagas who are looking for a novel featuring detailed, well-researched depictions of medieval lords and ladies, soldiers and servants, cutthroat royal politics, harrowing battlefield clashes, and a wonderful love story at its heart.

[Emiliya Bozhilova · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bulgarian review is first, the English translation follows it bellow

Филмът “Небесно царство” на Ридли Скот си струваше точно и единствено заради две сцени. Във втората последният защитник ��а Йерусалим, договорил предаването му на Саладин, все пак пита сарацина (който всъщност е кюрд): “Колко струва Йерусалим?”. Свивайки небрежно рамене, и вече оттегляйки се, Саладин отговаря с безразличие: “Нищо.” После спира и се обръща. И добавя с усмивка: “Всичко!”. Така започна любовта ми към Салах-уд-Дин, а сирийският актьор беше просто великолепен, за разлика от холивудските актьорски величия, които просто не успяха да вложат никаква емоция.

Действителността, описана в “Царство отвъд морето” (Outremer - от старофренски), е далеч по-интригуваща от всеки блокбастър.



След като цяла Западна Европа пламва в треската на кръстоносните походи, през 1099 г. Йерусалим пада под напора на кръстоносците, които не проявяват никаква милост към завареното население, но пък ликуващо възвестяват “освобождението” на Божи Гроб. Разбира се, претенциите на евреи и мюсюлмани са напълно пренебрегнати. И възниква Утремер, царството отвъд морето, където властват френски благородници и - нещо нечувано за стара Европа - си избират кралете. Това “небесно” царство има съвсем кратък живот - до 1187 г., когато заобикалящият мюсюлмански океан, предвождан от превърналия се още преживе в легенда Саладин, го поглъща за много столетия напред.

За разлика от твърде небрежните с историческите факти холувудски сценаристи, авторката е проучила доста детайлно спецификите на това необикновено малко кралство за краткия му живот. И най-голямото и постижение, освен шареното платно от необичайни културни влияния и пъстър като персийски килим исторически декор, са интерпретациите на характерите в Утремер в навечерието на гибелта му. Образите са разгръщат бавно и с нарастваща драматичност, на която фактологията държи здраво юздите.

Да започнем с Балдуин, четвъртият с това име, коронясан на 13 г., починал преди да навърши 23 г. Известен като “Прокаженият крал”. Това е най-яркият и трагичен герой в тази тъжна история. Роден в Утремер, за разлика от всички чужденци, прииждащи за плячка, съчетана с изкупление на греховете, той обича това парче земя. И има всички необходими качества, за да стане чудесен владетел и прекрасен мъж - силна воля, кураж, решителнист, любознателност и човеколюбие. Уви, по ужасна прищявка на съдбата, краткият му живот ще мине в свирепа борба за достойнство със сполетялата го проказа, която го дарява с ненавременна зрялост и успехи напук на болестта. Той излиза победител от всяка своя битка, с изключение на последната.

Висшият съвет, който - забележете - избира краля, се състои от два основни типа обитатели. Пришълци от Франция, Англия и Италия, успели да се сдобият с имот и войска, които в рицарска Европа с нейното право на първородните синове биха им били отказани. И второ и трето местно поколение феодали, за които Утремер е единствената родина, която познават. Те са загубили част от предрасъдъците на европейците - говорят и четат арабски (често пъти знания, придобити в сарацински плен), предпочитат арабската кухня като питателна и здравословна, ползват редовно бани, договарят гъвкаво примирия с врага и търгуват изгодно с него, и се забавляват с невежеството на приходящите религиозни “туристи”, решени да ги поучават как точно трябва да се държат примерните християни.

В целия този змиярник добри и лоши няма. Има умни и глупаци. Умерени и фанатични. Страхливи и безразсъдни. Образовани и невежи. Прагматични и чисто и просто алчни. Смирени и арогантни. Същевременно никой не забравя собствения си интерес, поради което наследничките се разпродават като топъл хляб на брачния пазар, тъй като дават достъп до власт. И тъй като продължителността на живота често не е висока, на една богата наследница се падат средно по три-четири брака. Вдовството не е опция. Изключително интересна е и ролята на няколкото християнски църкви (западната най-вече), както и ордените на хоспиталиери и тамплиери.

Изобилието от характери е неимоверно, героите са много. Включително една византийска принцеса. Всички са сенчести, с добрите и лошите си страни, чиято проява често зависи от дадения им избор при определени обстоятелства - просто хора със странна съдба в странна земя, която повечето считат за своя по правото на рождението си. Нито един не е безинтересен, нито един не е излишен. Начело със самия Балиан от Ибелин, договорил мирното предаване на обсадения Йерусалим. Кратките последни години на Утремер са концентрирали история, достатъчна за няколко епохи.

Това, което донякъде не ми достигна, беше мюсюлманската гледна точка, въпреки отлично скицирания в образ на Саладин. Както и на жителите на онези градчета и селца, които често сменяха владетелите си.

Като цяло романът е същинско пиршество за феновете на исторически романи, точно както би трябвало да се пишат.

——————————————————



"Kingdom of Heaven"

Ridley Scott’s film was worth watching for exactly two scenes. In the second, the last defender of Jerusalem, having negotiated the city’s surrender to Saladin, asks the Saracen (who was actually a Kurd): “What is Jerusalem worth?” Shrugging his shoulders as he walks away, Saladin indifferently replies: “Nothing.” Then he stops, turns, and adds with a smile: “Everything!” That was how my fascination with Salah-ad-Din began.

The reality described in "Land Beyond the Sea" (the era of Outremer—Old French for "overseas") is far more intriguing than any blockbuster.



After Western Europe ignited with the fever of the Crusades, Jerusalem fell to the Crusaders in 1099. They showed no mercy to the local population while triumphantly announcing the "liberation" of the Holy Sepulchre. Naturally, the claims of Jews and Muslims were entirely ignored. Thus arose Outremer, the kingdom beyond the sea, where French nobles ruled and—unheard of in old Europe—elected their kings. This "heavenly" kingdom had a short lifespan, lasting until 1187, when the surrounding Muslim ocean, led by the legendary Saladin, reclaimed it for centuries to come.

Unlike Hollywood screenwriters who are often reckless with historical facts, the author has researched the specifics of this extraordinary little kingdom in great detail. Her greatest achievement, alongside the vivid cultural tapestry, is the interpretation of the characters in Outremer on the eve of its fall. The images unfold slowly, with a mounting drama firmly reined in by historical fact.

We begin with Baldwin IV, crowned at thirteen and dead before reaching twenty-three. Known as the "Leper King," he is the most brilliant and tragic hero of this somber story. Born in Outremer, unlike the foreigners arriving for plunder and penance, he truly loved this piece of land. He possessed every quality of a great ruler—willpower, courage, curiosity, and humanity. Alas, by a terrible whim of fate, his brief life was a fierce struggle for dignity against the leprosy that granted him untimely maturity. He emerged victorious in every battle except his last.

The High Council, which elected the king, consisted of two main types of inhabitants. First, the newcomers from France, England, and Italy, seeking land and armies they would have been denied as younger sons in feudal Europe. Second, the local second and third-generation lords for whom Outremer was their only home. These locals had shed many European prejudices—they read and spoke Arabic, preferred healthy Saracen cuisine, bathed regularly, and negotiated flexible truces with the enemy. They were often amused by the ignorance of visiting religious "tourists" who tried to lecture them on how "exemplary Christians" should behave.

In this viper's nest, there are no simple "good" or "bad" guys. There are only the wise and the foolish, the moderate and the fanatical, the pragmatic and the purely greedy. No one forgets their own interests; heiresses are sold like hotcakes on the marriage market to provide access to power. Since life expectancy was low, a wealthy heiress might average three or four marriages—widowhood was not an option. The role of the various Christian churches and the military orders (Hospitallers and Templars) is also fascinatingly depicted.
The abundance of characters is immense, including a Byzantine princess. All are shaded, with their own virtues and vices—simply people with strange fates in a strange land they considered their birthright. None are uninteresting, from the highest lord to Balian of Ibelin himself, who negotiated the peaceful surrender of Jerusalem. The final years of Outremer condensed enough history to fill several eras.

What I missed slightly was more of the Muslim perspective, despite the excellently sketched Saladin, as well as the voices of the common inhabitants of the towns and villages who frequently changed masters.

Overall, this novel is a true feast for fans of historical fiction—exactly how it should be written.

[Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never had much interest in Crusader history. That's until my favorite historical fiction writer, Sharon Kay Penman, wrote this book. Little did I know how intriguing this period in history was. It is a long, convoluted tale. Penman has always been a stickler for getting her facts straight. I peeked at Wikipedia to get an outline of the history and she was right on. How she skillfully managed to arrange a fictional story to fit the facts has always been one of her writing trademarks.

The story covers the period of the final Crusader decades before Saladin took back most of the Holy Land. The King of Jerusalem was King Baldwin IV. The poor kid began signs of leprosy around the age of 10/11. Somehow he was able to keep the kingdom together until he withered away at 24. After Baldwin IV died the Crusaders had a bad stretch of weak kings and queens. With bad leadership and court intrigue they didn't focus enough on Saladin. Bad move.

I finished this fantastic book with a heavy heart. Sharon Kay Penman died last year and this is her final book. She was only a bit older than me. She was fairly prolific and could have had years more of writing books to wow her fans. In her blog she did say this book tired her out. Especially the battle scenes. Her fatigue must have been a sign of her looming illness. With this book she went out in a blaze of glory.

[Sud666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outremer (from the French outre-mer, literaly "overseas") was the name given by the local Christians, the Frankish conquerors of Jerusalem, to what historians call "The Crusader States". These states were Edessa, Antioch, Tripoli, and Jerusalem. Many people have, no doubt, seen the movie "Kingdom of Heaven" (fun and entertaining movie, Hollywood "accuracy") and will now appreciate this setting. This book tells the real story behind the movie.

Spanning the years 1163-1187, Sharon Kay Pennman crafts an amazingly accurate portrait of the combination of bravery, cupidity, and stupidity that underlies the fall of the Crusader stronghold of Jerusalem. Bladwin, the Fourth of His Name, was a truly good, honorable and intelligent King of Outremer. Sadly, he had leprosy and was doomed to die an early death. This sad condition is the basis for much of the political turmoil that spreads throughout the region.

The Principal Lords are all for power and even the Lord Commanders of the Knightly Orders, the Templars and the Hospitallers, joined by the unscrupulous prelates of the Land, are prone to offer bad or self-serving advice.

Into this mix we have thrust a family of refugees, fleeing the anger of Henry II of England. I refer to the de Lusignan's from Poitou, of the same family (indeed Guy was personally involved) that tried to abduct Queen Eleanor (Henry's wife) and killed a lord in the process. Baldwin's fatal mistake, IMHO, was to allow the marriage of his sister, Sybilla, to Guy de Lusignan, who ultimately is crowned king upon Baldwin’s death. Guy's incompetence will cause the end of Jerusalem as a Christian city.

But there is also the story of the real Balian d'Ibelin (the same one the movie had as some no-name blacksmith bastard), the third son of the famous d'Iblen family. Balian will prove to be an invaluable individual and, in time, earn the respect of almost all the players involved. Finally there is Saladin of the Saracen- a wise and canny leader. He is, correctly, portrayed as honorable and chivalrous, yet also quite capable of harsh actions should the need arise.

While there are no saints here, it can fairly be said that the primary Lords failed in their duty to protect the realm. Allowing a "Game of Thrones" like power struggle to play out in the background due to Baldwin's inevitable demise. Sadly this coincided with a brilliant leader in the form of Saladin (who was a Kurd) that will result in the Saracen capture of Jerusalem.

Beautifully written and filled with amazing, real life characters that will comprise a sweeping adventure of staggering proportions. Witness the fall of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem brought to you by the masterful storytelling of Sharon Kay Pennman. A great work of historical fiction.

[Iset · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a relief it is to read a good book after a string of bad and mediocre ones. Getting drawn in to Sharon Penman’s latest book, The Land Beyond the Sea, was so easy. It was something I could relax into and let sweep me away on its adventure. That’s the power of a consistently high-quality author. Such authors are rare in my experience, but should you find one, they will reliably deliver to you time and again.

The downside of a consistent author is that as a reviewer you have little new to say, or else worry that you are repeating yourself. As such, this is going to be a more concise review than some others I’ve written for Penman’s previous books. The research is, as ever, meticulous. This is a hallmark of Penman’s writing: she always goes above and beyond in her study of the sources, historians’ interpretations of them, where there are contradictions, she rigorously studies the provenance to determine which version is more likely, and where there are gaps, she fills them plausibly. By contrast, her books tend to avoid fictionalised absurdities, misunderstandings of social mores, and anachronisms. Penman’s author’s notes have become rather infamous in their own right, for the transparent discussion of what was altered and omitted, and the bibliography often provides heavy academic reading for those who are serious about studying the subject in more depth themselves. Very few historical novelists go this far. If you’re a history lover who has no patience for frothy, modernist retellings and think that history alone is thrilling without every execrable rumour thrown in there for ‘drama’, you may want to try out Sharon Penman’s books.

I enjoyed the writing style in this one. ‘Outstanding’ is not the right word, for it never grabbed me by the shoulders, but it has a natural flow and smoothness to it that, as aforementioned, make it oh so easy to sink into and be drawn along the currents of this tale. I want to directly address some points I’ve seen in negative or ambivalent responses to this book as I think it’ll be helpful to offer a different perspective. I didn’t find any turn of phrase in the book to be overly modern to the point that it bothered me. They would have to be a lot more pointed, popular, and specific to a place and moment in time to raise my eyebrow. Neither did I find any of the similes to be risible clichés. To get on my wick they’d have to be used more than once in the book, or else be in such overwhelmingly popular usage that a single glimpse would grate on me. There is an argument to be made that most historical fiction is doing a balancing act when it comes to language. Very few are actually written in the historic form of the language that its characters would have spoken, since that would make reading them far too inaccessible to be worth the purchase. Out of necessity then, modern words are used to describe ancient times, and long dead figures speak with a diction that would have been strange to them. The trick is to make the language accessible to readers but as neutral as possible, avoiding certain terms that are so prominently associated with a modern decade that readers’ suspension of disbelief is broken. That line differs from reader to reader. Personally, any turn of phrase referencing a technology not yet invented is a big red flag for me, any wildly popular slang, or Americanisms coming out of the mouths of Old World characters centuries before that continent was explored. But that’s just me.

As regards the Frankish/Saracen balance in the book, we do spend more time sitting on the shoulders of the European characters, however several Saracens are also point-of-view characters, and Penman is never slow to commend their talents, achievements, and areas of superiority to the crusading Franks. Saladin and his brother, al-Adil, in particular are held up for their intelligence, compassion, and good leadership. There could have been more discussion and self-examination of the fact that the Franks were originally invaders, that would be my only criticism on this point (though to be fair I doubt many of the Franks of the time would've even thought of such a thing), but Penman cannot be faulted for providing a balanced portrayal of both groups in conflict. The Saracens are not villainised, nor are the Franks whitewashed.

With Balian d’Ibelin – who is our main character – I see the problem in a different way. To my eyes, it isn’t that he is too “modern”. I consider it plausible that he speaks some Arabic, takes a practical view of truces with the Saracens, and treats his wife comparatively well – the former is perfectly believable given his upbringing, and the latter simply adheres to variance of attitudes at the time. The book does not shirk from showing us plenty of others who casually and as a matter of course take a different approach to Balian. I do not find Balian to be anachronistic or out of his time. My criticism would be that he was too blandly good. He lacked a dark side or flaws – or, if not that, then at least some compelling quirk or facet that made him stand out. I would have wished for Baldwin to have been a more prominent character as well, as his unique situation had all the ingredients to make him a fascinating and inimitable main character.

If I had one criticism of the book it would be that it was somewhat bloodless. I should explain that in more detail, for I do not mean that the story lacked battles or action. Rather, I’m talking about summarising. Every author does it, forced to choose what scenes to include and what to leave out. Heck, it even varies within the book: the earlier chapters engage in a lot more than the rest of the novel, concerned with setting up Baldwin’s childhood diagnosis and how he came to be the leper king. This is understandable. But there were times in the text where I felt it was being done too much, letting the distant narrator take over where I would have very much liked to have heard what the characters had to say for themselves at the very moment they discovered this plot twist or that unexpected development. I call it bloodless because I feel that inviting the reader to witness those scenes ‘live’ would have added a good deal of immediacy, tension, as well as greater insight into the unique personalities of the characters. I know it’s all history anyway so there’s a temptation to suggest that there can be no surprises in a historical novel such as this, but nevertheless I still feel strongly that allowing us to engage with the main characters so intimately at passionate moments in their lives creates investment regardless of if we know broadly how their story ends. I should note that if that puts you off, it is a criticism I have not levelled at Penman’s books before, so you may still jam with The Sunne in Splendour even if you think The Land Beyond the Sea is not your thing.

8 out of 10

[Marquise]

Despite the hyper-glowing early reviews for this, a sensible reviewer here on Goodreads pointed out this novel has issues bound to bother me a lot. And considering that I'm not interested in the Crusades and wanted to read this only because it's Penman, I'm a bit sad that this is going to be the first Penman novel I'm not going to read since I first met her...

A pity. Maybe we'll meet again if and when she goes back to the Plantagenets/Medieval England.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic ending to a sad conclusion. That's one interesting aspect to historical fiction, the authors don't usually write the ending of a book, they just tell it.

I really, really enjoyed The Land Beyond the Sea 🌊. This was the most recent publication from the late Sharon Kay Penman. I believe she passed away about this time last year, and that's unfortunate. I imagine she would have published a few more gems like this, had she lived on. Thankfully, this is my first Penman read, and I still have her full back-catalog to read.

Land Beyond the Sea is set in Jerusalem during the early part of the crusades, and is my first real exposure to the topic. Prior to this, I knew little of Jerusalem and the crusades, or the Templars and Hospitallers. I knew absolutely nothing of Baldwin IV or Saladin, or even Balian De Ibelin. (Apparently the movie Kingdom of Heaven stars Orlando Bloom as Balian and Edward Norton as Baldwin. I'll be certain to watch that soon).

Anyways, this book was exactly what I needed. A good, epic story with memorable characters, rich landscapes, and all the historical goodness.

[Laura]

5* The Sunne in Splendour
5* When Christ and His Saints Slept (Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine #1)
4* Time and Chance (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine, #2)
5* Devil's Brood (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine, #3)
4* Lionheart (Plantagenets #4)
TR A King's Ransom (Plantagenets #5)
5* Here Be Dragons (Welsh Princes, #1)
5* Falls the Shadow (Welsh Princes, #2)
4* The Reckoning (Welsh Princes, #3)
3* The Queen's Man (Justin de Quincy, #1)
4* Cruel as the Grave (Justin de Quincy, #2)
TR Dragon's Lair (Justin de Quincy, #3)
4* Prince of Darkness (Justin de Quincy, #4)
TR The Land Beyond the Sea

[Melisende · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my style of book - my favourite period in history - characters I am well familiar with - an author whose works I love. What more could I want!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two new heroes- King Baldwin and Sir Bilian. They ran the Earth in 1172 in the Middle East. They kept the Muslims at bay from the Holy Lands and protected the Christian relics. They were remarkable men and the story was based on the excellent historical research done by the author. There are times when the book read as non-fiction because the details were so authentic and real. Not that I would know. I knew less than nothing about this time in this setting.

Baldwin became King as an extremely young man (13) but he was born to rule. His one drawback? He had leprosy and had to keep his condition hidden as long as possible. The medical care he got seemed excellent though and actually better than some medical care received 800 years later in Hawaii. As he governed in a land in turmoil and dependent on European rulers to send money and fighting men, he walked a narrow line. He also tried to secure competent rulers for when he was no longer able to rule. As his health worsened, I was drawn into his battles and struggles.

Sir Balian was a lower born knight who ended up marrying Baldwin's widowed stepmother. He was a strong supporter of Baldwin and a wonderful battle leader who had the ability to make men follow him. I like that the author kept this balanced and portrayed the Muslims realistically and honorably. Their side of the story was well presented and their ruler was a man to be admired.

This book was an interesting look into the times and situations of the ongoing problems in the Middle East. It made me understand why it is hard to get a solution and a peace there. The history goes back such a long way with so many honorable people sure they have the only solution.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this fascinating book and to the author for presenting such a detailed history.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penman’s latest historical novel is set in 1172 in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. When his father dies, thirteen-year-old Baldwin ascends the throne. During his election to become the titular leader of the kingdom, it is revealed that he could have leprosy. The nobles ignored that because the alternative candidates were both girls. Baldwin’s first order of business was the defeat of Saladin who had sworn a blood oath to take back Jerusalem from the infidels.

This book has it all – drama, tragedy, war, knights in shining armor, romance, and politics that have come down the ages to haunt the world today – what more could any reader want in a novel?

The writing in this novel is excellent, the characters, some known and many unfamiliar, are well drawn, the book moves along at a quickish pace.

You don’t need to be told that if you love historical novels and the book is written by Sharon Penman, you must put it at the top of your to-be-read list. If you love historicals and haven’t read anything by this author, this is an excellent book to start your journey through the ages with Sharon Penman as your guide.

My thanks to Macmillan and Edelweiss for an eARC.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love historical fiction however I tend more towards books set in the 1900's to 1950's. The Land Beyond the Sea is set in the 12th Century, not my usual read but I loved the whole saga, the politics, betrayals, murder, wars, raids, arranged marriages and allegiances. It's all there!
The social standing and hierarchy of the time is well portrayed.

At 672 pages The Land Beyond the Sea is a big book however there is always something new happening, which kept me invested in the lives of the characters.

"Sharon Penman's The Land Beyond the Sea tells the epic tale of a clash of cultures that will resonate with readers today."

There is also a handy list of characters in the front of the book and at the back is an afterword, author's note, acknowledgments and sources of research.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Blog | My Twitter

For my full review, please visit my blog.

Many people are at least a little familiar with the Crusades, Richard the Lionheart, and Saladin. Far fewer, I would wager, know about the life of Balian of Ibelin, a Frankish lord born in the Levant. Penman tells his story in The Land Beyond the Sea. The timespan of the novel is actually fairly short, beginning when Balian is a young man. Penman takes readers on a journey among the Poulain, the people born in the Levant and descended from the Crusaders who remained in the region after the First Crusade; she shows us the complex and surprisingly collaborative interactions between the Poulain, the migrant Crusaders, and the Saracens, which influence the local politics to an extraordinary degree; and she demonstrates, above all else, that history is not always what we’ve learned from school.

Balian’s story here starts with his relationship with King Baldwin, known to history as The Leper King. The two had a relationship built on respect and Balian rose high at the court in Jerusalem as a result of Baldwin’s favor. Balian also had a good relationship with Saladin himself, as well as his brother, Al-Adil, one of Saladin’s most trusted advisors. These relationships came into play at the height of Balian’s influence, when he convinced Saladin to accept Jerusalem’s peaceful surrender after a prolonged siege that would have left thousands of civilians dead or sold into slavery.

All in all, while I have come to expect nothing short of amazing writing and research from Sharon Kay Penman’s books, it is nevertheless a delight to dive into a new book of hers and discover that her reputation as a precise and vivid storyteller remains intact and well-deserved.

[Daniel Shindler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is magnificent. Sharon Kay Penman brings to life a fascinating period of history. Her dialogue is crisp and the book is well paced. In the afterword, she makes a credible argument for her historical interpretations. She brings to life a group of historical figures who could make the Plantagenets seem peaceful.

[A.L. Sowards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s long and epic and dives deep into history. I’ve read some nonfiction about the crusades recently, so I was familiar with the setting and enjoyed this detailed (if fictionalized) account that filled in the holes and really brought the events and characters to life.

The book covered from the last few years of King Amalric’s reign to the fall of Jerusalem and included a large cast of characters. The characters were well done, and I especially loved Baldwin, the leper king. He was so young and so brave and faced such huge obstacles not only to his health, but also the internal and external threats to his kingdom. He made a few mistakes when it came to picking husbands for his sisters, but he always tried to do what was right for his kingdom, and didn’t ask anyone to sacrifice more than he already had. I also loved Balian d’Ibelin, especially in the last half of the book. (Penman’s version is so much better than Hollywood’s!) He was a great mix of human and heroic.

I love this type of deeply-researched historical fiction, so I’m glad I read it and plan to read more by the author. I was pleasantly surprised that religion played a large (mostly positive) role in many of the characters’ lives. Having said that, this book isn’t for everyone. It might be hard to follow for readers without a little background in the time period. It also includes lots of battles (with the expected violence) and one steamy scene (between a married couple).

A quote I liked, that perhaps applies to Penman and not just to William of Tyre: "No matter what happened to Outremer, he'd told its story. Its kings and queens and its valiant, stubborn people would be remembered."

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharon Kay Penman does it again. I may be prejudice, LoL, because I love her writing and her ability to take me away to another time.

Slightly veering from her previous novels of medieval Europe, the story takes place in the Middle East, during the Crusades. The kingdom of Jerusalem is ruled by a young King Baldwin IV. Baldwin contracts leprosy and his ability to rule the kingdom is questioned. However, Baldwin is strong and determined to protect his people .

Filled with court intrigue, war against the mighty Saracens, Penman takes you on a wonderful ride. Learning more about Muslim leader Saladin was one of the major points for me. Saladin was determined to extend his rule from Egypt to Syria. In her storytelling the author always gives both sides of a story and it was enlightening to see the "human" side of this man.

As I said, this is one of my favorite HF writers. Her books are always meticulously researched and take years for her write..I hope she has already started her next.

[Laura Tenfingers · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happened Sharon?? This was not you usual high-grade, can't-put-it-down, fall-in-love-with-you-characters historical fiction.

This was a pretty good history lesson. A bit dry, but I learned a lot about Outremer in the late 12th century. But where was the story? Where were the characters that keep me turning pages? Usually your books are a gripping story with history so well interwoven that I enjoy myself and learn a lot. This was just a history lesson with a loosely woven, meandering, directionless plotline. There were no characters I cared about, in fact I didn't even know who I was supposed to be rallying behind until halfway through the book, by which point I just couldn't be bothered.

I almost DNFed so many times that I lost count. I was very, very bored. If it had been written by anyone else I would have abandoned it very early on. I hope you can return to your previous magic.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! Ms Penman scores again. No author is better at breathing life into historical figures.

Right now I'm suffering from a good book hangover. I may have more to say later.

[Orsolya · Rating 3 out of 5]

How many of you have some understanding of the Crusades and the medieval Middle East? I’m sure numerous hands are raised. But how many readers are familiar with these events from the perspective of the Christians, Muslims, and Jews in the Middle East rather than from that of Western Europe? The majority of arms just dropped. Sharon Kay Penman presents a narrative from the alternate view of the Middle East in, “The Land Beyond the Sea”.

Penman’s almost 700-page novel follows a variety of figures in twelfth-century Jerusalem under the reign of young King Baldwin (“The Leper King”) and highlights the inter-civil turmoil plus the military confrontations with the Saracens. In fact, “The Land Beyond the Sea” can be considered highly overwhelming introducing the large number of characters (King Baldwin, his mother Agnes de Courteney, Maria Comnena – his stepmother, Baudoin and Balian – the d’Ibelin brothers, William of Tyre (the archbishop), Saladin the Sultan, etc); with the narrative voice shifting to each character throughout the entire novel. Although this might tempt readers to give up on “The Land Beyond the Sea” and declare forfeit; continuing on leads to a firmer ground and an easier grasp of both the characters and the voices.

“The Land Beyond the Sea” follows a dramatic and highly dense landscape focusing on King Baldwin’s reign and the transpired battles against Saladin and his armies. There are two striking issues that come about from this focus. The first is Penman’s inability to make the events truly come to life and carry the narrative. Even though the writing is meticulous and descriptive in the usual Penman prose; much of the text isn’t forward in the events actually ‘happening’ and are instead discussed. The noticeable pattern in “The Land Beyond the Sea” is revealed as, “Something happens, characters who weren’t there discuss. Something else happened, so we discuss this now.” This is clearly due to the exorbitant amount of history during this time period but the ratio of the characters actually participating in events rather than just converse about them is very low.

The second related problem is the absence of understanding intent. Penman retells the history of the period in which “The Land Beyond the Sea” exists but readers don’t get a true understanding of what each side is fighting for: Land? Religious freedom? Does anyone truly know? Readers familiar with the history are aware of the reasoning but those new to the subject face confusion in the novel which results in an absence of truly absorbing the knowledge and facts. There is a case of ill-advised refinement.

The characterizations within “The Land Beyond the Sea” are also problematic due to their staunch, boxed-in lack of character growth. Penman introduces each in a specific way and the characters never side-step or show any deviations/layers. King Baldwin is a beloved king with unjust leprosy, his mother is a nasty bitter woman, and Balian is a knight-in-shining-armor with a personality that is too good to be true. This is somewhat unrealistic and makes “The Land Beyond the Sea” flat and contributes to a poor development of plot.

Multiple readers of “The Land Beyond the Sea” complain of an odd peppering of modern lingo and phrases within the text and the argument is noticeably justified. These cliché moments stick out from the story and have no proper place in “The Land Beyond the Sea”. It is unclear why both Penman and her editor allowed these to be published as it runs outside the usual Penman standards.

On the plus side, the passages of “The Land Beyond the Sea” that are eventful are truly that: exciting and endearing with some highly evocative portends (if only there were more of them). Penman’s wide scope of research is undeniable; as is her passion for medieval history; but the typical Penman magic is missing from “The Land Beyond the Sea”.

Penman does excel at a proper ratio of personal drama to that of the political and martial spheres with each receiving proper attention and not overshadowing the other. However, “The Land Beyond the Sea” becomes very repetitive in this stream and feels dragged out. Oftentimes, “The Land Beyond the Sea” comes across as Penman’s personal mission to reach 700 pages where the actual narrative could have been condensed and reigned in.

Everyone’s favorite Penman depiction of William Marshal makes a guest appearance in “The Land Beyond the Sea” tying the novel to Penman’s “Lionheart”. The character of Balian is the William Marshal of “The Land Beyond the Sea” so it is certainly a treat to have both figures in one place, momentarily.

At approximately the 450-page mark – “The Land Beyond the Sea” catches a second wind reenergizing with a faster pace and rejuvenated storytelling. Penman is in her ‘usual’ realm resulting in a more captivating novel. This, sadly, is not the savior of the entire piece and certainly takes too long to climax.

The conclusion of “The Land Beyond the Sea” is juicy with riveting hard-hitting history that both moves the reader with the storyline and FINALLY memorably educates on the topic. Readers come away with a grasp of the time period and events; while also being able to better understand the Middle Eastern dramas and religious strife that take place even in modern day. Penman’s finality in “The Land Beyond the Sea” is a strong one.

Penman supplements the text with a detailed “Afterword” explaining the legacies of each character in the novel alongside an “Author’s Note” richly advising the connections to “Lionheart”, the motives of “The Land Beyond the Sea” and the historical liberties taken within the novel. Even Penman’s “Acknowledgments” is magnetic and offers what feels like endless sources for further reading surrounding the subject. It is certainly encouraged to not overlook these appendices.

“The Land Beyond the Sea” is a history-heavy, beautifully-written novel that is admittedly light years away (and better) than many of its historical-fiction contemporaries. However, even as a huge Penman fan; I have to be honest and not just declare everything she writes as golden purely because I am a fan of hers. “The Land Beyond the Sea” simply falls short of the usual Penman bravado and doesn’t “hit the same way”. It is still recommended for all history fans of the period, Crusades, and fans of Penman but it isn’t as mind-blowing as some of her other works and has strong failings.

[Mike Shoop · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars An extremely compelling, fascinating, sweeping, absorbing story of the reign of the "leper king" Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and the monumental conflict against the Muslim sultan Saladin and his army. Penman manages to juggle a large cast of characters and multiple storylines, taking the reader into the Frankish Kingdom of Jerusalem (Outremer), rife with court factions and intrigue, betrayal, family feuds, class issues, loyalties, religious and cultural differences, and creates a totally immersive experience. Learned a lot about the Latin Kingdom during the rule of the Europeans during 1172-1187--the shifting alliances, the hardships of constant, never-ending warfare, leprosy, statecraft, the tough decisions and sacrifices made, the courage of convictions--through her deeply human, flawed characters: noble Balian d'Ibelin, the Greek princess Maria Comnena, the churchman William of Tyre, the King's sisters & heirs Sybilla and Isabella, the King's mother, Agnes de Courtenay and her scheming brother Joscelin, ambitious Raymond of Tripoli, and Baldwin himself, who was forced to learn from a young age how to be both a leper and a king. Her writing is vibrant, real, and involving--the heat, the fragrant gardens, the expansive tables of exotic foods, the screams of dying horses and men, the walls crumbling around besieged cities, the horrors of rotting corpses--Penman's research shines through as always. Dense, long, but great storytelling that entertains and educates. My one criticism would be that several times her dialogue sounded a bit too modern day and it jarred me. Other than that, Penman's novels always satisfy--I couldn't ask for more.

[James Scheid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical novel immerses the reader into the world of Levant in the latter half of the 12th century. Penman allows the reader to enter the minds of actual people who lived during this time who were on opposite sides of political as well as physical battles. The writing so vivid that at times I felt I was living in this world. The battle scenes are captivating and harrowing. I am usually a slow reader but some days I had to keep reading and reading. I read the last 100 pages in one day. This is a tale of violent tragedy that makes up so much of human history. The novel is written with a sense of tension, drama and with a simple poetic elegance. I have read almost everything she has written and think she is a wonderful writer, but this is simply one of her best!

Make sure to read her notes at the end. They are quite fascinating.

[Rick Slane · Rating 4 out of 5]

More real life than A Game of Thrones This tells part of the story of the less than 100 years during the Crusades that the Christians controlled Jerusalem, concentrating on the reign of Baldwin, the leper king.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023: Rereading a Penman is always a delight. I wanted to return to it after visiting the Holy Land earlier this year as we saw hints of the doomed Latin Kingdom. I loved recognizing places. My mark of a five-star book is missing it when not reading, and while I can see some flaws making this not her strongest book, it had that ability.

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly where to begin? Sharon penman is a great epic writer and she hasn't failed to deliver with this account of Baldwin iv. A stunning retelling of his kingship in Outremer. He was a courageous king struggling with leprosy and he managed to hold the kingdom for a long time and his skill is highlighted when his successor fails to hold it for very long after his death.

[Karma♥Bites ^.~]

Could it really happen? *holds breath*

Opening sentences from excerpt:

It was a great destiny to be a queen, but it was not an easy one. Maria Comnena had been only thirteen when she was wed to the King of Jerusalem, a man almost twenty years older than she, a man who spoke not a word of her Greek while she spoke not a word of his native French. Even religion had not been a bond between them, for he followed the Latin Church of Rome and she had been raised in the Greek Orthodox faith.

And then there's Agnes de Courtenay, the ex-wife who lacked the courtesy to hie off to a nunnery. ;-)

[Cel Jel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the Kingdom of Jerusalem under the rule of Baldwin the Leper and the subsequent Kings until the loss to Saladin. Sharon has yet once more written a story that takes the reader back to the past and gets the reader hooked on a character and hoping things travel well for him. Balian d'Ibelin is an interesting character for the action to be created around, but is a good choice because he was involved in so many of the important battles.
If you like historical fiction - read this book.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful doorstop of a novel by Sharon Penman one of my favourite authors. I knew nothing about the time of the crusades and the Holy Land but love a book that makes me want to read further about the characters and events of that time. I was really sorry to hear that Sharon Penman had died in January and this was her last book. Will definitely go back and re read her previous books especially my favourites the Welsh princes trilogy and the wonderful Sunne in Splendour.