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Lionheart! : A Novel of Richard I, King of England
The life and times of Richard the Lionheart and the Plantagenets--Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Richard's brothers--is recreated against the backdrop of the medieval religious crusades and family conflict
410 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 1981
109 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Martha Rofheart
20 books9 followersMartha Jones Rofheart was an actress and a novelist, inspired by her grandfather's stories of their Welsh ancestors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 18, 2016
Lionheart: A Novel of Richard I weaves both real and imagined accounts of Richard I of England through the eyes of six personalities: himself as a raw boy and later on as England’s king; Mercadier, his loyal mercenary captain who nurtures a gloomy past; Blondelza, a jongluerese who is both his mistress and great love; Berengaria, the wife who loves him unconditionally despite his blatant neglect; Alexander (of Neckam), his foster brother and personal chronicler during the Third Crusade; and Eleanor, his illustrious queen-mother and ever fierce champion. With the exception of Blondelza, all narrators were real-life icons who each carved a place in medieval history and continue to exist in the pages of our contemporary records.
This is obviously an apologist fiction for King Richard, and being a Lionheart admirer myself, I liked the way he was characterized in this book as a tangible, living, breathing human being rather than the legendary person he was known for. My favorite chapters in the book were the ones where he does the storytelling, although it was a bit awkward at first to look back at history through his perspective or even imagine him voicing out his thoughts or views on various things (probably because I was used to reading books about him in the third person narrative). Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to get accustomed to the writing style and eventually learn to enjoy King Richard’s foray into his own past.
I would say my least favorite chapter was the one narrated by Alexander. I have read Sharon Kay Penman’s novels about the Third Crusade with King Richard at the frontline and super loved the story (Lionheart and A King's Ransom), and while Alexander recounts the same period in history and the many victorious battles that were attributed to the king’s valor and military expertise, I didn’t quite get the same degree of interest in Alexander’s narration. For me it was dragging in some parts, and quite a number of pages were emphasized on Richard’s overzealous love affair with the make-believe character, Blondelza (who, you probably guessed by now, is the daughter of the famous minstrel Blondel). Personally, I didn’t really like this illusory scenario—or intimation even—of King Richard falling hopelessly in love with someone. It was probably another attempt by the author to paint him as human as possible, but I thought too much of his lovesick outbursts in this book made his depiction seem all too wrong for me (still jealous, I suppose). On a fair note, I think that Miss Rofheart had somehow effectively attached this particular creative imaginary piece to the factual events of King Richard’s life, breaching the gap between fiction and reality and making Blondelza’s character almost crucially relevant in the story, and for this I applaud her.
Richard I was the king everyone called the Lionheart; he was brave, relentless, and ever devoted to his equally loyal men. But in this novel, he was also a flawed young man, a passionate artist and lover, a prominent peer in the Courts of Love, a sovereign who was often misunderstood for his bigheartedness and zeal for greatness, and it is heartening to see him in this light.
This is obviously an apologist fiction for King Richard, and being a Lionheart admirer myself, I liked the way he was characterized in this book as a tangible, living, breathing human being rather than the legendary person he was known for. My favorite chapters in the book were the ones where he does the storytelling, although it was a bit awkward at first to look back at history through his perspective or even imagine him voicing out his thoughts or views on various things (probably because I was used to reading books about him in the third person narrative). Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to get accustomed to the writing style and eventually learn to enjoy King Richard’s foray into his own past.
I would say my least favorite chapter was the one narrated by Alexander. I have read Sharon Kay Penman’s novels about the Third Crusade with King Richard at the frontline and super loved the story (Lionheart and A King's Ransom), and while Alexander recounts the same period in history and the many victorious battles that were attributed to the king’s valor and military expertise, I didn’t quite get the same degree of interest in Alexander’s narration. For me it was dragging in some parts, and quite a number of pages were emphasized on Richard’s overzealous love affair with the make-believe character, Blondelza (who, you probably guessed by now, is the daughter of the famous minstrel Blondel). Personally, I didn’t really like this illusory scenario—or intimation even—of King Richard falling hopelessly in love with someone. It was probably another attempt by the author to paint him as human as possible, but I thought too much of his lovesick outbursts in this book made his depiction seem all too wrong for me (still jealous, I suppose). On a fair note, I think that Miss Rofheart had somehow effectively attached this particular creative imaginary piece to the factual events of King Richard’s life, breaching the gap between fiction and reality and making Blondelza’s character almost crucially relevant in the story, and for this I applaud her.
Richard I was the king everyone called the Lionheart; he was brave, relentless, and ever devoted to his equally loyal men. But in this novel, he was also a flawed young man, a passionate artist and lover, a prominent peer in the Courts of Love, a sovereign who was often misunderstood for his bigheartedness and zeal for greatness, and it is heartening to see him in this light.
October 15, 2019
3.65 stars
January 8, 2016
Martha Rofheart (1917-1990) was an American author of historical fiction who wrote several novels on subjects as diverse as Cleopatra (The Alexandrian), Henry V (Fortune Made His Sword) and the Greek poet, Sappho (Burning Sappho). Lionheart, her 1981 novel on England’s King Richard I, is the first of her books that I’ve read and although I had one or two problems with it, I did enjoy it and am looking forward to trying her others.
The story of Richard I, known as the Lionheart, is told from the perspectives of not only Richard himself, but five other people who each played a significant role in his life: his mistress, Blondelza; his mercenary captain, Mercadier; his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine; his wife, Berengaria of Navarre; and his foster-brother and scribe, Alexander. All of these people really existed, apart from Blondelza, who is fictitious, and each of them is given their own section of the book in which to relate their own version of events and to share with us their personal opinion of Richard as a man and as a king.
With six different characters each telling their side of the story, I would have liked their narrative voices to have sounded more distinctive, but they did all seem to blend together, the exceptions being Richard (a child during most of the first section of the novel), and his mother, Eleanor. I have read about Eleanor and Richard recently, in Elizabeth Chadwick’s The Winter Crown, and it was good to read another author’s interpretation of the same characters. The portrayal of Richard here is balanced and well-developed, with each narrator throwing more light on a different aspect of his personality. He is shown to be a complex man, capable of being selfish and inconsiderate, but also courageous, kind-hearted and down to earth.
I’m not sure how I feel about the character of Blondelza, Richard’s mistress. As most of the other characters are real historical figures and the plot of the novel closely follows historical fact, it doesn’t seem quite right for an entirely fictional character to be given such a prominent role in the story. On the other hand, Richard did have an illegitimate son (Philip of Cognac) by an unidentified woman, so there’s plenty of scope there for an author to fill in the gaps, which is just what Martha Rofheart has done. And Blondelza, being a glee-maiden (a female poet or minstrel), is an interesting character to read about, fictional or not!
All of the major events of Richard’s life and reign are covered in the novel, from his childhood and his rebellion (with his brothers) against his father, Henry II, to his meeting with and marriage to Berengaria and, of course, his time on crusade. Obviously the crusades were of huge importance to Richard and it’s understandable that Rofheart goes into a lot of detail in describing them, but I did find that this section of the book (narrated by the monk Alexander) really started to drag, and it didn’t help that it was twice the length of any of the other sections.
Still, this was an enjoyable novel overall and I feel that I learned a lot about not only the life of Richard the Lionheart, but also medieval life in general. I was particularly intrigued by the descriptions of the Courts of Love in Poitiers and the tasks which must be carried out by a knight who wished to prove his love for his lady. Now that I’ve had my first introduction to Martha Rofheart’s writing I’m definitely planning to read her other books, all of which sound interesting.
The story of Richard I, known as the Lionheart, is told from the perspectives of not only Richard himself, but five other people who each played a significant role in his life: his mistress, Blondelza; his mercenary captain, Mercadier; his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine; his wife, Berengaria of Navarre; and his foster-brother and scribe, Alexander. All of these people really existed, apart from Blondelza, who is fictitious, and each of them is given their own section of the book in which to relate their own version of events and to share with us their personal opinion of Richard as a man and as a king.
With six different characters each telling their side of the story, I would have liked their narrative voices to have sounded more distinctive, but they did all seem to blend together, the exceptions being Richard (a child during most of the first section of the novel), and his mother, Eleanor. I have read about Eleanor and Richard recently, in Elizabeth Chadwick’s The Winter Crown, and it was good to read another author’s interpretation of the same characters. The portrayal of Richard here is balanced and well-developed, with each narrator throwing more light on a different aspect of his personality. He is shown to be a complex man, capable of being selfish and inconsiderate, but also courageous, kind-hearted and down to earth.
I’m not sure how I feel about the character of Blondelza, Richard’s mistress. As most of the other characters are real historical figures and the plot of the novel closely follows historical fact, it doesn’t seem quite right for an entirely fictional character to be given such a prominent role in the story. On the other hand, Richard did have an illegitimate son (Philip of Cognac) by an unidentified woman, so there’s plenty of scope there for an author to fill in the gaps, which is just what Martha Rofheart has done. And Blondelza, being a glee-maiden (a female poet or minstrel), is an interesting character to read about, fictional or not!
All of the major events of Richard’s life and reign are covered in the novel, from his childhood and his rebellion (with his brothers) against his father, Henry II, to his meeting with and marriage to Berengaria and, of course, his time on crusade. Obviously the crusades were of huge importance to Richard and it’s understandable that Rofheart goes into a lot of detail in describing them, but I did find that this section of the book (narrated by the monk Alexander) really started to drag, and it didn’t help that it was twice the length of any of the other sections.
Still, this was an enjoyable novel overall and I feel that I learned a lot about not only the life of Richard the Lionheart, but also medieval life in general. I was particularly intrigued by the descriptions of the Courts of Love in Poitiers and the tasks which must be carried out by a knight who wished to prove his love for his lady. Now that I’ve had my first introduction to Martha Rofheart’s writing I’m definitely planning to read her other books, all of which sound interesting.
May 30, 2016
I recommend the book despite the grammatical errors in it. The book does involve Richard Lionheart, but it is not just about him. The author played fast and loose with history in her writing, but the reading ease made me overlook such atrocities.
I did like the author's use of other characters to tell Richard's history. The author did not waste time with any person or subject that did not affect the life and times of Richard Lionheart.
I did like the author's use of other characters to tell Richard's history. The author did not waste time with any person or subject that did not affect the life and times of Richard Lionheart.
March 8, 2016
Enjoyable read. I liked the character perspectives.
The story of Richard the Lionhearted, told form the perspective of several of the main characters, including Richard himself. In this story you'll go from the castle to the battlefield, meet soldiers and Queens. The author did an excellent job of capturing the period's customs and atmosphere, both good and bad.
The story of Richard the Lionhearted, told form the perspective of several of the main characters, including Richard himself. In this story you'll go from the castle to the battlefield, meet soldiers and Queens. The author did an excellent job of capturing the period's customs and atmosphere, both good and bad.
May 4, 2016
3.5 Stars- I really enjoyed the early years but not the troubadour parts. A special sort of reading experience, Richard's early years told from different perspectives.
September 11, 2019
Heart of a lion
if you love fairytales, you will no be able to stop reading. What a story! I keep asking myself, how did the author do it? It feels so immediate, I was or became part of the story. I was with the crusaders on their way to the holy land, I cried for the fallen or slain fighters. Since this is a very long story to read, I was thinking of the years it happened and couldn‘t help asking myself - was this all real? Did this really happen? Was there such a King as Richard, the Lionheart? Now, I have to get back and check history. Such is this book, it doesn‘t let you go.
if you love fairytales, you will no be able to stop reading. What a story! I keep asking myself, how did the author do it? It feels so immediate, I was or became part of the story. I was with the crusaders on their way to the holy land, I cried for the fallen or slain fighters. Since this is a very long story to read, I was thinking of the years it happened and couldn‘t help asking myself - was this all real? Did this really happen? Was there such a King as Richard, the Lionheart? Now, I have to get back and check history. Such is this book, it doesn‘t let you go.
May 29, 2022
A fun read on a huge personality, but borders on a hagiography. Even his flaws appear to be romanticized and his legendary actions in battle are in the super-hero realm. Even with all this the book is very well done and an enjoyable tale.
August 8, 2017
Brilliant.
October 25, 2017
I read 10 chapters and had no idea what I was reading.
I'm a fan of historical fiction but I just couldn't get into this one.
I'm a fan of historical fiction but I just couldn't get into this one.
Read
August 11, 2019Very Average
May 8, 2020
A romantic retelling of the life of King Richard the Lionheart and his siblings.
July 14, 2016
A wonderful fictionalised account of the story of Richard the Lionheart, a courageous king who earned the approval of one and all, his subjects, knights, women, his charisma ensured he charmed everyone.
Told from his childhood onwards and from many different points of view from the characters who knew him the novel charts his progress to adulthood to the times of the bloody crusades and his love for the two women who would figure largely in his life, the "Glee" maiden and part of the troubadour set Blondelza who gave him a bastard child and his legitimate wife who was to ensure the crown but proved barren the lovely and sweet Berengaria.
Rich in historical detail this is a sweeping novel that will enthrall fans of this colossal historical figure or just fans of history or historical fiction in general.
A great read.
Told from his childhood onwards and from many different points of view from the characters who knew him the novel charts his progress to adulthood to the times of the bloody crusades and his love for the two women who would figure largely in his life, the "Glee" maiden and part of the troubadour set Blondelza who gave him a bastard child and his legitimate wife who was to ensure the crown but proved barren the lovely and sweet Berengaria.
Rich in historical detail this is a sweeping novel that will enthrall fans of this colossal historical figure or just fans of history or historical fiction in general.
A great read.
June 11, 2016
An epic saga of life in the 12th century, the lives of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Crusades, courtly love, troubadours and Cathars. The story focuses on the life of Richard I, the Lionheart, told from the perspective of several people: Richard (historical), his mother, Eleanor (historical), Alexander, his foster brother and scribe (historical), Berengaria, his wife (historical),
Mercadier, his mercenary (historical), and Blondelza his long-term lover (fiction). Richard is described as "the best knight in the world" handsome, a talented military man well-loved by his troops, generous to a fault, and a lute player.
I especially enjoyed the parts told by Richard and Eleanor. In my mind's eye Henry and Eleanor are Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn from the movie Lion in Winter and Richard is their scheming son, an unlikeable person.
No graphic sex or violence
Mercadier, his mercenary (historical), and Blondelza his long-term lover (fiction). Richard is described as "the best knight in the world" handsome, a talented military man well-loved by his troops, generous to a fault, and a lute player.
I especially enjoyed the parts told by Richard and Eleanor. In my mind's eye Henry and Eleanor are Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn from the movie Lion in Winter and Richard is their scheming son, an unlikeable person.
No graphic sex or violence
October 3, 2016
Geoffrey Plantagenet, married to William the Conqueror's granddaughter, Maud, was the first of the Plantagenets. He got this name because he always wore a sprig of planta genesta (common broom flower) into battle.
Henry II, ( Maud's son) and Richard the Lionheart's father is remembered as the king who murdered a saint (Thomas a Becket) Richard III was the last Plantagenet king.
Richard I, Lionheart, led the third crusade. He did not conquer Jerusalem but made a treaty with Saladin to allow Jerusalem to be open to all those on pilgrimage. This treaty lasted for three years. Saladin, dying the Easter following the agreement.
Kingdom of Outremer, name given to the Holy Land by the crusaders.
Henry II, ( Maud's son) and Richard the Lionheart's father is remembered as the king who murdered a saint (Thomas a Becket) Richard III was the last Plantagenet king.
Richard I, Lionheart, led the third crusade. He did not conquer Jerusalem but made a treaty with Saladin to allow Jerusalem to be open to all those on pilgrimage. This treaty lasted for three years. Saladin, dying the Easter following the agreement.
Kingdom of Outremer, name given to the Holy Land by the crusaders.
February 27, 2016
Richard lives up to the 'Dick' part of his name in this book. A good chunk of the story reads like The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis as Dick seems to be constantly on the hunt for Miss Right Now, with important historical events being mentioned off-hand. ("And then he rebelled against his father.") When Dick eventually does find Miss Right, I didn't feel the love. I think he was just feeling sorry for someone saddled with the name Blondelza. Seriously, that's got to be one of the worst names ever. People, don't ever name your daughter, son, cat or dog Blondelza. It's hideous.
February 23, 2016
At first it was a little hard to get into. I guess I was more used to the flowing writing styles of Tisdale and Delacroix. But I am so glad I stuck with it. It was a fabulous read. I loved how the story progressed with each new section being told from a different character's perspective. It gave me more insight at every turn.
May 21, 2016
Wonderfully written. Easy to read, with a smooth story line, each chapter in the voice of one of the characters. This gives a well rounded view of the happenings in Richard's life.
Can't wait to read more books by Martha Rofheart
Can't wait to read more books by Martha Rofheart
July 8, 2015
Wonderful book.
I feel like I know the king and his mom. Sad that he couldn't marry the love of his life. This is well written and one of those books that you have to get to the end yet are missing the people who live within as soon as it is over.
I feel like I know the king and his mom. Sad that he couldn't marry the love of his life. This is well written and one of those books that you have to get to the end yet are missing the people who live within as soon as it is over.
March 6, 2016
One Word
Boring. The chronicles of this king stay true to historical documents. However the made up details and characters are so drawn out, that I was too bored to care. I finished a too long tale and give three stars for effort.
Boring. The chronicles of this king stay true to historical documents. However the made up details and characters are so drawn out, that I was too bored to care. I finished a too long tale and give three stars for effort.
March 3, 2016
At first the switching view points rather annoyed me but then it got interesting to see the different views of the king. I really did enjoy the story a great deal, it was a fun read even though it did drag a little bit in some spots.
I cried terribly at the end though.
I cried terribly at the end though.
May 15, 2016
Lionheart
I enjoyed the pace of the book. Not overwriting any one period of his life. I also enjoyed the changing narrators giving different views of Richard. But the histories I've read painted him as cruel and hard, not at all his character in this book.
I enjoyed the pace of the book. Not overwriting any one period of his life. I also enjoyed the changing narrators giving different views of Richard. But the histories I've read painted him as cruel and hard, not at all his character in this book.
March 14, 2012
I liked the different narrators to add depth to Richards life but I had a hard time getting involved into the story.
February 16, 2016
didn't stray too far from history or get so heavy to read that I had to muddle through, enjoyable overall
February 19, 2016
A novel of Richard I, told by himself as a boy, his mother Eleanor, his friend, his love and from Richard as a man. Very unique.
February 18, 2016
Great story,
Great historical fiction about one of the most Interesting personalities of the mid-evil period.
Hard for you to put down.
Great historical fiction about one of the most Interesting personalities of the mid-evil period.
Hard for you to put down.
March 2, 2016
not what I expected....but interesting ideas about Blondel not being what we've been taught
July 22, 2016
Brain Food:
Scandal Level:
Violence:
Must be ___ old to read:
Read if you liked:
Re-readability:
Thoughts:
Scandal Level:
Violence:
Must be ___ old to read:
Read if you liked:
Re-readability:
Thoughts:
February 28, 2016
This was an okay read, sort of dragged in spots, and this author is certainly no Sharon Pennman, who Lionheart was awesom.
December 11, 2016
Based in history an intriguing, part laughter inducing, anguish ridden and heart wrenching novel. Hated to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews