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La principessa d'Irlanda
Irlanda, 1166. Dotata di bellezza, di una voce incantevole e di un’intelligenza fuori del comune, Aoife, figlia di Diarmait, re d’Irlanda, ha soltanto quattordici anni quando suo padre viene deposto ed è costretta a seguirlo in esilio in Inghilterra. Solo conquistando il favore e l’appoggio di re Enrico II, padre e figlia potranno tornare in patria e scacciare i loro nemici. E Diarmait sa che Aoife può avere un ruolo fondamentale nell'impresa. Proprio grazie al suo fascino, infatti, la ragazza riesce a sedurre il sovrano inglese, che accetta di aiutarli. Un'alleanza che li condurrà al carismatico Riccardo di Clare, conte di Pembroke e di Striguil, un giovane al servizio del re, ambizioso e affamato di potere. Diarmait promette a Riccardo ricchezza, terre e addirittura la mano di Aoife in cambio del suo aiuto in Irlanda. Ma Aoife non vuole essere una pedina nelle mani dei potenti: consapevole delle sue doti, sarà lei a voler condurre il gioco, a suo vantaggio e alle sue condizioni.
Opulente corti medievali e imponenti fortezze, scogliere a picco sull’oceano e verdi terre d’Irlanda fanno da sfondo a questo avvincente romanzo di Elizabeth Chadwick, che ci regala il ritratto di una eroina, destinata a fare breccia nel cuore di tutti noi.
Opulente corti medievali e imponenti fortezze, scogliere a picco sull’oceano e verdi terre d’Irlanda fanno da sfondo a questo avvincente romanzo di Elizabeth Chadwick, che ci regala il ritratto di una eroina, destinata a fare breccia nel cuore di tutti noi.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2019
539 people are currently reading
3518 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
48 books3,260 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
July 1, 2019
This is a fierce contender for my novel of the year. It completely immerses the reader in these lives lived so long ago. It's an incredible story, extremely well-researched and very, very moving. Elizabeth Chadwick is a master at putting us in the room with these people. There is so much vivid colour but it all feels natural and real. I'll be reviewing this marvellous book closer to the publication date on For Winter Nights.
February 18, 2020
Yes, the names of the characters are difficult for non-Irish speakers to get their tongues and heads around; yes Aoife MacMurchada is a princess few people outside (even inside!) Ireland have heard of - but yes, this is an absorbing and brilliantly written novel. Although few readers of historical fiction would expect anything less of Ms. Chadwick.
It is the minute detail that Ms Chadwick so excels in that brings the story and her characters to life, and not just the detail of the meticulous research that goes to form the framework of the history itself. The little human things like a little girl contemplating whether to wet the bed and put up with the result or braving the cold outside to use the chamber pot, her hiding beneath her father's chair and falling asleep in the folds of his long cloak. The grief at the loss of a loved kindred, the patting of a foal, the gazing into the fog - a fog which echoes the inability to see what lies ahead when a new king comes to the throne. Especially when that king happens to be the volatile Henry fitzEmpress - Henry II.
I suppose I have to say something critical (with difficulty for there is little to criticise.) There are scenes of violence that could be a little disturbing to some readers - these were violent times, after all. No spoilers, but hostages were taken for a reason in the twelfth-century political and military turbulence, and unfortunately these hostages often suffered the consequences. Some scenes are also slightly sexually explicit - but for both these comments I stress this is an adult book about adults doing adult things and written for adults to read.
Maybe the book is more 'romance' than some of Ms Chadwick's other novels? (The Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy and the William Marshal series for instance). Was Aoife a little too spoiled as a child, a bit precocious perhaps? But then you could say that about the majority of heroines (and heroes). As in the fashion of most biographical historical fiction of this nature the time-span jumps quite a bit; one chapter depicts one particular week or day, then the next shows a glimpse of the next event of note, hopping from one season or year to another for a snippet of the lives of these people who once lived, loved, fought and died. But these were complex times and complex characters, and historical novels of this kind are not meant to be linear stories of the day-by-day minutiae of life.
Ms Chadwick skilfully shows us these glimpses, not as a blow-by-blow (somewhat tedious) memoir, but as if we were time-travellers popping back every so often to watch, quietly and secretly from the shadows, the events of the past.
I loved it.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds #DDRevs
It is the minute detail that Ms Chadwick so excels in that brings the story and her characters to life, and not just the detail of the meticulous research that goes to form the framework of the history itself. The little human things like a little girl contemplating whether to wet the bed and put up with the result or braving the cold outside to use the chamber pot, her hiding beneath her father's chair and falling asleep in the folds of his long cloak. The grief at the loss of a loved kindred, the patting of a foal, the gazing into the fog - a fog which echoes the inability to see what lies ahead when a new king comes to the throne. Especially when that king happens to be the volatile Henry fitzEmpress - Henry II.
I suppose I have to say something critical (with difficulty for there is little to criticise.) There are scenes of violence that could be a little disturbing to some readers - these were violent times, after all. No spoilers, but hostages were taken for a reason in the twelfth-century political and military turbulence, and unfortunately these hostages often suffered the consequences. Some scenes are also slightly sexually explicit - but for both these comments I stress this is an adult book about adults doing adult things and written for adults to read.
Maybe the book is more 'romance' than some of Ms Chadwick's other novels? (The Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy and the William Marshal series for instance). Was Aoife a little too spoiled as a child, a bit precocious perhaps? But then you could say that about the majority of heroines (and heroes). As in the fashion of most biographical historical fiction of this nature the time-span jumps quite a bit; one chapter depicts one particular week or day, then the next shows a glimpse of the next event of note, hopping from one season or year to another for a snippet of the lives of these people who once lived, loved, fought and died. But these were complex times and complex characters, and historical novels of this kind are not meant to be linear stories of the day-by-day minutiae of life.
Ms Chadwick skilfully shows us these glimpses, not as a blow-by-blow (somewhat tedious) memoir, but as if we were time-travellers popping back every so often to watch, quietly and secretly from the shadows, the events of the past.
I loved it.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds #DDRevs
February 13, 2023
At the historical level, it was interesting and well-researched, as ever with the author. I didn't know how (in a way) started English dominance in Ireland - complex and fascinating and so many things could have happened differently.
Yet, as a story about characters (and as a love story), it was weaker than most Chadwick novels. Not sure why. I just couldn't feel them as I always feel the writer's characters. I was surprised at how little I was interested in them. Besides, there were too many obvious repetitions about the relationship between Aoife and Diarmait (her father) and between Aoife and Richard. Also, I think, the thread of Basilia and Raymond could have been more used/shown.
By the way, I have found here one of the best goodbyes (between beloved ones) on the deathbed.
[So, comparing to other author books - 3.5 stars.]
Yet, as a story about characters (and as a love story), it was weaker than most Chadwick novels. Not sure why. I just couldn't feel them as I always feel the writer's characters. I was surprised at how little I was interested in them. Besides, there were too many obvious repetitions about the relationship between Aoife and Diarmait (her father) and between Aoife and Richard. Also, I think, the thread of Basilia and Raymond could have been more used/shown.
By the way, I have found here one of the best goodbyes (between beloved ones) on the deathbed.
I will never go beyond the love I have for you,
[So, comparing to other author books - 3.5 stars.]
May 30, 2021
It has been ages since I read my last Chadwick! I wasn't a fan of he E of A books, so I stopped. But then I noticed a new one, and another new one, and I had to try again. I have missed her books, they are always filled with details and she brings out people you would never read about otherwise. And she really loves and excels at the 12th century.
Aoife is a princess of Leinster. And the Irish Kings keep fighting each other, then her family has to flee and end up in England. The choices her father does will doom Ireland, but then again, the English would have come sooner or later. Help us, and you can have some pieces of Ireland. Well thanks for that...ok I can't spell his name, King of Leinster.
To get some English help, Aoife marries Richard de Clare. And it was here I started to know this family, it all came together. Their child would marry William Marshall. Quick fact, Isabel and William will have a bunch of sons who never manages to get any kids (except one daughter). It was said to be a Irish curse, spooky! But their male lines would die out. Ok I got off track, but this is what her books makes me do, google the shit out of everything.
She made me like Aiofe, and everyone else, ok maybe not the horny dog that was Henry II, or Richard's sister. But it is all fascinating, and I am so there in her books. At those battlefields, during the ordinary times.
Another winner from her.
Aoife is a princess of Leinster. And the Irish Kings keep fighting each other, then her family has to flee and end up in England. The choices her father does will doom Ireland, but then again, the English would have come sooner or later. Help us, and you can have some pieces of Ireland. Well thanks for that...ok I can't spell his name, King of Leinster.
To get some English help, Aoife marries Richard de Clare. And it was here I started to know this family, it all came together. Their child would marry William Marshall. Quick fact, Isabel and William will have a bunch of sons who never manages to get any kids (except one daughter). It was said to be a Irish curse, spooky! But their male lines would die out. Ok I got off track, but this is what her books makes me do, google the shit out of everything.
She made me like Aiofe, and everyone else, ok maybe not the horny dog that was Henry II, or Richard's sister. But it is all fascinating, and I am so there in her books. At those battlefields, during the ordinary times.
Another winner from her.
February 15, 2020
I am not really sure what I expected from Elizabeth Chadwick’s The Irish Princess. My knowledge of Irish medieval history is practically non-existent, but I enjoy the author’s writing and have read quite a few of her books. I was unaware that the author’s intention in this book is to convey the emotions of the characters, the main players, as I believe I was expecting a historical approach not an emotional one. (I read in the ‘author’s notes’ that EC had intended to relay the emotions of the real historical personages who are front and center in this book all along.) I wish that I had known this from the beginning because I am sure that I would have approached the book with the correct mindset instead of putting it down often as I waited for the ‘history to begin’. Now that I have had my ‘true confession moment’, please let me inform you of what did take place. Uprisings in Ireland with the Irish against other Irish led Diarmait MacMurchada, King of Leinster (the eastern side of Ireland from Dublin south to Waterford) to involve the Normans, namely Richard de Clare of South Wales, to ‘invade’ Ireland to assist Diarmait to reclaim his kingdom circa 1152/3. Henry II sits on the throne of England attempting to decide which nobles he could truly trust after years of Civil War between his mother, Empress Mathilde and her Cousin, Stephen of Blois, who claimed the English throne after Mathilde’s father’s, Henry I who was a son of William the Conqueror. Are you with me so far? Richard de Clare had supported the ‘wrong’ side - King Stephen - when the throne should have gone to Mathilde as she was the only legitimate heir left of Henry I. Long story short - King Diarmait secures de Clare’s help with the promise of marriage to his beautiful 15 year old daughter, Aoife (ee-fa), when Richard and his troops land in Ireland. Henry II throws stumbling blocks in Richard’s way, but Richard finally succeeds in arriving in Ireland, ‘fights the good fight’, and marries King Diarmait’s daughter and, ultimately, heir. Aoife, who is no ‘dumb bunny’ herself, agrees with this plan as she has ‘plans’ of her own. “Only a foolish man underestimated the power of women.” Great quotation! Henry II and Aoife become friends with her maneuvering Henry into the ‘protector’ of she and her family. Finally, Aoife becomes William Marshall’s mother-in-law when Henry gives Isabelle, Aoife’s daughter, to William Marshall ‘the last chivalrous knight’ to wed. Phew! Aoife is a fine example of a woman who knows her own mind and position and will achieve her goals during the medieval period even though that time period was when ‘man was lord/woman was his property.’ Go Aoife! 4 stars.
September 12, 2019
The Irish Princess is a welcome return to the world of William the Marshall and Queen Alienor. Yes, they might not appear in the book for any great length of time, if at all, but the reader knows that they are 'off' in the background, living their own lives, while young Aoife is trying to do the same. (I am a huge fan of the William Marshall books and he inspired my character of Leofwine in the Earls of Mercia books.)
The setting of Ireland for much of the book provides a new arena for readers of Elizabeth Chadwick, and it's enjoyable. Events in Ireland can be complicated, and the author makes the reader aware of what's happening without providing too much detail so that it never becomes too complicated.
Aoife is an intriguing character - fiercely proud of her heritage, she is also determined to hold onto her birthright, whatever it takes, and if I would have liked to know more about Aoife, and her Irish family by the end of the novel, then that is a good thing. I don't know if this is a standalone novel, or if it will have a sequel, and if it doesn't, I imagine many of my questions could be answered by forcing myself to reread The Scarlet Lion (if I must! - I can't imagine it'll be any form of hardship).
A thoroughly enjoyable read - it took me only three days to complete the book - and recommended for all fans of Elizabeth Chadwick, and those with an interest in the Empire of Henry II.
On a personal note - I do enjoy it when an author has the freedom to play around with some of their characters a little bit. This book is very much a prequel to The Scarlet Lion and I'm pleased that both the author and the publisher pursued this idea.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
The setting of Ireland for much of the book provides a new arena for readers of Elizabeth Chadwick, and it's enjoyable. Events in Ireland can be complicated, and the author makes the reader aware of what's happening without providing too much detail so that it never becomes too complicated.
Aoife is an intriguing character - fiercely proud of her heritage, she is also determined to hold onto her birthright, whatever it takes, and if I would have liked to know more about Aoife, and her Irish family by the end of the novel, then that is a good thing. I don't know if this is a standalone novel, or if it will have a sequel, and if it doesn't, I imagine many of my questions could be answered by forcing myself to reread The Scarlet Lion (if I must! - I can't imagine it'll be any form of hardship).
A thoroughly enjoyable read - it took me only three days to complete the book - and recommended for all fans of Elizabeth Chadwick, and those with an interest in the Empire of Henry II.
On a personal note - I do enjoy it when an author has the freedom to play around with some of their characters a little bit. This book is very much a prequel to The Scarlet Lion and I'm pleased that both the author and the publisher pursued this idea.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
August 26, 2025
I randomly bought this years ago on my kindle because I was intrigued by the title and decided to finally just read it to get it off my unread list and I’m so glad I did! This book was a pleasant surprise for me, I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. I really cared and fell for both Aoife and Richard, I just wanted the best for them and wanted them to have a happy, peaceful life 😭
I really liked the authors writing and I definitely think I will read some more of her books. I loved learning a little bit more about my country’s history that I didn’t know before, I found it to be a very interesting part of history.
I really liked the authors writing and I definitely think I will read some more of her books. I loved learning a little bit more about my country’s history that I didn’t know before, I found it to be a very interesting part of history.
December 30, 2019
I received this book in return for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley for linking me up with the publisher!
A fabulous tour-de-force of a historical novel. If you enjoy the likes of Phillipa Gregory, follow this author immediately.
The rich setting, amazing writing, vivid characters. I REALLY loved this book, and I will be talking about it more on my own blog later in the month. Historical fiction gives us a chance to glimpse a possible, but that possible seems very real and very tangible in this case. Almost perfectly so in fact.
A fabulous tour-de-force of a historical novel. If you enjoy the likes of Phillipa Gregory, follow this author immediately.
The rich setting, amazing writing, vivid characters. I REALLY loved this book, and I will be talking about it more on my own blog later in the month. Historical fiction gives us a chance to glimpse a possible, but that possible seems very real and very tangible in this case. Almost perfectly so in fact.
July 10, 2020
Emanuela - per RFS
.
Grande piacere per me rincontrare la penna di questa bravissima autrice della quale ho letto la trilogia dedicata alla regina Eleonora d’Aquitania; stessa epoca di ambientazione e già ritroviamo le atmosfere medievali che sa abilmente raccontare.
L’impressione è, scorrendo le sue pagine, che abbia vissuto direttamente in quel periodo storico tanto vive sono le sue descrizioni e la minuziosa ricerca del particolare. Ancora una volta la protagonista è una donna, la principessa Aoife, figlia di Diarmait re d’Irlanda. Sin da piccola vive sulla sua pelle la perdita del proprio castello e l’allontanamento dalle proprie terre e lotterà tutta la sua vita per riaverle, prima a fianco del padre e poi a quello del marito Riccardo.
Aoife è una giovane donna bella e intelligente, dotata di una voce potente e ammaliatrice con la quale è capace di calmare l’animo più infervorato; ella, pur essendo donna nel Medioevo, non si rassegna a una posizione secondaria nella società e con abilità e fermezza si fa avanti nella vita in un mondo profondamente violento e pericoloso, dove morire per un taglio che si infettava era molto semplice e la sopravvivenza di un uomo valeva meno di quella di un buon cavallo da guerra.
Morte e vita si rincorrono continuamente in questo magnifico affresco, scene di battaglie vivacemente descritte catturano l’attenzione di chi legge senza annoiare minimamente; la precisione descrittiva è continua per tutta la durata del romanzo così come l’approfondimento psicologico di ciascuno dei protagonisti.
Come di consueto nella parte finale del libro l’autrice racconta la genesi del suo personaggio e cita le fonti consultate per la costruzione del romanzo.
Veramente un’opera notevole!
.
Grande piacere per me rincontrare la penna di questa bravissima autrice della quale ho letto la trilogia dedicata alla regina Eleonora d’Aquitania; stessa epoca di ambientazione e già ritroviamo le atmosfere medievali che sa abilmente raccontare.
L’impressione è, scorrendo le sue pagine, che abbia vissuto direttamente in quel periodo storico tanto vive sono le sue descrizioni e la minuziosa ricerca del particolare. Ancora una volta la protagonista è una donna, la principessa Aoife, figlia di Diarmait re d’Irlanda. Sin da piccola vive sulla sua pelle la perdita del proprio castello e l’allontanamento dalle proprie terre e lotterà tutta la sua vita per riaverle, prima a fianco del padre e poi a quello del marito Riccardo.
Aoife è una giovane donna bella e intelligente, dotata di una voce potente e ammaliatrice con la quale è capace di calmare l’animo più infervorato; ella, pur essendo donna nel Medioevo, non si rassegna a una posizione secondaria nella società e con abilità e fermezza si fa avanti nella vita in un mondo profondamente violento e pericoloso, dove morire per un taglio che si infettava era molto semplice e la sopravvivenza di un uomo valeva meno di quella di un buon cavallo da guerra.
Morte e vita si rincorrono continuamente in questo magnifico affresco, scene di battaglie vivacemente descritte catturano l’attenzione di chi legge senza annoiare minimamente; la precisione descrittiva è continua per tutta la durata del romanzo così come l’approfondimento psicologico di ciascuno dei protagonisti.
Come di consueto nella parte finale del libro l’autrice racconta la genesi del suo personaggio e cita le fonti consultate per la costruzione del romanzo.
Veramente un’opera notevole!
October 25, 2024
4.5 🌟 love a scheming princess story. EC always blends good details, historical research and pacing wonderfully
November 16, 2019
As a fellow writer of Medieval historical fiction, I really enjoyed this. I haven't read anything by Chadwick before (something of an oversight) but I will definitely be checking out her other books. The story follows Aoife MacMurchada, daughter of the King of Leinster 1152. This is during the reign of Henry II in England, and High King Ruidhe Ua ConChubhair (Rory O'Conner) in Ireland. Chadwick does an excellent job at showing two conflicting cultures and how the Normans gained a foothold in Ireland. (Spoiler alert - as with many cases of conquest, they were initially invited in to assist against inter clan conflict and politics.) Aoife's father is in conflict with the High King and seeks an ally who will help him take back his lands. With Henry II's permission, he recruits Richard de Claire, the disinherited Earl of Pembroke, sealing the deal with Aoife's hand in marriage. Don't assume Aoife was a mere pawn however. Chadwick reveals a woman who was clever, calculating, headstrong and willing to use her great beauty and charm to get what she wanted. I am always pleased when Medieval fiction has been meticulously researched and the author hasn't fallen down lazy rabbit holes such as forced marriage - under Irish law at the time, a woman had to consent. She might well be coaxed into doing so by her family, but her consent was required. (Also worth noting that women could throw their husbands out if they were displeased and could divorce their husbands.) Women certainly had curtailed rights during the Medieval era (which lasted for around 500yrs btw) but in some ways they had more freedoms than we see in latter centuries. Salacious tales of forced marriage, rape without consequence, women basically being chattel, everyone being filthy because bathing was considered unhealthy etc are simply not true and that's an inaccuracy that harms all of us. Anyway, leaving that tangent aside, Chadwick clearly knows her subject, does her research and manages to convincingly portray people who were like us and yet had a very different mindset. This was a great book and put another important political female player back in the public eye where she belongs.
February 7, 2021
2.5 stars
I had high expectations of this book, the Irish setting from 1160 onwards really appealed to me. However while I did enjoy the book it didn't really deliver the exciting story I expected.
The main character, Aoife, pulsates with energy, shows a dogged determination to be on top, and she cunningly plots how to use every situation to her advantage. Her wild spirit shone through the pages. The constant war between all the Irish chieftains made for a very uncertain political landscape, and the threat of attack was always present. And you could see the complex relationship between the church and the leaders too.
However not a lot happened during the book, and I found myself losing interest at times. It gave an insight in to how life might have been back then, but I found there was too much detail and not enough action to drive the plot forward.
I had high expectations of this book, the Irish setting from 1160 onwards really appealed to me. However while I did enjoy the book it didn't really deliver the exciting story I expected.
The main character, Aoife, pulsates with energy, shows a dogged determination to be on top, and she cunningly plots how to use every situation to her advantage. Her wild spirit shone through the pages. The constant war between all the Irish chieftains made for a very uncertain political landscape, and the threat of attack was always present. And you could see the complex relationship between the church and the leaders too.
However not a lot happened during the book, and I found myself losing interest at times. It gave an insight in to how life might have been back then, but I found there was too much detail and not enough action to drive the plot forward.
December 6, 2019
'Aoife MacMurchada is just 14 years old when her father Diarmit, King of Leinster, is brutally deposed, and her family is forced to flee Southern Ireland into English exile. Diarmit seeks help from King Henry II, an alliance that leads him to the charismatic Richard de Clare, lord of Striguil, a man dissatisfied with his lot and open to new horizons.
Diarmit promises Richard wealth, lands, and Aoife's hand in marriage in return for his aid, but Aoife, has her own thoughts on the matter. She may be a prize, but she is not a pawn and she will play the game to her own advantage.
From the royal halls of scheming kings, to staunch Welsh border fortresses and across storm-tossed seas to the wild green kingdoms of Ireland, The Irish Princess is a sumptuous, journey of ambition and desire, love and loss, heartbreak and survival.'
https://elizabethchadwick.com/the-iri...#
The story of Aoife MacMurchada is a fascinating tale of a wild, intelligent daughter, a princess of a dispossessed and vengeful King who learns at a young age how to use her wits and cunning and every womanly charm and virtue to plow a path through a life in which her choice is limited to the decisions and dictates of first her father, her husband and finally her sister in law's husband and the King himself. Under Irish law, she has the right of refusal, but as Ireland comes under the sway and conquering of an English (Norman) King, even that is a privilege that will ultimately be denied her. Refusing to bow to this, she finds and acts in ways that will ensure the lives and succession of her children.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction based on the family which introduced the Norman conquering armies to Ireland, and thrilled to the fact that they were ever as hard to subdue to the will of an overlord as now. The wild Irish spirit stands strong in this epic tale. I found the bloodthirstiness of the Leister King more than a little difficult to stomach, although the author included the stories because their source seemed authentic. Certainly I am no lover of the graphic seeming violence that books about this medieval era seem to abound in, one can only assume that life and honour were held cheap and codes of honour in battle were as unlikely to be kept then as now. The difference is that in those days, they were not whitewashed in the heroic terms that became more fashionable as the Renaissance loomed. There were also interesting interplays between church and state described and a good depiction of the complex, ever changing politics of the 12th Century, where might was right.
I would be extremely keen to read more of Elizabeth Chadwick's stories of people related to those in this story. I believe there is a good historical fiction of the story of William Marshall, married to Aoife and Richard's daughter, Isabella, as well as Chronicles of Elinor of Aquitaine, Henry II's wife, who briefly cameos here.
Diarmit promises Richard wealth, lands, and Aoife's hand in marriage in return for his aid, but Aoife, has her own thoughts on the matter. She may be a prize, but she is not a pawn and she will play the game to her own advantage.
From the royal halls of scheming kings, to staunch Welsh border fortresses and across storm-tossed seas to the wild green kingdoms of Ireland, The Irish Princess is a sumptuous, journey of ambition and desire, love and loss, heartbreak and survival.'
https://elizabethchadwick.com/the-iri...#
The story of Aoife MacMurchada is a fascinating tale of a wild, intelligent daughter, a princess of a dispossessed and vengeful King who learns at a young age how to use her wits and cunning and every womanly charm and virtue to plow a path through a life in which her choice is limited to the decisions and dictates of first her father, her husband and finally her sister in law's husband and the King himself. Under Irish law, she has the right of refusal, but as Ireland comes under the sway and conquering of an English (Norman) King, even that is a privilege that will ultimately be denied her. Refusing to bow to this, she finds and acts in ways that will ensure the lives and succession of her children.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction based on the family which introduced the Norman conquering armies to Ireland, and thrilled to the fact that they were ever as hard to subdue to the will of an overlord as now. The wild Irish spirit stands strong in this epic tale. I found the bloodthirstiness of the Leister King more than a little difficult to stomach, although the author included the stories because their source seemed authentic. Certainly I am no lover of the graphic seeming violence that books about this medieval era seem to abound in, one can only assume that life and honour were held cheap and codes of honour in battle were as unlikely to be kept then as now. The difference is that in those days, they were not whitewashed in the heroic terms that became more fashionable as the Renaissance loomed. There were also interesting interplays between church and state described and a good depiction of the complex, ever changing politics of the 12th Century, where might was right.
I would be extremely keen to read more of Elizabeth Chadwick's stories of people related to those in this story. I believe there is a good historical fiction of the story of William Marshall, married to Aoife and Richard's daughter, Isabella, as well as Chronicles of Elinor of Aquitaine, Henry II's wife, who briefly cameos here.
July 16, 2025
My 4th Chadwick and honestly I might’ve enjoyed this more than her Alienor of Aquitaine series. I do think the ending was a bit rushed but overall she does such a great job setting the atmosphere of the 12th C.
November 23, 2021
3 stelle e mezzo.
September 13, 2019
The Irish Princess, Her father's only daughter. Her country's only hope, Elizabeth Chadwick
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Historical Fiction.
Sometimes I just want to immerse myself in times past, and Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my “go to” authors. She can make me feel as if I'm there with the characters, living life like an unseen part of the cast.
I know only what I've read in fiction of this period in UK history. I hated history at school, shame it wasn't taught this way, I'd have got far more from it. Plus it tended to be prehistoric times or the Tudor period and there's so much more to read than those two eras.
Its a tough time to be alive, wars are constantly being fought over land and titles, a new king often means they're removed and given to a favourite or bargained away for the king's benefit. Into that scene comes Aoife, born a daughter of an Irish King, the traditionally weaker sex when kings wanted sons. Aoife is strong and soon carves her own place into her fathers heart, and does what she can to shape her own destiny. Tough, when ladies were married off at men's whims, money, position, for political expediency. Fortunately the husband Diamait wants for her is Richard de Claire. Richard is a strong ally to have. One Diamait needs, with the men and arms he controls being a valuable asset much needed after recent losses. If Diamait is to secure his ambitions he needs them, but he's wily and puts all sorts of constraints on the marriage to ensure he gets what he wants.
Back in England Henry ll has been helping the family ( at a cost of course, nothing ever comes for free in this time), exiled after losing their lands. Henry admires Aoife, and that time spent together forges a bond between then. Henry's a King and always conscious of that he works ceaselessly to bolster his strength, courting men and always with an eye as to what benefits him and his heritage. He plays a tricky game in Diamait's plans for Aoife and Richard. There's never any real rest, the threat of wars are constant, and security is fleeting. Aoife grows up seeing that first hand, and determines that she may be a woman and ultimately not in charge of her own destiny, but she also has her own skills and she works hard using them to secure whatever she can for the benefit of herself and her family.
I loved Aoife, a strong lady, intelligent and able to plan for her family, something much needed in these times when life can change daily, when one can be landed gentry one day and have nothing the next. She shows just how ridiculous this notion of men as the only ones capable of planning, organising etc, and we see just how much work she's doing in her clever way, to get what she wants but in such a way as the giver doesn't realise its not their own idea. Its a dangerous path, but Aoife is determined to protect her family, and fortunately in Richard she has a husband who values her brain. It takes a strong man to have a successful, happy marriage with a woman like Aoife, but they each value the others intelligence, and the love and respect between them is deep.
There are so many great characters here, so many battles, times when its all changed by another loss or win, and we can see just how hard life was, not just for those at the lower end, but for those who rule too. They have problems too, different to those of the common people but harsh non the less.
There are many surprises in this story, a look at a period in UK history which was red with blood from never ending battles. I really enjoyed reading about the characters – must admit I skimmed the battle details, I wanted to see the result and what happens after, not the actual battle. That's a personal issue, and for others those battle scenes are important. Its interesting reading the author notes about the story v what actually happened, how closely she has stuck to known facts whilst weaving an enthralling story.
Close to the end I was very emotional, things happened that were heartbreaking, but for the times all too common.
I really enjoyed Aoife's machinations, her sharp brain always planning for the “what if” scenario. I loved Richard, a man loyal to his wife when few were at those times. What he and Aoife had was special, and I think something Henry envied. He may have been King, with sons, with land, riches, whatever woman he wanted ( though Aoife cleverly avoided getting caught in that trap) but he didn't have the love, the closeness, the respect Aoife and Richard had for each other.
Stars: Five, a fascinating read, bringing life and reality to a period of history I know only vaguely from stilted texts until now.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Historical Fiction.
Sometimes I just want to immerse myself in times past, and Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my “go to” authors. She can make me feel as if I'm there with the characters, living life like an unseen part of the cast.
I know only what I've read in fiction of this period in UK history. I hated history at school, shame it wasn't taught this way, I'd have got far more from it. Plus it tended to be prehistoric times or the Tudor period and there's so much more to read than those two eras.
Its a tough time to be alive, wars are constantly being fought over land and titles, a new king often means they're removed and given to a favourite or bargained away for the king's benefit. Into that scene comes Aoife, born a daughter of an Irish King, the traditionally weaker sex when kings wanted sons. Aoife is strong and soon carves her own place into her fathers heart, and does what she can to shape her own destiny. Tough, when ladies were married off at men's whims, money, position, for political expediency. Fortunately the husband Diamait wants for her is Richard de Claire. Richard is a strong ally to have. One Diamait needs, with the men and arms he controls being a valuable asset much needed after recent losses. If Diamait is to secure his ambitions he needs them, but he's wily and puts all sorts of constraints on the marriage to ensure he gets what he wants.
Back in England Henry ll has been helping the family ( at a cost of course, nothing ever comes for free in this time), exiled after losing their lands. Henry admires Aoife, and that time spent together forges a bond between then. Henry's a King and always conscious of that he works ceaselessly to bolster his strength, courting men and always with an eye as to what benefits him and his heritage. He plays a tricky game in Diamait's plans for Aoife and Richard. There's never any real rest, the threat of wars are constant, and security is fleeting. Aoife grows up seeing that first hand, and determines that she may be a woman and ultimately not in charge of her own destiny, but she also has her own skills and she works hard using them to secure whatever she can for the benefit of herself and her family.
I loved Aoife, a strong lady, intelligent and able to plan for her family, something much needed in these times when life can change daily, when one can be landed gentry one day and have nothing the next. She shows just how ridiculous this notion of men as the only ones capable of planning, organising etc, and we see just how much work she's doing in her clever way, to get what she wants but in such a way as the giver doesn't realise its not their own idea. Its a dangerous path, but Aoife is determined to protect her family, and fortunately in Richard she has a husband who values her brain. It takes a strong man to have a successful, happy marriage with a woman like Aoife, but they each value the others intelligence, and the love and respect between them is deep.
There are so many great characters here, so many battles, times when its all changed by another loss or win, and we can see just how hard life was, not just for those at the lower end, but for those who rule too. They have problems too, different to those of the common people but harsh non the less.
There are many surprises in this story, a look at a period in UK history which was red with blood from never ending battles. I really enjoyed reading about the characters – must admit I skimmed the battle details, I wanted to see the result and what happens after, not the actual battle. That's a personal issue, and for others those battle scenes are important. Its interesting reading the author notes about the story v what actually happened, how closely she has stuck to known facts whilst weaving an enthralling story.
Close to the end I was very emotional, things happened that were heartbreaking, but for the times all too common.
I really enjoyed Aoife's machinations, her sharp brain always planning for the “what if” scenario. I loved Richard, a man loyal to his wife when few were at those times. What he and Aoife had was special, and I think something Henry envied. He may have been King, with sons, with land, riches, whatever woman he wanted ( though Aoife cleverly avoided getting caught in that trap) but he didn't have the love, the closeness, the respect Aoife and Richard had for each other.
Stars: Five, a fascinating read, bringing life and reality to a period of history I know only vaguely from stilted texts until now.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
January 22, 2020
What a fascinating historical novel about a pivotal time for many people. Elizabeth Chadwick is a favorite author, of course, but the supporting characters in addition to Richard de Clare are known to me ancestrally.
My maternal ancestors are from Ireland, Faunt from Limerick (13th century castle), who came in the retinue of the Norman Kings.They were knights and mercenaries, from the very south of France along the Mediterranean. In addition, my father's Kirwans were from the Wexford border and his mother a Carrow, (Raymond le Gros was born in Carew Castle) from The Welsh Marches. I am a lot Irish but mostly Norman Irish (per DNA results also). I have Pendergast cousins still in County Wexford, (characters Maurice Pendergast and his family.
The history here was superb, I knew little about Aoife and her parents but a good bit about Isabelle who married William, Henry, John and Henry III's marshal both in Wales and Ireland.It was delightful to read about how the Normans came to Ireland initially and what they did there (not all of it savory by any means).My Great Grandfather was Patrick Faunt born in Limerick to a Soldier in the British army in 1865( yes, they stayed as military people and "nailers" or blacksmiths in the armies over the centuries.
I loved this book for many reasons, not the least that it was so carefully written with extraordinarily vivid characters who, I feel were true to what they were in life. Recommended to many, including my Irish relatives.
My maternal ancestors are from Ireland, Faunt from Limerick (13th century castle), who came in the retinue of the Norman Kings.They were knights and mercenaries, from the very south of France along the Mediterranean. In addition, my father's Kirwans were from the Wexford border and his mother a Carrow, (Raymond le Gros was born in Carew Castle) from The Welsh Marches. I am a lot Irish but mostly Norman Irish (per DNA results also). I have Pendergast cousins still in County Wexford, (characters Maurice Pendergast and his family.
The history here was superb, I knew little about Aoife and her parents but a good bit about Isabelle who married William, Henry, John and Henry III's marshal both in Wales and Ireland.It was delightful to read about how the Normans came to Ireland initially and what they did there (not all of it savory by any means).My Great Grandfather was Patrick Faunt born in Limerick to a Soldier in the British army in 1865( yes, they stayed as military people and "nailers" or blacksmiths in the armies over the centuries.
I loved this book for many reasons, not the least that it was so carefully written with extraordinarily vivid characters who, I feel were true to what they were in life. Recommended to many, including my Irish relatives.
October 12, 2020
The star of the book was really good . It is story not only about a princess but also about brave, clever warriors, and brutal war politics and unexpected choices. However half way through all slowed down, Richard want to go to irland , can't because of the king , how many times? Many. Richard is manipulated by the king , how many times?many. This part of this book bored me a little bit. Then again the story seams to speed up , our of the blue Richard's sister is the very jealous, wanting power sister. Piloting against the Irish princess together with her husband. However the book ends giving few quick pages on that subject, At this point, When it got actually interesting the author decided to cut the story short. So 3,4stars from me . Still good read And yes I will try other books from E.Chadwick.
December 31, 2021
So where do i start with this one?
This book is so wildly outrageous i don't believe it, how it got published is beyond me. It's fan-fiction at best. This entire book, belongs on a fan page somewhere, Reddit or something. Each chapter is a fictional tale of Aoife, with the sole purpose of making her look good, you get some real life events around the year of 1160 in Ireland, but the tale is glorified to make Aoife look good.
I am honestly struggling to come to a reason as to why this book was published, what made the publishing company had over and advance for this, It's fan-fiction. If your into twilight fan fiction or harry potter fan fiction this is the book for you.
This book is so wildly outrageous i don't believe it, how it got published is beyond me. It's fan-fiction at best. This entire book, belongs on a fan page somewhere, Reddit or something. Each chapter is a fictional tale of Aoife, with the sole purpose of making her look good, you get some real life events around the year of 1160 in Ireland, but the tale is glorified to make Aoife look good.
I am honestly struggling to come to a reason as to why this book was published, what made the publishing company had over and advance for this, It's fan-fiction. If your into twilight fan fiction or harry potter fan fiction this is the book for you.
January 19, 2021
I really enjoy this author's books however this book dragged for me. This book is very highly rated and I have to admit that I am a little disappointed. I had high expectations and I really had to push myself to keep reading. I really enjoyed the main character. She was a strong determined woman during a difficult time period. I love that the book is based on real people. I can't even tell you what the book was missing for me but it just was not one of my favorites.
June 20, 2020
I’ve enjoyed previous works by this author so had high hopes for this one but unfortunately I found it rather tedious. I suspect lack of historical evidence made it hard for any of the characters to come to life and the central character, Aoife, is particularly a footnote in history. Potentially interesting but ultimately not.
November 3, 2022
I greatly enjoyed The Irish Princess by Elizabeth Chadwick both for the history and the story with larger-than-life characters, heart-stopping battles and political intrigue and the developing relationship between Aoife, Princess of Leinster, and Richard de Clare.
When Diarmit MacMurchada, King of Leinster is attacked and brought low by his enemies, including the High King of Ireland, he flees to England, seeking help from the Norman King Henry II to restore his kingdom. Rather than helping him directly, Henry agrees that Diarmet (Dermot) can seek help from any of Henry's knights who are willing. Richard de Clare steps up to the call with the condition of alliance through marriage to Diarmet's beautiful and spirited daughter, Princess Aoife (Eefa). Richard and Aoife face many challenges, set-backs and tragedy as they grow to know each other and seek to establish a future for themselves and their children in Aoife’s patrimony in ireland.
Chadwick closely follows the known historical events with perhaps one tweak (historically Aoife's half-brother Donmal was less accepting of the idea of Aoife inheriting Leinster) while filling in the unknowns with a warm and rich story of love, devotion, daring, betrayal, success and tragedy, with a believable ‘happy ending’. And as Chadwick says in the afterword, though these events only cover a handful of years, it's a pivotal time, during which the English Normans gain lasting control of Ireland.
I particularly loved Aoife and Richard's story and the portrayal of the tense diplomatic dance with the unpredictable King Henry. All three characters are nuanced and believable with strong trajectories. The trajectory between Richard's sister, Basiliea and his right-hand, Raymond le Gros, was less smooth and I found myself having a great deal of sympathy for their plight, though not with their later actions.
All-in-all, a great read and I've put the story of Aoife's daughter and son-in-law, The Scarlet Lion on hold at the library.
When Diarmit MacMurchada, King of Leinster is attacked and brought low by his enemies, including the High King of Ireland, he flees to England, seeking help from the Norman King Henry II to restore his kingdom. Rather than helping him directly, Henry agrees that Diarmet (Dermot) can seek help from any of Henry's knights who are willing. Richard de Clare steps up to the call with the condition of alliance through marriage to Diarmet's beautiful and spirited daughter, Princess Aoife (Eefa). Richard and Aoife face many challenges, set-backs and tragedy as they grow to know each other and seek to establish a future for themselves and their children in Aoife’s patrimony in ireland.
Chadwick closely follows the known historical events with perhaps one tweak (historically Aoife's half-brother Donmal was less accepting of the idea of Aoife inheriting Leinster) while filling in the unknowns with a warm and rich story of love, devotion, daring, betrayal, success and tragedy, with a believable ‘happy ending’. And as Chadwick says in the afterword, though these events only cover a handful of years, it's a pivotal time, during which the English Normans gain lasting control of Ireland.
I particularly loved Aoife and Richard's story and the portrayal of the tense diplomatic dance with the unpredictable King Henry. All three characters are nuanced and believable with strong trajectories. The trajectory between Richard's sister, Basiliea and his right-hand, Raymond le Gros, was less smooth and I found myself having a great deal of sympathy for their plight, though not with their later actions.
All-in-all, a great read and I've put the story of Aoife's daughter and son-in-law, The Scarlet Lion on hold at the library.
March 26, 2021
In twelfth century, Ireland, Aoife grows up as the daughter of the King of Leinster, Diarmait MacMurchada. After he is forced from his Kingdom, the family seeks help from King Henry II of England. This leads the family to Richard de Clare, an Earl who seeks to improve his standing with King Henry II. Richard and Diarmait hatch a plan to retake Ireland, which includes Richard marrying Aoife as one of the key elements. Will their plan work to retake Ireland? Will Richard regain Henry II’s favor? Will Richard and Aoife find love?
I couldn’t put this book down. Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. She is able to weave a compelling tale that makes you feel like you are in the twelfth century court of Henry II. I loved the intrigue and politics that took place to make everything happen. I also didn’t realize until mostly through the book that this tale is related to my favorite novel of Chadwick’s, The Greatest Knight. Aoife is his mother-in-law! I was very intrigued by this and of course the real history in the author’s note at the end of the novel.
This novel made me realize again, that Game of Thrones is not far fetched when you look at the real history of the Middle Ages. People were ruthless and it was hard times to live through. I loved Aoife’s cunning and her love for her family. I’ll admit, I was sad by the end of the book, but also intrigued at how Aoife was able to hold her world together.
I love reading about history that I previously knew nothing about. Especially when you have a master craft author like Elizabeth Chadwick writing the tale.
Favorite Quotes:
“Bold deeds are far better sung than experienced.”
“One wrong decision, one moment of dropped guard, made the difference between having everything and having nothing. Between being alive and being dead.”
Overall, The Irish Princess is historical fiction at its finest and is a riveting tale set in twelfth century Ireland.
Book Source: Christmas Present from my Best Friend Jenn. Thank-you!
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2021...
I couldn’t put this book down. Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. She is able to weave a compelling tale that makes you feel like you are in the twelfth century court of Henry II. I loved the intrigue and politics that took place to make everything happen. I also didn’t realize until mostly through the book that this tale is related to my favorite novel of Chadwick’s, The Greatest Knight. Aoife is his mother-in-law! I was very intrigued by this and of course the real history in the author’s note at the end of the novel.
This novel made me realize again, that Game of Thrones is not far fetched when you look at the real history of the Middle Ages. People were ruthless and it was hard times to live through. I loved Aoife’s cunning and her love for her family. I’ll admit, I was sad by the end of the book, but also intrigued at how Aoife was able to hold her world together.
I love reading about history that I previously knew nothing about. Especially when you have a master craft author like Elizabeth Chadwick writing the tale.
Favorite Quotes:
“Bold deeds are far better sung than experienced.”
“One wrong decision, one moment of dropped guard, made the difference between having everything and having nothing. Between being alive and being dead.”
Overall, The Irish Princess is historical fiction at its finest and is a riveting tale set in twelfth century Ireland.
Book Source: Christmas Present from my Best Friend Jenn. Thank-you!
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2021...
January 20, 2025
The first third is a bit dense (though worth it) and after getting back to it after a break, I made it through the rest fastly; maybe once we get to the acual romance parts it flows more easily.
The background of the story is rather ungrateful to write about: heroes that probably caused more harm in the long run, a unlikely love story, many back and forth developments, infighting where the many enemies aren't ever well-introduced and mean twists of history. Yet Elizabeth Chadwick makes it work with compelling characters. I don't care how convoluted the happenings are because the author creates a cohesive, exciting story.
It's curious to see Henry II critically from the off the radar lord Richard with his own stuff going on and Richard is such a charming guy. I also like the side story about his sister and the soldier.
The real shining star is of course Aoife, the title character. I love how the author characterizes her. She takes a less common but more believable route writing medieval female experience. Aoife is very young in the novel, we see her from her childhood into her early twenties and the author does a great job at showing her growing up and wanting to have political influence and power. She is respected and loved by her family who try to protect her but also use her talents. Aoife is ambitious and self-confident but also insecure like every teenager. She wants to explore her sexuality while she's also afraid of doing more than play around and flirt. She feels uncertain about marriage but knows the advantages and wants to have children and provide for them. I've really enjoyed to read how much thought the author put into this portrayal of female agency.
I thought it'a shame it ends when Aoife is only in her twenties, her life must've had more action later on, too, but I suppose Elizabeth Chadwick already wrote about that in another book, "The Scarlet Lion"? I'll try it out as well as her other works. It's great, only missing in diversity.
The background of the story is rather ungrateful to write about: heroes that probably caused more harm in the long run, a unlikely love story, many back and forth developments, infighting where the many enemies aren't ever well-introduced and mean twists of history. Yet Elizabeth Chadwick makes it work with compelling characters. I don't care how convoluted the happenings are because the author creates a cohesive, exciting story.
It's curious to see Henry II critically from the off the radar lord Richard with his own stuff going on and Richard is such a charming guy. I also like the side story about his sister and the soldier.
The real shining star is of course Aoife, the title character. I love how the author characterizes her. She takes a less common but more believable route writing medieval female experience. Aoife is very young in the novel, we see her from her childhood into her early twenties and the author does a great job at showing her growing up and wanting to have political influence and power. She is respected and loved by her family who try to protect her but also use her talents. Aoife is ambitious and self-confident but also insecure like every teenager. She wants to explore her sexuality while she's also afraid of doing more than play around and flirt. She feels uncertain about marriage but knows the advantages and wants to have children and provide for them. I've really enjoyed to read how much thought the author put into this portrayal of female agency.
I thought it'a shame it ends when Aoife is only in her twenties, her life must've had more action later on, too, but I suppose Elizabeth Chadwick already wrote about that in another book, "The Scarlet Lion"? I'll try it out as well as her other works. It's great, only missing in diversity.
February 23, 2025
Audiobook narrated by Aoifa McMahon
The beautiful Aoife MacMurchada is 14 years old when her father Diarmit, King of Leinster, is deposed by a new Irish high king and flees with his family to the England of Henry II. A mutual acquaintance suggests an alliance with Richard de Clare of Striguil on the Welsh Borders. Because of his support of Stephen during the Stephen/Mathilda conflict, Richard has recently been divested of Pembroke on the death of King Stephen and the accession of Henry, so he's open to new opportunities, even if it means fighting for them. An alliance between Diarmit and Richard means a wedding, but Aoife isn't about to be a pawn in anyone's game. If she does this, she'll do it on her own terms. Though the marriage is successful, it's short, and Aoife consistently works to protect her future and her children's inheritance through her guarded friendship with Henry II. Her daughter Isabelle de Clare will eventually resurface as the teen bride of William the Marshal in one of Chadwick's books, The Scarlet Lion, and Marshal has a tiny walk-on part in this book. But The Irish Princess is quite firmly Aiofe's story. Not, perhaps, my favourite Chadwick, but readable and entertaining. Aoifa McMahon's narration works well.
The beautiful Aoife MacMurchada is 14 years old when her father Diarmit, King of Leinster, is deposed by a new Irish high king and flees with his family to the England of Henry II. A mutual acquaintance suggests an alliance with Richard de Clare of Striguil on the Welsh Borders. Because of his support of Stephen during the Stephen/Mathilda conflict, Richard has recently been divested of Pembroke on the death of King Stephen and the accession of Henry, so he's open to new opportunities, even if it means fighting for them. An alliance between Diarmit and Richard means a wedding, but Aoife isn't about to be a pawn in anyone's game. If she does this, she'll do it on her own terms. Though the marriage is successful, it's short, and Aoife consistently works to protect her future and her children's inheritance through her guarded friendship with Henry II. Her daughter Isabelle de Clare will eventually resurface as the teen bride of William the Marshal in one of Chadwick's books, The Scarlet Lion, and Marshal has a tiny walk-on part in this book. But The Irish Princess is quite firmly Aiofe's story. Not, perhaps, my favourite Chadwick, but readable and entertaining. Aoifa McMahon's narration works well.
March 10, 2021
I haven't read anything by this author before this novel and I've actually bought by chance. It came out to be an amazing surprire, because I couldn't stop reading it and now that's is finished I feel like I've lost new friends.
Since I'm keen on medieval life, this novel allowed me to find out more about English and Irish medieval lifestyle, rather than let me know these historical characters.
Aoife MacMurchada was a strong, brave, charming and calculating woman and I've felt contrasting feelings for he throughout the story. At the very beginning she was just a pure and scared girl, aware of the danger and the brutality of life. After her wedding with Richard de Clare she turned into a more manipulative and calculating person, sometimes very harsh. In this period I didn't enjoy her character, considering her quite annoying. At the end of the novel I realized the reasons behind her choices and her behaviour.
The character I totally loved was Richard de Clare, because of his manners and his pure heart. His death really broke my heart, and it left me ashtonished... I mean, he survived many bloody battles but he died for a domestic accident.
However I really want to read more Chadiwick's novels because I really loved this one. An accurate glimpse of an understimated period of the history.
Since I'm keen on medieval life, this novel allowed me to find out more about English and Irish medieval lifestyle, rather than let me know these historical characters.
Aoife MacMurchada was a strong, brave, charming and calculating woman and I've felt contrasting feelings for he throughout the story. At the very beginning she was just a pure and scared girl, aware of the danger and the brutality of life. After her wedding with Richard de Clare she turned into a more manipulative and calculating person, sometimes very harsh. In this period I didn't enjoy her character, considering her quite annoying. At the end of the novel I realized the reasons behind her choices and her behaviour.
The character I totally loved was Richard de Clare, because of his manners and his pure heart. His death really broke my heart, and it left me ashtonished... I mean, he survived many bloody battles but he died for a domestic accident.
However I really want to read more Chadiwick's novels because I really loved this one. An accurate glimpse of an understimated period of the history.
January 17, 2020
I have been living in Waterford since 2012 so this was an amazing reading to me. I love to read period novels and I always end up reading something about England. I was so happy when I saw this book about an Irish princess. Even happier for being the story of Aoife and Strongbow which of course I heard some things here and there, but I didn't know much beyond that they got married in Waterford and lived here. Some tourist places that have a relationship with them in the city. Coincidentally, a week before going to the bookstore I went to the bar in front of Reginald's tower (which is otherwise called in the book) and saw a huge picture of their wedding on the wall. And the cover of the book is her image at the wedding, so when I saw it I bought the book right away.
A vivid image of Waterford mainly for those who have visited since most of the mentioned places in Waterford are still here. Waterford is a Viking city that still has many of the old buildings preserved. After the book, I am really considering going to Ferns (Fearns in the book) although my friends have already told me that there is not much to see there. Also, I've been postponing a trip to Wales for years, now I feel like going.
It was very interesting to read the history of the city that I learned to love and call home in a book so interesting and easy to read.
I hope the book is translated into Portuguese and so I can give it to my family and friends so they will know more about the place I'm living.
A vivid image of Waterford mainly for those who have visited since most of the mentioned places in Waterford are still here. Waterford is a Viking city that still has many of the old buildings preserved. After the book, I am really considering going to Ferns (Fearns in the book) although my friends have already told me that there is not much to see there. Also, I've been postponing a trip to Wales for years, now I feel like going.
It was very interesting to read the history of the city that I learned to love and call home in a book so interesting and easy to read.
I hope the book is translated into Portuguese and so I can give it to my family and friends so they will know more about the place I'm living.
December 26, 2019
This is Chadwick at her finest! My enjoyment of this was on the level with her Marshal books, although this isn't so much a Marshal book as a parallel-prequel. He makes a flash appearance but it's Chadwick winking at us, not part of the story.
All the components of Chadwick's writing that I love were on offer here: women's roles in the nobility of the Middle Ages, daily life details that make you feel like you're right there, historical information woven through so it's not a lesson but we learn a lot, and a pinch of romance (but this is not a romance novel at all).
In her Alienor novels Chadwick seemed to be trying to distance herself from her romance-novel-writer persona but it felt like she went too far; I wasn't really invested in the characters and it felt like more of a history lesson. They were still good books, I rated them between 3 and 4 stars, but they weren't what her previous novels had been. Here she's back to what she does best. I hope she stays in this vein.
All the components of Chadwick's writing that I love were on offer here: women's roles in the nobility of the Middle Ages, daily life details that make you feel like you're right there, historical information woven through so it's not a lesson but we learn a lot, and a pinch of romance (but this is not a romance novel at all).
In her Alienor novels Chadwick seemed to be trying to distance herself from her romance-novel-writer persona but it felt like she went too far; I wasn't really invested in the characters and it felt like more of a history lesson. They were still good books, I rated them between 3 and 4 stars, but they weren't what her previous novels had been. Here she's back to what she does best. I hope she stays in this vein.
April 30, 2023
A fantastic historical fiction novel that immerses you right into the story and time period! You felt a part of it, not just looking on as a reader.
A fascinating woman I have never heard of. What I enjoyed especially was reading of Aoife’s strength and dignity being used in a feminine way. She was a emotionally and mentally strong lady, but had grace and was always aware of the feelings and wellbeing of her husband and children, which was not the norm at this period of time!
Richard de Clare was also different for his time - respecting his wife and having only her!
(There are quite a few references to sex with some stronger details at one portion of the book when Aoife got married. I will say they are not there JUST for the sake of ‘spicing’ up the book, but to show the relationship between characters at critical times)
A fascinating woman I have never heard of. What I enjoyed especially was reading of Aoife’s strength and dignity being used in a feminine way. She was a emotionally and mentally strong lady, but had grace and was always aware of the feelings and wellbeing of her husband and children, which was not the norm at this period of time!
Richard de Clare was also different for his time - respecting his wife and having only her!
(There are quite a few references to sex with some stronger details at one portion of the book when Aoife got married. I will say they are not there JUST for the sake of ‘spicing’ up the book, but to show the relationship between characters at critical times)
June 30, 2025
For a book written by a woman and with a female protagonist, this felt very centered on the men - what they thought and wanted, what they did....I know it's possible to write historical fiction that centres the women's lives, and this felt like a lot of the same scenes of men fighting for power while the women served them.
Any scene that did have more than one woman, it was either all about marriage and children, being suspicious of other women or Aoife sometimes had this weird superior "not like other girls" energy that irked me a bit. Smells like internalised misogyny to me...
There were some nice moments, though, and at least Aoife's personality was more defined than most of the other women.
I'm sure it's partly my taste talking and this would appeal more to some people, but I kinda thought a book called the Irish princess would be more focused on the Irish princess, you know?
.
Any scene that did have more than one woman, it was either all about marriage and children, being suspicious of other women or Aoife sometimes had this weird superior "not like other girls" energy that irked me a bit. Smells like internalised misogyny to me...
There were some nice moments, though, and at least Aoife's personality was more defined than most of the other women.
I'm sure it's partly my taste talking and this would appeal more to some people, but I kinda thought a book called the Irish princess would be more focused on the Irish princess, you know?
.
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