This Passing World: A Novel About Geoffrey Chaucer

by Michael Herzog

It is 1398, and all of Europe is abuzz about the duel to be fought in September between Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford, and Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, to settle the question of which one has committed treason against King Richard II. Geoffrey Chaucer, courtier and well-known poet, is unexpectedly drawn into the intrigue surrounding the impending duel and compelled to perform an act so heinous that he is shaken to the core. The journal Chaucer begins and keeps for the remaining two and a half years of his life chronicles his unlikely rise as the son of a middle-class wine broker to become not only the pre-eminent poet of his age but the brother-in-law of John of Gaunt, uncle to the king, at times the most powerful man in England and, with his three wives, the ancestor of every ruler of England since the year 1400. This novel provides a fascinating look into life in late 14th century England, the women and men Chaucer loves, the intrigues of the Richardian court, and what compels someone who holds some of the most important jobs in the English bureaucracy to spend his nights writing poetry that is still being read and studied 600 years after his death.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Medieval, Fiction

742 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2019

Reviews

[Joy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most people have heard the term “non-fiction that reads like fiction.” Well, this book is the opposite – “fiction that reads like non-fiction.” The storyline revolves around a set of (fictional) journals written by Geoffrey Chaucer during the last two years of his life, 1398-1400. The journals recount his current challenging situation as well as the significant events in his life. He is pressured to commit an act against his natural tendencies and his conscience.

By the end, the reader will get a feeling for the entire life of Chaucer, and what drove him to write. To fully appreciate this story, it would be helpful to be familiar with British history of the period, particularly the key players during the reign of Richard II. Footnotes are included that provide additional historical details. It is obvious that the author is well-versed in medieval history and Chaucer’s works. I consider this a fine example of historical fiction that captures the spirit of the times, though it goes on a bit too long after the climactic scenes. I am just glad it’s not written in middle English!

[Nancy Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part was fascinating but it got very wordy and long winded. Interesting look at Chaucer's times, worth reading.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little while to realize that this wasn't actually the late discovered journals of Chaucer, which is a compliment to the author (and shows my total ignorance). It was well researched and brought Chaucer to life in vivid detail, the best kind of historical fiction. The tensions of court life, of romance, and of desire to create were all explored, and a dangerous mission was embarked on. I especially appreciated the historical notes. Very enjoyable. Now to reread the Canterbury Tales.

Thanks to the publisher for the copy and goodreads for hosting a giveaway.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book.

Michael Herzog has studied and taught Geoffrey Chaucer for 30+ years. This book is a full immersion into the life and times of Chaucer in the last 2 years of his life. This is historical fiction at it's best. This would be a great read for that hard to buy for English major.

[Melodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is challenging but worth it

I struggle with novels that aren't in chronological order. This book includes truths that I experience but struggle to articulate.

Chaucer would approve.

[WHS1949 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful surprise. Chaucer, the man, is really brought to life here during the last three yers of his life.

[Kathy Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, engrossing book that is the best of 58 books I have read so far this year..... it was simply spectacular. This Passing World; the Journal of Geoffrey Chaucer will drop you into a turbulent period of English history and into the mind of a poet struggling. The intricate dance of life that is the fate of the courtier in medieval times -- the allegiances, the plotting, the machinations against the background of the lives of the nobles and royalty down to the everyday details of travelling, and sustaining your health while trying to stay alive. Geoffrey's struggle to make his life MEAN something, to make his Canterbury Tales more than court entertainment -- to use irony to point to and illuminate truth and his struggle with approaching mortality. It is a work of art.

[Camila Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rich, Intriguing Look Into Chaucer’s Final Years

Set in 1398, this gripping historical novel follows Geoffrey Chaucer as he’s pulled into the dangerous politics surrounding the infamous duel between Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. Forced into an unthinkable act, Chaucer begins a private journal that captures the last years of his life, from his rise as a wine broker’s son to his place among England’s most powerful families.

Blending court intrigue, vivid 14th-century life, and the passions that drove Chaucer to write poetry still treasured centuries later, this story offers a compelling, immersive portrait of a man caught between duty, danger, and destiny.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read and well written and researched.

[Jennifer Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wasn’t sure about some of the choices the author was making until about midway through the book, when I realized that this is really a book about John of Gaunt and the patron/courtier relationship. I’m still not sure about some characterizations, especially with regards to Philippa de Roet and Cecily Chaumpaigne, but I understand better what the author was trying to do and I thought it was interesting and always engaging.