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Eleanor of Aquitaine #2
L'automne d'une reine
1154. Aliénor est couronnée reine d’Angleterre aux côtés de son époux, le jeune Henri II Plantagenêt. Elle est désormais l’une des femmes les plus puissantes d’Europe. Tandis que Henri part en guerre contre les ennemis de la Couronne afin d’asseoir son autorité, Aliénor se révèle une souveraine active sur tous les fronts et une mère dévouée pour leurs nombreux enfants. Mais bientôt délaissée par Henri, qui lui préfère sa jeune amante, Aliénor se voit peu à peu déposséder du pouvoir qui est sien. Alors que la rébellion couve au sein de la famille royale, Aliénor découvre à ses dépens que même une reine doit constamment se battre pour conserver sa place.
672 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
723 people are currently reading
5795 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 476 reviews
December 7, 2014
The Winter Crown, the second installment in Elizabeth Chadwick's trilogy on Eleanor of Aquitaine (Alienor in this novel), is a fascinating blend of fiction and factually accurate historical events full of vigor and intrigue. The tale of Henry II of England and his queen, Alienor begins at Westminster Abbey 1154, coursing through Alienor's laborious childbearing years, the shaping of a legendary dynasty, Henry's political schemes and the volatile relationship with a stammering and peacockish Thomas Becket, to finally pause at Alienor's incarceration in 1174. Chadwick brings vivacious realness to the character of Alienor as an influential woman who was in one moment, loved and respected, then as easily betrayed in the next.
Through Chadwick's competent writing historical characters are given colorful dimension and life. Her picture of Alienor reveals she was no fool, but astute and level-headed in her actions, especially when it came to dealing with Henry's knack for underhandedness. With the collaboration of the duplicitous Thomas Becket - then Chancellor but dangerously aspiring to a greatness grander than his sovereign - Henry's effort to present to Louis of France an outrageous gift in the form of a live zoo collection: did not escape Alienor's sharp witted observations. "She still thought all this show was about Thomas Becket's desire for lavish gestures and Henry's determination to outshine and overwhelm Louis with a flamboyant display of all the resources he possessed and Louis did not. It was no more than one dog pissing higher up the wall than a rival."
It is generally accepted that Henry had many mistresses and that Alienor knew as much, having to turn a blind eye to such activities by the most powerful man in her midst especially as she was so often heavy with his child, but one could not fault her reactions when she learned she was not the only mare to breed Henry's offspring, or that his favorite Rosamund de Clifford, was barely in her teen years when she became his lover. How would any wife feel? How would a queen as prominent as Alienor react? Henry's cold exclamation "because of me you are not a barren queen, but the matriarch of a dynasty" clearly shows his lack of guilt.
We see Alienor in her many roles as: a caring and engaging mother who experiences both the joy of birthing her brood and the abject sorrow of their untimely deaths; a queen who fulfills her most significant role of providing heirs to the realm, to go from having the power of the regency of England in her hands and to end up as a prisoner in the towers of Sarum. Chadwick gives us a clear, authentic view of the treatment of women of the period who were looked upon as possessions of the realm, inhumanly used as political pawns to seal alliances, to secure lands, to stroke a king's ego and warm his bed. The reality of having "another daughter to watch her grow up and beat her wings against a closed window" both elevated and saddened Alienor, understanding that it is the lot of the woman, by merely her gender, to be imprisoned like a caged bird, regardless of her background or position.
Chadwick's scenes of everyday life in the court of Henry and Alienor were ever realistic, never boring. I am always excited with anything involving 'William Marshal', and was greatly impressed by his introduction as William, son of John FitzGilbert - a young lad who in Alienor's approving eyes, was 'mischievous and lively, but did not overstep the bounds' - teaching young Harry how to ride and, later, to successfully compete on the Tourney battlefield.
One of the most memorable depictions of Henry and Eleanor in my estimation is presented in the 1968 Hepburn and O'Toole film 'The Lion in Winter'. The dramatic story told of the conflicts between the king-father , queen-mother, heirs-sons is passionate, desperate, treasonous and historically accepted. In The Winter Crown, Chadwick makes valid summations regarding the treacherous rift between father and sons, giving a different spin on Alienor's supposed involvement.
Elizabeth Chadwick's portrayal of Alienor is a woman of indomitable spirit, not easily subdued even by a king as powerful as her husband. With intelligence, quick wit, and courage, she gave as good as she got, proving to be Henry's greatest match and therefore, a formidable obstacle to his selfish desire for total control. By July 1174, Alienor found herself captive within the tower walls of Sarum, banished there by Henry for her perceived rebellious efforts against him.
Her greatest challenge was about to begin.
The Autumn Throne is next. I'm eagerly waiting!
The Summer Queen: 4*
The Winter Crown: 5*
Highly recommended for historical fictionistas
Through Chadwick's competent writing historical characters are given colorful dimension and life. Her picture of Alienor reveals she was no fool, but astute and level-headed in her actions, especially when it came to dealing with Henry's knack for underhandedness. With the collaboration of the duplicitous Thomas Becket - then Chancellor but dangerously aspiring to a greatness grander than his sovereign - Henry's effort to present to Louis of France an outrageous gift in the form of a live zoo collection: did not escape Alienor's sharp witted observations. "She still thought all this show was about Thomas Becket's desire for lavish gestures and Henry's determination to outshine and overwhelm Louis with a flamboyant display of all the resources he possessed and Louis did not. It was no more than one dog pissing higher up the wall than a rival."
It is generally accepted that Henry had many mistresses and that Alienor knew as much, having to turn a blind eye to such activities by the most powerful man in her midst especially as she was so often heavy with his child, but one could not fault her reactions when she learned she was not the only mare to breed Henry's offspring, or that his favorite Rosamund de Clifford, was barely in her teen years when she became his lover. How would any wife feel? How would a queen as prominent as Alienor react? Henry's cold exclamation "because of me you are not a barren queen, but the matriarch of a dynasty" clearly shows his lack of guilt.
We see Alienor in her many roles as: a caring and engaging mother who experiences both the joy of birthing her brood and the abject sorrow of their untimely deaths; a queen who fulfills her most significant role of providing heirs to the realm, to go from having the power of the regency of England in her hands and to end up as a prisoner in the towers of Sarum. Chadwick gives us a clear, authentic view of the treatment of women of the period who were looked upon as possessions of the realm, inhumanly used as political pawns to seal alliances, to secure lands, to stroke a king's ego and warm his bed. The reality of having "another daughter to watch her grow up and beat her wings against a closed window" both elevated and saddened Alienor, understanding that it is the lot of the woman, by merely her gender, to be imprisoned like a caged bird, regardless of her background or position.
Chadwick's scenes of everyday life in the court of Henry and Alienor were ever realistic, never boring. I am always excited with anything involving 'William Marshal', and was greatly impressed by his introduction as William, son of John FitzGilbert - a young lad who in Alienor's approving eyes, was 'mischievous and lively, but did not overstep the bounds' - teaching young Harry how to ride and, later, to successfully compete on the Tourney battlefield.
One of the most memorable depictions of Henry and Eleanor in my estimation is presented in the 1968 Hepburn and O'Toole film 'The Lion in Winter'. The dramatic story told of the conflicts between the king-father , queen-mother, heirs-sons is passionate, desperate, treasonous and historically accepted. In The Winter Crown, Chadwick makes valid summations regarding the treacherous rift between father and sons, giving a different spin on Alienor's supposed involvement.
Elizabeth Chadwick's portrayal of Alienor is a woman of indomitable spirit, not easily subdued even by a king as powerful as her husband. With intelligence, quick wit, and courage, she gave as good as she got, proving to be Henry's greatest match and therefore, a formidable obstacle to his selfish desire for total control. By July 1174, Alienor found herself captive within the tower walls of Sarum, banished there by Henry for her perceived rebellious efforts against him.
Her greatest challenge was about to begin.
The Autumn Throne is next. I'm eagerly waiting!
The Summer Queen: 4*
The Winter Crown: 5*
Highly recommended for historical fictionistas
January 12, 2019
A Book for All Seasons: season of winter
I like to think this is called the Winter Crown because this is when Eleanor’s heart freezes toward the king. Henry because a overbearing, callus, manipulative nightmare. His sons grow to despise him; Eleanor is cut off from Aquitaine . Henry wants everything and everyone in his power. He will stop at nothing. So her heart grown cold. And love dies.
I like to think this is called the Winter Crown because this is when Eleanor’s heart freezes toward the king. Henry because a overbearing, callus, manipulative nightmare. His sons grow to despise him; Eleanor is cut off from Aquitaine . Henry wants everything and everyone in his power. He will stop at nothing. So her heart grown cold. And love dies.
February 13, 2019
Let me say first that this was a wonderful, superbly written book. Nevertheless, it wasn’t an easy book to swim through for me, in particular because it’s a tale of heartache and despair as it deals with the melancholy of total family deterioration – despite being the tale of a king, his queen and their heirs. Particularly as a woman and a mother of three, I felt it intimately. The predicament of women in the medieval ages, even if of a queen and an alleged powerful one, comes through disturbing and sharply enough.
The Winter Crown, the second of Elizabeth Chadwick’s Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, is a fascinating mix of history and fiction. The story of Henry II and his queen Alienor opens with their coronation at Westminster and leaves us with her imprisonment at Sarum. According to Chadwick, substantiated by considerable historical research, Henry was an overbearing king and a difficult man that trusted no one, and I suppose sowed what he reaped later on life.
I enjoyed reading about Thomas Becket, first as Henry II’s Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury, even if it was Chadwick’s partly fictional portrayal. She characterized him as a scheming and duplicitous figure, traits doubtless very common in court life, or any contemporary political arena for that matter.
Winter Crown is a study of intrigue, scheming and a volatile relationship that only deteriorates with time. According to Chadwick’s skilled historical characterization, Henry II was an utterly controlling king, husband and father; while Alienor comes out as no fool, although astute and level-headed in her actions she lacks the power and control especially when dealing with Henry's propensity for underhandedness.
The author gives a different spin to the historically accepted view that Alienor was the sole instigator of the treasonous conflict between father and sons. She builds a believable scenario where Alienor was led (in great part by Henry's behavior itsef) to make difficult choices as the tenacious and formidable woman that she was. She definitly was not a woman to quietly let things be.
The Winter Crown is a 5 stars book, a must read if you are a fun of historical fiction or Elizabeth Chadwick’s novels. I am waiting anxiously for its sequel!
The Winter Crown, the second of Elizabeth Chadwick’s Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, is a fascinating mix of history and fiction. The story of Henry II and his queen Alienor opens with their coronation at Westminster and leaves us with her imprisonment at Sarum. According to Chadwick, substantiated by considerable historical research, Henry was an overbearing king and a difficult man that trusted no one, and I suppose sowed what he reaped later on life.
I enjoyed reading about Thomas Becket, first as Henry II’s Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury, even if it was Chadwick’s partly fictional portrayal. She characterized him as a scheming and duplicitous figure, traits doubtless very common in court life, or any contemporary political arena for that matter.
Winter Crown is a study of intrigue, scheming and a volatile relationship that only deteriorates with time. According to Chadwick’s skilled historical characterization, Henry II was an utterly controlling king, husband and father; while Alienor comes out as no fool, although astute and level-headed in her actions she lacks the power and control especially when dealing with Henry's propensity for underhandedness.
The author gives a different spin to the historically accepted view that Alienor was the sole instigator of the treasonous conflict between father and sons. She builds a believable scenario where Alienor was led (in great part by Henry's behavior itsef) to make difficult choices as the tenacious and formidable woman that she was. She definitly was not a woman to quietly let things be.
The Winter Crown is a 5 stars book, a must read if you are a fun of historical fiction or Elizabeth Chadwick’s novels. I am waiting anxiously for its sequel!
March 17, 2017
One can only imagine the pride and borderline arrogance that Eleanor of Aquitaine would feel today if she knew that centuries after her time; she is still regaled as not only a queen but as a woman and oftentimes is lauded more so than her husband, King Heny II. Elizabeth Chadwick brought Alienor (as she is addressed in the novel) to life in, “The Summer Queen” and follows up with the second novel in the trilogy with, “The Winter Crown”.
“The Winter Crown” picks up shortly where “The Summer Queen” left off with the former novel having focused on Alienor’s marriage to Louis of France and the latter now emphasizing life and motherhood with Henry II. Immediately noticeable is Chadwick’s addressing of issues that were prominent in the execution of “The Summer Queen”. “The Summer Queen” suffered from quick chapters and too large time gaps in chronology which could deter reader attention; but Chadwick overcame these hurdles in “The Winter Crown”.
“The Winter Crown” is masterful writing and exactly what a historical fiction novel should be: strong on the history and not fluffy, powerful and alive, but not too romanticized. Chadwick’s writing is beautiful, illustrative, and makes use of stunning literary language. Chadwick can never be accused of “trying too hard” which demonstrates her exceptional composition skills. “The Winter Crown” is smooth and incredible.
The plot of “The Winter Crown” is less political (although that is also highlighted) and more so offers a featurette of Alienor’s personal space with both Henry and her children. “The Winter Crown” is heavily a character-study and Chadwick’s ability to subtly show the character progression and development is emotionally gratifying and impressive. The pages of “The Winter Crown” feature deep nuances and the layers grow on the reader slowly but powerfully which truly brings the story to life.
Even though Chadwick focuses on the personal life of Alienor in “The Winter Crown”; do not (thankfully) expect fluff within the novel. Chadwick’s work is heavily researched and informs the reader of the history while entertaining. Notably, “The Winter Crown” even has less sex scenes than “The Summer Queen”.
Chadwick infuses “The Winter Crown” with some foreshadowing of the roles of future figures and events but these are not overly done or obvious and merely serve to build some excitement even for those readers familiar with the history. Again, “The Winter Crown” is subtle and yet provides a strong emotive kick resulting in a page-turner.
There are some moments where “The Winter Crown” feels repetitive, the pace slacks, and the story seems thin but this is overcome quickly and “The Winter Crown” builds back-up therefore not diminishing its value.
The last three-quarters of “The Winter Crown” takes a slight down-course in comparison to the former sections of the novel. Chadwick highlights interactions with Thomas Becket, introduces William Marshal, and brings the tension between Henry and his sons to the forefront. However, this isn’t as subtle as the rest of the novel and is somewhat forced and rushed perhaps in order to set-up the next novel in the trilogy. Sadly, this lessens some of the emotional impact.
Another notable perk in “The Winter Crown” is Chadwick’s prerogative to not scapegoat Alienor as the controller behind the rebellion of Henry’s sons. In “The Winter Crown”, Alienor is aware of and has an understanding of the events but doesn’t manifest them. This varies with the traditional view of Alienor and offers a fresh perspective.
The ending of “The Winter Crown” is definitely a cliffhanger and sets-up anticipation for “The Autumn Throne” leaving readers wanting more. Chadwick offers an ‘Author’s Note’ to explain some of the novel’s points and a light bibliography for further reading.
“The Winter Crown” is a masterful sequel to “The Summer Queen” and a wonderfully-written and well-composed tableau. The plot is captivating and the flaws throughout are minimal. “The Winter Crown” is not necessarily a stand-alone novel and center stages Alienor versus the politics of Henry II and is therefore not suggested for those seeking a political emphasis. Other than that, Chadwick excels, impresses, and astonishes with a terrific novel.
“The Winter Crown” picks up shortly where “The Summer Queen” left off with the former novel having focused on Alienor’s marriage to Louis of France and the latter now emphasizing life and motherhood with Henry II. Immediately noticeable is Chadwick’s addressing of issues that were prominent in the execution of “The Summer Queen”. “The Summer Queen” suffered from quick chapters and too large time gaps in chronology which could deter reader attention; but Chadwick overcame these hurdles in “The Winter Crown”.
“The Winter Crown” is masterful writing and exactly what a historical fiction novel should be: strong on the history and not fluffy, powerful and alive, but not too romanticized. Chadwick’s writing is beautiful, illustrative, and makes use of stunning literary language. Chadwick can never be accused of “trying too hard” which demonstrates her exceptional composition skills. “The Winter Crown” is smooth and incredible.
The plot of “The Winter Crown” is less political (although that is also highlighted) and more so offers a featurette of Alienor’s personal space with both Henry and her children. “The Winter Crown” is heavily a character-study and Chadwick’s ability to subtly show the character progression and development is emotionally gratifying and impressive. The pages of “The Winter Crown” feature deep nuances and the layers grow on the reader slowly but powerfully which truly brings the story to life.
Even though Chadwick focuses on the personal life of Alienor in “The Winter Crown”; do not (thankfully) expect fluff within the novel. Chadwick’s work is heavily researched and informs the reader of the history while entertaining. Notably, “The Winter Crown” even has less sex scenes than “The Summer Queen”.
Chadwick infuses “The Winter Crown” with some foreshadowing of the roles of future figures and events but these are not overly done or obvious and merely serve to build some excitement even for those readers familiar with the history. Again, “The Winter Crown” is subtle and yet provides a strong emotive kick resulting in a page-turner.
There are some moments where “The Winter Crown” feels repetitive, the pace slacks, and the story seems thin but this is overcome quickly and “The Winter Crown” builds back-up therefore not diminishing its value.
The last three-quarters of “The Winter Crown” takes a slight down-course in comparison to the former sections of the novel. Chadwick highlights interactions with Thomas Becket, introduces William Marshal, and brings the tension between Henry and his sons to the forefront. However, this isn’t as subtle as the rest of the novel and is somewhat forced and rushed perhaps in order to set-up the next novel in the trilogy. Sadly, this lessens some of the emotional impact.
Another notable perk in “The Winter Crown” is Chadwick’s prerogative to not scapegoat Alienor as the controller behind the rebellion of Henry’s sons. In “The Winter Crown”, Alienor is aware of and has an understanding of the events but doesn’t manifest them. This varies with the traditional view of Alienor and offers a fresh perspective.
The ending of “The Winter Crown” is definitely a cliffhanger and sets-up anticipation for “The Autumn Throne” leaving readers wanting more. Chadwick offers an ‘Author’s Note’ to explain some of the novel’s points and a light bibliography for further reading.
“The Winter Crown” is a masterful sequel to “The Summer Queen” and a wonderfully-written and well-composed tableau. The plot is captivating and the flaws throughout are minimal. “The Winter Crown” is not necessarily a stand-alone novel and center stages Alienor versus the politics of Henry II and is therefore not suggested for those seeking a political emphasis. Other than that, Chadwick excels, impresses, and astonishes with a terrific novel.
March 30, 2015
*Here might be spoilers for those not familiar with this period*
This is a first for me, being so far behind all my friends to the latest Chadwick book party, and I'm not sure there's a whole lot more that I can say that hasn't already been said. This is the second in a trilogy (third book net yet published) based on Eleanor of Aquitaine and her stormy marriage to Henry II - a marriage that began with such promise and slowly disintegrated into...well...not a pleasant marriage at all. This book covers Eleanor's childbirth years, the Thomas Becket 'problems', Henry's affairs (including Rosamund Clifford) and ends with Henry bringing her back to England and her long imprisonment.
What I liked? It's a Chadwick, and that's always the next best thing to time-travel. Love the historical details, and also appreciate that the author treats Eleanor with historical care and doesn't make stuff up just to sensationalize her life. This began a bit slow for me, but that's just me, for some reason the medieval era isn't grabbing my attention like it used to, and I never was a big fan of the Thomas Becket stuff (had the same problem with Penman's Time and Chance. For those reasons, and only those reasons (again it's likely just me and my moods), I'm dropping the rating to four stars. Can't wait for the next edition.
This is a first for me, being so far behind all my friends to the latest Chadwick book party, and I'm not sure there's a whole lot more that I can say that hasn't already been said. This is the second in a trilogy (third book net yet published) based on Eleanor of Aquitaine and her stormy marriage to Henry II - a marriage that began with such promise and slowly disintegrated into...well...not a pleasant marriage at all. This book covers Eleanor's childbirth years, the Thomas Becket 'problems', Henry's affairs (including Rosamund Clifford) and ends with Henry bringing her back to England and her long imprisonment.
What I liked? It's a Chadwick, and that's always the next best thing to time-travel. Love the historical details, and also appreciate that the author treats Eleanor with historical care and doesn't make stuff up just to sensationalize her life. This began a bit slow for me, but that's just me, for some reason the medieval era isn't grabbing my attention like it used to, and I never was a big fan of the Thomas Becket stuff (had the same problem with Penman's Time and Chance. For those reasons, and only those reasons (again it's likely just me and my moods), I'm dropping the rating to four stars. Can't wait for the next edition.
August 30, 2015
I am always gitty with excitement when I see that EC has published another novel. Reading her novels is like coming home for me... a promise of comfort, enjoyment and solitude. Chadwick has a wonderful gift of writing that envelopes the reader in the time period and allows you to feel her characters to the point you feel like you really know who they are. Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II are two of my favorite royals (along with William Marshal). Their story is one of such tremendous irony... what could have been will always be a lingering question in my mind when thinking of these two. As always... 5 big, big stars to Chadwick, Eleanor and Henry.
October 3, 2015
May include spoilers if you are not familiar with this historical period.
This second installment in Chadwick's Eleanor of Aquitaine series covers the period between Henry becoming Henry II of England and Eleanor's imprisonment caused by her sons' rebellion. This is where many authors focus on the fight for power between Henry and Thomas Becket. Chadwick chooses to move the spotlight to Eleanor and her desperate attempts to get Henry to take her seriously.
The marriage that begins with some amount of promise and plenty of lust in The Summer Queen, quickly disintegrates into a power play that Eleanor is destined to lose. She did not learn her lesson from trying to manipulate her first husband, Louis of France. She marries the much younger Henry, believing that she will be able to mold and guide him. She either overestimated herself or underestimated her Angevin duke.
This novel includes a significant amount of Eleanor snapping at Henry and him treating her as a brood mare. Henry, who appears to be a wonderful golden prince when he appears in Summer Queen, becomes an overbearing jerk in this story, even to the point of . Their ongoing arguing just got a little old.
It was nice to read about Henry's reign from a different point of view, and Chadwick creates the sights and sounds of the 12th century quite well. Thankfully, there was Isabel to provide a bright spot in this novel. I loved her quiet strength and loyalty while all around her were simply fighting for themselves. Neither Eleanor or Henry was a character that I felt like I could root for, but Isabel was.
Some readers will enjoy the scenes where Chadwick's popular version of William Marshall appears. He seems to be the only person wholly loyal to poor Eleanor.
I liked Chadwick's realistic portrayal of Eleanor as a medieval woman who was a pawn in the games of men, regardless of her noble birth. She was truly powerless against first Louis, then Henry, though she tried. Oh did she try. But I was simply never captivated by her story.
I thank NetGalley for my copy of this novel. Opinions stated are my own.
This second installment in Chadwick's Eleanor of Aquitaine series covers the period between Henry becoming Henry II of England and Eleanor's imprisonment caused by her sons' rebellion. This is where many authors focus on the fight for power between Henry and Thomas Becket. Chadwick chooses to move the spotlight to Eleanor and her desperate attempts to get Henry to take her seriously.
The marriage that begins with some amount of promise and plenty of lust in The Summer Queen, quickly disintegrates into a power play that Eleanor is destined to lose. She did not learn her lesson from trying to manipulate her first husband, Louis of France. She marries the much younger Henry, believing that she will be able to mold and guide him. She either overestimated herself or underestimated her Angevin duke.
This novel includes a significant amount of Eleanor snapping at Henry and him treating her as a brood mare. Henry, who appears to be a wonderful golden prince when he appears in Summer Queen, becomes an overbearing jerk in this story, even to the point of . Their ongoing arguing just got a little old.
It was nice to read about Henry's reign from a different point of view, and Chadwick creates the sights and sounds of the 12th century quite well. Thankfully, there was Isabel to provide a bright spot in this novel. I loved her quiet strength and loyalty while all around her were simply fighting for themselves. Neither Eleanor or Henry was a character that I felt like I could root for, but Isabel was.
Some readers will enjoy the scenes where Chadwick's popular version of William Marshall appears. He seems to be the only person wholly loyal to poor Eleanor.
I liked Chadwick's realistic portrayal of Eleanor as a medieval woman who was a pawn in the games of men, regardless of her noble birth. She was truly powerless against first Louis, then Henry, though she tried. Oh did she try. But I was simply never captivated by her story.
I thank NetGalley for my copy of this novel. Opinions stated are my own.
November 10, 2019
Scorre bene, non c'è che dire, e sono contenta di aver già in mano il terzo per completare la trilogia. Ormai mi sono affezionata ai personaggi - per lo meno a quelli positivi a cui l'autrice è lei stessa affezionata e vuole fare affezionare anche te lettore: ma si sa, le soap funzionano un po' così.
In generale resto con le stesse considerazioni fatte per il primo volume: tanti piccoli fatterelli che sembrano inventati a bella posta per stuzzicare le pruderie del lettore/spettatore e per creare condimento, quando poi vai a cercare approfondimenti sembrano proprio esser veri, sebbene non sia dato conoscerne ulteriori dettagli, e ci mancherebbe, è passato poco meno di un millennio. Come spesso accade in questo genere di romanzi "storici" un po' rosé, i fatti inventati non è per forza detto che debbano essere quelli più improbabili, e viceversa, gli episodi più plausibili non è detto che debbano essere quelli documentati.
L'autrice cala con disinvoltura la sua narrazione nell'epoca del tardo medioevo: nei castelli i pavimenti sono sempre ben cosparsi di paglia; le conversazioni e ancor più le operazioni di cucito o di scrittura e lettura si svolgono sempre nei pressi della finestra, unica vera fonte di luce; la finestra è sempre e comunque una feritoia, ché sarebbe del tutto fuori luogo immaginarsi certe grandi vetrate degli architetti moderni; la devozione verso la religione non solo non viene mai meno, mai messa in discussione, ma spesso e volentieri raggiunge parossismi da superstizione; i più ricchi sono i soli a potersi permettere una stoffa e dunque un abito del colore blu o azzurro.
Poi però in qualche caso fa degli scivoloni pazzeschi: come quando dice di un personaggio che si mette in guardia "come un pugile", anche se è la voce onnisciente che sta narrando, quel termine pugile stona come una luce al neon (o forse è stata la traduzione disattenta, bastava cambiare il pugile con un più generico lottatore); oppure come mostrare un re e una regina molto assidui e partecipi nell'educazione dei figli e altrettanto generosi di complimenti, carezze, buffetti e gesti affettuosi nei loro confronti, a livelli tali che li non darei per scontati nemmeno in una famiglia comune del giorno d'oggi. O ancora: se il piccolo erede neonato, subito dopo il parto, viene mostrato al padre non ancora costretto nelle fasce per meglio mostrare che ha tutti gli arti e tutte le parti del corpicino in buona salute e nessuna deformità, questo ci sta, è una buona pensata e un buon dettaglio dal punto di vista narrativo; ma quel gesto di posare il neonato al suo primo vagito in grembo alla madre per alcuni istanti, ancor prima di lavarlo dal sangue e da tutti i liquidi che vanno rapprendendosi, questa è proprio una cosa da ventesimo secolo, secondo me è un'accortezza che nemmeno tutti gli ostetrici e ginecologi hanno al giorno d'oggi, figuriamoci nel dodicesimo secolo.
Un aspetto piuttosto positivo, mettendo insieme i due primi volumi, è il modo in cui l'autrice fa fare alla sua protagonista alcune riflessioni circa la sua condizione in quanto donna, riflessioni sensate ma senza mai calcare troppo la mano, senza mai sfociare apertamente in ragionamenti da femminismo o da rivoluzione/ribellione, ché anche questa sarebbe stata una stonatura e un anacronismo bello e buono.
Nell'insieme, facendo la media tra la buona ricostruzione e un qualche scivolone, il risultato finale rimane in positivo: nulla di eclatante, ma piacevole sì.
In generale resto con le stesse considerazioni fatte per il primo volume: tanti piccoli fatterelli che sembrano inventati a bella posta per stuzzicare le pruderie del lettore/spettatore e per creare condimento, quando poi vai a cercare approfondimenti sembrano proprio esser veri, sebbene non sia dato conoscerne ulteriori dettagli, e ci mancherebbe, è passato poco meno di un millennio. Come spesso accade in questo genere di romanzi "storici" un po' rosé, i fatti inventati non è per forza detto che debbano essere quelli più improbabili, e viceversa, gli episodi più plausibili non è detto che debbano essere quelli documentati.
L'autrice cala con disinvoltura la sua narrazione nell'epoca del tardo medioevo: nei castelli i pavimenti sono sempre ben cosparsi di paglia; le conversazioni e ancor più le operazioni di cucito o di scrittura e lettura si svolgono sempre nei pressi della finestra, unica vera fonte di luce; la finestra è sempre e comunque una feritoia, ché sarebbe del tutto fuori luogo immaginarsi certe grandi vetrate degli architetti moderni; la devozione verso la religione non solo non viene mai meno, mai messa in discussione, ma spesso e volentieri raggiunge parossismi da superstizione; i più ricchi sono i soli a potersi permettere una stoffa e dunque un abito del colore blu o azzurro.
Poi però in qualche caso fa degli scivoloni pazzeschi: come quando dice di un personaggio che si mette in guardia "come un pugile", anche se è la voce onnisciente che sta narrando, quel termine pugile stona come una luce al neon (o forse è stata la traduzione disattenta, bastava cambiare il pugile con un più generico lottatore); oppure come mostrare un re e una regina molto assidui e partecipi nell'educazione dei figli e altrettanto generosi di complimenti, carezze, buffetti e gesti affettuosi nei loro confronti, a livelli tali che li non darei per scontati nemmeno in una famiglia comune del giorno d'oggi. O ancora: se il piccolo erede neonato, subito dopo il parto, viene mostrato al padre non ancora costretto nelle fasce per meglio mostrare che ha tutti gli arti e tutte le parti del corpicino in buona salute e nessuna deformità, questo ci sta, è una buona pensata e un buon dettaglio dal punto di vista narrativo; ma quel gesto di posare il neonato al suo primo vagito in grembo alla madre per alcuni istanti, ancor prima di lavarlo dal sangue e da tutti i liquidi che vanno rapprendendosi, questa è proprio una cosa da ventesimo secolo, secondo me è un'accortezza che nemmeno tutti gli ostetrici e ginecologi hanno al giorno d'oggi, figuriamoci nel dodicesimo secolo.
Un aspetto piuttosto positivo, mettendo insieme i due primi volumi, è il modo in cui l'autrice fa fare alla sua protagonista alcune riflessioni circa la sua condizione in quanto donna, riflessioni sensate ma senza mai calcare troppo la mano, senza mai sfociare apertamente in ragionamenti da femminismo o da rivoluzione/ribellione, ché anche questa sarebbe stata una stonatura e un anacronismo bello e buono.
Nell'insieme, facendo la media tra la buona ricostruzione e un qualche scivolone, il risultato finale rimane in positivo: nulla di eclatante, ma piacevole sì.
February 26, 2023
This is the second book in Chadwick’s series about Eleanor of Aquitaine. The Winter Crown” is an extraordinarily written and well-composed book. The plot is captivating and the flaws throughout are minimal. Elizabeth Chadwick’s research into the background and real people in this richly decadent time is impressive. She captures the time and place so perfectly that the characters leap to life before our eyes. I found it quite darker than the first book (The Summer Queen), but it was still a page turner for me. Full review you can find on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com/...
February 22, 2017
The Winter Crown is the long awaited sequel to The Summer Queen, and the second novel in a planned trilogy about Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of Henry II of England and Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right. This book has everything Elizabeth Chadwick fans would want from her newest novel: the facts are right, the gaps are filled sensibly, it isn't sensational for the sake of it, and it's well written and edited. As with the first book, Eleanor in this novel is called Alienor.
Alienor, her friend Isabel, Henry, the children and the court are all brought to life well in this novel. There are some lovely scenes for the reader to enjoy- watch out for the one where little Matilda decides she wants to be a shoemaker, it's so heartwarming! Isabel de Warenne's story is a really good thread through the novel, a story within a story in a way, and I really enjoyed reading about her. Alienor and Henry often sizzle on the pages, all the tension of their relationship coming alive. I did notice that this work seemed to use a lot of similes, however, and this I did sometimes find a bit too much. It is hard to imagine that people used similes so often in conversation, and one description of wine being as rich as a curtain (p.142) was a bit odd. I did like that some open ends from the first book were closed in The Winter Crown, including the fate of Alienor's two daughters with her first husband Louis of France and her sister Petronella. The emotions run high in this novel- within the first 100 pages the reader has already been on a rollercaoster!
This is a good book and sequel to The Summer Queen, though I would say one does not necessarily have to have read the first book to read, follow and enjoy the second book. I'm looking forward to reading The Autumn Throne in a couple of years.
Alienor, her friend Isabel, Henry, the children and the court are all brought to life well in this novel. There are some lovely scenes for the reader to enjoy- watch out for the one where little Matilda decides she wants to be a shoemaker, it's so heartwarming! Isabel de Warenne's story is a really good thread through the novel, a story within a story in a way, and I really enjoyed reading about her. Alienor and Henry often sizzle on the pages, all the tension of their relationship coming alive. I did notice that this work seemed to use a lot of similes, however, and this I did sometimes find a bit too much. It is hard to imagine that people used similes so often in conversation, and one description of wine being as rich as a curtain (p.142) was a bit odd. I did like that some open ends from the first book were closed in The Winter Crown, including the fate of Alienor's two daughters with her first husband Louis of France and her sister Petronella. The emotions run high in this novel- within the first 100 pages the reader has already been on a rollercaoster!
This is a good book and sequel to The Summer Queen, though I would say one does not necessarily have to have read the first book to read, follow and enjoy the second book. I'm looking forward to reading The Autumn Throne in a couple of years.
November 21, 2017
I have come to like and sympathize with Henry II in Sharon Kay Penman’s Time and Chance (which narrates the events of Henry II’s reign and his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine—Alienor in this book—through the point of view of different personalities), and so his depiction here as some sort of a villain and a major thorn in Alienor’s side slightly dulled my reading pleasure at first. But then, this book is really all about Alienor and her many struggles to make a place in a male-dominated society or make herself heard on important political affairs, and for this I have kept on. She really was a one of a kind heroine, and I am impressed by how Miss Chadwick has depicted her larger-than-life character. I am also cheered by the fact that the author has kept up with her masterful storytelling ways, and even given the greatest knight (and my favorite medieval icon) William Marshal more print exposure than I'd expected. :)
Overall, The Winter Crown is an enjoyable read. I’ll definitely wait for the next and final installment, The Autumn Throne.
Overall, The Winter Crown is an enjoyable read. I’ll definitely wait for the next and final installment, The Autumn Throne.
January 3, 2018
Elizabeth Chadwick has the extraordinary talent of making the reader feel that they are witnessing history, not just reading it. The Summer Queen, the first in the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, is a wonderful rich feast of a novel and, impossible as it seems, The Winter Crown is just as superb if not even better. Fabulous to the nth degree, I cannot praise The Winter Crown, or its author, enough.
December 14, 2023
It was Elizabeth Chadwick, and I recommend her books to every fan of the genre. And comparing with the genre (other authors) it was a 5-star novel, yet I have small qualms/comments.
Rather quickly I was a bit annoyed with constantly repeating that Alienor was to bear children and about the sexual relationship between her and Henry. I understand it was probably an important part of their life and marriage, yet was it essential for the story to repeat it so many times?
On the other hand, I found lacking a satisfying explanation of the relationship between parents and children. I don't know now more than what I knew before, and what I assumed. Elizabeth Chadwick is great with deep, complex characters, she is brilliant at making them alive and real. Yet, I regret she didn't do it for Henry and Alienor and their sons this time. And my regret is bigger because this relationship was especially important for their history (and the history of the medieval UK).
Rather quickly I was a bit annoyed with constantly repeating that Alienor was to bear children and about the sexual relationship between her and Henry. I understand it was probably an important part of their life and marriage, yet was it essential for the story to repeat it so many times?
On the other hand, I found lacking a satisfying explanation of the relationship between parents and children. I don't know now more than what I knew before, and what I assumed. Elizabeth Chadwick is great with deep, complex characters, she is brilliant at making them alive and real. Yet, I regret she didn't do it for Henry and Alienor and their sons this time. And my regret is bigger because this relationship was especially important for their history (and the history of the medieval UK).
January 7, 2015
4.5 stars. Eleanor led one hell of a life. This is the second in a trilogy, because her story can't be told in one book. Book 1 The Summer Queen, covered her childhood and marriage to King Louis. The Winter Crown is about her marriage with Henry II and leaves us hanging where he in-prisons her at Sarum (no spoiler here, historical fact.) Henry was an over bearing, control freak, who trusted no one (not even his own wife and children) which is what caused the disintegration of his family and reign. I loved the sharp dialogue. Henry and Eleanor had major chemistry, not from love, but from wanting to control one another. I enjoyed how Chadwick could make me see both sides of each character, even if I didn't agree with some of their choices. Becket's demise is also covered. William Marshal is back, since he was in Eleanor's service. I really enjoyed the "small" heartwarming moments Chadwick added with the children. I also appreciated the personalities she gave them. A calculating young John, the alpha sword swinging Richard, but I won't give much away. There was no recapping from book 1 and not being an expert on Eleanor, I found myself googling some of the characters from The Summer Queen. I wish we didn't have to wait a year in between this trilogy, not just to keep the characters fresh, but because I simply love Chadwick's storytelling. She doesn't overembellish for entertainment's sake. She does thorough research, doesn't jump on "popular" bandwagons and I believe would make these historical figures proud, not turn in their graves.
January 7, 2025
"The Winter Crown" is book #2 in Chadwick's trilogy fictionalizing the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most fascinating figures in history, IMHO.
This one begins w/ Eleanor landing in England, w/ one son in hand and the next in utero. Her coronation day is one of the high holy days of her life. King Henry II lusts after her and respects her role as Duchess of Aquitaine. But his affections always stray while she is pregnant -- and Eleanor is ALWAYS pregnant, as it is her role as a queen to create a large dynasty. She and Henry certainly do so, having six children in five years, if I remember the author's notes correctly. Henry considers pregnant woman to be out of their minds, so trusts Eleanor less and less with important information, slowly marginalizing her, leaving her for long periods of time for battles to control his huge landholdings, or for the affection of other women. Some place in the middle of this book, Henry begins his years-long attachment to Rosamund de Clifford, a very young girl when they first meet. He builds her a castle and visits her often, all to Eleanor's humiliation. But Eleanor is also busy, ruling Aquitaine and raising their accumulating horde of children.
This book covers a couple of decades. It extensively covers Henry's promotion of Thomas Becket to Archbishop of Canterbury as well as Chancellor; Becket giving up the Chancellorship (and his good relationship w/ Henry by doing so); the souring of his and Henry's relationship; which ends up in Becket's sickening murder inside his own cathedral. The murder might not have been committed by Henry personally, but the guilty parties sure thought they were enacting Henry's pleasure! Henry's inability to cede any power frustrates and then enrages his oldest surviving son, who has been crowned King Henry also. The next son, Richard, also becomes angry as Henry won't allow Richard to rule Aquitaine (along with Eleanor) w/o oversight. When a vassal swears fealty to Henry as ruler of Aquitaine, that is the final straw for Richard ... and Eleanor.
The revolt begins. But... the sons are biding their time in Paris, at Eleanor's first husband's court - how humiliating for Eleanor! - and Eleanor herself is captured by Henry, imprisoned for the next many years, which is where the book ends.
3 stars, b/c the story drags in the middle. I could only read so many times about how frustrated and marginalized Eleanor was.
This one begins w/ Eleanor landing in England, w/ one son in hand and the next in utero. Her coronation day is one of the high holy days of her life. King Henry II lusts after her and respects her role as Duchess of Aquitaine. But his affections always stray while she is pregnant -- and Eleanor is ALWAYS pregnant, as it is her role as a queen to create a large dynasty. She and Henry certainly do so, having six children in five years, if I remember the author's notes correctly. Henry considers pregnant woman to be out of their minds, so trusts Eleanor less and less with important information, slowly marginalizing her, leaving her for long periods of time for battles to control his huge landholdings, or for the affection of other women. Some place in the middle of this book, Henry begins his years-long attachment to Rosamund de Clifford, a very young girl when they first meet. He builds her a castle and visits her often, all to Eleanor's humiliation. But Eleanor is also busy, ruling Aquitaine and raising their accumulating horde of children.
This book covers a couple of decades. It extensively covers Henry's promotion of Thomas Becket to Archbishop of Canterbury as well as Chancellor; Becket giving up the Chancellorship (and his good relationship w/ Henry by doing so); the souring of his and Henry's relationship; which ends up in Becket's sickening murder inside his own cathedral. The murder might not have been committed by Henry personally, but the guilty parties sure thought they were enacting Henry's pleasure! Henry's inability to cede any power frustrates and then enrages his oldest surviving son, who has been crowned King Henry also. The next son, Richard, also becomes angry as Henry won't allow Richard to rule Aquitaine (along with Eleanor) w/o oversight. When a vassal swears fealty to Henry as ruler of Aquitaine, that is the final straw for Richard ... and Eleanor.
The revolt begins. But... the sons are biding their time in Paris, at Eleanor's first husband's court - how humiliating for Eleanor! - and Eleanor herself is captured by Henry, imprisoned for the next many years, which is where the book ends.
3 stars, b/c the story drags in the middle. I could only read so many times about how frustrated and marginalized Eleanor was.
January 4, 2021
This is the second book in a trilogy about Eleanor of Aquitaine, or Alienor in French, her native language. The first book, The Summer Queen, was an excellent read so I didn't hesitate when this one came up for review. I haven't been disappointed. If you like Historical Fiction at all, I highly recommend this series!
The Winter Crown begins with Alienor's crowning as Queen of England, two years after her marriage to Henry, who became King Henry II of England in 1154. This occurred just eight weeks after her marriage to Louis of France was annulled. So Eleanor had been Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right and became Queen of both France and England successively.
She was a strong willed woman and tended towards a spirit of rebellion against the limitations put onto the power of a woman in that time period. Eleanor faced both triumphs and tragedies in her marriages and through her children and had more political influence than women of her time could ordinarily manage.
Elizabeth Chadwick writes her characters well. Every character is well defined and we can feel both courage and cowardice in secondary characters as well as sorrow, joy, and the whole spectrum of emotions that touch the people around Eleanor, not to mention Eleanor herself. Her fears, determination, strength and sorrows are all depicted expertly and take the reader through one of the most interesting lives in history.
A lot of research went into the historical accuracy of the story as well, which is explained at the end where the author clarifies what is known historically and where fiction filled in the gaps. Apart from a couple of small anomalies, i.e. one sentence with a comma splice to a half sentence, the book is well edited and reads very smoothly. Elizabeth Chadwick is quickly becoming a favorite historical fiction author for me.
The Winter Crown begins with Alienor's crowning as Queen of England, two years after her marriage to Henry, who became King Henry II of England in 1154. This occurred just eight weeks after her marriage to Louis of France was annulled. So Eleanor had been Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right and became Queen of both France and England successively.
She was a strong willed woman and tended towards a spirit of rebellion against the limitations put onto the power of a woman in that time period. Eleanor faced both triumphs and tragedies in her marriages and through her children and had more political influence than women of her time could ordinarily manage.
Elizabeth Chadwick writes her characters well. Every character is well defined and we can feel both courage and cowardice in secondary characters as well as sorrow, joy, and the whole spectrum of emotions that touch the people around Eleanor, not to mention Eleanor herself. Her fears, determination, strength and sorrows are all depicted expertly and take the reader through one of the most interesting lives in history.
A lot of research went into the historical accuracy of the story as well, which is explained at the end where the author clarifies what is known historically and where fiction filled in the gaps. Apart from a couple of small anomalies, i.e. one sentence with a comma splice to a half sentence, the book is well edited and reads very smoothly. Elizabeth Chadwick is quickly becoming a favorite historical fiction author for me.
July 3, 2015
The second installment of the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy. I am so glad that I did not wait for the American publication, it's just too long to wait! As always the stories are compelling, the details right, plenty of emotional turmoil, and my favourite Queen, Alienor, right smack dab in the middle of it all. We follow her time as Henry II's wife and queen, coping with numerous pregnancies and the terrible loss of her eldest son, along with the rivals for her husband, Thomas Becket and Rosamund Clifford. While I knew very well where this was going and how it would end, it never made this book predictable or dull -- I was engrossed from the time I picked it up to when I was sorry to see it end. This gets a four and half stars from me, rounded up to five, and a happy recommendation from me.
For the longer review, please go here:
http://personapaper.com/article/23863...
For the longer review, please go here:
http://personapaper.com/article/23863...
January 14, 2019
This is my first book by Elizabeth Chadwick. I was not that familiar with the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine. I was very impressed by her life so far. She was a very strong independent women of her time. This novel was very well researched. It was very exciting and very hard to put down. I cannot wait to continue her story in the Autumn Throne.
February 1, 2019
Ab 9:10 in diesem Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lekGu...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lekGu...
December 22, 2020
This is the second in a trilogy of Eleanor of Aquitaine, and I admit its been awhile since I read the first, (The Summer Queen). And the third I am saving for Fall Flurries November 2021 (The Autumn Throne).
I think its really interesting to read about her. Like many before her, she was a powerful queen in her own right, and yet totally at the mercy of first King Louis of France (Book One) and Henry II, in this book. This Henry is much like other kings that follow him, and he carouses, spends money, cares for his ego, throws away the articulate/learned and raised to be queen wife, for younger playthings. Vacillates on whether to share power with his queen, as it threatens his masculinity. He might as well be Henry the 8th. Another situation where daughters are commodities, and sons and daughters are peeled from their parents too early to separate and to rule. Fathers do not easily give over their reigns to their sons, and in this case there is all out war between Henry II and his sons young Henry and Richard, who eventually becomes Richard I. I loved looking at the map of succession, and the dates and lines of succession. I never knew this part of history. Apparently after Richard, eventually youngest brother John becomes king, and he is father to Henry III. It was well written and a great story, and the plot moved. Most fascinating character being Isabel, dear friend and sister in law to our heroine queen. But for myself, I felt the pressure of finishing, as I have two more books to get to, ten days before the new year. Glad December Fall Flurries 2020 gave me the chance to pick it up. I enjoyed it.
I think its really interesting to read about her. Like many before her, she was a powerful queen in her own right, and yet totally at the mercy of first King Louis of France (Book One) and Henry II, in this book. This Henry is much like other kings that follow him, and he carouses, spends money, cares for his ego, throws away the articulate/learned and raised to be queen wife, for younger playthings. Vacillates on whether to share power with his queen, as it threatens his masculinity. He might as well be Henry the 8th. Another situation where daughters are commodities, and sons and daughters are peeled from their parents too early to separate and to rule. Fathers do not easily give over their reigns to their sons, and in this case there is all out war between Henry II and his sons young Henry and Richard, who eventually becomes Richard I. I loved looking at the map of succession, and the dates and lines of succession. I never knew this part of history. Apparently after Richard, eventually youngest brother John becomes king, and he is father to Henry III. It was well written and a great story, and the plot moved. Most fascinating character being Isabel, dear friend and sister in law to our heroine queen. But for myself, I felt the pressure of finishing, as I have two more books to get to, ten days before the new year. Glad December Fall Flurries 2020 gave me the chance to pick it up. I enjoyed it.
September 29, 2015
The Winter Crown is the second instalment in Elizabeth Chadwick’s trilogy of books about Eleanor of Aquitaine, and I devoured it! Ms. Chadwick weaves a rich tapestry of life in medieval England and France under the early Plantagenets – love them or hate them, they shaped English history in a manner that is far-reaching, fascinating and shocking, starting with the large, dysfunctional family of Henry and Alienor (as she was actually known).
The story opens in Westminster Abbey in December 1154 with the coronation of the new king and queen. Already, Alienor has proven her worth in the short period of time she has been Henry’s wife, with one boy child and another in her womb at the time of her crowning – her position is secure. Alienor is Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, and has brought her young, powerful husband, wealth and additional power through their dynastical marriage. However, he has no intention of allowing her any input into the governance of their lands, and instead keeps her firmly in what he believes to be her place – carrying a child most of the time. They had eight in all, seven of whom live, which was quite a rare feat in those days of high infant mortality.
Ms.Chadwick’s novels are richly character driven, and The Winter Crown is no exception. The intriguing relationship between Henry and Thomas Becket grows through Becket’s Chancellorship to his eventual position as the highest primate in the land – Archbishop of Canterbury. Henry wheels and deals and is eventually hoist by his own petard when his devious, self-serving plan to have Becket holding both offices simultaneously flounders, much to his chagrin. Henry’s intention to stop the church interfering in state business fails so spectacularly that far from being his ally, Becket becomes his enemy and the two men are eventually at loggerheads.
Alienor is depicted as an intelligent and discerning woman with a keen eye and quick brain, more than able to understand the workings of the politics and intrigue of the times; and more importantly, was usually one step ahead in working out her husband’s controlling machinations. A loving and caring mother to her brood, she was nevertheless pragmatic, even if she was not always happy that her children must be sold off in marriage to increase and ensure the continuing fortunes and power of the dynasty. As her family grew into young adulthood she had great influence in their lives, especially in that of her sons – and most particularly Richard, whom she adored and was the heir to her Duchy. This influence was eventually to be the root cause of her downfall.
Henry is portrayed as being devoid of deep feeling, or at the very least unable or unwilling to show it. There was a powerful, almost animalistic passion between Henry and Alienor in the early days of their marriage, which inevitably burned out as quickly as it had begun. I can see how Elizabeth Chadwick reached her assumption that this was lust and duty as opposed to love; no tender lover would treat his wife and the mother of his children as abominably as Henry did Alienor, especially in his eventual cruel incarceration of her. It is also reasonable to assume that Henry was capable of more, if not love, then at least tenderness, as was shown in his long relationship with Rosamund Clifford.
Ms. Chadwick sets the scene for the emergence of William Marshal as a man to be watched – from his first appearance he is seen as a man of honour and unwavering loyalty. For anyone reading this who has not yet had the pleasure of reading The Greatest Knight you are in for a treat!
All in all, the author’s research into the background and real people in this richly decadent time is impressive. She captures the time and place so perfectly that the characters leap to life before our eyes. Ms. Chadwick’s careful and thorough historical investigation reveals itself in the detail, for instance:
…the tiny bone needle case, exquisitely carved out of walrus Ivory… a length of narrow red ribbon was tucked down the side of the case, and when drawn out, proved to be embroidered with tiny golden lions. It was skilled and beautiful work. One needle was threaded with gold wire mingled with strands of fine honey-brown hair.
Alienor finds this needle case in Henry’s chamber, and throws it into the fire in a fit of temper – the natural reaction of a woman scorned. It adds that touch of understanding and hurt that, despite her regal and dignified bearing, she would have felt when faced with the evidence of her husband’s paramour in his private chambers. And the seamless introduction of this historic artefact, obviously discovered during Ms. Chadwick’s extensive research, is just another way in which this author excels and delights.
If only our children could be taught history in the way that Elizabeth Chadwick tells it – we would have a generation of young people growing up with a thirst for knowledge. The Winter Crown is highly recommended.
The story opens in Westminster Abbey in December 1154 with the coronation of the new king and queen. Already, Alienor has proven her worth in the short period of time she has been Henry’s wife, with one boy child and another in her womb at the time of her crowning – her position is secure. Alienor is Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, and has brought her young, powerful husband, wealth and additional power through their dynastical marriage. However, he has no intention of allowing her any input into the governance of their lands, and instead keeps her firmly in what he believes to be her place – carrying a child most of the time. They had eight in all, seven of whom live, which was quite a rare feat in those days of high infant mortality.
Ms.Chadwick’s novels are richly character driven, and The Winter Crown is no exception. The intriguing relationship between Henry and Thomas Becket grows through Becket’s Chancellorship to his eventual position as the highest primate in the land – Archbishop of Canterbury. Henry wheels and deals and is eventually hoist by his own petard when his devious, self-serving plan to have Becket holding both offices simultaneously flounders, much to his chagrin. Henry’s intention to stop the church interfering in state business fails so spectacularly that far from being his ally, Becket becomes his enemy and the two men are eventually at loggerheads.
Alienor is depicted as an intelligent and discerning woman with a keen eye and quick brain, more than able to understand the workings of the politics and intrigue of the times; and more importantly, was usually one step ahead in working out her husband’s controlling machinations. A loving and caring mother to her brood, she was nevertheless pragmatic, even if she was not always happy that her children must be sold off in marriage to increase and ensure the continuing fortunes and power of the dynasty. As her family grew into young adulthood she had great influence in their lives, especially in that of her sons – and most particularly Richard, whom she adored and was the heir to her Duchy. This influence was eventually to be the root cause of her downfall.
Henry is portrayed as being devoid of deep feeling, or at the very least unable or unwilling to show it. There was a powerful, almost animalistic passion between Henry and Alienor in the early days of their marriage, which inevitably burned out as quickly as it had begun. I can see how Elizabeth Chadwick reached her assumption that this was lust and duty as opposed to love; no tender lover would treat his wife and the mother of his children as abominably as Henry did Alienor, especially in his eventual cruel incarceration of her. It is also reasonable to assume that Henry was capable of more, if not love, then at least tenderness, as was shown in his long relationship with Rosamund Clifford.
Ms. Chadwick sets the scene for the emergence of William Marshal as a man to be watched – from his first appearance he is seen as a man of honour and unwavering loyalty. For anyone reading this who has not yet had the pleasure of reading The Greatest Knight you are in for a treat!
All in all, the author’s research into the background and real people in this richly decadent time is impressive. She captures the time and place so perfectly that the characters leap to life before our eyes. Ms. Chadwick’s careful and thorough historical investigation reveals itself in the detail, for instance:
…the tiny bone needle case, exquisitely carved out of walrus Ivory… a length of narrow red ribbon was tucked down the side of the case, and when drawn out, proved to be embroidered with tiny golden lions. It was skilled and beautiful work. One needle was threaded with gold wire mingled with strands of fine honey-brown hair.
Alienor finds this needle case in Henry’s chamber, and throws it into the fire in a fit of temper – the natural reaction of a woman scorned. It adds that touch of understanding and hurt that, despite her regal and dignified bearing, she would have felt when faced with the evidence of her husband’s paramour in his private chambers. And the seamless introduction of this historic artefact, obviously discovered during Ms. Chadwick’s extensive research, is just another way in which this author excels and delights.
If only our children could be taught history in the way that Elizabeth Chadwick tells it – we would have a generation of young people growing up with a thirst for knowledge. The Winter Crown is highly recommended.
January 16, 2023
I REALLY appreciate that Elizabeth Chadwick gives a different angle to political marriages. In most of the historical fiction books that i've read, the arranged marriage is a successful love match. Eleanor had the misfortune of being in two horrific marriages. She was a formidable woman who refused to back down when her mind was set. Unfortunately, this was a time when wives/queens were expected to be meek and biddable. Her story is both sad and inspiring.
February 19, 2016
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2016/0...
In The Winter Crown the story opens at Westminster Abbey in December 1154 at the coronation of Henry II and Alienor. She is pregnant with their first child and at this time in their marriage, still discussing royal affairs together. Thomas Becket is appointed Chancellor of England and although this is a part of the story during this time period, it doesn't dominate the story.
Through the years, Henry and Alienor spend more and more time apart. So much heartache for Alienor as a wife, mother and ruler in her own right. She knows what Henry is capable of and how sly he is and is mostly one step ahead of him. Were my emotions involved? The scene of his final betrayal made me so angry. No wonder she chose the path she did.
I loved the friendship between Alienor and Isabel de Warenne. Isabel's situation highlights how the masculine dominated world thought of women at this time and without Alienor on her side, her life could have been so different. There's another love story woven through this historical fiction although it has the possibility to cause conflict through differing loyalties.
Alienor's strength and resilience (and how that although she is marginalised by Henry, she fights back) is captured perfectly in The Winter Crown. Once again, Elizabeth Chadwick weaves fact and fiction into a story that not only made these historical characters feel very real but also life as it was then. My emotions were hooked in and I too suffered alongside Alienor. We know from history what comes next but even so I loathed leaving her at the end of the story in 1174 at the start of her ordeal in England.
I would like to thank the publishers for approval via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In The Winter Crown the story opens at Westminster Abbey in December 1154 at the coronation of Henry II and Alienor. She is pregnant with their first child and at this time in their marriage, still discussing royal affairs together. Thomas Becket is appointed Chancellor of England and although this is a part of the story during this time period, it doesn't dominate the story.
Through the years, Henry and Alienor spend more and more time apart. So much heartache for Alienor as a wife, mother and ruler in her own right. She knows what Henry is capable of and how sly he is and is mostly one step ahead of him. Were my emotions involved? The scene of his final betrayal made me so angry. No wonder she chose the path she did.
I loved the friendship between Alienor and Isabel de Warenne. Isabel's situation highlights how the masculine dominated world thought of women at this time and without Alienor on her side, her life could have been so different. There's another love story woven through this historical fiction although it has the possibility to cause conflict through differing loyalties.
Alienor's strength and resilience (and how that although she is marginalised by Henry, she fights back) is captured perfectly in The Winter Crown. Once again, Elizabeth Chadwick weaves fact and fiction into a story that not only made these historical characters feel very real but also life as it was then. My emotions were hooked in and I too suffered alongside Alienor. We know from history what comes next but even so I loathed leaving her at the end of the story in 1174 at the start of her ordeal in England.
I would like to thank the publishers for approval via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2015
I received this book as a digital ARC from the publisher through Net Galley in return for an honest review.
4* Shadows and Strongholds
4* A Place Beyond Courage (William Marshal, #1)
4* The Greatest Knight (William Marshal, #2)
4* The Love Knot
4* For the King's Favor (William Marshal, #4)
4* The Champion
4* The Scarlet Lion (William Marshal, #3)
4* The Summer Queen (Eleanor of Aquitane, #1)
October 28, 2019
Better than the first part, but negative in the middle, exciting at the end.
December 29, 2018
The Winter Crown, book 2 of Chadwick's Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, is an entertaining and informative read. Unfortunately I found it didn't grip me like many of her other novels have.
Some aspects seemed oversimplified and that kept bugging me. For example, she only spoke to one lady in waiting throughout the whole book. And only one courtier, William Marshall (of course... tying in to her Marshall novels). I wanted a more realistic impression of what it was like to be her and to really feel the environment she was in.
Other aspects I felt Charwick told me instead of showing me, and they were kind of the biggies
But, as always, an entertaining read and I'm planning on reading the next one.
Some aspects seemed oversimplified and that kept bugging me. For example, she only spoke to one lady in waiting throughout the whole book. And only one courtier, William Marshall (of course... tying in to her Marshall novels). I wanted a more realistic impression of what it was like to be her and to really feel the environment she was in.
Other aspects I felt Charwick told me instead of showing me, and they were kind of the biggies
But, as always, an entertaining read and I'm planning on reading the next one.
September 23, 2025
Ilgi un mokoši lasāmas divas trešdaļas no šīs stāsta daļas! Garlaicīgi, bez interesantiem notikumiem un pavērsieniem! Tikai beigās parādās kaut kāds sižets un rodas interese turpināt! Beigas - izaicinošas un aicina lasīt tomēr arī stāsta turpinājumu!
March 2, 2019
Chadwick is not kind to Henry II, but you know what, I don't care. Honesty, if you have seen The Lion in Winter, this works so well.
January 14, 2019
I love Eleanor more and more and I hate Henry more and more.
May 28, 2023
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI.
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