Lotharingia: Charlemagne's Heir

Comitissa of Tuscany #1

by Lara Byrne

Barely known in the English-speaking world, Countess Matilde of Tuscany was a trailblazer who defied the gender expectations of her age, eventually becoming the most powerful woman in the Holy Roman Empire. Lotharingia is a fictionalised re-telling of her youth, as she grapples with the constraints of femininity in her quest for self-definition, power, and love.

Countess Matilde is the sole heir to Tuscany, a descendant of Charlemagne, and a trained warrior, but a woman can only rule with a powerful husband at her side. Even her formidable mother's mysterious relics and diplomatic nous cannot change Rome’s mind about her betrothal to the duke of Lotharingia, a man who fills her with dread.

Across the Alps, Matilde’s overlord, King Heinrich of Germany, is coming of age, in a court rife with intrigue. His request to divorce sends shock waves through Christendom, and Rome, alarmed at the potential political consequences, decides that Matilde's marriage can no longer wait.

When, after a chance meeting, Heinrich rescues Matilde from her abusive husband, friendship blossoms into forbidden love, a love with unexpected consequences.

A sweeping medieval drama - Star-crossed love, power, Machiavellian intrigue, and relic hunting.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Medieval, Historical

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2020

About the author

My fiction re-imagines the great political dramas that marked the history of the Holy Roman Empire in the middle ages, blending fact and fiction, romance, politics, and mystery to cast in a fresh light the women who changed Europe at the turn of the first millennium.

My debut novel Lotharingia collected the Gold Medal for World Historical Fiction in the HFC Book of the Year 2021 Contest, was shortlisted for the 2020 Page Turner Awards, and is a 2022 Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice. It reached the Amazon Best Seller no. 1 spot in multiple categories in the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Since childhood, I have devoured every tome of medieval history I could lay my hands on. After spending too long in a corporate career, I have taken redundancy to follow my dream: turning the period and characters I love into stories.

I am currently based in the UK, with my family, including a fluffy cat and a cheeky dog, but I take pride in visiting all the settings of my novels, throughout Italy and Germany - I guess another way of putting it is that I use writing as an excuse to travel! :)

Are you wondering what will happen to Matilde and Heinrich after the words 'The End?' You will find out in 2022. I am working on Lotharingia's sequel, The Road to Canossa. It has garnered some encouraging early feedback and has been shortlisted for the 2021 PageTurner Screenwriting Awards.

In the meantime, visit my website for your free copy of 'The Keeper', a Judge's Favourite at the Ink & Insights award.


Subscribe to my mailing list for book news, insights into my historical research and the lives of my characters, as well as the odd Italy/Germany/France travel tip!

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Reviews

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lotharingia: Charlemagne's Heir is an early medieval story that begins in 1062. The story goes back and forth between Germany and Italy and features the political and religious conflicts of the times.


Into a bubbling cauldron of turmoil go Pope Alexander II, King Heinrich IV (Holy Roman Emperor), Matilda of Tuscany, secret religious artefacts and a prophecy handed down through the generations from Charlemagne. The author weaves a believable story from real historical characters from an era in which few written records were made.

The book begins with a long list of characters and I was a little daunted—concerned that I would never get to remember them all. However, once I got into the story, it wasn’t too hard to keep the main players organised in my head. In a period in which many noblewomen were no more than political pawns, the author has brought to light several strong female characters. Matilda of Tuscany and her mother Beatrice of Canossa held powerful positions through lands and their support for the papacy; added to this they owned several rare holy relics which were highly prized at the time.


I thought that the author did a good job with this book, especially considering the complex political situation between the Pope and The Holy Roman Emperor, a situation which was always threatening to topple from its precarious power balance. I liked Matilda and the fictional account of her life felt real; I could see myself happily reading more from this era in a second book.

[D.K. Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweeping medieval drama - Star-crossed love, power, prophecies, and Machiavellian intrigue at the dawn of the second millennium.

Barely known in the English-speaking world, Countess Matilde of Tuscany was a trailblazer who defied the gender expectations of her age to become the most powerful woman in the Holy Roman Empire.

Lotharingia weaves history and story-telling to recreate the conflicts that shaped her youth, as she grappled with the constraints of femininity in her quest for self-definition, power, and love. This thoroughly researched novel brings to life the fascinating historical personalities that shaped European politics at the time of the Investiture Controversy.

1062. After the untimely deaths of her father and brother, Countess Matilde is the sole heir to Tuscany, but she is a woman. Despite being a descendant of Charlemagne, and a trained warrior, the rules of the game are clear. She should marry, letting her future husband rule on her behalf. Even her formidable mother's mysterious relics and diplomatic nous cannot change Rome’s mind about her betrothal to the duke of Lotharingia, a man who fills her with dread. Determined to choose her path in life, Matilde enlists the support of powerful players, leaving no stone unturned to secure her freedom to love and rule.

Across the Alps, Matilde’s overlord, King Heinrich of Germany, is coming of age, in a court rife with intrigue. His request to divorce sends shock waves through Christendom, and Rome, alarmed at the potential political consequences, decides that Matilde's marriage can no longer wait.

When, after a chance meeting, Heinrich rescues Matilde from her abusive husband, friendship blossoms into forbidden love, a love with unexpected consequences.

This is a book of historical fiction lover’s dreams or, at least, of my dreams. In truth, this book needs to be categorised in the historical literary section (if there was one) because of the sheer magnitude and outstanding development of the research done by Lara Byrne. There are so many adjectives to describe this book: rich, quality, immersive, captivating, enthralling, meaty, intriguing, educational, and more. As a fan of classic books such as Les Miserables, or War and Peace, or books from Edward Rutherford, or Margaret George, this is the next book for you, and the next author to follow.

From the captivating opening incident, the finding of lost holy relics, to the realization that Beatrice, the Margravine of Tuscany, through her political alliances and marriage, has secured the right for her daughter, Matilde, to succeed her father and rule as a margrave and count, thus spurring a vast web of Machiavellian intrigue, is portrayed to perfection in this book. Each and every character is developed in an astounding way and no one is left without a full embodiment, even Matilde’s maid is fleshed out in a way that you feel and hear her voice, and see her face.
This time period in history is so often portrayed with books about Eleanor of Acquataine, and the turbulent history of Henry II of England – but this one takes you on a journey to what was happening in Italy and Germany during the same intriguing era. I must admit, I knew very little about these people before reading this, and Ms Byrne does an excellent job of educating in a way that feels very authentic and flows with a skill worthy of classic storytellers. Ms Byrne is one to watch on the historical fiction scene!
When we are introduced to the characters of Matilde and Heinrich, the actual history of these two people is woven into a story befitting Shakespeare, himself – a tangle of two star-crossed lovers whose lives are mapped out at their birth and love is out of play when they are betrothed at an early age to people chosen for them. Matilde is married to a knave, a horribly selfish and brute man, the Duke of Lotharingia, as a means to quell and satisfy the underlying political current between Italy and Germany. Heinrich, the King of Germany and the future Holy Roman Emperor, is married to woman who cannot match him in intellectual and political skill. After Matilde’s husband brutally attacks her, she runs away and seeks asylum within the sheltering walls of Heinrich’s castle. There, the attraction is almost immediate, and you are reminded of a “Henry and Eleanor” type relationship, as they rush headlong into an affair they know might bring excommunication and all the political chess pieces falling to the floor.
What they don’t know is the secret that both Heinrich’s mother, Agnes (the Holy Roman Empress), and Matilde’s mother, Beatrice, know – and that is, about the holy relics (the Holy Spear, and Christ’s blood) and a prophecy spoken by Charlemagne about his heir-to-be. Both Heinrich and Matilde are from Charlemagne’s bloodline, and some see their illicit union as a threat, while others see it as fulfilling the prophecy. The problem? They are both married to people they hate. The solution? Because of their high standing, it appears to be a matter of manuevering to obtain a release through Pope Alexander since he is Matilde’s confessor and confidant (she is the daughter he never had); and Heinrich’s loyal assistant, Adalbert, the Archbishop of Bremen, will do anything to help his “son”.
As the two young people wind their way towards obtaining divorces, and falling madly and deeply in love, they are thwarted at every turn by Ildebrando de Soana, the man who engineered papal elections, and the one who orchestrated the couple’s marriages, all with his own agenda of control over the entire empire, as well as his lust for the holy relics belonging to them both.
Matilde emerges as a powerful young woman at a time when most women were viewed as chattel, as disposable pawns. Her character is bold, strong, believable, and Bryne develops her in a way that you are completely satisfied with her journey, even wanting more, as if you were following behind her like a shadow reliving the true history of Matilde’s life. Byrne notes in her author notes that very little is actually known about these people, the medieval records are scant, but her ability to tell this story makes you feel that you are reading the actual historical facts. This book goes beyond just mere storytelling, which is a hallmark to the author’s skill with words.
Matilde’s influence, leadership skills, and beauty nearly topples a kingdom, and puts her soul at risk according to the Church. Heinrich transforms from a foolish boy into a powerful King offering protection, vanquishing enemies, playing men like moving chess pieces across a board, and showing incredible love for a woman who is his equal in every respect.
Ultimately, tragedy strikes them both, and after discovering their part in the prophecy, they are left wondering if their relationship can survive and fulfil the foretelling.
Again, I cannot give enough praise for this book and I am eagerly awaiting the next in this series to continue following Matilde and Heinrich on their journey. This is a classic historical literary book that will be talked about for generations, a book worthy of praise for all lovers of rich, detailed historical stories. If a book could get ten stars, then this is one of them!

[Melisende · Rating 1 out of 5]

By the author's own words, the plot is entirely fictitious, a re-imagining of events, and is her own creative attempt to tie up "historical" loose ends, to provide both herself and the reader a semblance of a satisfactory explanation / conclusion to historical events that actually presented none and to fill in gaps in the historical chronology.

Unfortunately, it read more like a medieval Dan Brown novel than what could have been a more considered and structured historical novel of a woman at the centre of one of the most important political and religious events of not only her time but of our own.

To throw in relic hunting and an undocumented illicit love affair in order to explain things or tie up loose ends is really doing your subject a great disservice - and just didn't work on so many levels.

I will be labeling this one as alternate historical fiction - as that is what it represents, especially for those of us who have actually taken the time to get to know Matilda and invest in her story a little more seriously. I won't be pursuing the second in this series.

[Lauralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matilda of Tuscany was one of the most powerful women in Italy during the eleventh century. She was a warrior of the pope who fought against Henry IV, the Holy Roman emperor. She was one of the three women to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. This novel tells of the forbidden love story between Matilda of Tuscany and Henry IV. Matilde is a descendant of Charlemagne and a warrior. However, her husband Godefrey abuses her and she runs away from her husband. She meets King Heinrich (Henry IV) of Germany and stays in his court. King Heinrich is also unhappy with his arranged marriage. Together the two fall in love, but destiny may force them to become enemies.

Matilde of Tuscany is a strong woman. She is a tomboy and loves sword fighting. She is a devout Catholic and is faithful to the pope. She also harbors a secret ambition to emulate her ancestor, Charlemagne. I liked that she was not afraid to ask for an annulment from the Catholic Church. This shows that she wielded immense authority in Rome. She falls immediately head-over-heels in love with King Heinrich because he took her in. She is also attracted to his looks and charming words. At first, she wielded extraordinary influence over him. However, Heinrich does not want to be anyone's pawn. He wants the state to interfere with religious matters. He wants full control. Because of his desire to control the church, Matilde wonders if she should stay or leave him. Thus, Matilde is an interesting conflicted character, and I found her relationship with Heinrich to be very interesting.

Overall, this novel focuses on church versus state, power, and forbidden love. I found the large cast of characters to be well-written. My only complaint in the novel is that sometimes it could be repetitive. Lotharingia tells the tale of two lovers who become enemies due to different beliefs. The novel is very well-written and shows the political and church politics of the Middle Ages. I can’t wait to read the sequel, and I wish it was already out! I did not want this novel to end! Lotharingia is a feast for historical fiction lovers that will leave readers craving for more! I recommend this to fans of Lady of the English, Queen of the Darkest Hour, and Four Sisters, All Queens!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched story of an amazing woman, the granddaughter of Charlemagne, and how she became one of the most powerful women in history. As a young women, Mathilde, Countess of Tuscany enters into an arranged marriage (as was common) but with an unusual term in her betrothal contract...a clause of non consummation. After a brutal violation of the contract Mathilde flees her abusive husband, who only wants her because of the property and power she brings and takes refuge at the court of King Heinrich, to whom she owes fealty. Mathilde is a trained warrior and well educated woman, and her mother Beatrice is equally so, and powerful politically in her own right. At it’s heart, Lotharingia is the story of a series of powerful and brilliant women in 11th century in Europe, particularly Mathilde who fights for what is rightfully hers. Engrossing, entertaining, well written, Lotharingia is well worth the read and shouldn’t be missed!

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly well researched

The period of history after the death of Charlemagne is filled with personal correspondence and anecdotes, but virtually devoid of objective, verifiable historical accounts. Of such a collection of rumor, gossip, and power-mad provocations, Lara Byrne has distilled a superbly constructed probable tale. This account of the early life of Mathilde, a woman of rare power and courage in an age of rampant misogyny, is spell-binding, sensual, and bittersweet, loaded with exquisite detail, and entirely engaging.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, captivating!

I enjoyed this so much! I cannot wait to read what's next. So many different turns and kept me wanting more.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!

I am spellbound! Thank you, Ms. Byrne, for bringing Matilda into my life! I cannot wait to read the next chapter in this journey.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my imagination from the beginning and did not disappoint. It is the second part of a series of three so would love to read the full series. Historical fiction at it’s very best and a highly recommended read.

[Sam Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It whisks you away to 11th century Europe. The history of the Holy Roman Empire is very interesting and although this is a novel and the plot is fictional, the protagonists are historical characters and you can feel that the author researched them well and brought the period to life. You cannot help but root for Matilde, fighting for her dignity and rights in an age where there was no respect for women. Although my favourite characters are probably her lovers, the humble and generous Rolando, and the tormented Kind Heinrich....I was also fascinated by her characterisation of the wine-loving, life-loving archbishop Adalbert. Overall, a great read!

[Andrew Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lotharingia takes place in a segment of history of which I have little knowledge: 11th-century Germany and Italy. So I eagerly took on this book as a new foray into my terra incognito.

I did learn quite a bit from this book, which is half of the joy of reading historical fiction. Ms. Byrne even supplies a helpful map and a "Cast of Characters" in the preface that was immeasurably helpful. In the last part of the book Byrne gives a detailed historical account of the main characters.

While educational, this book was not an exciting read. In part, this is due to Byrne's overly empowering Matilde with martial skills. At times it seemed like I was reading a feminist's rendering of the period. Second, this was a romantic novel, so much so that, at times it resembled a Harlequin romance. This mixture of historiography with 20th-century romantic overtures might be right up some readers' alley. Just not mine.

[Rose Auburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set throughout Europe in early Medieval times, Lotharingia expertly weaves the political intrigue, scheming, and religious manoeuvring of the age with a compelling love story that has the potential to change the course of history…

Lotharingia is a first-rate historical fiction. The sheer scale of the research to produce what is an excellent and completely immersive reconstruction of a historical period is absolutely staggering. It really has been meticulously recreated from the smallest of details to the big set-pieces. Ms. Byrne is not just writing about the 11th century but seems to be writing from within it.

The fictional story Ms Byrne has melded with the facts is just as absorbing and utterly convincing. The relationship between Matilde and Heinrich is beautifully realised, twisting and turning with the depth of their emotions, and subtly infused with the vibration of sexual tension without being gratuitous.

Matilde and Heinrich’s personalities are written with thoughtful intent, consideration, and dimension. Both can be amusing and infuriating in equal measure. Ms Byrne has really made them come alive without simply adding a few tokenistic details and they also feel very contemporary. Matilde, especially, is more than capable of carrying this novel, and future instalments.
All of the supporting characters are wonderfully authentic and the dialogue is commanding but never stagey. Adalbert was a standout and his last scene with Heinrich was incredibly moving. Godefroy was suitably villainous without becoming pantomimic, and the dynamic between Margravine Beatrice and Agnes was supremely interesting and quietly powerful.

From the beginning, the reader is plunged straight into the swirling politics and conspiracies. There is a large cast to wrestle with, but there is a helpful glossary at the beginning of the novel to add familiarisation, and a more expanded version at the end which is a considerate aid to reader consolidation.

The plot has a number of side angles, all of which have relevance in some form to the main thrust of the narrative. The book is written in third person but from multiple perspectives and this really helps the reader become fully involved, and also adds a brushstroke of foreshadowing and dramatic irony for the reader which is crucial in a historical fiction work of this magnitude. However, the richly detailed, descriptive imagery ensures that the religious and political machinations never become too dry or dense and I liked the touch of the supernatural with Beatrice’s reliquary and portents.

The novel is well-paced and never loses momentum helped by the relative short chapter structure and the switch between various events and characters. As the situation between Matilde and Heinrich gathers pace, the story is truly gripping, simmering with nail-biting suspense and charged with foreboding.

Lotharingia is a real treat for fans of the genre. Highly recommended.

[Charles Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to author Lara Byrne for writing such a well-researched historical novel in "Lotharingia." It is a moving story of redemption, with believable and relatable characters. They seem to move mountains, preserving the empire, during the long decade between 1062 and 1072 A.D. Two of the main characters are King Heinrich and Matilda. She is a rising star.
"To thine own self be true," should be Matilda's motto. Even so, Heinrich goes out of his way to secure her future in Rome. Pope Alexander protects her heart and spirit. And her mother, Beatrice, a Duchess from Tuscany, looks out for her best interests. It is a good thing that chivalry and honor reign during the Middle Ages. Or there's no telling where she would have wound up.
Similarly, Heinrich has his mother, the Empress Agnes, to watch over him. Then, he has Adalbert as his closest, wisest, and most trustworthy advisor to guide him. Unfortunately, he has more than his fair share of enemies and detractors from within and beyond the empire; namely, Otto, Rudolph, and Ildebrando.
The rites of passage for the king include marriage, coronation, and fulfilling the emperor's prophecy. Namely, that of Charlemagne, who died in 814 A.D., but left a lasting legacy. The priorities for the king include building castles for the vassals, appointing archbishops without hassles, fighting wars, and preserving the peace, dignity, and prosperity.
The book could have attempted to depict, debunk, and delouse many of the widely held beliefs of the common people of the realm, generally relegated to mystery, obscurity, superstition, and antiquity, regarding the divine nature of religious relics, but it does not appear to do so. Nevertheless, the artifacts so described appear to be museum quality pieces which may generate considerable speculation, enthusiasm, and motivation, worthy of an "Indiana Jones" adventure.
I leave you with a heartfelt poem:
"Counter him not with your shining, silver sword,
but by a single, solitary word:
Confession.
Honor her time and again,
Charlemagne, my quintessential friend,
for you have created quite an impression,
Anointing the fleeting moment in history
with lavender oil, compassion, and mystery."

[Susan Appleyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three women are the focus of this story: Beatrice, Margravine of Tuscany, her daughter Matilde, Countess of Canossa, and Agnes, Dowager Holy Roman Empress and mother of the Heinrich, King of the Germans. All are powerful, transcend the limits imposed on women, and influence the politics of the day. It is a time in Europe when the sacred and the secular mingle. The women are surrounded by calculating churchmen, some good, some not so good. The story demonstrates how closely marriage and politics were intertwined and how even the most powerful had little choice when it came to marriage.
The possession of certain relics; the marriage of Matilde to her cruel step-brother, much against her will; her love affair with King Heinrich; Beatrice’s possession of a prophecy, the last words of her ancestor, Charlemagne; and Heinrich’s ambition to become Holy Roman Emperor like his father and grandfather; these are the things that move the plot along. The author does a creditable job of laying out a complicated story – the research cannot have been easy. It is likely to be a little confusing for someone unfamiliar with the politics and personalities of the period, like me. I had difficulty keeping track of the churchmen, especially as the author sometimes used first names and sometimes titles. Fortunately, a list of characters at the beginning of the book helped. Also, there is a brief summary of the characters at the back of the book.
There are some anachronisms and also occasions when pronouns were used when proper names would have been more appropriate. A proofreader would help.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and suspect there may be another about Matilde. The tidbits concerning what went on before the opening scene led me to think a prequel would be in order.

[Stuart Dangerfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and engaging

This was a revelation from a new author. Very well written and like most of these accurately portrayed medieval novels an absolute confusion of characters (often with the same or similar names) However although I had to refer to the dramatis personae a few times in the first few chapters the need dissipated quickly and the many and varied list of individuals resolved itself and believe me that is a skill. It was also a skill of the author to write a feminine book but in such a way that it read a little like an adventure novel and more than satisfied this male reader who usually has little interest in relationship issues and the emotions of love, childbirth and marriage. I end with what is a great compliment in my view. There were elements here that reminded me of Sharon Penmans novels and that is high praise indeed. Exhaustive research and a real feel for the period. A great first novel... Bravo

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This was a decent historical fiction book. I could tell Lara Byrne did extensive research and I enjoyed the intrigue that made up a lot of the plot. However, you have to really love history to probably enjoy this book. It did drag in some spots and the vast amount of characters could be overwhelming. I spent a good amount of time in the first 50 pages flipping back to the front to check the character list so I could remember who everyone was! I'm undecided as to whether I will read the next book.

2023 Reading Challenge
June Letter : L

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book about a country that has been erased from history with various treaties over time.
The female heiress to Charlemagne's kingdom was much abused, as women have been for most of history. Nonetheless, I found the story drew me in.

Recommended

[Yaya507 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matilda of Canossa, one of three strong female characters in this book, is the main character in this exciting historical fiction novel. Her cultural legacy includes many monuments (over 100 cathedrals) listed by UNESCO, a few of which I’ve been fortunate enough to visit over the last 10 years. So, I was very excited to come upon this novel and to delve into the rich history of Matilda’s early life.

Lara Byrne, in her extensive research, has brought Matilda to life showing her strength in character and her known history as a female warrior. I am ready and waiting to read about her legacy in Byrne’s next novel! Don’t pass this one up…. it’s a must if you enjoy medieval history!

[Mrs. B. Kottmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended too soon!

Quite an interesting picture of medieval politics. A bit of a disappointment that it ended so abruptly. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical novel about a time frame (11th century) that doesn't show up in novels very often.