Title: Lionheart
Author: Sharon Penman
Genre: Historical iction
Audience: Adult
Format: Kindle
From Goodreads: They were called “The
Devil's Brood,” though never to their faces. They were the four
surviving sons of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine. With two
such extraordinary parents, much was expected of them.
But the eldest—charming yet mercurial—would turn on his father and,
like his brother Geoffrey, meet an early death. When Henry died, Richard
would take the throne and, almost immediately, set off for the Holy
Land. This was the Third Crusade and it was to be characterized by
internecine warfare among the Christians and extraordinary campaigns
against the Saracens. And, back in England, by the conniving of
Richard's youngest brother, John, to steal his crown.
In Lionheart, Penman displays her remarkable mastery of
historical detail and her acute understanding of human foibles. The
result is a powerful story of intrigue, war, and—surprisingly—effective
diplomacy, played out against the roiling conflicts of love and loyalty,
passion and treachery, all set against the rich textures of the Holy
Land.
What I thought:
I hate it when you have been waiting for a book for ages, you finally
get it and it's so good you read it too fast! This is what happened with
Lionheart. Despite it's length (600 pages), I tore through it rather
quickly. Once again Penman successfully brings to life the kings and
queens of medieval times with such clarity you could just about reach
out and touch them. People who know a bit about Richard I would possibly
take umbrage at her portrayal of him, but once you read her authors
note and realise the depth of her research they are likely to change
their mind. And therein lies the reason I love Penman's work, Her
research is immaculate and detailed. She does not take liberties with
history, maintaining events within the information she has uncovered. Of
course, she has to make guesses at times, obviously creates the
dialogue, but it is all within the realms of possibility. This is the
first of a two part series on Richard I and I cannot wait for the next
one to come out!
Recommended for: those who like accurate, well written historical fiction!
Challenges: 100+ Challenge, ebook Challenge