⋙ Download Gratis Eleanor the Queen Norah Lofts 9780752439440 Books

Eleanor the Queen Norah Lofts 9780752439440 Books

Download As PDF : Eleanor the Queen Norah Lofts 9780752439440 Books

Eleanor the Queen Norah Lofts 9780752439440 Books

I think Norah Lofts is an excellent writer of historical fiction & this book was very well done, however, it is not a story with many happy moments for Eleanor of Aquitaine. I usually will re-read books that I enjoy, but I find this one too sad to want to read it again - Eleanor just can't get a break, it seems. I've read Jean Plaidy's Plantagenet books involving Eleanor and she's presented in a less accurate but somehow more cheerful way in those books. This is certainly a more accurate account, but just not something that will put many smiles on your face.


Tags : Eleanor the Queen [Norah Lofts] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Eleanor is a young, high-spirited, supremely intelligent, heiress to the vast Duchy of Aquitaine - at a time when a woman's value was measured in terms of wealth. Her vivid leadership inspired and dazzled those about her. And yet,Norah Lofts,Eleanor the Queen,Tempus,0752439448,Historical - General,FICTION Historical General,Fiction,Fiction General,Fiction-Coming of Age,GENERAL,General Adult,Great BritainBritish Isles,Historical fiction,Modern fiction,Nonfiction,FICTION Historical

Eleanor the Queen Norah Lofts 9780752439440 Books Reviews

This is an interesting work of historical fiction by a noted writer of historical fiction and gifted storyteller, Norah Lofts. the author capably details the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most famous and celebrated women of the middle ages. Touted by the troubadours of her time as being a woman without compare, Eleanor of Aquitaine could certainly be held to be the first feminist.
Married first to the pious King of France, Louis VII, she bore him two daughters and went with him on an unsuccessful Crusade, where she was to have a number of adventures. Stifled by the King's somewhat misogynistic advisors, she and the King would come to a parting of the way after fifteen years of marriage. No sooner was she divorced and returned to her Duchy of Aquitaine, than she met eighteen year old Henry Plantagenet, who was to become King Henry II of England. Nearly a dozen years separated them but this was to be no bar to their marriage.
Eleanor and Henry were to marry, and she bore him numerous sons and daughters. She lived happily with Henry for many years, until she discovered that he had a mistress, the fair Rosamonde of legend. The break in their relationship would eventually result in the estrangement of Henry from his sons and the imprisonment of Eleanor for nearly eighteen years.
This is an excellent work of historical fiction, filled with the political intrigues of the day, historical events and personages, and a story that has withstood the test of time. It is a book that those who like well-written historical fiction will, undoubtedly, enjoy.
The stories of the Plantagenets have always interested me, so after doing a bit of research (and getting through every book that Sharon Kay Penman wrote,) I've decided to pick up this book at the school library after reading the reviews.

First off, this novel is pretty short at around 200 pages - a light read, and I got through this in 2 days without rushing.

The good the author strictly follows the facts with a considerably amount of research, so even as a novel, it seems as reliable as a piece of historical essay.

The bad as a novel, I wished the author would've elaborated a bit more on Eleanor's reaction and state of mind following the deaths of her sons and several major events, since most of the events seemed a bit rushed throughout (like the deaths of Young Henry and Geoffrey.)

Overall, it is a light and good read that starts from the death of Eleanor's father (the Duke of Aquitaine), all the way till Eleanor acts as Richard's regent when her son embarks on the Holy Crusade.
2010 is the summer of Eleanor of Aquitaine with many books being published about this illustrious medieval queen. This novel is not new but a reissue of one published in the 1950s by this wonderful historical fiction author. Lofts' novels are always well researched and this is no exception, even though it is rather short.

Lofts begins her novel with Eleanor almost on the eve of her marriage to the French King in 1137 and follows her life up to the point where she is returning to England to keep a handle on things for her son Richard (who is leaving for his crusade) in 1190. The reader will catch glimpses of her marriage to King Louis, their disastrous crusade, and her tumultuous marriage to Henry II. I found this book a very easy and quick read - in fact, too quick. While Lofts' information is certainly good, in a book of this small size many events in Eleanor's life are glazed over. As eventful as Eleanor's life was, Lofts seems to focus more on the more mundane, everyday aspects of her life, which isn't a bad thing but as all the truly important events are mentioned only briefly the novel does seem to drag a bit and could be construed as "boring." This novel did seem to spend more time on Eleanor's years as Henry's captive which was rather interesting to read about. I do have my doubts about a few of the events that happened to her while she was a captive but I did enjoy getting more of a look at those years. There really was nothing "new" about Lofts' Eleanor and she portrays her in quite a favorable light. All the other major players in history (Henry, Richard, John, etc.) are there but they are just not focused on so the reader is not going to get much about their lives and feelings.

As far as historical fiction goes, this novel is about average. It is not an in depth or difficult read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is just starting out in their discovery of Eleanor; you will get the basics of her life in a very easy to read format. Those who are well versed in Eleanor's life might find it lacking. I would still recommend Sharon Kay Penman's wonderful trilogy on Eleanor and Henry as the best to read on this turbulent and impassioned couple and family.
Ordered what I thought was history. It tuirned out to be a novel (i.e. fiction)
Not what I really wanted. The info did not make this clear.
Happy with finding this older novel at such a good price and customer service for delivery was fantastic. This is a wonderful novel by an author I much admire and is generally difficult to find. Thank you so much
Excellent! It is an excellent story about an impressive woman and a great telling of history. I loved the story when I was in high school and my daughter (10) and I are reading it together 30 years later. Wonderful writing.
I think Norah Lofts is an excellent writer of historical fiction & this book was very well done, however, it is not a story with many happy moments for Eleanor of Aquitaine. I usually will re-read books that I enjoy, but I find this one too sad to want to read it again - Eleanor just can't get a break, it seems. I've read Jean Plaidy's Plantagenet books involving Eleanor and she's presented in a less accurate but somehow more cheerful way in those books. This is certainly a more accurate account, but just not something that will put many smiles on your face.