Gilded Cages
The Trials of Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Novel
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4.9 • 7 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
A novel of the betrayals and rivalries that set a family of royals against each other in medieval England—and ignited a devastating conflict.
Tumultuous. Passionate. Timeless. The marriage between Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet was like no other, born of power, politics, and an all-consuming, fiery love. Within two years of their wedding, Henry conquered England and together they ruled a vast kingdom. At first they worked to unify and repair their war-torn lands—before being torn apart by intrigue, adultery, and deadly revenge. Henry II dreams of enacting a new judicial system, a common law that would help foster peace. But a devastating betrayal by his closest confidante, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, thrusts Henry into a rivalry that threatens to tear church and state apart. Eleanor, an accomplished ruler in her own right, steps in to help Henry quell the rebellions across their lands. But when she learns of her husband’s secret romance with the fair, young Rosamund de Clifford, it shatters her heart and ignites a bitter vengeance that will engulf their family in treachery and betrayal. As Eleanor takes the side of her sons against their father, these young royals, chafing for power of their own, wreak havoc across the continent, igniting a war whose tragic consequences Eleanor could never have foreseen.
Customer Reviews
Brilliant Incite Into This Middle Ages Power Couple
It's been some years since I last read a historical novel by Ellen Jones. I'd forgotten how good she is at her craft.
This is the final book in her widely-known, three-volume series about England during the reigns of Henry I and Henry II. Jones is particularly adept at exploring what it must have been like to be a woman with power in a man's world.
I think what Jones has done best is to make believable the complex relationship between King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. In all its nuances. Not just their initial passion. But the bond that exists in a marriage of equals -- at a time when women were traditionally considered second-class. Henry and Eleanor are true soul mates -- sharing a love of power, political acumen, and burning desire to expand England's influence. Coupled with intense physical attraction. Jones depicts them both as multi-dimensional human beings with exceptional gifts and significant flaws. Even after their falling out (I don't consider this a spoiler since their history is so well-known), Jones captures the intense connection that remained between the two monarchs --one based on respect, shared history, and even residual love. I found this completely believable and VERY satisfying.
This novel covers the years 1162 - 1189. It begins just 10 years into Henry and Eleanor's marriage -- when they are still a happy couple with a young and growing family -- just as Archbishop Thomas Becket is returning the seal of the Chancellor's office to Henry. And the novel ends just after Henry's death.
Most of the drama that unfolds in between centers on two threads. The first is Henry's philandering and its impact on his relationship with Eleanor. The second, which comes later, is the continual discord between Henry and his grown sons. This is NOT a family you'd want to be part of. There's an overabundance of ambition, anger management issues, and self-absorption.
This is a long book but it held my interest. My only criticism is that I found some of the detail surrounding battles a bit too much. But I recommend this highly, especially for those who are fascinated with this Middle Ages power couple.