Review: "Folks condemn the sins they've no mind to, condone the ones that they're inclined to."
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 3, 2013
This book rather emphasizes the fiction over the historical at most junctures.  The book itself starts after the betrayal of Thomas Becket.  They are still a passionate couple, but they are deeply enmeshed in the politics of Aquitaine and France.  Eleanor's deep concern to rule her home country has begun to leach upon their unity.  Henry  begins the affair with Rosamund that hardens Eleanor's heart against him and begins the seeds of her manipulating her sons against her husband.The historic events are primarily the setting for our character's motivation.  While the dream of a just and unified kingdom remains in Henry's heart, it is chilling the number of battles and deaths play out against this love-hate marriage.  And as time goes on, another woman enters the ranks of history, young Alais, the king of France's sister.The history of the era lacks for no plotting, revenge, falsity, passion.  It is set through the eyes of Eleanor and thus is a primarily private book.  It reads well, and is easy to follow despite the many complexities.  Sometimes we seem to have better insight into Eleanor than she herself even with her superior state knowledge.  It is an interesting book of its time.