Henry and Eleanor Sizzle! A great second in the trilogy!

books:


	• Time and Chance (Ballantine Reader's Circle) Sharon Kay Penman Ballantine Books, 2003 - 544 pages average customer review:based on 51 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine

This is the second book of a trilogy that details English history from 1100 or so to near the end of that century. It focuses mainly on the royals of that time, from William II to Richard Plantagenet. This second book concentrates mainly on the relationship between Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and also Henry's quarrels with his one-time friend Thomas Becket. The history moves swiftly through the years, and culminates with the murder of Thomas. Once again we have some insight into Welsh history, with the story of the fictional Ranulf and his wife. All of the characters are quite well drawn, and the action is almost relentless. Even though many readers (such as myself) are fairly conversant with this particular period of English history, to read a novel which gives these historical figures life with all of their good and bad sides, is exceptionally interesting. Thie author is adept at placing the reader into the center of the action, and even though it is known what is going to happen, there still is that anticipation about reading on and on. That is the mark of an exceptional writer. I understand that the third book in this trilogy is expected to be published this fall, and I for one can't wait to get my hands on it, and read until the end of the saga!

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Book Review: Time and Chance

One of the best known characters in the British medieval period was Eleanor of Aquitaine. She was married to King Henry II and she bore him eight children, two of whom went on to be kings of England. Theirs was a love match, and yet ultimately she conspired against Henry with two of her sons and spent many of her laters years in prison. The story of Henry II also includes the story of Thomas a Becket, a worldly man who was ultimately proclaimed a saint, but during his lifetime was both Henry's best friend and greatest challenge.

Sharon Kay Penman has a way of telling a story that captures the reader immediately and doesn't let go until the very last page. She is a historian and her novels are very well-researched. Even though you know the story and how it will end, you can't help identifying with the characters and hoping for a different outcome. If you never enjoyed history in high school, but want to learn more about the royalty of England, Penman is the author to read. This is book two of the Eleanor of Aquitane series. (Book 1 is When Christ and His Saints Slept.)

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Another really really good Penman novel

This is another great Penman novel -- historically accurate, well developed characters, and good job of making complicated politics come alive. I gave it a four rather than a five simply because I did think it was a bit harder to follow than some of her other works, but that is probably because the time was so complicated. And, the inclusion of so much of the Welsh events just seemed to "interfere"at time and not really fit.
It's been many years since I've seen Richard Burton as Becket, but this has inspired me to review what I do remember as a wonderful movie -- great companion piece to Time and chance

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Good book, but drags a bit at times

Another enjoyable book from SKP, but I didn't find this quite as interesting as her others, and a bit slower than When Christ and His Saints Slept. It's probably just me, but I didn't find the whole Thomas Becket saga all that fascinating, albeit it is an important part of English history. I did like the fact that the author continued with the Welsh side of the story, as so many authors of English history paint the Welsh as pagen barbarians.

I am anxiously awaiting the publishing of the last in this series, The Devil's Brood, which I suspect will be the most fascinating, as it covers the period when the animosity between Henry and Eleanor heats up and the power plays for her sons. I read on the author's website that she's had health issues that have slowed down completion of the book, hopefully out in 2008.

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Henry and Eleanor Sizzle! A great second in the trilogy!

This is the second book in Penman's trilogy on Henry fitz Empress and Eleanor of Aquitaine. It covers the early passion filled years of their marriage through the "cool off" period when Henry takes up with his long time mistress Rosamund Clifford. The whole Thomas Becket affair is also depicted here.

I loved the portrayal of Henry and Eleanor. I stayed up way to late for quite a few nights as I just couldn't pull my nose out of this book. The passion between them was palpable!! And the scene where they meet for the first time after Eleanor found out about Henry's adultery with Rosamun was just crackling with tension and the unspoken emotions between Henry and Eleanor. It was really brilliant!

The focus on the relationship between Henry and Thomas Becket was initially almost as interesting but quickly got boring and I found myself skipping a few pages to get to "the end" of that. Penman takes Henry's perspective in this novel and gives the reader and excellent glimpse into his mind and how he never fully understood the 180 Becket did after he became the Archbishop. His feelings of bewilderment, betrayal, and hurt were evident. However, because of the focus on Henry's perspective, this does leave Becket as somewhat of a mystery to the reader. While I didn't really mind it so much, I understand how it could be frustrating to some.

We are also given a glimpse into the early childhood of King John. I thought it was interesting how he was portrayed as a neglected child and Penman was layng the ground work and attempting to explain some of the reasons he turned into such a villain in history.

I would highly recommend this novel, even though it's not my favorite Penman, it is still a wonderful read.

4 1/2 stars

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

In When Christ and His Saints Slept, acclaimed historical novelist Sharon Kay Penman portrayed all the deceit, danger, and drama of Henry II?s ascension to the throne. Now, in Time and Chance, she continues the ever-more-captivating tale.

It was medieval England?s immortal marriage?Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, bound by passion and ambition, certain to leave a legacy of greatness. But while lust would divide them, it was friendship?and ultimately faith?that brought bloodshed into their midst. It began with Thomas Becket, Henry?s closest confidant, and his elevation to be Archbishop of Canterbury. It ended with a perceived betrayal that made a royal murder seem inevitable. Along the way were enough scheming, seductions, and scandals to topple any kingdom but their own. . . .

Only Sharon Kay Penman can re-create this truly tumultuous time?and capture the couple who loved power as much as each other . . . and a man who loved God most of all.

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