Eleanor the Queen: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine by Norah Lofts

Eleanor of Aquitaine rules as a modern heroine in the twelfth century, in this beloved classic of royal fiction from renowned author Norah Lofts. At a time when a woman's value was measured solely by her wealth and the number of sons she bore, Eleanor was the high-spirited, stubborn, and intelligent heiress to the vast duchy of Aquitaine.

Her leadership inspired the loyalty of her people, but she was continually doubted and silenced by the men who ruled beside her; the less wise but far more powerful men of the church and court who were unwilling to lose power to a woman, regardless of her rank or ability.

Through marriages to two kings, two Crusades, and the births of ten children; including the future King Richard the Lionhearted; Eleanor solidified her place in history. In Eleanor the Queen, Norah Lofts brings to life a brave and complex woman who was centuries ahead of her time.

Paperback, 336 pages

Published April 20th 2010 by Touchstone (first published January 1955) 

 I was a little leery starting this book. I've read about Eleanor's life by Sharon Kay Penman and Elizabeth Chadwick already so really did I need to read another one? Since I feel the need these days to read books on my shelf and because I was able to grab the audible version I went ahead and read it. I  have to say that I really enjoyed it. The reader did a wonderful job and the writing was just as good.

 The book doesn't go into great details about certain major events and skips over others totally. But still I was totally captivated with it, it was entertaining and had a writing style that I liked.  

Originally written in the 1950's this book and many others by Norah Lofts have been reissued.

I think this book will appeal to those that like HF about strong women of their time and kings/queens in Medieval time period.

(here are some that appear on my bookshelves)

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