Eva SA

A tale most wonderful on the life of Empress Matilda. Remarkable writing and narration

Revisado: 04-16-25

A novel that sheds much light on the life and struggles of Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I and true Lady of the English. How life, even to a royal princess, widow of a German emperor, then as the rightful queen to England; was rarely kind to her. Except in finally granting her three fine sons through an undesirable marriage to a man she deemed to be beneath her status, arrogant and unsuitable. The eldest among her boys being her golden child, and one of England's greatest monarchs, Henry II. And the writer had painted to us a vivid image of her journey, hopes, letdowns, regrets, and steely determination to secure a crown for her dearest son and heir. Also of her kind and virtuous stepmother, who had been unfortunate in her first marriage but then was given a chance at happiness during the second.
I'm glad to have owned a copy of this book here, and had ordered and received my printed version, too. A must, for fans of English history in the Middle Ages.

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The last and most remarkable book of Eleanor's trilogy. Spectacularly written and brilliantly narrated.

Revisado: 03-27-25

Having survived to an advanced age and gained valuable experience throughout the years, despite each hardship, cruelty, and betrayal; Eleanor of Aquitaine is still a symbol of extraordinary women of history. One that still inspires determination, a steely willpower, and strength within us, especially women. I found myself immensely enjoying to listen to this last book of the trilogy, and having almost envisioned every character and scene, that the saddest parts had actually driven me into tears. Those of her beloved Richard's death, her daughter Joanna's end with her child, even that of their Henry II's passing alone and unmourned by his family for all the rights he selfishly kept to himself, and finally of Eleanor's dying peacefully in her bed with the last mental image of herself as a young woman releasing her falcon to soar high above. That last part still brings me to tears for the beautiful way that the writer had painted its scene as touching words on the last few pages of the book.
This amazing trilogy is a 'must have' in both audible and printed formats, for those like myself, who have a keen interest in such powerful womanly figures of the glorious past.

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The second book of a fabulous trilogy on Eleanor of Aquitaine, with an amazing performance

Revisado: 03-12-25

We continue the amazing journey of the beautiful and remarkable Eleanor, as she keeps on her—sometimes unenviable—role as queen of England alongside her husband and king, Henry II. Under the pressures of ruling an empire, birthing and caring for her precious children, and coping with how her marriage to Henry hadn't turned up to be as joyous as she had initially imagined it. Much like what most women come to realize, in our modern lives. Though, as in all ages, there were periods of happiness that she blessedly had, and it brings me joy to learn of. Even though the book is mostly fictional in the the telling of historical events, but the author had wrote it in such an amazing manner that I feel as though I'm enjoying an exciting documentary.
The book is so well written and thoroughly researched, that I'm without a doubt planning to obtain the third book of this awesome trilogy, both in print and as an audiobook.
The narrator's performance was also spectacularly enjoyable, giving further life to the tale.

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The first amazing book among a magnificent trilogy, on the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine

Revisado: 02-11-25

An awesome book retelling the life of one of the most remembered women in medieval history, a remarkable woman in every sense of the word. The author had so spectacularly painted the start of Eleanor's fabulous life story to us readers at the tender age of thirteen, that at times it feels like we're actually viewing Eleanor on a widescreen, despite this being an audiobook and not a television show.
I absolutely recommend obtaining this book and listening to it with great interest for those who, like me, are already or becoming deeply interested in the English history of the Middle ages.
I've already began listening to the second book of this trilogy even before beginning to write this review of the first, and I'm eager to continue Eleanor's journey within the third and last book. As well as adding more and more splendid books to my ever-growing library, both digital and printed.

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A most beautiful novel of Matilda of Flanders. Splendid writing and incredible performance.

Revisado: 01-10-25

While most learned people must know of King William I of England 'the Conqueror', perhaps not many know of his formidable and beautiful wife, the noble Matilda of Flanders. This marvelous book paints a vivid tapestry of her life, and those of her husband and children's, as spectacularly as the Bayeux Tapestry still enchants its viewers with rich details and remarkable depictions of the events leading to the conquest of England in 1066.
I'm still amazed at the writer's talent and vast imagination of both the tales recorded in history, and most brilliantly, of creating scenes and exchanges between every character.
A second book about Matilda in this series is also available, of which I plan to purchase and add to my ever growing library here, in addition to obtaining  my own copies of both titles in print format.

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A brilliant 3rd book of an incredible series of novels. The writing, as well as the narration are amazing.

Revisado: 12-03-24

I really enjoyed how the author had brought into life the family of King Henry II with his wife, the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine. Their sons & daughters growing up into maturity was described beautifully, though the rebellion of their sons against Henry did leave me disappointed, in picturing what a magnificent dynasty they would've built if they'd stayed united. And even though it may have been mostly their father's fault in not granting them their fair shares of titles or properties, but in my opinion he simply wasn't there enough in their lives. That they hardly knew him, and sadly like most fathers, he knew not how to show them true affection as they deserved.
The deaths of Hal, Geoffrey, and finally Henry himself, left in me in tears, as ever. For only Sharon could make a vivid description of human nature, their desires, sorrows and pains. She is my most favorite writer of novels, of all time.

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A splendid 1st book of an incredible series of novels. Both writing & narrations had left me in awe of every marvelous detail.

Revisado: 11-19-24

Within this remarkable story, I enjoyed learning as well as picturing the lives of many bright figures of history, including the formidable grandmother of Richard the Lionheart, Empress Maude. Her journey having been most impressive, yet tragic as fate had deprived her of her birthright, the crown of England. It was also most entertaining and enlightening, to learn of the characters of Richard's fabulous parents, Henry & Eleanor.
As I finished listening to this awesome audiobook, I wasted no time in purchasing its physical copy from Amazon, as well. Where it's now gracing my bookshelf, among my most favorite of books.

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A spectacular 2nd book of an incredible series of novels. As before, the writing & the narration were perfect.

Revisado: 10-23-24

Following on the lives of Europe's most splendid historic couple, Henry II and Eleanor, was fascinating. The birth of their every child, especially Richard the Lionheart, then him and his older brothers growing into youths that gave their father pride, had been most entertaining. Aside from learning about Henry II's cherished mistress that broke Eleanor's heart, though certainly accurate, it also made me sympathizing with her greatly, while picturing it all in almost vivid clarity. Which speaks volumes of the remarkable writing, that can take any reader into those days of the past.

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An astounding style of writing, and a brilliant performance.

Revisado: 09-04-24

Such an astounding style of writing that had me literally weeping on every sorrowful scene! And the brilliant performance of Emily Gray had breathed more life into all those shining figures of history. I plan on purchasing every other published work by Sharon Kay Penman, both in digital format while on the move as well as in printing. So a part of my bookshelves would be dedicated to such an incredible author.

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