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kbaxter21's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sz_miry's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
2.0
I loved Eleanor of Aquitaine the first time I saw Katharine Hepburn portray her on the big screen. I also have enjoyed just about every Alison Weir book, whether it is fiction or nonfiction. However, I did not enjoy this portrayal of the queen. It was just an okay imagining of what her life was like.
gfmatt's review against another edition
2.0
The last third of the book slowed down a lot, but I suppose that is to be expected since the last third was mostly about Eleanor's imprisonment by Henry. The part of her life after her release upon Henry's death was skimmed over, then she dies and the book ends in just a few pages. Rather disappointing, but I was getting a bit bored with the book by then.
cathybruce208's review against another edition
4.0
So far, it is very interesting. Two larger than life characters in love with each other, but also pitted against each other. Already know the history, but it's easy to see this won't end well.
I finished the book and I really enjoyed it. It was satisfying. It really made a difference to me that this book is as historically accurate as Ms. Weir could make it. Henry's infidelity was unbelievable, but it really happened. Their family life made today's soap operas seem tame and uninspired.
Reading about Eleanor's life, with its ups and downs, allies and antagonists (often the same person at different times!) made me realize how artificial some fiction can be. Too much fiction wraps up all the loose ends by the last page and each character has a well-defined story arc. Let's face it. No one is right or wrong all of the time (even Henry), and sometimes good intentions are stymied by people or circumstances beyond our control.
We all like to think of ourselves as the hero of our own story, but of course life isn't that tidy. We do the best we can with the tools life gives us. Eleanor's life wasn't all triumph or all tragedy. I like the image of her near the end, older and wiser, honed by the experiences of her life, but finally at peace. We should all be so lucky.
I finished the book and I really enjoyed it. It was satisfying. It really made a difference to me that this book is as historically accurate as Ms. Weir could make it. Henry's infidelity was unbelievable, but it really happened. Their family life made today's soap operas seem tame and uninspired.
Reading about Eleanor's life, with its ups and downs, allies and antagonists (often the same person at different times!) made me realize how artificial some fiction can be. Too much fiction wraps up all the loose ends by the last page and each character has a well-defined story arc. Let's face it. No one is right or wrong all of the time (even Henry), and sometimes good intentions are stymied by people or circumstances beyond our control.
We all like to think of ourselves as the hero of our own story, but of course life isn't that tidy. We do the best we can with the tools life gives us. Eleanor's life wasn't all triumph or all tragedy. I like the image of her near the end, older and wiser, honed by the experiences of her life, but finally at peace. We should all be so lucky.
marissaofyork's review against another edition
5.0
Possibly Alison Weir’s best novel of this genre. Superb.
ameliajasmine24's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
neonandpearls's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0