Captive Queen

June 28, 2010
Weir (Innocent Traitor) captures the perspective of the subject of her bestselling biography, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the medieval duchess who wielded power across Europe at a time when women were required to cede all possessions to their husbands. Both of Eleanor's husbands were kings—she divorced Louis VII of France to marry the soon-to-be Henry II—and Weir offers a vivid history of Eleanor's second marriage, highlighting Henry's fiery temper, unflagging energy, and obsession with loyalty. Weir's portrait of Eleanor reveals a mother devoted to her children, even as they grow up to rebel; a queen dedicated to her native land, even when governed by husband or son; and a woman yearning for love. Part of a wave of fiction re-interpreting famous female figures, Weir gives a credible account of an encounter between Eleanor and the girl reputed to have replaced her in Henry's affections, and a convincing explanation of how Henry and Thomas Becket became mortal enemies. Although her style is more studied and sedate than, say, Philippa Gregory's, Weir doesn't skimp on the sex-obsessed court, and her weaving of personal and political narratives with minor details, social trends, and history-defining events creates a surprisingly modern-feeling romance.

July 1, 2010
Historian Weir's third novel (after "Innocent Traitor"and "The Lady Elizabeth" details the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122–1204), the mother of much of medieval European royalty. Beginning with her first marriage to King Louis of France and following her during her scandalous marriage to King Henry II of England, the novel portrays Eleanor's difficulties as a leader and her efforts to reconcile her love of personal freedom with her love for Henry. Exceedingly well written and researched, this will more than satisfy and enchant historical novel fanatics. Weir's attention to detail, engaging dialog, and engrossing depiction of Eleanor's life make the novel an invaluable addition to the genre. VERDICTAugmenting Weir's extensive historical repertoire (nonfiction and fiction), a copy or two of this wonderful novel on the shelves will never gather dust. Readers fascinated by the charismatic Eleanor may also want to read Weir's acclaimed 2000 biography, "Eleanor of Aquitaine"—Audrey M. Johnson, Arlington, VA

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2010
The name Eleanor of Aquitaine evokes the romance of the High Middle Agesknights and chivalry and all thatand conjures images of strong queens who have left impressions on their respective countries. A Tudor specialist, popular British historian Weir has ventured, with great success, into the increasingly expansive world of historical fiction with Innocent Traitor (2007) and The Lady Elizabeth (2008); now she relocates further back in English history, in the twelfth century. Eleanor of Aquitaine was the ruler of a powerful French duchy in her own right; her marriage to King Louis VII of France was annulled when she set eyes on the handsome Henry Plantagenet, count of Anjou. Eleanor and he married, he succeeded to the English throne, and Eleanor found herself queen of England. Their tumultuous marriage is the backbone of this novel. Henry was ever lusty, and Eleanor was no shrinking violet herself. Much of the battleground between these two strong-willed individuals was their sons: Henry fought against them; Eleanor fought for them like the she-lion she was. The history itself is inherently dramatic, augmented here by Weirs usual lush detail, which stimulates rather than detracts from the well-paced narrative.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)