CAPTIVE QUEENAlison Weir, Ballantine Books, August 2010, $26.00,HC,512p, 978-0-345-51187-4.
When Eleanor meets Henry of Anjou, the young and sensual son of the Count of Anjou,
to say he took her breath away, would be an understatement. She was entranced, and stirred physically, drawn by his powerful presence, muscular and solid, boldly handsome, with a glorious mane of red and arousing grey eyes. She knew she had to have him, yet she had also known his father, Count Geoffrey, who was here today to pay obeisance to the King, her husband Louis. Eleanor did not love Louis, he barely came to her, and when he did his loving was lackluster and a chore. She ached for love, real love and now looking at Henry, she knew she had found a man who would love her.
Alison Weir wastes no time captivating her audience as the story of her Captive Queen
unfolds. Immediately, you are whisked to the fairy tale drama of the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Henry of Anjou lusts for Eleanor, and vows that he must have her permanently, for his wife, for his kingdom and to control. She is also mesmerized with love and true passion with her future path so clear to her. She plots to convince Louise, King of France to grant her an annulment. Without knowing her true plans, Louise agrees and when the church accepts the plea, she dashes off to meet the young Henry of Anjou with spirit and audacity. And so, does she live happily ever after?
The fire that began between Henry and Eleanor becomes more a battle of wills and power as it drives Henry to fight for his kingdoms and pursue lusty liaisons. A wedge of mistrust is driven between the couple and with a feeling of melancholy you hope for reconciliation. Eleanor is imprisoned in a wretched hole when her decision to promote and protect her sons, over honoring her husband, causes Henry to become enraged. His anger is unmatched and unlikely that he will ever forgive her. Alison Weir shapes the characters of Eleanor and Henry with compassion, understanding and objectivity. King Henry, the vengeful, lustful and power driven male. Queen Eleanor, the courageous, patient, loving and naive woman. Both looking for forgiveness neither without sin. Captive Queen is a ruminative read with romantic resplendence that should be savored.
Disclosure: This ARC release was sent to me by the publisher.
© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].
4 comments:
This one sounds terrific. Love your review. "a ruminative read with romantic resplendence that should be savored" is simply gorgeous writing on its own!
What a coincidence, I'm reading The Queen's Pawn with it's central character being Queen Eleanor & Princess Alais. There's mention of the relationship with her first husband King Louis and her lust for King Henry.
I'll have to add your book down once I finish since your review has me frothing at the mouth to read it ASAP. Another awesome review.
Holly..Loved this book. Thank you so much for the kind praise and visiting. I love Alison Weir. :)
Aisle B...Thanks for the recommendation of The Queens Pawn. I'll check out your review when it's up. Thanks for the compliment...and visiting.
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