3.5 stars ( )

Straight historical fiction, except for a few rather insignificant appearances by the ghost of the title character's grandfather....

However, in this case, the emphasis is on 'fiction,' not 'historical,' even though the author is an academician.
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a strong, scheming, politically brilliant woman of the Middle Ages, but the author makes her character's motivation behind everything she does related to an abiding childhood love. Unfortunately, this love affair is total fiction - admittedly a product of the author's imagination. This makes for a more tied-together, emotionally fulfilling plot for a novel - but it means that the actual historical motivations behind the events of Eleanor's life - a marriage to the King of France, a successful appeal to the Pope to annul that marriage, a marriage (at her request, unlike the events in the book [a kidnapping and rape]) to the King of England, and then a rebellion, involving their sons, against that king - the possible ACTUAL scenarios and motivations are not explored, because of this fictional love affair.
I found this a little disappointing, but then again, historical fiction is probably never accurate, even when it strives to be, so it's really best to take it all as fantasy! ( )

Until I read this book, I never had any idea what-so-ever about Eleanor. I got an inkling after reading the last "Mistress of the Bones" mystery, but that is what really peaked my curiosity.

I like this book, it made Eleanor human for me, and I certainly understand why she was a reluctant Queen to Henry II.

I'm thinking I'll look into some non-fiction biography about her now.

I did like this book, there was quite a bit of dialog, which is what made it "real" for me. The book held my interest all the way through and it was well written. ( )

I can't believe I read this big book in two days; I couldn't put it down. I want to read more about Eleanor's children now! ( )

I can't believe I read this big book in two days; I couldn't put it down. I want to read more about Eleanor's children now! ( )