Publication
Penguin Audio (2020)
Original publication date
2002-02-28
Collections
Subjects
Description
In When Christ and His Saints Slept, acclaimed historical novelist Sharon Kay Penman portrayed all the deceit, danger, and drama of Henry II's ascension to the throne. Now, in Time and Chance, she continues the ever-more-captivating tale. It was medieval England's immortal marriage-Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, bound by passion and ambition, certain to leave a legacy of greatness. But while lust would divide them, it was friendship-and ultimately faith-that brought bloodshed into their midst. It began with Thomas Becket, Henry's closest confidant, and his elevation to be Archbishop of Canterbury. It ended with a perceived betrayal that made a royal murder seem inevitable. Along the way were enough scheming, seductions, and scandals to topple any kingdom but their own. Only Sharon Kay Penman can re-create this truly tumultuous time-and capture the couple who loved power as much as each other, and a man who loved God most of all.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Joycepa
The second novel in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Time and Chance covers the period of the middle years of Henry’s reign, up to and including the notorious murder of Thomas Beckett, Archbishop of Canterbury. That, along with the deteriorating marriage to Eleanor are the
Penman’s first in the series, When Christ and His Saints Slept, covered the period of the English Civil War between Maude, Henry’s mother, and Stephen, who seized the English after Henry I death, even though Henry had exacted an oath from his barons to honor his choice of Maude as heir. In that book, Penman does an outstanding job of presenting both sides of that bitter, 19 year war that devastated England.
She does an equally brilliant job in presenting both sides of the increasingly acrimonious and finally lethal conflict between Henry and Beckett over the respective boundaries of power of Church and State. The long view of history is on Henry’s side. BUT, in the context of the 12th century, as Penman so deftly shows, not only was that not clear but there was also a powerful argument on Beckett’s side. Two different men--less stubborn, less proud--might have been able to settle the differences; there were certainly countless attempts to do so, especially efforts by the then-pope. But Penman makes clear that both men were at fault for their inability to yield. The controversy which ended in the murder of Becket was one of the most dramatic events of the Middle Ages; it was recorded in detail. Equally so with Beckett’s murder; there were five eyewitnesses, who wrote detailed accounts. So Penman has plenty of rich material to work with, and she does an outstanding job.
Just as fascinating is her rendition of the marriage between Henry and Eleanor, the probable causes for their increasing estrangement, which no doubt will culminate in her third and final book on Henry and Eleanor. But Penman does a masterful job in her presentation of the couple, again showing both sides of the troubles between them. It’s nearly impossible, however, not to side with Eleanor, arguably the most powerful and fascinating woman of the Middle Ages.
Stashed in between the two central dramas are wars with the Welsh and various rebellious barons of Henry’s domains, and the tension between Henry and Louis VII, the St.Louis of French history, with whom Henry had to walk a fine line as he struggled both to keep his lands on the continent and expand his power whenever the opportunity arose.
In Penman’s hands, all the characters come alive. Henry, Eleanor, and especially Beckett reveal themselves both in words and actions to be complex characters. Penman is particularly good at dialogue. Most of her main cast are historical figures; carried over from her first book is the fictional character of Ranulf, supposedly one of Henry I’s many illegitimate children (as Penman puts it, Henry had at least 20, so why not use one of them), and therefore uncle to Henry II. Ranulf serves beautifully, as he did in the first book, as an window on the Welsh at this time, important actors during Henry’s reign.
I particularly liked the structure of the book, which she used in When Christ and his Saints Slept. Segmented into slices of time set in particular locales, the structure is very effective, allowing for abrupt changes in time and place without disrupting the narrative in the slightest. There is also a nice sketch of England and France, showing the locations of major cities, towns, and castles, especially those that play an important part in the story. The book opens in July, 1156 at Chinon Castle in France and ends in Wales in 1171, with much unresolved, waiting the final chapter in The Devil’s Brood.
There is no finer historical fiction that I know of. Highly recommended.
Show More
twin foci of the book; given the tumultuous events of Henry’s reign, who, as well as being the ruler of England, controlled more land in France the King of France (although Henry was nominally a vassal of the French king), there is plenty of drama to fill the pages of this superbly told and equally well-written book.Penman’s first in the series, When Christ and His Saints Slept, covered the period of the English Civil War between Maude, Henry’s mother, and Stephen, who seized the English after Henry I death, even though Henry had exacted an oath from his barons to honor his choice of Maude as heir. In that book, Penman does an outstanding job of presenting both sides of that bitter, 19 year war that devastated England.
She does an equally brilliant job in presenting both sides of the increasingly acrimonious and finally lethal conflict between Henry and Beckett over the respective boundaries of power of Church and State. The long view of history is on Henry’s side. BUT, in the context of the 12th century, as Penman so deftly shows, not only was that not clear but there was also a powerful argument on Beckett’s side. Two different men--less stubborn, less proud--might have been able to settle the differences; there were certainly countless attempts to do so, especially efforts by the then-pope. But Penman makes clear that both men were at fault for their inability to yield. The controversy which ended in the murder of Becket was one of the most dramatic events of the Middle Ages; it was recorded in detail. Equally so with Beckett’s murder; there were five eyewitnesses, who wrote detailed accounts. So Penman has plenty of rich material to work with, and she does an outstanding job.
Just as fascinating is her rendition of the marriage between Henry and Eleanor, the probable causes for their increasing estrangement, which no doubt will culminate in her third and final book on Henry and Eleanor. But Penman does a masterful job in her presentation of the couple, again showing both sides of the troubles between them. It’s nearly impossible, however, not to side with Eleanor, arguably the most powerful and fascinating woman of the Middle Ages.
Stashed in between the two central dramas are wars with the Welsh and various rebellious barons of Henry’s domains, and the tension between Henry and Louis VII, the St.Louis of French history, with whom Henry had to walk a fine line as he struggled both to keep his lands on the continent and expand his power whenever the opportunity arose.
In Penman’s hands, all the characters come alive. Henry, Eleanor, and especially Beckett reveal themselves both in words and actions to be complex characters. Penman is particularly good at dialogue. Most of her main cast are historical figures; carried over from her first book is the fictional character of Ranulf, supposedly one of Henry I’s many illegitimate children (as Penman puts it, Henry had at least 20, so why not use one of them), and therefore uncle to Henry II. Ranulf serves beautifully, as he did in the first book, as an window on the Welsh at this time, important actors during Henry’s reign.
I particularly liked the structure of the book, which she used in When Christ and his Saints Slept. Segmented into slices of time set in particular locales, the structure is very effective, allowing for abrupt changes in time and place without disrupting the narrative in the slightest. There is also a nice sketch of England and France, showing the locations of major cities, towns, and castles, especially those that play an important part in the story. The book opens in July, 1156 at Chinon Castle in France and ends in Wales in 1171, with much unresolved, waiting the final chapter in The Devil’s Brood.
There is no finer historical fiction that I know of. Highly recommended.
Show Less
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
At her best (Sunne in Splendour, Here Be Dragons) Penman is numbered among my favorite authors. Those favorites greatly moved me and are memorable years afterwards. There's only one book of hers I've read I ever found tedious--and that's her recent novel "Lionheart" about Richard the I of
This particular book is the second in a trilogy about Henry Fitz-Empress, King of England who with his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine ruled an empire that rivaled Charlemagne's. The first book, "When Christ and His Saints Slept" didn't quite reach the heights of Penman's best for me, but was still fascinating in its contrasting portraits of Henry's mother, Matilda and her cousin Stephen who vied for rule of England. This book is perhaps a notch below that one, but still very entertaining with no dull spots. The pair contrasted and centered upon n this book is the relationship between Henry and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, If given what I knew about history Matilda was the surprise of the first book, Beckett is the surprise of the second. Beckett is usually presented as, well, a saint--or at least a hero fighting the oppression of the state. The matter isn' so simple as Penman presents it and more often than not it was Beckett I found utterly exasperating--my sympathies by and large were with Henry. The book is also interesting in its picture of the deteriorating marriage between Henry and Eleanor which no doubt is destined for a messy crackup in the next book and last book of the trilogy--"The Devil's Brood"--which I'm already reading and enjoying. If you enjoy works based on medieval history Penman is definitely worth your checking out.
Show More
England.This particular book is the second in a trilogy about Henry Fitz-Empress, King of England who with his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine ruled an empire that rivaled Charlemagne's. The first book, "When Christ and His Saints Slept" didn't quite reach the heights of Penman's best for me, but was still fascinating in its contrasting portraits of Henry's mother, Matilda and her cousin Stephen who vied for rule of England. This book is perhaps a notch below that one, but still very entertaining with no dull spots. The pair contrasted and centered upon n this book is the relationship between Henry and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, If given what I knew about history Matilda was the surprise of the first book, Beckett is the surprise of the second. Beckett is usually presented as, well, a saint--or at least a hero fighting the oppression of the state. The matter isn' so simple as Penman presents it and more often than not it was Beckett I found utterly exasperating--my sympathies by and large were with Henry. The book is also interesting in its picture of the deteriorating marriage between Henry and Eleanor which no doubt is destined for a messy crackup in the next book and last book of the trilogy--"The Devil's Brood"--which I'm already reading and enjoying. If you enjoy works based on medieval history Penman is definitely worth your checking out.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lookingforpenguins
The second novel in Sharon Kay Penman's Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy was released in 2003 under the title Time and Chance. Picking up where When Christ and His Saints Slept left off, it continues to follow the fascinating story of the Plantagenet's quest to rule England, Normandy and ultimately far
In Time and Chance, it is Maude's eldest son, Henry, who picks up the fight for the crown and goes on to become King Henry II. But England and Normandy are just a small piece of the empire Henry would come to rule. Enter Eleanor of Aquitaine, the infamous beauty who would become the one woman in history to hold both the title of Queen of France and Queen of England in her lifetime.
Penman's characterization of Eleanor is riveting. Shrewdly intelligent and ambitious, it is Eleanor who orchestrates her divorce from the overly-pious King Louis VII and throws her lot in with Henry instead. As a result, Henry and Eleanor ruled an empire that stretched all the way to the Mediterranean -- not an easy piece of real estate to manage in the 12th century -- and much of Time and Chance is concerned with the various upheavals and rebellions Henry had to quell.
Despite their hectic schedule, Henry and Eleanor still find time to produce eight children (lovingly referred to by later chroniclers as "the Devil's brood") and Henry, like most other royal men, found himself a mistress by the name of Rosamund.
One of the more interesting aspects of Time and Chance is the exploration of Henry's complicated relationship with Thomas Becket, his friend, chancellor and later Archbishop of Canterbury. As the legend goes, Henry and Thomas had a falling out and Henry, out of frustration, asked the infamous question: "Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?!" Or at least, words to this effect. (Penman wisely chooses a variation of this phrase in Time and Chance.) Regardless of the exact phraseology -- history is a bit fuzzy on this point -- the result was catastrophic. Thomas Becket was murdered in his own church, paving the way for his martyrdom and haunting Henry for the rest of his life.
If there are any problems, it is with the sheer volume of historic events Penmen packs into this novel. Events of such a grand scale led to a fracture in the flow of the narrative. After building tension with Henry and Beckett, the conflict then goes unmentioned for several chapters. Likewise with Henry's stormy relationship with Eleanor. The result is a somewhat disjointed feeling to the story, although Penman must be forgiven for this considering the large time frame she is covering.
Despite this small flaw, there is no reason not to pick up this second book of the trilogy. Time and Chance focuses on the political scene of the 12th century and provides the necessary broader picture that paves the way for the newly-released Devil's Brood, which explores, on a more personal level, the disintegration of Henry and Eleanor's marriage and the hornet's nest of children they produced.
Show More
beyond.In Time and Chance, it is Maude's eldest son, Henry, who picks up the fight for the crown and goes on to become King Henry II. But England and Normandy are just a small piece of the empire Henry would come to rule. Enter Eleanor of Aquitaine, the infamous beauty who would become the one woman in history to hold both the title of Queen of France and Queen of England in her lifetime.
Penman's characterization of Eleanor is riveting. Shrewdly intelligent and ambitious, it is Eleanor who orchestrates her divorce from the overly-pious King Louis VII and throws her lot in with Henry instead. As a result, Henry and Eleanor ruled an empire that stretched all the way to the Mediterranean -- not an easy piece of real estate to manage in the 12th century -- and much of Time and Chance is concerned with the various upheavals and rebellions Henry had to quell.
Despite their hectic schedule, Henry and Eleanor still find time to produce eight children (lovingly referred to by later chroniclers as "the Devil's brood") and Henry, like most other royal men, found himself a mistress by the name of Rosamund.
One of the more interesting aspects of Time and Chance is the exploration of Henry's complicated relationship with Thomas Becket, his friend, chancellor and later Archbishop of Canterbury. As the legend goes, Henry and Thomas had a falling out and Henry, out of frustration, asked the infamous question: "Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?!" Or at least, words to this effect. (Penman wisely chooses a variation of this phrase in Time and Chance.) Regardless of the exact phraseology -- history is a bit fuzzy on this point -- the result was catastrophic. Thomas Becket was murdered in his own church, paving the way for his martyrdom and haunting Henry for the rest of his life.
If there are any problems, it is with the sheer volume of historic events Penmen packs into this novel. Events of such a grand scale led to a fracture in the flow of the narrative. After building tension with Henry and Beckett, the conflict then goes unmentioned for several chapters. Likewise with Henry's stormy relationship with Eleanor. The result is a somewhat disjointed feeling to the story, although Penman must be forgiven for this considering the large time frame she is covering.
Despite this small flaw, there is no reason not to pick up this second book of the trilogy. Time and Chance focuses on the political scene of the 12th century and provides the necessary broader picture that paves the way for the newly-released Devil's Brood, which explores, on a more personal level, the disintegration of Henry and Eleanor's marriage and the hornet's nest of children they produced.
Show Less
LibraryThing member RockStarNinja
I defiantly liked 'When Christ and His Saints Slept' better, but 'Time and Chance' is a great read makes me want to dive right into 'Devils Brood'. For me this is one of those books where you can tell it is building up to some kind of big ending.
LibraryThing member lrobe190
Recreates the tumultuous marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, presenting a tale filled with love, ambition, betrayal, and murder. Sharon Kay Penman has a way of telling a story that captures the reader immediately and doesn't let go until the very last page. She is a historiam and her
Show More
novels are very well-researched. Even though you know the story and how it will end, you can't help identifying with the characters and hoping for a different outcome. If you never enjoyed history in high school, but want to learn more about the royalty of England, Penman is the author to read. Book 2 of the Eleanor of Aquitane series. Show Less
LibraryThing member lindymc
This novel covers the first years of Henry II's reign, with emphasis on the developing feud with Thomas Beckett, the archbishop of Canterbury and ending with Beckett's murder in 1170. Quote from which the title comes: "Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to
Show More
the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to men of skill, but time and chance happen to them all." Ecclesiastes Show Less
LibraryThing member Kathleen828
06/16/02
As has become unfortunately usual, this is the first Sharon Kay Penman that I have ever purchased, upon publication, in hardback.
I say unfortunately usual because, SKP has unerringly followed the pattern of others of my favorite authors. Though Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Thomas à
In her 3 earliest works, SKP captivated me, instructed me and made me eager to read more of her. Had I read this one first, I would have thought, "ok" and never pursued her other works.
This is a thoroughly workmanlike work -- but it has no fire.
And this brings me back to my first statement -- because - every time I become truly enamored of an author, and finally consider them good enough to buy a hardback unread, they invariably present me with a work in no way up to the standard they have set.
As has become unfortunately usual, this is the first Sharon Kay Penman that I have ever purchased, upon publication, in hardback.
I say unfortunately usual because, SKP has unerringly followed the pattern of others of my favorite authors. Though Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Thomas à
Show More
Becket are three of the most well-documented, fractious and intriguing medieval personalities, in this work they are not particularly interesting or exciting.In her 3 earliest works, SKP captivated me, instructed me and made me eager to read more of her. Had I read this one first, I would have thought, "ok" and never pursued her other works.
This is a thoroughly workmanlike work -- but it has no fire.
And this brings me back to my first statement -- because - every time I become truly enamored of an author, and finally consider them good enough to buy a hardback unread, they invariably present me with a work in no way up to the standard they have set.
Show Less
LibraryThing member dread_ex
Very diappointing follow up to While Christ and his Saints Slept. Instead of spending timwith Henry and Eleanor of Aquitaine, she takes the reader on a travelog through Wales following a fiictional character and his trials and tribulations, giving Henry's conflict with Thomas Becket short shift.
Show More
Eleanor appears flat and lifeless. She is more alive and interesting in the Justin de Quincy mysteries.. I am not sure if I will pick up Devil's Broos when it comes out. Show Less
LibraryThing member nellista
Reading a Penman novel is for me like watching a movie played out in your mind. It all feels so very real. I had read the previous book in the trilogy, While Christ and His Saints Slept, about 4 years ago, and I was a little concerned about how I was going to pick up the action, but it was like
Show More
meeting old friends. In this book, we see the struggles between Henry II and Thomas Becket, the start of the division between Henry and Eleanor, and strife in Wales that predates SKP's Welsh trilogy marvelously. After reading this, I know that The Devil's Brood is going to be a action packed read, and I won't be waiting too long to dive into that! Show Less
LibraryThing member turtlesleap
Penman's account of Henry II's tempestuous relationship with Thomas Becket is as compelling as earlier novels about Welsh history in this era. All of the characters are well drawn and Penman is careful with her research. Digressions from known history are acknowledged in the book's afterward. This
Show More
one is strongly recommended for those interested in the period as well as for those who merely enjoy a good novel. Show Less
LibraryThing member emmakendon
Penman nearly up to Sunne in Splendour quality.
LibraryThing member KatharineDB
A great read from one of my favorite authors. Stayed up way to late reading- caught in the turbulent marriage of Henry and Eleanore of Aquitaine. Ms. Penman never lets me down...
LibraryThing member Misfit
Another enjoyable book from SKP, but I didn't find this quite as interesting as her others, and a bit slower than When Christ and His Saints Slept. It's probably just me, but I didn't find the whole Thomas Becket saga all that fascinating, albeit it is an important part of English history.
I did
I am anxiously awaiting the publishing of the last in this series, The Devil's Brood, which I suspect will be the most fascinating, as it covers the period when the animosity between Henry and Eleanor heats up and the power plays for her sons. I read on the author's website that she's had health issues that have slowed down completion of the book, hopefully out in 2008.
I did
Show More
like the fact that the author continued with the Welsh side of the story, as so many authors of English history paint the Welsh as pagen barbarians. I am anxiously awaiting the publishing of the last in this series, The Devil's Brood, which I suspect will be the most fascinating, as it covers the period when the animosity between Henry and Eleanor heats up and the power plays for her sons. I read on the author's website that she's had health issues that have slowed down completion of the book, hopefully out in 2008.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
It’s greatly recommended - no actually you SHOULD read When Christ and his Saints Slept. Not only does it give you the background, an introduction to some characters that are featured in this book, and a lot of history, Time and Chance is a continuation of previously mentioned novel.
There’s
It was interesting to see the friendship between Thomas Becket and King Henry. It just deteriorated as you progress through the book (sometimes you feel like they’re bickering like children and you want to send them to their respective corners) it was interesting to see what happened that led up to Thomas getting killed.
What was also interesting was when Rosamund enters the picture. Now, I’m all Team Eleanor when it comes to this issue (in fact, if I was Eleanor things would have ended up bloody if I were standing face to face with someone like Rosamund). I didn’t really like her, not just because she ended up breaking the band but because she just seemed like an empty headed bimbo with no purpose whatsoever except to make Henry happy (I’m sure he liked it that way too). I really did sympathize with Eleanor in this book. Not only was she extremely strong in so many ways (seriously Henry? making her pop out child after child and having Rosamund on the side? wow. Talk about having the cake and eating it whole) and I loved reading about her. She’s a fascinating character, especially for being a woman during that particular time period.
This was a great book to read. A lot of information to swallow, a lot of rich fantastic characters that make the plot interesting and run smoothly. A must read for historical fiction fans, and fans of Sharon Kay Penman. Those curious would be better off with When Christ and his Saints Slept (where everything begins).
There’s
Show More
just something about Penman’s words that weaves the entire story into one very long epic movie like book. Everything is so well written, and descriptions are spot on and accurate. There are a lot of characters, yet maybe around 3 or 4 will stand out to you and you’ll take a liking to them. All the characters are written, and have distinct personalities to make them easier to remember. Some from the previous novel are also mentioned (Ranulf for example, who is one of my favorites). You do find yourself attached to some characters - I was happy to see William Marshall! he quickly became a favorite of mine. It was interesting to see the friendship between Thomas Becket and King Henry. It just deteriorated as you progress through the book (sometimes you feel like they’re bickering like children and you want to send them to their respective corners) it was interesting to see what happened that led up to Thomas getting killed.
What was also interesting was when Rosamund enters the picture. Now, I’m all Team Eleanor when it comes to this issue (in fact, if I was Eleanor things would have ended up bloody if I were standing face to face with someone like Rosamund). I didn’t really like her, not just because she ended up breaking the band but because she just seemed like an empty headed bimbo with no purpose whatsoever except to make Henry happy (I’m sure he liked it that way too). I really did sympathize with Eleanor in this book. Not only was she extremely strong in so many ways (seriously Henry? making her pop out child after child and having Rosamund on the side? wow. Talk about having the cake and eating it whole) and I loved reading about her. She’s a fascinating character, especially for being a woman during that particular time period.
This was a great book to read. A lot of information to swallow, a lot of rich fantastic characters that make the plot interesting and run smoothly. A must read for historical fiction fans, and fans of Sharon Kay Penman. Those curious would be better off with When Christ and his Saints Slept (where everything begins).
Show Less
LibraryThing member mojacobs
I'm not a great fan of historical novels, but Sharon Penman always keeps me reading - and her books are great big fat ones. Thiis is the second book about Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and deals for a large part with Henry's troubles with Thomas Beckett. Great reading.
LibraryThing member Helenliz
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous book. It felt that it jumped about too much, and didn't cover the period as well as it might. The disagreement between Henry 1 and Thomas Becket was detailed well, with the exasperation of both parties being made quite clear. But the equally interesting
I also found it slightly annoying that there were explanations of things that had occured in the previous book. I know you can't expect everyone to have read the previous book, but it got on my nerves a bit.
Overall, good but not brilliant.
Show More
estrangement between Henry and Eleanor appeared glossed over in contrast. I also found it slightly annoying that there were explanations of things that had occured in the previous book. I know you can't expect everyone to have read the previous book, but it got on my nerves a bit.
Overall, good but not brilliant.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ELEkstrom
The story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine continues in this second book of a trilogy. Once again it is well-written, well-researched and paced as Henry assumes the throne of England and his marriage to Eleanor, a marriage that shocked 12th century Europe, begins to unravel.
Ranulf's story
The well-known story of Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury is told in an exceptional manner. Known for the Peter O'Toole/Richard Burton film to most, Thomas Becket rose from unknown clerk to chancellor to Archbishop of Canterbury thanks to Henry's patronage and friendship - but it is a friendship strained when Becket does a volt face and becomes, in my opinion, a bit too holier than Jesus and sets himself up for martyrdom. I wonder if that wasn't what he had in mind all along. He forbids the King to interfere in the discipline of 'criminous clerks,' clergy and monks accused of secular crimes; he excommunicates his enemies on Christmas Day after preaching a sermon on the text "Peace on Earth and Good Will to All Men," just days after returning from a self-imposed exile in France. About that exile: and when he flees to France rather than answer to the King, he says of his family who is exiled with him that he doesn't care if they are flayed alive as long as their souls are pure. Hmmmm....
The story ends on a melancholy note, with Henry full of regrets, especially for one of his notorious outbursts that inspires four knights to kill Becket with the hope of winning Henry's favor. It all backfired and Henry now has to answer for Becket's murder to the world - and it's only going to get worse.
Another strongly recommended book - a page turner.
Ranulf's story
Show More
continues and becomes more interesting as he makes Wales his home and his loyalties are torn.The well-known story of Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury is told in an exceptional manner. Known for the Peter O'Toole/Richard Burton film to most, Thomas Becket rose from unknown clerk to chancellor to Archbishop of Canterbury thanks to Henry's patronage and friendship - but it is a friendship strained when Becket does a volt face and becomes, in my opinion, a bit too holier than Jesus and sets himself up for martyrdom. I wonder if that wasn't what he had in mind all along. He forbids the King to interfere in the discipline of 'criminous clerks,' clergy and monks accused of secular crimes; he excommunicates his enemies on Christmas Day after preaching a sermon on the text "Peace on Earth and Good Will to All Men," just days after returning from a self-imposed exile in France. About that exile: and when he flees to France rather than answer to the King, he says of his family who is exiled with him that he doesn't care if they are flayed alive as long as their souls are pure. Hmmmm....
The story ends on a melancholy note, with Henry full of regrets, especially for one of his notorious outbursts that inspires four knights to kill Becket with the hope of winning Henry's favor. It all backfired and Henry now has to answer for Becket's murder to the world - and it's only going to get worse.
Another strongly recommended book - a page turner.
Show Less
LibraryThing member maryreinert
This is another great Penman novel -- historically accurate, well developed characters, and good job of making complicated politics come alive. I gave it a four rather than a five simply because I did think it was a bit harder to follow than some of her other works, but that is probably because the
It's been many years since I've seen Richard Burton as Becket, but this has inspired me to review what I do remember as a wonderful movie -- great companion piece to Time and chance
Show More
time was so complicated. And, the inclusion of so much of the Welsh events just seemed to "interfere"at time and not really fit.It's been many years since I've seen Richard Burton as Becket, but this has inspired me to review what I do remember as a wonderful movie -- great companion piece to Time and chance
Show Less
LibraryThing member Pondlife
Another good and readable chunk of English and Welsh history, covering the period from 1156 to 1171, when Henry II was King of England.
I'd read "When Christ and His Saints Slept" several years before reading this, so I was familiar with the background and some of the characters.
My main criticisms
Having said that, I found this a good and readable account of an interesting period of English history, with Henry II, the future kings Richard I and John as children, and the Thomas Becket affair and assassination.
I'd read "When Christ and His Saints Slept" several years before reading this, so I was familiar with the background and some of the characters.
My main criticisms
Show More
of this are the use of fictional characters like Ranulf, although I can see why SKP found this necessary; and that sometimes it feels like she puts words in people's mouths that they would never really have said.Having said that, I found this a good and readable account of an interesting period of English history, with Henry II, the future kings Richard I and John as children, and the Thomas Becket affair and assassination.
Show Less
LibraryThing member cyderry
Henry II of England was a formidable historical figure - just think of all that he accomplished or was involved with - Henry FitzEmpress later known as Henry Plantagenet, ruled as Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Count of Nantes, King of England (1154–89) and
This part of the trilogy concerns the time of strife when Harry was in constant disagreement with Thomas Becket, his Archbishop of Canterbury, over the manner in which the punishment of the clergy concerning wrongdoings. Becket wanted he Church to maintain its sovereignty and Harry wanted the misdeeds punished under normal English law. In the end, after 6 years of exile, Becket was murdered.
Thinking of all that you would believe that the story that was told here would have been a bit boring, but Harry is brought to life with all his vigor, faults, and personality that this reader is eager to take up the next part of the tale of King Henry and Queen Eleanor.
Show More
Lord of Ireland; he also controlled Wales, Scotland and Brittany. He fathered 8 children on Eleanor of Aquitaine, two who later became king - Richard the Lion-hearted and John of Robin Hood fame.This part of the trilogy concerns the time of strife when Harry was in constant disagreement with Thomas Becket, his Archbishop of Canterbury, over the manner in which the punishment of the clergy concerning wrongdoings. Becket wanted he Church to maintain its sovereignty and Harry wanted the misdeeds punished under normal English law. In the end, after 6 years of exile, Becket was murdered.
Thinking of all that you would believe that the story that was told here would have been a bit boring, but Harry is brought to life with all his vigor, faults, and personality that this reader is eager to take up the next part of the tale of King Henry and Queen Eleanor.
Show Less
LibraryThing member gbelik
This second volume of Penman's trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine covers about 15years and includes Thomas Becket elevation to Archbishop of Canterbury and the feud between Henry and Thomas leading to Thomas's murder in the Cathedral. Henry and Eleanor also grow apart during these
The life of a king in the medieval world was certainly not one of leisure, particularly for Henry whose domain included England, Wales and a good part of France. One noble or another was constantly overstepping his bounds and had to be subjugated in battle. Betrayal seemed to be a constant fact of life. Communication was all across distance at the speed of a horse or a ship. As well as being a wonderfully told personal story, this book is a great introduction to medieval life.
Show More
years. These books are a great study of the character of Henry and Eleanor as well as a painless way into Medieval History. No attempt is made to really understand Thomas Becket's personal motivation in his estrangement from Henry and change from worldly adviser to religious ascetic; the author says she made a conscious choice not to explain what others have been unable to know after 800 years. The life of a king in the medieval world was certainly not one of leisure, particularly for Henry whose domain included England, Wales and a good part of France. One noble or another was constantly overstepping his bounds and had to be subjugated in battle. Betrayal seemed to be a constant fact of life. Communication was all across distance at the speed of a horse or a ship. As well as being a wonderfully told personal story, this book is a great introduction to medieval life.
Show Less
LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
After Henry II ended the civil war by taking the throne, his next big crisis was the struggle with Thomas a Becket, and the Church. The novel covers that period and the martyrdom is well described. The other theme is the evolution of the Henry and Eleanor's marriage. This is the best time in it. we
Show More
also have a visit to the Welsh marches to begin weaving some other themes in this corpus. Show Less
LibraryThing member sds6565
The book was ponderous and slow moving
LibraryThing member aapjebaapje
1156-1171. Only a few years but sufficient to cover the deterioration of Henry’s relationship with Thomas Beckett, with his queen, Eleanor and carrying the theme on, with his fictional uncle Ranulf. Unfortunately I kept waiting for Beckett to be murdered – a little learning is a dangerous
Show More
thing. Penman writes somewhere between novel and a history book. I felt like I’d had a history lesson where all the characters were real people rather than two-dimensional figures from a by-gone age but a history lesson all the same. Show Less
LibraryThing member japaul22
This is the second book in Penman's historical fiction series about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. This book covers the first half or so of their marriage and the birth of their many children and historical events through the murder of Thomas Becket. As always, I enjoy Penman's brand of
Show More
historical fiction. She sticks to true events and real people (with one exception that kind of bothered me in this book) and uses the fiction to imagine the motivations and inner thoughts of her characters. I've still not found any of her books that measure up to her first book, The Sunne in Splendor about Richard III, but this was good. Show Less
Media reviews
"So well does Penman integrate her assiduous research into her tale that we have no doubt that this is the way it must have been."
"Unfortunately, this long-anticipated novel lacks animation."
"Perfect for fans of battles lost and won, on the field and in the boudoir, by a vivid cast of characters doing their best to make history live."
Language
Original language
English
Other editions
Time and Chance by Sharon Kay Penman (Paperback)