Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
New York : G. P. Putnam's Sons, c2008.
Description
The third installment of a trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine traces the collapse of the royal family in the aftermath of Henry's self-imposed exile to Ireland, as Eleanor and Henry's three eldest sons enter into a rebellion against him.
User reviews
LibraryThing member cyderry
And we thought that kids nowadays got into trouble….
In this final installment of the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, we are given the account of their four rebellious and ungrateful sons as well as the flawed judgment of the father and mother. Each son (Hal, the young king, Richard -
Normally in a story of this type there are heroes and villains, but not so here, probably because it is based on truth. We are dealing with flawed humans who not always are thinking or acting clearly but are passionate in their desires, selfish, exercising poor judgment or no judgment at all.
Henry could not understand why his sons would be so ungrateful as to rebel against his authority. He did not feel that they were mature enough to handle the reins of power, however, when they cited his experiences at the same age, he could not justify his delays to them. Henry's issues appeared to be with trust throughout his life - his father trusted him at an early age, but he could not trust his sons which only brought about the rebellions that repeatedly threatened his kingdom and his life. He could forgive many of those involved in the rebellion but the betrayal of his Queen Eleanor was the wound that he could not heal which only drove his sons farther away.
Not only is the reader treated to the historical accounts of the events of the reign of Henry II but we are also shown the driving forces of the other 2 sons - Hal, the young King, and Geoffrey the Duke of Brittany - who did not live to wear the crown of England. We know of Richard the Lionheart as well as evil King John, but rarely are we treated to such a personal look at the other two sons who frequently were in the forefront of the rebellions and the reasoning that drove the battles between father and sons.
The characters were brought to life so thoroughly on these pages that often I wanted to shake a few and say, what are you thinking? No matter what, the historical events of the 12th century depicted throughout this meticulously researched book, are woven spectacularly into a tale of a dysfunctional family worthy of 21st century reality TV.
In this final installment of the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, we are given the account of their four rebellious and ungrateful sons as well as the flawed judgment of the father and mother. Each son (Hal, the young king, Richard -
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Duke of Aquitaine, Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany, and John) has grievances with the power that King Henry holds on the regions of his kingdom. Each wants the reins to be slackened and the management to be theirs but Henry cannot give up his domination over the lands and the brothers join together to wrest control away.Normally in a story of this type there are heroes and villains, but not so here, probably because it is based on truth. We are dealing with flawed humans who not always are thinking or acting clearly but are passionate in their desires, selfish, exercising poor judgment or no judgment at all.
Henry could not understand why his sons would be so ungrateful as to rebel against his authority. He did not feel that they were mature enough to handle the reins of power, however, when they cited his experiences at the same age, he could not justify his delays to them. Henry's issues appeared to be with trust throughout his life - his father trusted him at an early age, but he could not trust his sons which only brought about the rebellions that repeatedly threatened his kingdom and his life. He could forgive many of those involved in the rebellion but the betrayal of his Queen Eleanor was the wound that he could not heal which only drove his sons farther away.
Not only is the reader treated to the historical accounts of the events of the reign of Henry II but we are also shown the driving forces of the other 2 sons - Hal, the young King, and Geoffrey the Duke of Brittany - who did not live to wear the crown of England. We know of Richard the Lionheart as well as evil King John, but rarely are we treated to such a personal look at the other two sons who frequently were in the forefront of the rebellions and the reasoning that drove the battles between father and sons.
The characters were brought to life so thoroughly on these pages that often I wanted to shake a few and say, what are you thinking? No matter what, the historical events of the 12th century depicted throughout this meticulously researched book, are woven spectacularly into a tale of a dysfunctional family worthy of 21st century reality TV.
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LibraryThing member Misfit
Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine thought they had it all - the greatest empire since Charlemagne, healthy children including the heir and several to spare - so how did it all go so wrong? The Devil's Brood takes up the story where Time and Chance left off with the murder of Thomas
This was a fascinating story of a brilliant, powerful king whose blind love and trust in his sons lead him to make mistakes in judgment that eventually lead to his downfall. I also loved seeing a different side of the haughty, queenly Eleanor we saw in Time and Chance, as unlike her sons she does come to recognize the wrongness (well sometimes) of her actions and the cataclysmic effects those actions had on her family. Some readers may find the first part of this book a bit slow paced as Penman does spend time setting up the back history of Henry, Eleanor and the Becket murder, but hang in there as about half way through when the boys start turning on each other the pages literally started flying. Penman's dialogue was exceptional, although I couldn't decide who got the best lines, Henry or Richard - they just smoked off the page!
One of Penman's great strengths is to take the most complex political situations and put them into a story that not only entertains the reader but educates at the same time. Five stars and it appears from the author's notes and a recent blog interview that this will not be a trilogy, she will continue the story of Eleanor, Richard and John in one more book. Hurray!
For those of you coming away from this book wanting to know about William Marshal, I highly recommend Elizabeth Chadwick's The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion. They are hard to find in the US, but readily available in the UK and Canada.
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Becket, as Henry returns from his self imposed exile to Ireland. Henry's three eldest sons are chafing at the bit to have lands and power of their own and egged on by Louis of France they join with their mother Eleanor in rebellion against their father. In time Henry quells the rebellion and forgives his sons, but he cannot forgive his wife and queen and he imprisons her. Even though Henry forgave his sons, they are still not happy with his generosity and it eventually leads to more power struggles and back-biting amongst the brothers, particularly young Hal, who suffers the ultimate punishment for his reckless deeds. This was a fascinating story of a brilliant, powerful king whose blind love and trust in his sons lead him to make mistakes in judgment that eventually lead to his downfall. I also loved seeing a different side of the haughty, queenly Eleanor we saw in Time and Chance, as unlike her sons she does come to recognize the wrongness (well sometimes) of her actions and the cataclysmic effects those actions had on her family. Some readers may find the first part of this book a bit slow paced as Penman does spend time setting up the back history of Henry, Eleanor and the Becket murder, but hang in there as about half way through when the boys start turning on each other the pages literally started flying. Penman's dialogue was exceptional, although I couldn't decide who got the best lines, Henry or Richard - they just smoked off the page!
One of Penman's great strengths is to take the most complex political situations and put them into a story that not only entertains the reader but educates at the same time. Five stars and it appears from the author's notes and a recent blog interview that this will not be a trilogy, she will continue the story of Eleanor, Richard and John in one more book. Hurray!
For those of you coming away from this book wanting to know about William Marshal, I highly recommend Elizabeth Chadwick's The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion. They are hard to find in the US, but readily available in the UK and Canada.
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LibraryThing member turtlesleap
Penman has scored another coup with her account of the lives and turbulent times of Henry II and his rebellious queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. This was a time of legend, populated by people who seem, even today, larger than life. Penman has breathed vitallity into her characters and created an
My only discomfort with this work, and it does not impair enjoyment, is Penman's projection of present-day values into the lives of 12th Century people, especially as regards the loss of children. In 12th Century Europe, average life expectancies were low principally because of astronomically high infant mortality. Some authorities estimate that 40 percent of children died before the age of six. While there is no question that the parents grieved, it is also likely that each birth brought with it some expectation of loss and probably, given the religious conviction of the times, with not the same sense of devastation experienced by modern parents and attributed to Penman's characters.
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intimacy and understanding of their motivations which has tremendous power and appeal, played out against the backdrop of turbulent history. My only discomfort with this work, and it does not impair enjoyment, is Penman's projection of present-day values into the lives of 12th Century people, especially as regards the loss of children. In 12th Century Europe, average life expectancies were low principally because of astronomically high infant mortality. Some authorities estimate that 40 percent of children died before the age of six. While there is no question that the parents grieved, it is also likely that each birth brought with it some expectation of loss and probably, given the religious conviction of the times, with not the same sense of devastation experienced by modern parents and attributed to Penman's characters.
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LibraryThing member lookingforpenguins
Devil's Brood is the long-awaited latest installment of Sharon Kay Penman's brilliant Eleanor of Aquitaine series. Preceeded by When Christ and His Saints Slept and Time and Chance, Devil's Brood seamlessly picks up the story of King Henry II and his dysfunctional family just as his eldest children
Where Saints and Time and Chance were a recounting of the convoluted politics of the time and the circumstances that led to Henry's grabbing of the crown and his marriage to Eleanor, the famous Aquitaine heiress and former Queen of France, Devil's Brood is a portrait of a family disintegration. Penman was faced with the difficult challenge of supplying credible motivations for these larger-than-life historical figures, something that often cannot be gleaned from pure research. Happily, she exceeded expectations and has produced not only an historically accurate and detailed novel, but a psychological study of a family meltdown.
Penman succeeded in avoiding one-dimensional characters with singular motivations. Like most families, the Plantagenet family falls apart due to human failings still found today: infidelity, immature and rebellious teenagers, pride and stubbornness. Each character has an opportunity to stop this train wreck, yet none do and tragedy ensues.
The only character who escapes Penman's analysis is Rosamund Clifford, Henry's mistress and a thorn in Eleanor's side. Although she has quite a role in the story, it is unfortunate that her motivations are simplistic and a bit of a cliche: she appears to be only an insipid and vapid goody two-shoes. Any sympathy or understanding for her character is difficult to muster and her eventual exit from the Plantagenet's lives is somewhat of a relief, if only because reading about her becomes quite tiring.
Penman is a master of dialogue and Devil's Brood continues her tradition. Few historical fiction authors have the ability to seamlessly weave such pertinent period information into their dialogue. She also provides biting wit, which in the case of Henry and Eleanor is particularly appropriate (how many of us can forget Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn battling it out in The Lion in Winter?)
Fans who have eagerly awaited this release will not, thankfully, be disappointed in this newest Penman novel and I daresay some new fans will be created who will now join in the vigil for the next novel in the series. Whether you must beg, borrow or steal (or perhaps just simply purchase) this book, do so. You won't be sorry you did.
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reach adulthood and begin wreaking havoc in Henry's world.Where Saints and Time and Chance were a recounting of the convoluted politics of the time and the circumstances that led to Henry's grabbing of the crown and his marriage to Eleanor, the famous Aquitaine heiress and former Queen of France, Devil's Brood is a portrait of a family disintegration. Penman was faced with the difficult challenge of supplying credible motivations for these larger-than-life historical figures, something that often cannot be gleaned from pure research. Happily, she exceeded expectations and has produced not only an historically accurate and detailed novel, but a psychological study of a family meltdown.
Penman succeeded in avoiding one-dimensional characters with singular motivations. Like most families, the Plantagenet family falls apart due to human failings still found today: infidelity, immature and rebellious teenagers, pride and stubbornness. Each character has an opportunity to stop this train wreck, yet none do and tragedy ensues.
The only character who escapes Penman's analysis is Rosamund Clifford, Henry's mistress and a thorn in Eleanor's side. Although she has quite a role in the story, it is unfortunate that her motivations are simplistic and a bit of a cliche: she appears to be only an insipid and vapid goody two-shoes. Any sympathy or understanding for her character is difficult to muster and her eventual exit from the Plantagenet's lives is somewhat of a relief, if only because reading about her becomes quite tiring.
Penman is a master of dialogue and Devil's Brood continues her tradition. Few historical fiction authors have the ability to seamlessly weave such pertinent period information into their dialogue. She also provides biting wit, which in the case of Henry and Eleanor is particularly appropriate (how many of us can forget Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn battling it out in The Lion in Winter?)
Fans who have eagerly awaited this release will not, thankfully, be disappointed in this newest Penman novel and I daresay some new fans will be created who will now join in the vigil for the next novel in the series. Whether you must beg, borrow or steal (or perhaps just simply purchase) this book, do so. You won't be sorry you did.
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LibraryThing member DevourerOfBooks
This is the third book in Penman’s series of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. “Devil’s Brood” picks up shortly after the murder of Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett. At this point, Henry and Eleanor’s four sons are beginning to near adulthood and they want to begin to
For those of you asking ‘Henry and Ele-who?,’ two of the four sons are King Richard the Lionheart and Prince John, of Robin Hood fame. The title “Devil’s Brood” comes both from the terrible time Henry had with his sons, as well as the Angevin origins myth that one of the Angevin ancestors married and had children with a devil-woman.
“Devil’s Brood” is really a sweeping epic of a book. With an omniscient narrator, the reader gets an almost overwhelming amount of knowledge about what is going on where and with whom, little ever comes as a surprise. While the book was extremely long, it didn’t seem over-written or boring. Really, how can such a dramatic (and true!) tale of betrayal, attempted fratricide, kidnap, war, and more be boring? I appreciate that Penman doesn’t try to ’spice up’ the story but instead stays true to the research she finds most credible. I also love the ‘Author’s Note’ at the end, both explaining her research and clarifying some points that might surprise those who read stories of Henry II and Richard I from the middle of last century.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction of English Kings and Queens, I would guess that you will like this book. Now I’m looking forward to going back and reading the earlier two books in the series.
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wield power of their own over the lands of their inheritance. Henry’s reluctance to allow his boys any freedom would lead to unceasing family strife.For those of you asking ‘Henry and Ele-who?,’ two of the four sons are King Richard the Lionheart and Prince John, of Robin Hood fame. The title “Devil’s Brood” comes both from the terrible time Henry had with his sons, as well as the Angevin origins myth that one of the Angevin ancestors married and had children with a devil-woman.
“Devil’s Brood” is really a sweeping epic of a book. With an omniscient narrator, the reader gets an almost overwhelming amount of knowledge about what is going on where and with whom, little ever comes as a surprise. While the book was extremely long, it didn’t seem over-written or boring. Really, how can such a dramatic (and true!) tale of betrayal, attempted fratricide, kidnap, war, and more be boring? I appreciate that Penman doesn’t try to ’spice up’ the story but instead stays true to the research she finds most credible. I also love the ‘Author’s Note’ at the end, both explaining her research and clarifying some points that might surprise those who read stories of Henry II and Richard I from the middle of last century.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction of English Kings and Queens, I would guess that you will like this book. Now I’m looking forward to going back and reading the earlier two books in the series.
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LibraryThing member thetometraveller
In 1172 Henry II has been on the throne, ruling his vast kingdom that stretches from England to the Mediterranean, for eighteen years. His passionate marriage to Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine is as volatile as ever and their sons are nearing adulthood.
As Henry works to extricate himself from his
Even worse for Henry, his other sons Richard and Geoffrey are eager to join the rebellion. It is even supported by Henry's wife, Eleanor. This is the last straw for Henry. Though the rebellion fails and his sons beg his forgiveness, Henry can never bring himself to forgive his wife. Eleanor is destined to spend the next sixteen years in confinement, imprisoned by the King her husband, who feels her betrayal acutely.
The years of Eleanor's imprisonment amount to a tragic deterioration of her family. Henry feels he can trust no one but himself and, as a result, refuses to allow his sons any power or responsibility of their own. He claims that they must earn it but he gives them precious little opportunity to do so. For their part, the sons are unable to understand their father and they are slowly poisoned by his lack of faith in them. Eventually they even seek alliances with their father's enemies, including the French king. Another sharp stab to Henry's heart.
The Princes also develop hatred against each other, fueled by intense jealousy and lust for power. Their battles and confrontations further rip apart a family already in shreds. The most touching scene in the book occurs when Henry and Eleanor together realize and mourn their failure as parents.
In Devil's Brood Sharon Kay Penman has continued her tour de force account of the Plantagenet Dynasty begun in When Christ and His Saints Slept and continued in Time and Chance. She has, once again, given us a thoroughly researched, clear-eyed appraisal of a turbulent political time, while imbuing the story with aching sympathy and sorrow for this long ago family who were unable to achieve the unity and love so necessary to a happy life.
Sharon Kay Penman is, in my opinion, one of the finest historical fiction writers and I have loved each one of her novels since I picked up Here Be Dragons many years ago. I was thrilled to read, in the Author's Note at the end of Devil's Brood, that the characters will not let her go and so she will be continuing the story of Eleanor, Richard, John and the rest in her next book. Hurray!
As Henry works to extricate himself from his
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problems with the Church that were created by the murder of Thomas Becket, his oldest son Hal has plans of his own. Hal has been crowned king while his father still rules and he is chafing under his father's tight leash. Like any young man, Hal feels he is ready for responsibility and freedom from oversight. Unfortunately his personality is unsuited for the rigors ruling a kingdom. He is far too easily swayed by a quiet word in his ear and is unable to make a decision and stand by it. Before long Hal has joined in with rebel lords against his father, the king.Even worse for Henry, his other sons Richard and Geoffrey are eager to join the rebellion. It is even supported by Henry's wife, Eleanor. This is the last straw for Henry. Though the rebellion fails and his sons beg his forgiveness, Henry can never bring himself to forgive his wife. Eleanor is destined to spend the next sixteen years in confinement, imprisoned by the King her husband, who feels her betrayal acutely.
The years of Eleanor's imprisonment amount to a tragic deterioration of her family. Henry feels he can trust no one but himself and, as a result, refuses to allow his sons any power or responsibility of their own. He claims that they must earn it but he gives them precious little opportunity to do so. For their part, the sons are unable to understand their father and they are slowly poisoned by his lack of faith in them. Eventually they even seek alliances with their father's enemies, including the French king. Another sharp stab to Henry's heart.
The Princes also develop hatred against each other, fueled by intense jealousy and lust for power. Their battles and confrontations further rip apart a family already in shreds. The most touching scene in the book occurs when Henry and Eleanor together realize and mourn their failure as parents.
In Devil's Brood Sharon Kay Penman has continued her tour de force account of the Plantagenet Dynasty begun in When Christ and His Saints Slept and continued in Time and Chance. She has, once again, given us a thoroughly researched, clear-eyed appraisal of a turbulent political time, while imbuing the story with aching sympathy and sorrow for this long ago family who were unable to achieve the unity and love so necessary to a happy life.
Sharon Kay Penman is, in my opinion, one of the finest historical fiction writers and I have loved each one of her novels since I picked up Here Be Dragons many years ago. I was thrilled to read, in the Author's Note at the end of Devil's Brood, that the characters will not let her go and so she will be continuing the story of Eleanor, Richard, John and the rest in her next book. Hurray!
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LibraryThing member Romonko
This is the third book in Sharon Kay Penman's Angevin trilogy, and we've had to wait quite awhile since Time and Chance. This is a novel of family betrayal. This book starts in 1172 and ends in 1189 with the death of King Henry II. I have been a long-time lover of Ms. Penman's wonderfuly real
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historical novels, and I waited a long time for this one. I highly recommend that if you haven't, you begin with the first novel in the trilogy (When Christ and His Saints Slept), and then read Time and Chance and then this one. You will not find a more comprehensive review of the notorious Angevin family than between the covers of Ms. Penman's books. She is an extraordinary writer and she uses real people and real historical happenings in her books. Devil's Brood tells the story of a truly disfunctional family, and none of the betrayals, lies and mistakes are glossed over. You will get a true picture of a king that history remembers as great, but who had human foibles like everyone else. Henry's decisions were not always the right ones, and he made lots of mistakes with his family, but these mistakes were mostly due to the fact that he did not see clearly when it came to his own family, including his wife, the beautiful Eleanor of Aquitane. Disastrous decisions were made with all the best intentions, and he is continually beset on all sides by members of his quarrelsome and stubborn family. I really should write a lot more to try to do justice to this wonderful novel, but it is a book that needs to be read to be appreciated. It's a very long book, but one that kept me spellbound until the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member jocraddock
A compelling novelization of Henry II and Eleanor. Sharon Kay Penman's work is deep and thorough; interesting even though one knows "the rest of the story." She brings to life the characters of the time.
LibraryThing member Kasthu
Devil's Brood is the third book in a trilogy that began with When Christ and His Saints Slept and continued with Time and Chance (Ballantine Reader's Circle). Devil's Brood tackles Henry and Eleanor's children, from Prince Hal down to John Lackland. The details of the rift between Henry, Eleanor,
In this book, Sharon Kay Penman continues her tradition of writing historical fiction that both tells a good story and educates the reader. The novel opens in 1172, fifteen months after Thomas Becket was murdered and just after Henry returns from a trip to Ireland to pay penance for his unwitting part in it. As with her other novels, the focus is on the interpersonal relationships: between Henry and his sons, Henry and Eleanor, Eleanor and her sons, and between Hal, Richard, and Geoffrey themselves. It's the kind of dysfunctional family you only read about in fiction, the distinction here being that these were, of course, real, living people. And Penman does a fantastic job of bring these people to life, 800 years later: all the little quirks of each of them are here, especially Henry's high energy and uncanny ability to travel hundreds of miles on horseback in short periods of time. .
The book is a bit of a slow read, and no wonder: at over 700 pages, this is a book to take your time over. It's taken six years for Penman to write the third book in the trilogy (on her acknowledgements page, she writes that a reader once remarked, "did Eleanor get lost in Aquitaine?"), but the wait was worth it; I enjoyed the historical detail of this novel, and the way in which the author manages to pull her research together into a comprehensive story that never fails to entertain and educate. Once again, Sharon Kay Penman has given me another reason to go do some research of my own on these fascinating historical figures. And as always, her writing is top-notch. In all, this is a very strong finish to a wonderful trilogy.
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and their sons are well-known, but the way in which Sharon Kay Penman presents it here is unique. In this book, Sharon Kay Penman continues her tradition of writing historical fiction that both tells a good story and educates the reader. The novel opens in 1172, fifteen months after Thomas Becket was murdered and just after Henry returns from a trip to Ireland to pay penance for his unwitting part in it. As with her other novels, the focus is on the interpersonal relationships: between Henry and his sons, Henry and Eleanor, Eleanor and her sons, and between Hal, Richard, and Geoffrey themselves. It's the kind of dysfunctional family you only read about in fiction, the distinction here being that these were, of course, real, living people. And Penman does a fantastic job of bring these people to life, 800 years later: all the little quirks of each of them are here, especially Henry's high energy and uncanny ability to travel hundreds of miles on horseback in short periods of time. .
The book is a bit of a slow read, and no wonder: at over 700 pages, this is a book to take your time over. It's taken six years for Penman to write the third book in the trilogy (on her acknowledgements page, she writes that a reader once remarked, "did Eleanor get lost in Aquitaine?"), but the wait was worth it; I enjoyed the historical detail of this novel, and the way in which the author manages to pull her research together into a comprehensive story that never fails to entertain and educate. Once again, Sharon Kay Penman has given me another reason to go do some research of my own on these fascinating historical figures. And as always, her writing is top-notch. In all, this is a very strong finish to a wonderful trilogy.
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LibraryThing member RockStarNinja
While When Christ and His Saints Slept is easily the best book of the trilogy, Penman does not disappoint with Devil's Brood. Devil's Brood follows the sons of Henry Fitz Empress and Eleanor of Acquitane through all of their rebellions, double dealings, false apologies, and betrayals. Each of the
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sons has their own personalities and quirks and theirs story alone could have easily filled up a trilogy of its own. I also find it hard to have any sympathy for most of the characters, except Henry, he truly did not understand why his sons would rebel against him and it was just so sad to read page after page of his utter bafflement. Eleanor was also a constant source of anger for me, I found her to be haughty, selfish, and ultimately just horribly horribly annoying. To be completely honest though my main grievance with the book is the sheer length, at almost 800 pages it is rather lengthy and at times I found myself wanting to skip parts just to get through it. Show Less
LibraryThing member lindymc
Having read the first 2 books of this trilogy (When Christ and His Saints Slept & Time and Chance) back in Sept. 06, I've been looking forward to the publication of this book for 2 long years. I was not disappointed. SKP does such a great job with dialog; her research is accurate; the characters
Delighted to learn that a fourth book is in the works, to further tell the story of Richard Lionheart - his crusade, his reign, etc. More of Eleanor and the intrigues of John. Can't wait.
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are fully developed; the story flows from event to event. All in all, a truly wonderful novel. Delighted to learn that a fourth book is in the works, to further tell the story of Richard Lionheart - his crusade, his reign, etc. More of Eleanor and the intrigues of John. Can't wait.
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LibraryThing member Leser
What can I say that hasn't already been said. The scope of this novel is the breadth and depth of nowaday England and France. The progeny of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are truly a devil's brood, the epitome of a dysfunctional family. All levels of betrayal, reconciliation and further
The work is long, 752 pages, but absorbing for the greater part of the novel, though I had to labor a little to get through the very final part.. I recommend this, as well as all others of Penman's that I have read, without reservation
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betrayal are described with skill and believability. The work is long, 752 pages, but absorbing for the greater part of the novel, though I had to labor a little to get through the very final part.. I recommend this, as well as all others of Penman's that I have read, without reservation
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LibraryThing member JennileeFoster
I couldn't even finish this book, it just didn't seem on par with her other books. Its hard to explain but to me it didn't seem as well written and the characters were not as complicated as they were in previous books. I hope the next one is better.
LibraryThing member scot2
I really enjoyed this very long book. It is well written and researched and can be read as a stand alone. I hadn't read the first two books in the series and did not have a problem. We see Harry, Eleanor and their children as real people. However as far as I'm concerned, not very likeable people.
LibraryThing member Helenliz
This was much better than the preceeding book. Takes the action through the trial and tribulations of Henry II's reign, concentrating on his son's rebellions and his relationship with Eleanor. Ends with Henry's death.
LibraryThing member john257hopper
Very good as ever from this author. There are some very emotional episodes, in particular the death of Henry the Young King, though overall I don't think this book has quite the impact as did When Christ and His Saints Slept. It is perhaps overlong and I did get a little tired of endless differing
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permutations of squabbling brothers, and the extreme stubbornness and control freakery of King Henry (though overall I was more sympathetic towards him than his sons most of the time), and the repetitive behavioural characteristics of the other leading players. But magnificent writing all the same. Show Less
LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
The breakdown of the Plantagenets at the end of Henry II's time is chronicled in necessarily excruciating detail. starting in 1172, it follows the rising level of violence as the impatient sons jockey for the big prize. Somehow, this is not one of Penman's livelier efforts, there not being enough
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action sequences, but far too many family gatherings at Christmas where things are discussed and not shown. It would leave a big hole if missed, but it is just flatly done. Show Less
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
My favorite Penman books are "Sunne in Splendor" and "Here Be Dragons." I wouldn't rate this book quite as high--it wasn't as moving--but it was engrossing. And I think the trilogy builds and is cumulative in it's power. Penman certainly is wonderful at making you see the different points of views
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of her conflicting characters. If in the two previous novels I definitely felt it tilted to one side in this one I was more torn between Henry and Eleanor, Henry and his sons. The whole plot line reminds me very much of King Lear--and tragedy of the sharpest kind. Show Less
LibraryThing member ELEkstrom
I'm seeing Richard I of England in whole new light and it's as dim as a gutting candle . . . but I digress. Richard is a product of his time and that time was dark and disturbing.
Ms. Penman once again makes medieval life and history as palpable as what we see on the news today, the persons as real,
Henry is arguably one of England's greatest rulers but he failed miserably as a father to his children, especially his boys - four spoiled, willful and vengeful brats in my opinion, Geoffrey being the most sympathetic. Hal, the eldest, is a 'celebutante' of his day - handsome, popular, free with favor and money, but weak as a commander and ruler, easily swayed by hangers-on. Geoffrey is the son in the middle: overlooked, underappreciated but cold and calculating and turning when the wind blows in his favor. John is a boy learning from his older brothers and gets a lesson in mistrust and treachery. Richard is just downright scary. Sorry if you, dear Reader, hold the historical legend that he was a champion of the weak, poor, downtrodden - nope, that was Robin Hood. Richard is portrayed here as cold, calculating, mean, bloodless while suffering bloodlust as he hacks and stabs his way through Normandy, Poitou, Anjou, Maine and Aquitaine. All of the sons have plenty considering the times, it's just that they want their father's trust and attention and more lands and castles, but everyone goes after that trust and attention all the wrong ways. If you're expecting the witty banter and political savvy of that outstanding play, "The Lion in Winter," you're in for a surprise. This is real, gritty, poignant and outstanding. As I mentioned in an earlier post, this is a medieval reality show, Plotting with the Plantagenets - a family that put the capital 'D' in Dysfunctional.
Ms. Penman once again makes medieval life and history as palpable as what we see on the news today, the persons as real,
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whole and flawed as ourselves - separated by a thousand years. "Devil's Brood" concludes the story of Henry II of England and his queen Eleanor Duchess of Aquitaine and concentrates on the ill-fated rebellions of Henry and Eleanor's sons, The young king Hal, crowned during his father's lifetime as a surety of succession, Richard, Geoffrey and John. The rebellion is sanctioned by Eleanor who is tired of being seen as merely Henry's queen and not as a duchess in her own right with power and intellect in a man's world. A few of the mythic causes of that rebellion are swept away in Ms. Penman's meticulously researched book, leaning on fact.Henry is arguably one of England's greatest rulers but he failed miserably as a father to his children, especially his boys - four spoiled, willful and vengeful brats in my opinion, Geoffrey being the most sympathetic. Hal, the eldest, is a 'celebutante' of his day - handsome, popular, free with favor and money, but weak as a commander and ruler, easily swayed by hangers-on. Geoffrey is the son in the middle: overlooked, underappreciated but cold and calculating and turning when the wind blows in his favor. John is a boy learning from his older brothers and gets a lesson in mistrust and treachery. Richard is just downright scary. Sorry if you, dear Reader, hold the historical legend that he was a champion of the weak, poor, downtrodden - nope, that was Robin Hood. Richard is portrayed here as cold, calculating, mean, bloodless while suffering bloodlust as he hacks and stabs his way through Normandy, Poitou, Anjou, Maine and Aquitaine. All of the sons have plenty considering the times, it's just that they want their father's trust and attention and more lands and castles, but everyone goes after that trust and attention all the wrong ways. If you're expecting the witty banter and political savvy of that outstanding play, "The Lion in Winter," you're in for a surprise. This is real, gritty, poignant and outstanding. As I mentioned in an earlier post, this is a medieval reality show, Plotting with the Plantagenets - a family that put the capital 'D' in Dysfunctional.
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LibraryThing member japaul22
This is the third book in Penman's series exploring the realm of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. This book focuses on Henry's struggles over power with his four ambitious sons. After a decent but not overly exciting start with the first two books of the series, Penman really caught fire
As always, I love Penman's brand of historical fiction. She sticks to the facts when relating historical events and the positioning of characters, using very few fictional characters. Even some of the servants are names that are included in contemporary historical records. Then she flushes out the story by drawing her own conclusions from the evidence to characterize the people she writes of, guessing at their motivations, personalities, and reactions. I find it very easy to separate fact from fiction in her work and tear through these long novels without wanting to put them down.
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with this tale of deceit, power struggles, and family drama. I kept thinking that often you hear about the drama of Kings struggling to provide a male heir to their throne, but in this case, having four ambitious sons provided just as much drama and conflict as all of them wanted the crown or at least significant power in their own right. Eleanor is held in captivity by her husband for supporting their sons' rebellion for much of this book, but she is still fascinating.As always, I love Penman's brand of historical fiction. She sticks to the facts when relating historical events and the positioning of characters, using very few fictional characters. Even some of the servants are names that are included in contemporary historical records. Then she flushes out the story by drawing her own conclusions from the evidence to characterize the people she writes of, guessing at their motivations, personalities, and reactions. I find it very easy to separate fact from fiction in her work and tear through these long novels without wanting to put them down.
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Language
Original publication date
2008-10-06
Physical description
734 p.; 24 cm
ISBN
9780399155260
Local notes
Henry & Eleanor, 3
DDC/MDS
| Fic Historical Penman |