The Book of Eleanor: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine

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 show more 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! show less

I was often rather irritated by this novel which was very much at the romantic end of the spectrum of historical fiction. There was very little genuine Medieval atmosphere and the dialogue often felt rather modern. My main complaint though was the hopelessly romantic view of Eleanor as a modern feminist figure and the depiction of Henry II, one of the most complex and fascinating of Medieval kings, as nothing more than a one-dimensional rapist and thuggish brute. There were also a number of anachronisms such as mention of Black Death, the Atlantic Ocean, cholera and chantilly lace.

While a fascinating look at a very well known name that no one seems to really know much about, this book doesn't actually achieve it's purpose: to present Eleanor in a favorable light. Kaufman tries to paint her as a strong, intelligent, capable woman who was devoted to her children and caught up by forces beyond her control, yet there was always an undercurrent of helplessness about Eleanor. Nearly every time that Eleanor was faced with stark facts, she devolved into hand-wringing whining about her love, her land, and her children that accomplished nothing, and only managed to extend the danger to herself and her country.

That said, I did enjoy the glimpse into the events and people. Kaufman has an easy writing style that lets one show more flow with the narrative without making me want to skip ahead. show less

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 was disappointed in this one. I usually enjoy the author's work, but this seemed like she was struggling to stay on-topic. Which is rather weird since she took HUGE liberties with history. As a pure work of fiction, it was constrained. As a "factual" biography, it was way too fanciful. If I cross my eyes it might be okay.

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!