This is the tale of Eve de Clavering, a child bride sold into a loveless union with the Audley heir for the sake of her father's dynastic ambitions. Twice widowed by the age of twenty-one, she had no children in wedlock but five by her lover from a twenty-year relationship without the blessing of law or priest. Surrounded by controversy and intrigue, she became a fitting companion for Queen Isabella, the 'she-wolf' of France. Her eldest boy, James Audley, although illegitimate, was a favourite of Edward III and the Black Prince, a founding member of the Garter Knights, and hero of the battle of Poitiers in the Hundred Years War. Eve lived seventy-six years, dying in September 1369--the same month and year as her celebrated son. Follow the turbulent sweep of 14th century history through Eve's eyes. Wars, politics, murder, and forbidden love all played a part in her remarkable story.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Compelling Tale of Conflict, Deceit & True Love,
By Larry Underwood "Author - St Louis Cardinals ... (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Letter from Poitou (Paperback)
Michael J. Eardley's intricate tale of 14th Century English life through the eyes of the fictitious Eve de Clavering, is as compelling as any Stephen King thriller & as detailed as any piece of literature I've ever come across. The result is a magnificent 423 pages of intrigue, romance & treachery, that will captivate any reader fascinated with the genre. What's amazing is how the story of old English life from 600 some years ago transcends time; the human emotions are as relevent as they are in any story of recent significance---from Charles & Di to Bill & Hillary.
This particular tale involves a resourceful young lady, Eve de Clavering, who refused to let a treacherous "pre-arranged marriage" keep her from the true love of her life; nor keep her from bearing five children out of wedlock, with the oldest---James Audley---her favorite. Her courage & conviction was admirable, and attracted the attention of the "she-wolf" of France herself; Queen Isabella. That's some pretty heavy company. Eve's eldest son was not only her personal favorite, but also attracted the likes of Edward III & the Black Prince---founding father of the Garter Knights, and a big-time war hero---the battle of Poitiers (Hundred Years War fame). The plotline extends for a solid 66 years, and through the many chapters, the reader will be captivated by the fascinating war stories, political sagas as well as the treacherous accounts of backstabbing; figuratively and literally speaking. In the end, the poignance is remarkable, as the aging Eve takes stock of her life, which spanned a remarkable 76 years in disease filled 14th Century Europe. She dies with her affairs in order and at peace, realizing she'll be reunited with her loved ones up in heaven, thanks to a hefty donation to the Church. This lady may have purchased a stairway to heaven, but in this particular instance, the motivation was based on true love & devotion.
5.0 out of 5 stars
LETTER FROM POITOU Is An Amazing Historical Fiction Read!,
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This review is from: Letter from Poitou (Paperback)
This is the story of Eve de Clavering, a child bride, who is forced to marry the Audley heir to further her father's dynastic greed.
She is married twice by the age of twenty-one and she had no legitimate children. However she had five illegitimate children by her lover, James Audley, in a 20 year relationship. She was enveloped by intrigue and scandal and became a formidable companion to Queen Isabella, who is termed the "she-wolf" of France. Eve's eldest boy, James Audley (the younger) becomes a favorite of Edward III and the Black Prince of Wales and was a founding member of the Garter Knights. He was also a hero in the battle of Poitiers in the Hundred Years War. Eve lives a full, sometimes overwhelming life and sees the ripe old age of 76 years before she passes away in the same year and month as her celebrated son. This was an excellent novel of 14th century history seen through the eyes of Eve by a first time author, Michael J. Eardley. I anticipate more from this author and sincerely hope he continues along this line and writes about the short but notable life of the Black Prince of Wales. Bravo James!!!!!!
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
LETTER FROM POITOU Is An Amazing Historical Fiction Read!,
By
This review is from: Letter from Poitou (Paperback)
This is the story of Eve de Clavering, a child bride, who is forced to marry the Audley heir to further her father's dynastic greed.
She is married twice by the age of twenty-one and she had no legitimate children. However she had five illegitimate children by her lover, James Audley, in a twenty year relationship. She was enveloped by intrigue and scandal and became a formidable companion to Queen Isabella, who is termed the "she-wolf" of France. Eve's eldest boy, James Audley (the younger) becomes a favorite of Edward III and the Black Prince of Wales and was a founding member of the Garter Knights. He was also a hero in the battle of Poitiers in the Hundred Years War. Eve lives a full, sometimes overwhelming life and sees the ripe old age of 76 years before she passes away in the same year and month as her celebrated son. This was an excellent novel of 14th century history seen through the eyes of Eve by a first time author, Michael J. Eardley. I anticipate more from this author and sincerely hope he continues along this line and writes about the short but notable life of the Black Prince of Wales. Bravo James!!!!!!
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