Customer Reviews

The Queen's Pawn

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was honored to receive this advanced copy to read and review and enjoyed the story that Ms. English presents. I am always happy to read anything that deals with Eleanor of Aquitaine and this touching novel did not disappoint. This is the story of a girl rarely mentioned in history, the Princess Alais of France.

Alais was betrothed to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II's son Richard and sent to live in England until her marriage. Once in England she is taken under Eleanor's wing and the two form a close mother-daughter relationship. Eleanor really sees a lot of herself in young Alais. After meeting Richard she falls in love with him and looks forward to the day when they will finally be wed. However, her love quickly turns to hate when she discovers him in the arms of another woman and takes it personally. Despite Eleanor's advice that most men will stray, Alais feels that she has been nothing but a pawn and decides to take revenge on not only Richard but on Eleanor as well. Her goal? To be crowned Queen of England next to Henry.

This was a very interesting look into the life of a girl who, if she is mentioned in history at all, is usually only mentioned in a quick side note. There really wasn't too much going on in the story through the first half as the author introduces us to the major players and really sets the scene for the coming conflict. The action really seems to start in the second half and then the story moved fairly quickly. The detail in the descriptions of life during this time was fantastic. The author really gives the reader a look at something that is usually overlooked in most novels - a closer inspection of what life was like for royal females. I especially enjoyed the scenes in the Great Hall during meals; it was very easy for me to picture Eleanor lording it over her end of the table with Henry trying not to be outdone on the other end. Her attention to the details was really amazing and I appreciated the effort to make things come alive. You will not get bogged down in all this detail though, as can happen in some historical fiction when too much is thrown at you; what is on the page is what is needed in the story. The only thing that got a bit annoying to me was the constant repetition of certain phrases or ideas, which happens quite a bit in Eleanor's case as she is always saying, for example, "Alais is like me; she is very strong" in various ways. As for the characters of Eleanor, Henry, and Richard, they behave as you would expect with nothing "out of character" for them, though I thought the affection Richard showed Alais was very touching. Alais, however, turns out to be one of those characters who I initially liked but eventually came to despise, though I am not saying that her character is not well written. I just have never been a huge fan of drastic changes in a character's personality. I was fine with her until she got it into her head to try to push Eleanor off her throne, though it did give me a chuckle to think that this young girl thought that she'd be able to best Eleanor of Aquitaine. I thought her hatred of Richard's seeming betrayal was a bit much and I found it hard to believe that she actually thought men were faithful (at this time) once they were betrothed or married. As usual, I loved how Eleanor always shows queenly poise and thought how she handles the entire situation was beautifully written. I liked the way the author ended the story as well; it was a very calm and peaceful scene.

Overall this was an enjoyable read. It was another fascinating look into the lives of the volatile early Plantagenets. I liked how the author focuses on a little known person from history and gives her a story of her own, really making her come to life. As it has never been proven that there was a relationship between Henry II and Alais I found this version of what "could have been" a very interesting read. I would certainly recommend this to readers interested in reading about Eleanor of Aquitaine but are not ready to take on the much larger novels about her. Too bad Amazon does not allow 1/2 stars because I would give this a 3.5. I am looking forward to this author's next novel!

I love historical fiction, and I really enjoyed The Queen's Pawn. The young and lovely Alais starts out as a sweet girl who's surprised to find that everything she'd ever heard about Queen Eleanor (of Aquitaine) was wrong, or at the very least unfair. She grows to love Eleanor as a mother, and Eleanor in turn, dotes on Alais and raises her to be a strong, independent woman. The Queen's Pawn is truly a love story, but not the kind you'd expect. It's complex and full of betrayal and forgiveness, just like a good love story should be.

It starts off as a fairly straightforward historical fiction novel, but at some point shifts to a historical "what-if" novel. What if we knew what these two ladies were thinking? What if the (alleged) affair between Alais and Henry didn't begin how we think it did? What if the timing were just a little bit different?

I found the book to be very entertaining, and I loved getting lost in it for a while. Incidentally, it's English's first novel! I can't wait for the next one!

Others have described the plot here which, in a nutshell, deals with the supposedly intimate, mother-daughter type relationship between the redoubtable Eleanor of Aquitaine and young Alais of France, sent to England as a girl after her betrothal to Richard the Lionhearted, son of Eleanor and Henry II. The narrative alternates between chapters written from each of these two women's points of view. I laughed out loud at another reviewer's mention of "mind-reading" as I had that exact reaction to a good bit of the narrative. Somehow both Eleanor and Alais are certifiably clairvoyant as each seemingly is unerringly able to read and understand the secret, unspoken thoughts of the other - as well as most of the other players in the tale. If I had a buck for everytime phrases such as "I was able to read the truth in his eyes behind his shuttered face" cropped up, I'd be fixed for life. Never have I come across a work so bogged down in telepathic communication that wasn't intended as science fiction.

Ms. English acknowledges taking liberties with historical facts in order to promote her fictional plot. That is legitimate in HF, but in this case, there is so much fictional content that the entire story could well have been 100% concocted out of thin air. Better to have the fictional parts be subsidiary in historical novels and not the meat of the story, as is the case here. As an aside, it is widely held that Richard the Lionheart was homosexual. That fact in mind, all the moonlight and cow eyes between him and Alais strikes a false note. Factually, Richard basically had no truck with women at all and ended up marrying - but never living with - a completely different woman, despite the intimation at the end of this work that he and Alais would somehow end up in blissful marriage after Henry II died. Balderdash.

This is not much more than searing gazes of the characters into the hearts and minds of one another. Shaky history and far-fetched supposition makes this one quickly read and quickly forgotten.

I am on page 79 and am not sure I am going to finish it. This is my favorite kind of book, historical fiction, but rarely have I ever read a book as irritating as "The Queen's Pawn."

If I calculate right, by page 70 Eleanor and Alais have spent a grand total of 2 days together, (there was an interval in between the 2 days of 3 years when Alais was in a nunnery), so they saw each other one day when Alais was 11, and one when she was 14. But both of them could read the other's mind, by a look in the eye,a glance, the way the sun glinted on her hair, etc, etc, and Eleanor was so smitten by the girl that she knew they would love each other forever- in a famial way.

That's all fine and good- but every other paragraph we are reminded of it. There is not a page (when they are together) that the author doesn't remind us of how much love, how much knowledge, etc, flows between E and A. I have just read "I saw in her eyes that she would love me the rest of her life, more than any other." It is all too soppy and sappy. This is more over the top than any romance novel I have read, yet the feelings are for an older woman and a 14 year old girl. We get the point. They love each other, but we don't have to be reminded 3 or 4 times on evey page.

Reading this is like being overdosed on sugar.

I rarely give one star reviews. I approached The Queen's Pawn expecting to like it because a fellow Duke grad wrote it. Unfortunately, however, my Blue Devil pride could not get me to enjoy this poorly written novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine and Alais of France. I think this book might be ok for someone who doesn't mind Phillipa Gregory fact bending (and in English's defense, she includes an author's note to inform her readers that she changed most known facts in her plot) and bodice ripper style romance - assuming you don't worry about whether the plot is plausible. However, The Queen's Pawn is a poor choice for devotees of factually accurate historical fiction (e.g. readers of Sharon Kay Penman or Elizabeth Chadwick). Historical fiction IS fiction, but I do believe that writers have a responsibility to be factually accurate when possible and when the facts are not known, to at least present a plausible version of events.

The Queen's Pawn is set largely from 1172-73 and is narrated in the first person, alternating from Eleanor's and Alais' perspectives. Eleanor (who, incidentally, brags about her many affairs - including with her uncle Raymond - while married to Louis of France) adopts Alais as her own daughter after Alais' arrival to England from France in anticipation of Alais's marriage to Prince Richard. Notwithstanding Eleanor's love for the beautiful, convent-schooled Princess Alais, she finds herself jealous when 14 year old Richard seems to love his betrothed. Alais also loves Richard but is shocked to find herself attracted to King Henry. She initially resists this attraction (and Henry's advances) but after both Richard and Eleanor betray her, 14 year old Alais decides to seduce King Henry for the good of France. Yes, you read this correctly - the good of France! Alais thinks that Henry will divorce Eleanor for her and make her Queen. Alais and Henry engage openly in an affair, Henry treats Alais as if she were Queen and Henry petitions the Pope for an annulment. Alais ends up pregnant and then realizes that Henry will never treat her as an equal, so she inexplicably betrays Henry and ends up convent-caged - but not before a sugary reunion with Eleanor.

I don't think the novel presents a plausible scenario for a romance between Alais and Henry. Not only was the romance most likely after Henry's sons rebelled - if it occurred at all - there is NO WAY that Henry openly engaged in an affair with a Princess of France. While there are many practical reasons why they may not have had an affair, lust can trump reason. However, it would have been incredibly reckless of Henry to openly debauch a 14 year old Princess left in his care. Moreover, had the relationship been so open, we would have greater certainty about whether the relationship occurred in both the English and French chronciles. Louis certainly would have known of it and would have protested loudly.

Aside from the problems with the plot, I also didn't feel that the characters were well-developed. They did not seem to be living, breathing people. I barely got a sense of who they might have been and they just seemed to be cardboard. In addition to the poor characterization, the writing was overly sappy (and overly-sexualized at points) - to the point that I almost put it down.

1 star.

Eleanor of Aquitaine is a personal hero of mine, so I was very intrigued to read Christy English's take on this dynamic woman whose political influence and forceful personality left such an indelible imprint on European history. There was also more than a little fear that Eleanor would not come to life as I hoped, but thankfully, Ms. English exceeded my expectations in her novel The Queen's Pawn.

The Queen's Pawn tells the story of Eleanor, her estranged husband Henry II of England, her son Richard, and his betrothed, Princess Alais of France. Alais arrives in England at age eleven to be raised in expectation of marrying Richard, but she immediately connects emotionally with Eleanor who comes to think of her as a true daughter. Three years later, Alais emerges from her convent haven ready to marry, falling deeply in love with Richard and continuing to idolize Eleanor. But betrayals lead Alais to do the unthinkable, and this strict Christian suddenly sees her own road to power and retribution by not only seducing Henry, but seeking to replace Eleanor as queen.

This story moves along at a rapid pace, though at times the writing is a bit flowery. I never really bought into the instant devotion of Eleanor and Alais, but Eleanor's actions seemed plausible and the story is well plotted. Overall I rather enjoyed the author's "what if?" take on the suspected affair between Henry and Alais, and I appreciated the excellent author's notes in the end that fully explained her research and reasoning for changing dates. I can honestly say I enjoyed the tale of Eleanor's intrigues and Alais's awakening.

In 1169, eleven years old Alais, Princess of France understands she is just another useless female except as a pawn in a marital alliance. Whereas her mother died birthing her, Alais' older married step-sisters were spawned by the wicked Queen Eleanor who was her father King Louis' first wife before she divorced him to marry the English monarch Henry II. Alais' dad informs her she will marry Prince Richard, son of the devils King Henry II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Ever since Henry exiled her for his lover Rosamunde, Eleanor, though behaving, considers how she can place one of her sons on the throne; with Richard her first choice. When she meets Alais, Eleanor is stunned as the girl reminds her of her herself. She mentors the Princess of France to be her daughter-in-law, but does it out of love. Alais cherishes her teacher, but as she becomes a young woman, she wants much more than Eleanor allows for her. Soon, their mother-daughter like relationship turns acrimonious as the younger uses the power tips the older taught her boldly and brazenly to go after the top prize.

Although Eleanor has been the star of other biographical fictions, this is a refreshing account as the audience sees the late twelfth century world of England and to a lesser degree France through the eyes of the two female powerhouses. Fast-paced, sub-genre fans will enjoy this deep saga as two women vie for control of the English stage using men of rank as pawns in their chess match.

Harriet Klausner

I take issue with other reviewers who are disappointed that Christy English's novel is not always historically accurate. The point of fiction, even historical fiction, is to tell a good story. History may provide the setting or the basic characters, but it should never get in the way of telling a good story. With The Queen's Pawn, Christy English tells a good story about what might have been had Henry II begun his affair with his son's betrothed before his sons rebelled against him. This is a great story about the charismatic power of the Plantagenets and how one girl fights back against their scheming.

Historical Fiction is probably my favorite genre. In addition, I love to read anything that has to do with royalty, fiction or non fiction. So a book with Eleanor of Acquitane, Henry II, Richard Lionheart, and Alais of France was right up me alley. Although Christy English was a new author to me, I expected the subject matter to be old and familiar. It was, but at the same time Ms. English was able to bring new life to an old friend. This was not just another story about Eleanor, but the story of Alais of France, a young girl who was sent from her home at an early age to live in Eleanor's court.

I have to state at the beginning, that while I expect historical fiction to be based in facts, for me it is really about the story. I get my factual data from non-fiction biographies and histories, and look to my historical fiction to draw me in with the story of the characters and times. This book certainly filled that criteria. I loved the story of Alais and how she grew from a timid little girl into a strong woman. Do I think that this story represents that total truth? No. Did I enjoy the story as it was told? Definitely. The women, both Eleanor and Alais, were strong characters. In addition, I loved the way the author made both Richard and Henry a bit vulnerable, even though, in the end, Henry stayed true to his ruthless character. Like a lot of the historical fiction that I love, this story made me want to read more about the Eleanor, Alais, Henry II, and Richard Lionheart.

Another kudo goes to the author for acknowledging and explaining her use of artistic license in telling the story contained in her book. I always read Author's Notes and Acknowledgments and was pleased to see Ms. English discuss the actual chronology or her divergences from them in her notes.

Bottom line, Ms. English is a great story teller. Her characters were well developed, the story line was interesting and compelling, and she gave the story a bit of a different focus, which made it fun to read. I am looking forward to reading her newest book about Eleanor in the near future.

First, I'd like to submit that for people who demand that accounts of the lives of long-dead persons limit themselves exclusively to articulating only what we know about them with absolute certainty, or repeating the most rote and accepted versions of their lives passed down through history, there is wikipedia. But for people who realize that all historical accounts are partial, interested and to some extent imaginative, there is the possibility offered by historical fiction that we can speculate as to what may have happened, even if this is not what would have most likely happened.

It's in this space that we find Christy English's "The Queen's Pawn." It's not that I find it less than likely that the novel's pivotal sexual relationship occurred, it's that I suspect it may have been more likely a story far sadder and simpler than the one offered here, one in which a powerful man essentially exercised his power over a girl under his authority. But instead of writing what could have been a much more somber version of these events, Christy English chose to write this one, which even if it idealizes or expresses a somewhat optimistic view of the original persons, provides a brilliant window onto the world of the Angevin court and the characters in it.

Perhaps the greatest success of "The Queen's Pawn" is that one finishes it feeling as if one has been in the fully imagined presence of historical figures like Henry II, Eleanore of Acquitaine and Richard the Lion-Hearted, and that one has experienced the qualities that make them so compelling even after almost a thousand years. This is actually a deceptively difficult accomplishment, and that English makes it look easy shows the depth of the craft involved. The account her point-of-view characters provide the reader are very intimate and highly charged. And yet it never feels as if she is giving them a voice that feels anachronistically modern or out of place. Instead when Eleanore speaks to us in these pages it feels both poignant and historically true. There's one passage in particular, in which English describes the middle-aged Eleanore going to bed alone, that humanizes her magnificently.

One of the ways English achieves this excellent treatment of her characters is that she does not downplay the role of religion in the lives of medieval Christians, particularly Alais. It's not just that she gets the details of saints, observances and rituals right, that the "i"s are dotted and the "t"s crossed. It's not just either that the religion is there to thematically provide a contrast and a transgressive savor to various characters' sins. It's that English portrays with feeling the roles religion played in these figures' emotional lives. And she does complicate matters welcomely by individuating each character's relationship to religion, from Alais's earnest piety to Eleanore's worldly cynicism. In the case of Alais in particular, there are passages toward the end describing her spiritual journey and her work painting illuminated manuscripts that seem to take the novel to a different and more reflective emotional place. Perhaps a more jaded reader than I would think this just too sentimental, but I found it very moving.

The only way in which English's account feels forced is the way her characters form relationships. It may be a concession to the commercial need for brevity that each time Alais meets a member of the Plantagenet royal family they form an emotional bond instantly. In the case of Henry II and Richard, this is easily attributable to their physical attraction to Alais. But, especially given what English portrays as the attitude toward Eleanore at the court of Alais's father King Louis, the narrative seems to cry out for some fuller explanation of Eleanore and Alais's immediate relationship as surrogate mother and daughter, or some sense that this bond evolved or was worked at over time. Now, that said, the case could be made that many friendships are formed in real life in which the principles will selectively ignore uncomfortable things about the other person, leaving those problems buried as if in a minefield for when things in the friendship finally goes wrong. And if it happens in real life, then why not a novel? But still, I felt considering how much hung plotwide on this vital point--Eleanor and Alais's friendship--it needed more of a sense of process to its development.

But of course the other side of this coin is that this novel could have been twice as long and I would not have minded.