pickI had to finish reading Wolf Hall before I started this one, so I wouldn‘t get my Henries mixed up 😆
I didn‘t know much about Eleanor of Aquitaine going into this, but now I realize why E.L. Konigsburg found her so fascinating. Headstrong, determined, wife to two major figures of her time, mother of Richard the Lionheart and the infamous King John—and with a finger in a LOT of different political pies! The narrative frame here felt a bit odd:⤵️
BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) …Eleanor and three of her contemporaries are waiting for Henry II‘s arrival in Heaven, and as they wait, each one recounts a chapter of Eleanor‘s life. That setup felt contrived—especially when Lincoln and Churchill randomly show up at the end! I prefer Konigsburg‘s books with contemporary settings, but still really appreciate the way this children‘s book from the 1970s brings a strong female historical figure to life. 7mo
BarbaraJean This was my 1973 pick for the #192025 challenge. 🎉 (edited) 7mo
TrishB I‘d recommend Sharon Penman‘s and Elizabeth Chadwick‘s books on Eleanor if you want to read more! 7mo
BarbaraJean @TrishB Thanks for the recommendation—I‘ll take a look at those! 7mo
51 likes4 comments
