- Hardcover: 512 pages
- Publisher: Little, Brown (Oct 18 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1847442374
- ISBN-13: 978-1847442376
- Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 5.2 x 22.5 cm
- Shipping Weight: 699 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #297,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
Product Details |
Product Description
Review
Renowned historical novelist Chadwick tells this battle-of-the-sexes story from a woman's point of view, channeling Matilda and the wannabe regent's stepmother as storytellers New York Post
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Book Description
Two very different women are linked by destiny and the struggle for the English crown. Matilda, daughter of Henry I, is determined to win back her crown from Stephen, the usurper king. Adeliza, Henry's widowed queen and Matilda's stepmother, is now married to William D'Albini, a warrior of the opposition. Both women are strong and prepared to stand firm for what they know is right. But in a world where a man's word is law, how can Adeliza obey her husband while supporting Matilda, the rightful queen? And for Matilda pride comes before a fall ...What price for a crown? What does it cost to be 'Lady of the English'?
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
`She has greatness within her.',
By J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Lady of the English (Paperback)
This is the story of two women who each were `Lady of the English': Adeliza, the second wife of Henry I and the Empress Matilda (1102-1167), his daughter. Matilda is Henry I's heir, after the death of her brother William in the White Ship disaster (1520). Matilda was married to Henry V, the Holy Roman Emperor in 1114 and when he dies in 1125, she returns to England, before being married to Geoffrey of Anjou. Adeliza of Louvain (1103-1151) was Matilda's stepmother. When Henry died in December 1135, his nephew Stephen seizes the English throne while Matilda is in Anjou with her husband Geoffrey and their young children. And thus began a period of English civil war sometimes known as the Anarchy.In this novel, we see events between 1125 and 1149 through the eyes of Matilda and Adeliza. While Matilda's struggle for the throne dominates the history, the novel tells the story of two quite different women who, while finding themselves on different sides during the Anarchy are strongly linked as the daughter and wife of Henry I. By recreating the era in which Matilda and Adeliza lived, Ms Chadwick makes the history more accessible. While I have read aspects of Matilda's story before, I've not previously read about Adeliza. The two stories joined together made it easier to understand the positions adopted by some of the participants in the Anarchy. Adeliza finds new joy in her life, as a consequence of her marriage to William D'Albini but is torn between her obligations to her husband and to her stepdaughter. Matilda fights to wrest the English crown from Stephen both for herself, and as her son Henry's heritage. Ms Chadwick is now working on a trilogy about Eleanor of Aquitaine: having met the young Henry II in this novel, I'm looking forward to the trilogy. Jennifer Cameron-Smith
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mrs Q: Book Addict,
By
This review is from: Lady of the English (Hardcover)
Publisher: SourcebooksPages: 544 Source: Publisher Matilda has been summoned to come home to England after the death of her husband, the German Emperor. Their only heir did during childbirth, and now Matilda has no purpose. She is well aware that she is another pawn in her father's political game, and worries about her future and duty. While at home in England and waiting for her father to drop the ball and tell her who she will marry next, she befriends her stepmother Adeliza. Adeliza is a few years younger than herself, and both find true companionship, forming a bond out of loyalty to the king. Matilda stands by Adeliza to comfort her as each month her hopes of providing an heir to the king is crushed. Unless Adeliza can provide an heir for the thorn, Matilda is the only living heir. Much to her displeasure she is soon married to Geoffrey of Anjoy, a man much younger than her with good political ties. Their marriage is tumultuous and Matilda wanted for nothing more than an annulment. When it becomes clear that once would not be granted, Matilda and Geoffrey seek to provide an heir for the English crown and fight for the dowry that Matilda was promised but Henry refuses to uphold. The noblemen who once swore allegiance to Matilda quickly defy Henry's wishes and crown her cousin Stephen when the time comes. Matilda refuses to walk away quietly, she wants everything she was promised and a crown upon her son's head. Adeliza's true loyalty lies with Matilda while her new husband's allegiance is to Stephen. Lady of the English is an excellent read, a novel that will appeal to both historical fiction fans and those who are looking for an entertaining read. Elizabeth Chadwick concentrates on the relationships and conflicts between characters as well as social conventions and the duty that comes from title and family. Both Matilda and Adeliza are central characters that I deeply rooted for. Matilda is a strong female character who is adamant that her father's wishes be attained. Adeliza is caught between her loyalty to Matilda and the love and devotion she has for her new husband. Both are substantial characters. I quickly read through this one, not wanting to put it down. I really don't like when historical novels are mostly about romance, and Chadwick does not do this. She will remain one of my favourite historical fiction writers. Elizabeth Chadwick quickly draws her readers into her world, and captures their attention until the end.There is a reason why Elizabeth Chadwick is one of the most favored historical fiction authors of our day, her descriptive prose and extensive research shines through in each of her novels. Historical fiction that is readable and comprehensive full of political intrigue and fascinating characters.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.2 out of 5 stars (32 customer reviews) 50 of 51 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"A woman may be the power behind a man, but she is not allowed to take power for herself.",
By Misfit - Published on Amazon.com
This book is the story of two women, one an Empress and one who was Queen of England and begins in 1125. Matilda, married off at a young age is summoned home from Germany after the death of her husband the Emperor. Old king Henry may have plenty of bastards, but Matilda is his only legitimate heir and Henry wants her married well and to someone who can sire sons. Much to Matilda's displeasure, he picks the very young Geoffrey la Bel, Count of Anjou, but duty and honor always come first and they do well enough with each other despite a very rocky start. The second woman in the book is Adeliza of Louvain, king Henry's second wife, who is apparently unable to conceive the much-needed male heir. Matilda and Adeliza are close in age, and become good friends, but that relationship is sorely tried after the death of the old king when Stephen of Blois is conveniently poised and ready to steal Matilda's crown."The old king is dead and the rats are scurrying everywhere" The barons are most unwilling to let a woman rule them, but Matilda is not about to give up and she's aided by half-brother Robert of Gloucester and Brian Fitzcount. Adeliza is now married to William d'Aubigny who is loyal King Stephen, and while she sympathizes with Matilda's cause, her duty and honor to her husband comes first - and those conflicting loyalties and how it reflects the friendship between the two women are very much what this novel is about, along with the impact a long and bloody civil war has on the countryside and the people. This is a complicated piece of history with many players, but I loved keeping the main focus on the relationship between Matilda and Adeliza and found it a very effective way of showing the reader a different side of Matilda, who had a reputation for being a bit of a termagant. Adeliza's devotion to the church and her charities was also an excellent way to show the more human aspects of the conflict and the great toll it took on the country. I very much enjoyed watching Matilda's relationship with her son and heir, especially after his *invasion* of England at fourteen. As with all of her novels, Chadwick excels at bringing the medieval period to life - prepare to let yourself be sucked into another century for the weekend. Thumbs up on the author's notes at the end where she tells us what is fact and what has been surmised. Lastly, a very big thumbs up for staying true to her character's devotion to God, honor and duty and not succumbing to the temptation of throwing in an affair that never happened just to spice up one's book. Five stars. 29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
`She has greatness within her.',
By J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" - Published on Amazon.com
This is the story of two women who each were `Lady of the English': Adeliza, the second wife of Henry I and the Empress Matilda (1102-1167), his daughter. Matilda is Henry I's heir, after the death of her brother William in the White Ship disaster (1520). Matilda was married to Henry V, the Holy Roman Emperor in 1114 and when he dies in 1125, she returns to England, before being married to Geoffrey of Anjou. Adeliza of Louvain (1103-1151) was Matilda's stepmother. When Henry died in December 1135, his nephew Stephen seizes the English throne while Matilda is in Anjou with her husband Geoffrey and their young children. And thus began a period of English civil war sometimes known as the Anarchy.In this novel, we see events between 1125 and 1149 through the eyes of Matilda and Adeliza. While Matilda's struggle for the throne dominates the history, the novel tells the story of two quite different women who, while finding themselves on different sides during the Anarchy are strongly linked as the daughter and wife of Henry I. By recreating the era in which Matilda and Adeliza lived, Ms Chadwick makes the history more accessible. While I have read aspects of Matilda's story before, I've not previously read about Adeliza. The two stories joined together made it easier to understand the positions adopted by some of the participants in the Anarchy. Adeliza finds new joy in her life, as a consequence of her marriage to William D'Albini but is torn between her obligations to her husband and to her stepdaughter. Matilda fights to wrest the English crown from Stephen both for herself, and as her son Henry's heritage. Ms Chadwick is now working on a trilogy about Eleanor of Aquitaine: having met the young Henry II in this novel, I'm looking forward to the trilogy. Jennifer Cameron-Smith 9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sharon Penman 'lite', but I mean that in a good way.,
By Old Latin teacher - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Lady of the English (Paperback)
Sharon Penman is perhaps my favorite author of historical novels, but sometimes I don't feel like the investment of time and brain cells she requires of me. This is my first Chadwick historical and I was delighted to find that she, like Penman, offers up very enjoyable, readable historical fiction, breathing life and humanity into the historical time and characters without sacrificing accuracy, but with a somewhat less epic scope than Penman.Here in Chadwick's take on Empress Matilda and King Stephen's power struggle in 12th century England, she has focused mainly on Matilda, daughter of Henry I and mother of future King Henry II, and Adeliza, Henry I's second wife, who was close in age to Matilda and probably close to her in affection also. Penman's take on the same topic in When Christ and His Saints Slept: A Novel is more all-encompassing and delves more deeply also into the character of King Stephen, his wife, and many other historical figures involved in this civil war. The period of civil war between Matilda and her cousin Stephen lasted 19 years in the 1100s, divided and devastated the country, and was only resolved when Stephen agreed to name as heir to the throne Matilda's son Henry rather than his own son Eustace upon Stephen's death. It's a fascinating period in English history that probably many are familiar with from reading Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth, seeing the miniseries The Pillars of the Earth, reading Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael mystery series (e.g., A Morbid Taste for Bones: The First Chronicle of Brother Cadfael) or the BBC television series based on Peters' books, to name a few taking place in that period of time. Chadwick's focus on Matilda and Adeliza in many ways enhances the reader's enjoyment. She still gives you the feel for the period, the way people lived at that time. You can almost see, hear, and smell what's going on as you are reading. She's the perfect author for readers like me who enjoy not only historical fiction but also historical romance (oh, the horror!) and she's someone you can read on public transportation without embarrassment or shame. I'm off to read more of Chadwick's medieval fiction. |
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
