NOTICE: (Updated March 5, 2010)

Beginning December 19, 2009, Books 'N Border Collies will be posting but only intermittently while I pursue personal goals. I plan to share some reading I'm doing, but there will be no reviews. I will, however, be sharing my exploration of vegetarian cooking and the cookbooks and websites I use to educate myself. I hope you enjoy it!

Lezlie



Monday, October 13, 2008

DEVIL'S BROOD

by Sharon Kay Penman



Devil's Brood is the third in a trilogy which began with When Christ and His Saints Slept and Time and Chance, but it is not necessary to have read the first two to follow the story. Devil's Brood tells of the final years of the reign of Henry II from shortly after the murder of Thomas Becket until Henry's death. I thought this book was truly amazing. The colossal amount of detail included makes it not only entertaining, but highly educational. There were times I forgot I was reading fiction until all of a sudden there would be people talking, and I would think, "How does she know what they said?!" :-)

Action is not the main focus of the novel. For the reader who is well versed in the last years of Henry II and his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the story may seem to drag. However, if you're looking for something meaty that highlights the humanity of a ruler and his family, this is a gold mine. Devil's Brood deeply explores Henry's inability to come to terms with his role in shaping his rebellious sons, Eleanor's strength during her captivity, the intricate workings of the mind of nobility and those who see themselves as entitled, and those who are loyal, or not so loyal, to them.

Some of the juicier gossip of the times is not represented, as Ms. Penman explains in her author's note that there was no real evidence to back up the claims. Therefore, Richard's alleged love affair with the French King and Henry's seduction of Richard's betrothed, Alys, are not part of this version of the story. If you're looking for a lighter treatment of this same period that includes the scandalous rumors, you might want to try Jean Plaidy's The Courts of Love.



Learn more about Sharon Kay Penman and her work at her Official Web Site.

12 comments:

Daphne said...

I really loved her ability to bring the "family drama" alive. I thought much of the dialogue was really believable and gave great insight into how this family fell apart.

Lezlie said...

Daphne ~ I completely agree. I'll definitely be reading more of Penman's work in the future. After this one, I'm dying to see her portrayals of the likes of Stephen and Maud, Richard III and others! I'm thinking of picking up some of her medieval mysteries to keep reading her work, but not yet commit myself to another lengthy novel.

Lezlie

Michele said...

Lovely review -- I'm reading it right now and am just savoring every word!

Lezlie said...

Michele ~ Thanks! I don't blame you. It really is a wonderful book!

Lezlie

Ladytink_534 said...

Hmm... never read anything about Henry II now Henry the VIII, I've read plenty lol. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one.

Lezlie said...

Ladytink ~ I think I've OD'd on Henry VIII for a little while, too. :-)

Lezlie

Ladytink_534 said...

Lol. That's one way of putting it!

By the way, just to let you know, my main blog is The Movieholic and Bibliophile (and Up Close and Personal with LadyTink). I noticed that you have my Ladytink's Neverland linked which I don't update nearly as often as I should :(

Lezlie said...

Ladytink ~ I just noticed that this morning. I updated my Reader, but forgot to do my blogroll. Thanks for reminding me!

Lezlie

Andi said...

Gah! I still haven't read any of her stuff. Must get off tookus and try it!

Lezlie said...

Andi ~ She has a medieval mystery series that looks interesting, not to mention that the books are about 600 pages shorter. :-) I have the first one here and will be reading it soon. That might be a good introduction to her work!

Lezlie

Teddy Rose said...

Wonderful review Lezlie. I love Penman and this along with the rest of the series is on my TBR.

Lezlie said...

Teddy Rose ~ Thanks! A generous blogger is sending me her extra copies of the first two. Very cool! I'm not sure if I'll tackle them this winter, or if I'll wait for patio season to return.

Lezlie