Tanzanite's Castle Full of Books

For 2011 there are two books on my “highly anticipated” list” - Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman and Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick. I have been a huge Chadwick fan ever since reading The Greatest Knight more than four year ago and have loved everything I have read by her. Lady of the English is no exception.

Set during the tumultuous years following the death of Henry I in 1135, Lady of the English is the story of two women – Henry’s daughter Matilda and his second wife, Adeliza – and the battle for a crown. Although Henry had many illegitimate children, he unfortunately only had two with his first wife. When his son William died in 1120, and his second marriage failed to produce any children, that left only Matilda. Married at a young age to the Emperor of Germany, Matilda is widowed in 1125 and returns to England where her father plans to marry her off again in the hope that she produces a son who can rule after him.

Her father’s choice of a second husband – Geoffrey of Anjou – does not sit well with the former empress. Geoffrey is barely old enough to be considered man and Matilda, who is in her mid-twenties, is appalled and humiliated by the prospect. But she knows her duty and the pair eventually produce three sons, including the future Henry II. When the old king dies, former oaths of fealty go out the window and the country is torn apart by years of warfare as Matilda is forced to fight her cousin Stephen for what rightfully belongs to her – and her son.

As with most of her novels, Chadwick creates strong women as central characters but who still manage to remain firmly grounded in the medieval world. Matilda appears to rightfully earn her reputation as willful, stubborn and haughty (and often not very likeable), and her tough exterior is often a cover for her frustration and feelings of powerlessness over her own future. But in private, she’s a little more human and I couldn’t help but admire her strength and determination even in the face of so much opposition. Ever cognizant of her place in a man's world, she refuses to let anyone see the woman underneath - even her son Henry.  Her stepmother, Adeliza, is about the same age as Matilda and the two form a close bond. But in a world where honor, duty and loyalty mean everything, Adeliza must walk a fine line between duty to her husband (who supports King Stephen) – and loyalty to the step daughter she loves.

Lady of the English also has it share of "historical hunks". Brian Fitzcount is a young baron sworn to uphold Matilda’s cause and whose quite affection for her runs deep. William D’Albini has admired Adeliza from afar and after she is widowed, gathers up the courage to pursue her - treating her as his queen throughout their marriage as they raise their many children and struggle to survive in a world gone mad. And then there is Geoffrey of Anjou. At first, the swaggering, arrogant teenager is every woman’s worst nightmare - he is the bad boy you wanted to date in high school! But as he matures into an adult, he is a good father, a trusted adviser and remains faithful to his wife’s (and son’s) cause.

Even though Chadwick has a gift of being able to immerse the reader in medieval life, what I really appreciate about her books is her focus on relationships. Many things about human nature never change – not even after almost 1000 years – and the battles and sieges that dominated the period are woven around the exploration of three very different marriages: the lust/hate relationship of Matilda and Geoffrey; the friendly strangers Brian and Maude; and the love and happiness of Adeliza and William.

This is one of the best books I have read about this time period and I particularly enjoyed the focus on the less well known Adeliza, especially after visiting her home of Arundel last year during our UK visit. I read the last 200 pages in one sitting – intrigued by the constant back and forth of fortunes, the inner struggles of William and Matilda as they tried to do what was right and Matilda's extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.

To be king:  “Being a king was not about pleasing people. It was about controlling them.” Matilda considering how inept Stephen is at being a king.

Nobody puts Baby in a corner:  “I am an empress and a queen and I will be no one’s pawn.” Matilda to Adeliza as William goes to speak with Stephen outside of Arundel after Matilda’s arrival.

Got wrinkles? “She was certain that no one had ever said that to her father or to Stephen. As if a smooth forehead were the ultimate goal.”  Matilda after one of her women tells her to stop frowning or she would create more lines.

A wife does not an empress make:  “Sometimes she felt like a donkey, staggering along with a heavy burden of firewood while Brian ignored her to look at the fancy glossy horses prancing past on the road with bells tinkling on their harness.” Maude considering that Brian doesn’t see in her the same qualities he admires in Matilda.

The lion's cub:  “He is born of lions. Do not expect him to be a mouse.” Matilda to Robert about her eldest son, Henry.



In case the FTC asks: From the publisher