Having read, reviewed and really enjoyed Loft's novel on Anne Boleyn, The Concubine, I am really stoked to read this re-issue of Loft's novel on Richard I.
The Lute Player: A Novel of Richard the Lionhearted
by Norah Lofts
Release Date: December 8, 2009
SYNOPSIS: One of the most renowned figures in medieval history, Richard the Lionhearted, inspired by a vision of the Holy Land, led his knights onto the battlefields of the Third Crusade. During the years of fighting and intrigue, Richard's life was intertwined with the lives of two strong, vibrant, and drastically different women who loved him -- Berengaria, princess of Navarre, and his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. While his marriage to Berengaria was ill-fated, Eleanor loved her son with a frantic, possessive pride. But it is Blondel, the king's lute player, who here steps forward from the shadows to tell this tale of romance, war, and betrayal.
In her trademark style, Norah Lofts paints a complex and human portrait of a legendary king.
Another one to look forward to. *sigh* I am going to have to live to be 110 to read all of the books I want to read.
ReplyDeleteAmy you have an award waiting for you over at All Things Royal
ReplyDeletehttp://tudordaughter.blogspot.com/.
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Susie
I read this one a couple of years ago. It's going to take Penman to make Richard and Berengeria on crusade interesting....
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that I never, ever see a new reissue from her and think, "No. I don't think I'd like that one." ;-)
ReplyDeleteLezlie
Although I will be very interested to read the re-issue, I really think that Sharon's next novel on Lionheart will be just the most memorable book about Richard, especially since he's being seen under a different light in this century.
ReplyDeleteuh-oh.. i m off to fing yje Concubine
ReplyDeleteA new author for me. Good to know I'll never run out of fresh reading material! I'm adding The Concubine to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple nonfiction books about Richard or about his times, so and good HF seems to be the next step.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've read any Norah Lofts, but I've heard great things, so I'm glad they're throwing her on the reissue bandwagon with Jean Plaidy and Margaret Campbell Barnes!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading Norah Lofts when I was in high school. I recently got The Kings Pleasure and The COncubine and also have on order Gads Hall and THe Lute Player. I think she is a great historical author. If you haven't read any of her stories I would highly recommend them!!!
ReplyDeleteI only know Norah Lofts from her excellent nonfiction) biography of Emma Hamilton; I didn't know she wrote fiction as well, but her subjects certainly interest me.
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