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Books Fiction

Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman

Lionheart by Sharon Kay Penman

Lionheart

By Sharon Kay Penman

Penguin Books, 2011
ISBN: 978039915785

Publisher’s Description: From the New York Times-bestselling novelist, a stunning story of a great medieval warrior-king, the accomplished and controversial son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine: Richard, Coeur de Lion. They were called “The Devil’s Brood,” though never to their faces. They were the four surviving sons of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine. With two such extraordinary parents, much was expected of them.

But the eldest-charming yet mercurial-would turn on his father and, like his brother Geoffrey, meet an early death. When Henry died, Richard would take the throne and, almost immediately, set off for the Holy Land. This was the Third Crusade, and it would be characterized by internecine warfare among the Christians and extraordinary campaigns against the Saracens. And, back in England, by the conniving of Richard’s youngest brother, John, to steal his crown.

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In Lionheart, Sharon Kay Penman displays her remarkable mastery of historical detail and her acute understanding of human foibles. The result is a powerful story of intrigue, war, and- surprisingly-effective diplomacy, played out against the roiling conflicts of love and loyalty, passion and treachery, all set against the rich textures of the Holy Land.

Click here to read our Interview with Sharon Kay Penman

Review by Unabridged Chick: “…this is a staggering novel that covers a fascinating era. Readers who like their hist fic to focus on the history (and not, say, the sex) will love this one as it’s low on salacious detail without minimizing the relationships — romantic or otherwise. Settle in, though, if you pick this up: it’s not a fast read but it is engrossing!”

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Review by Man of la Book: “Lion­heart by Sharon Kay Pen­man is his­tor­i­cal fic­tion at its best. The research is impres­sive and Ms. Pen­man doesn’t try to fit the his­tory to her story, but writes the story around history.”

Click here to visit Sharon Kay Penman’s website

Click here to see our profile of Sharon Kay Penman’s previous novel: Devil’s Brood

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