Review of Lady of the English

 

Lady of the English

Elizabeth Chadwick

Sourcebooks Landmark

ISBN 9781402250927

 

   Matilda is the daughter of Henry I and is well aware there are many who will not accept her as England's Queen when her father dies. There are also many who do not know the iron will of the would be Queen.

   Adeliza, Henry's widow and Matilda's step-mother, is remarried to a warrior who fights to keep Matilda off of the throne. Adeliza has to fight to remain true to Henry's memory and at the same time remain committed to her new husband.

   This historical read takes place in the earlier part of the twelfth century when men ruled the work and women were possessions of the men. This included would be queens. Women were expect to bow down to their men and do exactly as they said or suffer the consequences. The story starts out with Matilda returning home after her husband dies unexpectedly. She is ill prepared for a mother who is basically the same age as herself; but overtime they become the best of friends. This is not to say they always see eye to eye.

   The story gets interesting when Henry I dies while hunting and Matilda's cousin steals the throne of England. Knowing, that in a man's world, a woman will never truly sit on the throne, Matilda's hopes are set on having a son who will eventually rule. From the time of birth, young Henry is molded to one day take his rightful place. Matilda will be able to garnish her power behind the scenes until Henry is old enough to take the reigns. First they must retake the throne that is rightfully theirs.

   Matilda, Lady of the English, is a bit self-centered and head strong. Many times, she is her own worst enemy and causes herself more difficulty then is necessary because she does not think things through thoroughly. My heroine of this story is Adeliza. She is a proud and thoughtful woman who is strong beyond measure. She holds her head high while Henry flaunts his mistresses and his bastard children for all to see. I find it so strange that Adeliza is unable to conceive a child with Henry; but goes on to have six children with her new husband. It makes you wonder if the illegitimate children were actually Henry's.

   This is a wonderful historical fiction that takes you into the throes of medieval England. The best and the worst of the elite are seen. You will also see the distinct dividing of the classes. I highly recommend this book if you are a historical fiction fan or if you just like a good book to read.

   I wish to thank Sourcebooks for providing me with an ARC to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to read and review.

 

I give Lady of the English 4 out of 5 stars