Eleanor the Queen

By: Norah Lofts

Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie

Eleanor…young, high-spirited, supremely intelligent, heiress to the vast Duchy of Aquitaine – at a time when a woman’s value was measured in terms of wealth. Her vivid leadership inspired and dazzled those about her. And yet, born to rule, she was continually repressed and threatened by the men who overshadowed her life.

This is the story of a brilliant, medieval figure – of a princess who led her own knights to the Crusades, who was bride to two kings and mother of Richard the Lionheart. It is the rich, incredible story of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

©1955 Norah Lofts (P)2010 Soundings

Basic facts plus a perspective.

The influence of strong women was entirely at the mercy of the males around them as shown in this historical novel. I admire strong women and Eleanor of Aquitane is one of my ancestors. It helps to get a perspective of the tmes.

The Queen of Chivalry

It's been said that Eleanor is the queen who inspired the concepts of Courtly Love and inspired chivalry in her passing. True or not, Norah Lofts makes you believe it. Eleanor's story is told more or less in fast forward, and there's not much here beyond the basics of history in terms of names, dates and facts. Such is the nature of such a short novel written so many decades ago. That said, the reason to read this account is for the story and for Eleanor's strength of character. It's difficult not to admire her through this telling. Norah Lofts is one of the most underrated historical novelists, and this novel would make a great introduction to her work.

Nicolette McKenzie is an impressive narrator. She conveys the personalities of all of these characters with an honest performance that only lends to the story. Through her, Eleanor shines.

The genius of Norah Lofts...

I have read... and reread over many years... all of the books of Norah Lofts. Eleanor the Queen, and its magnificent sequel, The Lute Player, are my absolute favorites. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve read these books. Lofts’ writing style is a superb mix of narrative, spectacle, and dialog. She breathes life into her characters, whether they are historical, as in this book, or the many fictional people she has created. Reading her books, and now, for the first time, listening to them, is an object lesson that the journey is sometimes just as important as the destination. Indeed, I never finish reading a book by this wonderful writer without a bittersweet regret that the journey is, once again, over... until next time.

Long live the queen......

It took me awile to get into this book and than I was completely hooked on the main character. Found this to be interesting......somewhat factual in the history of Queen Eleanor......Well written and narrated.