Like all Edith Pargeter books, this one evokes the time period beautifully and pulls you into the action and tension of the story. Wonderful historic fiction! ( )

Pargiter (aka Ellis Peters) uses her extensive familiarity with medieval England (see the Brother Cadfael mystery series) to breath life into a side-note in English history. Though the engagement and marriage of Margaret (Meggotta) de Burgh is the basis for this historical novel, the primary story is that of the fall from favor of Meggotta’s father, Hugh de Burgh. After a lifetime in service to Henry III (and King John before him), de Burgh had become influential and wealthy, but had made many enemies who begrudged him his influence with the King. As de Burgh’s enemies gained influence at his expense, Megotta’s childhood engagement to Richard de Clare (heir to the earldoms of Gloucester and Hertford) no longer suited King Henry’s plans.

Pargiter presents a fine historical novel here, letting Meggotta’s story guide while giving the bulk of the story to the more interesting action of Hugh de Burgh’s struggles against his enemies at court. An enjoyable read and a good introduction to the political scene of time.

Os. ( )

79 hc ex library