Friday, November 25, 2011

The Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick


"Already known as a knight of uncommon skill and honor, William Marshal has earned the friendship of King Richard and the love of a wealthy heiress. But when the Lionheart dies leaving his treacherous brother John on the throne, William and Isabelle need all of their strength and courage to face a shattered world. Their sons held hostage, their integrity at stake, the two must choose between obeying their king or honoring their hearts. Breathing life into history, Elizabeth Chadwick provides a riveting novel of an uncommon marriage between a man of valor and the only woman who could match him."
(from the publisher)

my thoughts:


Actually, this will be two-reviews-in-one as I read The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion back to back. Although each is marketed as a stand alone novel based on the life of William Marshal, I highly recommend reading The Greatest Knight first. In this novel, the foundation of William's chivalrous character is set, from his harrowing childhood experience of his father's betrayal to his journey of becoming legendary for his skills as a soldier and champion of the tournament circuit. He grows to earn the confidence of kings and queens due to his loyalty and keen intellect (although he remained illiterate), and these characteristics contributed to his role as a diplomat and magnate. Chadwick fleshes out the legendary knight as a young man of honor and simple pleasures, respectful of women and committed to duty and his oath of fealty. Quite a man and hero, according the Chadwick.

The Scarlet Lion continues the story of William Marshal, now married to the beautiful heiress, Isabelle de Clare. Isabelle and William are a devoted couple enjoying their large family and balancing responsibilities to the king. Chadwick portrays William as a devoted husband and respectful of his wife's opinions which was very unusual for the times. He publicly acknowledged his pride in Isabelle's powerful position in her own right and often referred to his wife as his "safe harbor." Throughout the years, though, their relationship is tested as William's loyalty to his oath to King John (despite the king's treachery) brings troubled waters into their relationship with each other and their two eldest sons. William also created trouble for himself (and his sons!) by pledging an oath of support to the French King Philip in order to retain lands in France. King John is not one to take an offense lightly. Despite the trials that William's decisions and responsibilities bring to their married life, they weather the storms together. A wonderful love story and a glimpse of the intrigue of King John's court makes The Scarlet Lion a very enjoyable portrait of this historical figure. A bit dry at times (sometimes reads more like a retelling of historical facts), but still impeccable research and an authentic depiction of medieval life.

I plan on continuing with the story of their daughter, Mahelt Marshal, in To Defy a King.

4/5 stars for both The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I enjoyed the Greatest Knight much more than The Scarlet Lion - I think mostly because there was more adventure and his younger life was more exciting. If you liked these 2 you will love To Defy a King!

Joanne said...

Dolleygurl -- Looking forward to
Defy a King then! I really enjoy Chadwick's earlier novels -- The Marsh King's Daughter was superb!

Mystica said...

Thank you for this review.

Julie at Outlandish Dreaming said...

This is coming up on my audio TBR list and I'm looking forward to it and reading of his married life. I loved The Greatest Knight, on audio. They all have such beautiful covers! Have you thought about reading the prequel to The Greatest Night about his parents, A Place Beyond Courage? That's supposed to be good too. I still can't forget the unforgettable image of young William nearly going to his death but Stephen saving him, particularly poignant in Penman's description in her book.

Joanne said...

Mystica - My pleasure!

Julie - I plan on hunting down as many Chadwick books as I can find. I bought several of her earlier titles on e-bay so I'm looking forward to getting to those in 2012. I enjoyed EC's depiction of William and Isabella (she must have been quite beautiful) as equal and loving partners throughout their life in The Scarlet Lion. I hope you enjoy it as well!

Carole Rae said...

I read 'The Greatest Knight' and I simply adored it! I haven't read the second one yet. I'm not sure why I've neglected it...but I do plan to read it someday. Great reviews!

Melissa @ Confessions of an Avid Reader said...

Great joint review, Joanne. I loved The Greatest Knight. Still haven't read The Scarlet Lion yet, but I'll get there one day.

Joanne said...

Carol Rae & Melissa - If you loved the Greatest Knight, then you must treat yourself to The Scarlet Lion!

Marg said...

I was just coming to recommend that you try to get your hands on A Place Beyond Courage. After hearing about William's father's actions in these books I didn't think that Elizabeth Chadwick would be able to redeem him in my eyes, but she did do a pretty amazing job!

Staci said...

I have a copy on my Kindle of The Greatest Knight. I will start there first and then move on to the Scarlet Lion. I love your reviews!

Joanne said...

Marg & Julie - I will definitely try to find A Place Beyond Courage to tie it all together. Thanks for the recommendation!

Staci - You're so kind! :)

Favorite Period Dramas

Mount TBR

Joanne's to-read book montage

On a Highland Shore
A Light on the Veranda
Entwined
The Queen's Vow: A Novel Of Isabella Of Castile
The Edwardians
Maisie Dobbs
Howards End
Lady's Maid
Instruments Of Darkness
When Maidens Mourn
Where Shadows Dance
What Remains of Heaven
Where Serpents Sleep
Why Mermaids Sing
When Gods Die
Shadowfever
Before Ever After
The Sugar Queen
Garden Spells
After the Night


Joanne's favorite books »
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