Introduction

The author of The Queen's Pawn delves into the early life of the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine in her new historical novel.

After her father's sudden death, fifteen-year-old Eleanor is quickly crowned Duchess of Aquitaine and betrothed to King Louis VII. When her new husband cannot pronounce her given name, Alienor becomes Eleanor, Queen of France.

Although Louis is enamored of his bride, the newly crowned king is easily manipulated by the church and a God that Eleanor doesn't believe in. Now, if she can find the strength to fight for what she wants, Eleanor may finally find the passion she has longed for, and the means to fulfill her legacy as Queen.

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Excerpt

Abbey of Fontevrault

County of Poitou

April 1204

I was my father’s favorite. I knew this from the day I was born. I seemed to take this knowledge in with my mother’s milk.

Men came to my father’s court in the early days, patted my head, and fed me sweets. They took in the stone walls and tapestries of my father’s palace as if they might see beyond them to my father’s lands, stretching from the border of Burgundy to the sea. Those men leaned close to Papa and said, “One day there will be a son to rule all this.” But my brother died, along with my mother, and there was never another heir. I was left, the only child with the strength to follow my father. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. As the novel opens, Eleanor’s mother and brother are dead, and she is her father’s heir. Would Eleanor have ever become Duchess without her father’s support?

2. Eleanor’s younger sister, Petra is never considered for a political role by Eleanor’s father. Do you think this has a negative effect on Petra’s relationship with Eleanor? How did Eleanor and Petra interact in the novel? Do you think that they loved each other, even as children?

3. As a child, Eleanor wants to learn to hunt with a falcon and a hawk. Her father has also promised her that she can ride a war horse once she is old enough. Why do you think Eleanor wants to establish dominance over these hunting animals, especially hawks and war horses, two types of animals that are usually reserved for men?

4. To Be Queen is dedicated to Eleanor’s father, William X, Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou. If she were alive today, what might Eleanor think of this dedication?

5. Eleanor never liked the Parisians, and they never liked her. Why? Do you think her attitude towards her husband’s people changes over the course of the novel?

6. For years, Eleanor and Louis are without a child. Who gets blamed for the lack of children? Who was at fault? How does this attitude toward conceiving children differ from our modern point of view? Why?

7. Eleanor and Louis go on Crusade to fight against the Turks in the Levant. Did Eleanor want to take this journey? What was your favorite part of her time in the city of Constantinople? What was Eleanor’s favorite thing about that city?

8. When Eleanor reached Rome, she expected the Pope to grant her an annulment from Louis. Why did she expect this? Were you surprised when she did not get what she wanted? What was your reaction to the Pope blessing her marriage to Louis, a marriage she desperately wanted to get out of?

9. Eleanor was clearly unhappy in her marriage to Louis. What were her reasons for being so dissatisfied with Louis? Do you think she ever truly loved him?

10. When Henry of Normandy walks into the court of Paris, he stares at Eleanor and does not look away. Do you think he planned his seduction of her? Why did she allow herself to be seduced by him?

11. Who do you think Eleanor will be happier with, Louis or Henry? Why? Is happiness a consideration for Eleanor? If not, what does she base her decisions on? Do you agree with her choices?

12. Eleanor was one of the most remarkable women of her time. She was one of the few women ever to wear two crowns in a lifetime, and one of the few women to rule a duchy in her own right. What attributes of her character allowed her to achieve so much?

Weblinks

»	Author Christy English's Blog`
»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Q&A with authot Christy English

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