For the young historian curious about powerful women in the past, this book offers a vivid, witty look at Eleanor of Aquitaine's extraordinary life through multiple perspectives.
A parent might reach for this book when their curious child is ready for a historical biography that reads like a clever fantasy. Perfect for readers who love stories about royalty but want more depth than a simple fairy tale, this book introduces the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine. The story is uniquely told from heaven, where Eleanor and three acquaintances await her second husband's judgment, recounting the incredible events of her life. It masterfully explores themes of self-confidence, resilience, and complex family dynamics. It's an excellent choice for kids 10-14, making history feel vibrant, personal, and full of wit, proving that real life can be more adventurous than fiction.
Central themes include marriage, annulment, and historically-contextual infidelity, all handled non-explicitly.
Moral AmbiguityModerate
Characters make complex, sometimes ruthless, political decisions. The protagonist is heroic but also flawed and ambitious.
Sensitive Topics
The framing device is that the characters are in heaven, so death is a constant, though non-traumatic, presence. It is a secular interpretation of a Christian afterlife, used as a literary device. Marital conflict, including infidelity and politically motivated separation (annulment), is a central theme. Eleanor is imprisoned by her husband for fifteen years. War and rebellion are discussed in terms of strategy and consequence, not graphic detail. The resolution for Eleanor is one of historical legacy and peace in the afterlife, a hopeful and satisfying conclusion to a turbulent life.
Ideal Reader
A bright, curious 10- to 13-year-old who loves history but finds textbooks boring. This reader enjoys clever wordplay, puzzles, and stories about powerful, complicated women who defy expectations. It's a perfect next step for a child who has outgrown princess stories but is still fascinated by royalty, or a fan of Konigsburg's other smart, puzzle-like books.
Parent Prep
The book stands well on its own, but a parent might want to be prepared for questions about the Crusades, the political nature of medieval marriage, and the geography of 12th-century Europe. The author provides excellent historical context within the narrative, but a curious child will likely have more questions. No specific scenes require pre-reading. A parent notices their child is fascinated by historical figures, especially queens or powerful women. The child might ask, "Were there any women who were in charge back then?" or express an interest in a story where the female character isn't just waiting for a prince. This book is the perfect answer.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the adventure and the novel's sass and humor. They will see Eleanor as a proto-feminist hero, loving her defiance and grand accomplishments. An older reader (12-14) will appreciate the sophisticated narrative structure, the subtle character nuances, the political intrigue, and the historical satire. They will grasp the complexities of Eleanor's power, understanding both her influence and her limitations within a patriarchal society.
What Makes It Special
Its narrative structure is its most unique quality. Telling a historical biography from four gossiping, biased perspectives in the afterlife is a brilliant and engaging device. It transforms a potentially dry subject into a lively, subjective conversation, beautifully illustrating the idea that history is a story told by many voices, not a single, objective truth.
Read plot summary
Eleanor of Aquitaine, along with her mother-in-law Empress Matilda, her close associate William Marshal, and the influential Abbot Suger, are waiting in heaven. While they wait for Eleanor's second husband, King Henry II, to arrive for his final judgment, they pass the time by recounting the story of Eleanor's long, remarkable life. Through their interwoven, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives, the reader learns of her time as Queen of France, her participation in the Second Crusade, the annulment of her first marriage, her passionate and tumultuous marriage to Henry II of England, her role in her sons' rebellion against their father, and her long imprisonment.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The story is told by Eleanor, Abbot Suger, William Marshal, and Empress Matilda. How did hearing from different people change your opinion of Eleanor? Did you trust one narrator more than the others?
2
Eleanor made many controversial choices, including going on a crusade and later encouraging her sons to rebel against their father, King Henry II. Do you think she was justified? Why or why not?
3
Why do you think the author chose to have the characters tell their stories from heaven? How did this setting make the book different from a typical biography?
4
The title is 'A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver,' referring to expensive cloth and fur. What does this title tell us about Eleanor's character and what she valued in life?
