Sign in with Facebook
Jaidee's Reviews > Captive Queen
Captive Queen
by
by
3 "mostly entertaining, somewhat inconsistent, good enough" stars !!!
A few months ago I read this author's historical biography Eleanor of Aquitane: A Life and found it to be very good indeed (3.5 stars). In it, I was immersed into 12th century England and France and had the privilege of meeting and learning about a most formidable, vain and fascinating duchess and queen. Yes I met Queen Eleanor and became a reluctant fanboy. I will not go over the details of her life but touch on them in that review.
I was eager to read a more dramatic historical fiction account and was much looking forward to this book as Ms. Weir had gathered so much knowledge of this royal personage. I thought to myself that she could do one of three things with this novel
a. a work of serious historical fiction
b. a soapy romantic melodrama between herself and King Henry II
c. a deep psychological portrait of Queen Eleanor herself
Ms. Weir attempts all three with various levels of success ...
In a straightforward and clear fashion she outlines the main series of historical events through Eleanor's eyes in a sequential and somewhat interesting fashion and this reader was sometimes and somewhat immersed in the politics and sociology of the time period...a pretty good retelling but at times felt so very rushed....
The romance is particularly well done and I enjoyed the antics, betrayals and sexcapades between the King and Queen. I wish she had fully taken this route as I found it to be the most effective. A lot of scandal and carnal shenanigans. Unfortunately when it is contrasted with straight historical retelling or getting into the psyche of Eleanor...these passages seem almost silly and adolescent...but taken on their own were the most effective.
The psyche of Queen Eleanor left me the most wanting....this did not seem terribly cohesive or consistent. It was difficult for this reader to understand this queen's journey from selfish narcissism to wise old dowager...did not seem particularly believable to me and thus took away from the overall experience of this book.
Ms. Weir is clearly a hardworking and passionate popular historian but overall her writing although passable lacks literary finesse and panache.
All in all, a good and interesting read and I enjoyed my year of spending some time with Queen El !
A few months ago I read this author's historical biography Eleanor of Aquitane: A Life and found it to be very good indeed (3.5 stars). In it, I was immersed into 12th century England and France and had the privilege of meeting and learning about a most formidable, vain and fascinating duchess and queen. Yes I met Queen Eleanor and became a reluctant fanboy. I will not go over the details of her life but touch on them in that review.
I was eager to read a more dramatic historical fiction account and was much looking forward to this book as Ms. Weir had gathered so much knowledge of this royal personage. I thought to myself that she could do one of three things with this novel
a. a work of serious historical fiction
b. a soapy romantic melodrama between herself and King Henry II
c. a deep psychological portrait of Queen Eleanor herself
Ms. Weir attempts all three with various levels of success ...
In a straightforward and clear fashion she outlines the main series of historical events through Eleanor's eyes in a sequential and somewhat interesting fashion and this reader was sometimes and somewhat immersed in the politics and sociology of the time period...a pretty good retelling but at times felt so very rushed....
The romance is particularly well done and I enjoyed the antics, betrayals and sexcapades between the King and Queen. I wish she had fully taken this route as I found it to be the most effective. A lot of scandal and carnal shenanigans. Unfortunately when it is contrasted with straight historical retelling or getting into the psyche of Eleanor...these passages seem almost silly and adolescent...but taken on their own were the most effective.
The psyche of Queen Eleanor left me the most wanting....this did not seem terribly cohesive or consistent. It was difficult for this reader to understand this queen's journey from selfish narcissism to wise old dowager...did not seem particularly believable to me and thus took away from the overall experience of this book.
Ms. Weir is clearly a hardworking and passionate popular historian but overall her writing although passable lacks literary finesse and panache.
All in all, a good and interesting read and I enjoyed my year of spending some time with Queen El !
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
Captive Queen.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
February 5, 2022
– Shelved as:
sneaking-in-forpriority-3max
February 5, 2022
– Shelved
March 10, 2022
– Shelved as:
sneaking-in-forpriority-5max
September 21, 2022
– Shelved as:
next-6-reads-regularstash
October 15, 2022
–
Started Reading
October 21, 2022
–
3.0%
October 21, 2022
–
6.0%
November 22, 2022
–
6.0%
November 22, 2022
–
7.0%
November 22, 2022
–
8.0%
November 23, 2022
–
9.0%
November 23, 2022
–
10.0%
November 25, 2022
–
13.0%
November 25, 2022
–
16.0%
November 28, 2022
–
18.0%
November 28, 2022
–
19.0%
November 29, 2022
–
21.0%
December 3, 2022
–
23.0%
December 3, 2022
–
24.0%
December 3, 2022
–
26.0%
December 3, 2022
–
30.0%
December 5, 2022
–
31.0%
December 5, 2022
–
32.0%
December 5, 2022
–
34.0%
December 5, 2022
–
34.0%
December 5, 2022
–
35.0%
December 5, 2022
–
36.0%
December 5, 2022
–
38.0%
December 14, 2022
–
39.0%
December 14, 2022
–
39.0%
December 14, 2022
–
40.0%
December 14, 2022
–
41.0%
December 14, 2022
–
42.0%
December 14, 2022
–
43.0%
December 14, 2022
–
45.0%
December 17, 2022
–
46.0%
December 17, 2022
–
47.0%
December 17, 2022
–
48.0%
December 17, 2022
–
49.0%
December 17, 2022
–
50.0%
December 17, 2022
–
51.0%
December 17, 2022
–
52.0%
December 17, 2022
–
54.0%
December 17, 2022
–
57.0%
December 21, 2022
–
58.0%
December 21, 2022
–
59.0%
December 21, 2022
–
60.0%
December 21, 2022
–
62.0%
December 21, 2022
–
63.0%
December 21, 2022
–
64.0%
December 21, 2022
–
67.0%
December 22, 2022
–
69.0%
December 22, 2022
–
71.0%
December 22, 2022
–
73.0%
December 22, 2022
–
75.0%
December 22, 2022
–
77.0%
December 22, 2022
–
78.0%
December 22, 2022
–
79.0%
December 23, 2022
–
81.0%
December 23, 2022
–
83.0%
December 23, 2022
–
84.0%
December 23, 2022
–
86.0%
December 23, 2022
–
87.0%
December 23, 2022
–
89.0%
December 23, 2022
–
90.0%
December 23, 2022
–
91.0%
December 23, 2022
–
92.0%
December 23, 2022
–
93.0%
December 23, 2022
–
94.0%
December 23, 2022
–
97.0%
December 23, 2022
– Shelved as:
three-stars-books
December 23, 2022
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-37 of 37 (37 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Debbie
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Dec 23, 2022 04:20PM
I read this years ago, Jaidee, and really enjoyed it then! Not sure how I would feel if I read it now.
reply
|
flag
Debbie wrote: "I read this years ago, Jaidee, and really enjoyed it then! Not sure how I would feel if I read it now."Queen Eleanor gets five stars from me and this historical fiction gets a respectable three stars...mostly enjoyable for me.
I often have trouble reading a blend of historical fiction and silly shenigans and sexual hijinks in the same book. The two don't mesh well for me. Actually, it's the history part that doesn't do well with the behind closed door stuff...which has to be fiction. Wonderful review, Jaidee!
💃🎵Watch that scene, digging the Captive Queen🎵Wishing you a wonderful end to 2022 and a bright, shiny 2023, Jaidee!🧡
I’ve only read one book by Weir many years ago when I was in my British kings and queens phase. I never got around to any others. Maybe I’ll just keep it that way. Still a fun review to read, Jaidee!
I haven't read her in ages. I did enjoy your review as always, Jaidee! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and all that goes with it.
Ok so I think I’m safe to say stuffs. I do not enjoy weir’s fiction at all. I find it frivolous and it plays too much with fact to make it over the top sensational at times. Even ages ago when all I basically read was historical fiction weir was not to my taste. I will say though that she did become, and has remained my top British historian. I trust her to be almost always on point in her research {but then again I wasn’t there so how do I know}. I become so swept up in her narrative I think I melt a little and become one with the pages. I’m thankful we have some shining bright authors/historians climbing in the ranks now because I’m fairly certain Weir and Fraser are getting up in years. I’m so glad you chose to give this a shot and maybe you’ll find something even better soon! (**clears throat** I have suggestions **cough cough**)
Nice review, Jaidee! But you have now left me confused whether the fiction is better than the nonfiction. I don't wanna read both! :)Merry Christmas to you!
A wonderful review, Jaidee! I wish it had been a more enjoyable read for you, but I’m so glad that Queen Eleanor was 5 star worthy, even if the historical aspect didn’t work as well for you! Merry Christmas, and I hope the New Year is good to you!
MarilynW wrote: "I often have trouble reading a blend of historical fiction and silly shenigans and sexual hijinks in the same book. The two don't mesh well for me. Actually, it's the history part that doesn't do w..."Thanx so much dear Marilyn.
I hope you had a lovely Christmas. I saw in the news that there was plenty of snow in Texas...wow !
Kevin wrote: "💃🎵Watch that scene, digging the Captive Queen🎵Wishing you a wonderful end to 2022 and a bright, shiny 2023, Jaidee!🧡"
You da best Dr. Robert...no i meant Kevvy Wevvy...hugs !
Lori wrote: "I’ve only read one book by Weir many years ago when I was in my British kings and queens phase. I never got around to any others. Maybe I’ll just keep it that way. Still a fun review to read, Jaidee!"Thanx so much Lori. This was an acceptable read but her biography on Eleanor was somewhat better !
Marialyce (absltmom, yaya) wrote: "I haven't read her in ages. I did enjoy your review as always, Jaidee! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and all that goes with it."Hugs to you Marialyce 🧡 Always so nice to connect with you on here !
BAM the enigma wrote: "Ok so I think I’m safe to say stuffs. I do not enjoy weir’s fiction at all. I find it frivolous and it plays too much with fact to make it over the top sensational at times. Even ages ago when all ..."I hear you...I liked this enough and the biography quite a bit more.
Always happy for recs ....cough cough ....you know that lol !
Rosh wrote: "Nice review, Jaidee! But you have now left me confused whether the fiction is better than the nonfiction. I don't wanna read both! :)Merry Christmas to you!"
To you as well if you celebrate.
I kept you in mind when I wrote this...so in a nutshell the biography was 3.5 stars and this was 3 stars....hmmmm....lol !
Cheri wrote: "A wonderful review, Jaidee! I wish it had been a more enjoyable read for you, but I’m so glad that Queen Eleanor was 5 star worthy, even if the historical aspect didn’t work as well for you! Merry..."
Thank you my lovely Cheri...I hope your time with family was peaceful and lovely...I will pm you in the new year so we can catch up.
Hugs 🦋🦋
Jaidee wrote: "To you as well if you celebrate.I kept you in mind when I wrote this...so in a nutshell the biography was 3.5 stars and this was 3 stars....hmmmm....lol !"
I am a practising Christian, so yes, I do celebrate Christmas. Thank you for the wishes.😊
I did note the 0.5 star difference, but when it comes to 3 "entertaining" stars vs. 3.5 "informative" stars, the decision is tough. The head wants information, the heart wants entertainment. 😉
Lol you are very cute Rosh!
Enjoyed your review, Jaidee. Extra points for using the word "panache". ;-)
Zoeytron wrote: "Enjoyed your review, Jaidee. Extra points for using the word "panache". ;-)"Jaidee tied his christmas bows avec tres panache mon amie !
Jaidee wrote: "Zoeytron wrote: "Enjoyed your review, Jaidee. Extra points for using the word "panache". ;-)"Jaidee tied his christmas bows avec tres panache mon amie !"
Merci! I'm not a bit surprised, Jaidee. :-)
A well written and fair review, Jaidee. Well done.Am I right in thinking there’s been a bit of a gap in your 5-star gushing reviews lately?
Bring it in in 2023.
CB
Colin wrote: "A well written and fair review, Jaidee. Well done.Am I right in thinking there’s been a bit of a gap in your 5-star gushing reviews lately?
Bring it in in 2023.
CB"
Ty kindly Colin🤩
My last five star was 1 or2 books ago.
Hoping your Christmas was lovely!
Oh Jaidee, I’m glad that you have enjoyed your time with Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. I have benefited from your great reviews.
Lorna wrote: "Oh Jaidee, I’m glad that you have enjoyed your time with Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. I have benefited from your great reviews."Ty for this very sweet comment dear Lorna....Queen El and I appreciate it lol !
Seriously...you are such a lovely person and it has been a pleasure chatting and getting to know you this year 💛💛
Mai wrote: "Ooh I enjoy this time period"🙂🙃
Ms. Weir is one of the few writers on the planet who can capture my interest long enough to read about monarchs!
Julie wrote: "Ms. Weir is one of the few writers on the planet who can capture my interest long enough to read about monarchs!"🙂⚘️🦋🦋
Love your thoughtful critique of this book, Jaidee. Am glad you enjoyed meeting Queen El.
Laysee wrote: "Love your thoughtful critique of this book, Jaidee. Am glad you enjoyed meeting Queen El."An early hug for New Year's Laysee 💕
Not to bogart your review, Jaidee, but Julie, Weir was probably my first tasty bite of British nonfiction and she changed how I read. I think I have all of her books. She’s one of the few I trust because she’s often used as a resource and found in various bibliographies.
To BAM: I can totally understand why!I'm a particularly unmotivated reader of non-fiction, and Alison Weir is one of the few writers of it who can really capture my interest.
(Laura Hillenbrand is another, FYI).
Ty for this very sweet comment dear Lorna....Queen El and I appreciate it lol !Seriously...you are such a lovely person and it has been a pleasure chatting and getting to know you this year 💛💛
aaah, Jaidee. . . . !!
Thank you for your kind comments. And I agree. I have totally enjoyed our exchanges this year about books, travel and celebrations, etc. All the best to you in the new year, my friend.
Hey, I didn't enjoy this book as much either, it's such an obscure time. Her other books are much better, for me. I loved the Lady Elizabeth better than the Marriage Game. Your review is very good. Really Weir is better than Philippa Gregory.
Kelly wrote: "Hey, I didn't enjoy this book as much either, it's such an obscure time. Her other books are much better, for me. I loved the Lady Elizabeth better than the Marriage Game. Your review is very good...."Ty my new GR friend ! I look forward to bumping into your book selections and reviews !
