Ann of Cambray: Trivia Qz

This book by Mary Lide is an excellent historical novel. The timing of the novel is the mid-12 century around the time that Henry II became King of England. Ms. Lide places historical characters in tight juxtaposition with her own invented ones, and the writing is so seamless that it is hard to determine where history ends and fiction begins. It is very apperant that Ms. Lide is a learned medeival scholar. She knows this era and the colourful people of it. In the book we see Henry II and his infamous Queen - Queen Eleanor. We also meet many of the lords and ladies in his retinue, and we have Ann and her Lord Raoul. Ms. Lide does a fine job in her depiction of Ann of Cambray. What an indomitable figure she was. The legacy that she left should not be overshadowed by all the other things that happened during the Plantanganet reign.

Ann of Cambray is the 1st in a trilogy. The other 2 are "Gifts of the Queen" and "A Royal Quest." The 3rd book was also published under the title "The Hawks of Sedgmont" in some countries. I read them every few years and they haven't lost their appeal. Once started, very hard to put down. Mary Lide is a excellent author and one of my all time favorites. Her portrayals of Henry of Anjou and Eleanor of Aquitaine fit as does her descripton of the period. I recommend this book to anyone interested in good writing, historical accuracy, and unforgettable heroes and heroines...

Ann of Cambray is worth hunting Z-Shops and Auctions for. It is the beautiful tale of an intelligent and passionate woman living in the 12th century England. This is no fluff-romance tale. It is a tale of death and destruction, loyalty and alliances, murder and intrigue. Ann's love for her overlord complicates her life and sends her all over the kingdom in a desperate attempt for everything to be peaceful and settled. Castles and Kings fall in the struggle, men die and women mourn. And through it all Ann of Cambray forges bravely on. A wonderful tale written by an Oxford historian. Fascinating detail and endless surprising twists of fate.

Ann of Cambray was written in such a manner that one would think they know the final outcome, but--- not so! Mary Lide's way of telling her story was exceptional and well thought out. I'm sure Ann and Raoul were meant to meet, meant to love and meant to grow old together. Ann of Cambray embodied all the romanctic's notions of the time and I loved it. It is a 'keeper' on my bookshelves, I have read it at least 4 times to date and look forward to my next meeting with them