![]() In an early foreshadowing of the later tragedy, Simon is repudiated and exiled by Henry for his actions as the King's governor in Gascony. Their love match is the warm heart of the story from which the political events of the 36 years between 12 radiate. ![]() Simon, a penniless, landless young Frenchman, talks his way into an English earldom and into the heart of Nell, widowed Countess of Pembroke and sister to King Henry. The focus here is on the conflict between the weak and vacillating Henry III of England and the charismatic Simon de Montfort, brilliant soldier and champion of the Provisions-laws enacted by the barons to limit the abuses of the monarchy. ![]() Penman takes up where she left off in Here Be Dragons (1985), producing another fat (577 pp.) historical novel, with lots of intrigue, drama, finely crafted cameos, and sweeping panoramas. ![]()
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