Title: The Plantagenet Prelude
Author: Jean Plaidy
First published January 1, 1976
418 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780099493266 (ISBN10: 0099493268)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
When forensic investigator, Alex Carter, is called to the small town of Redwood Falls, Oregon, to work on a case, she is stunned to discover that their prime suspect is a man known only as Wilder. He’s been living in the woods for years, and his only connection to society is through a series of hunting cameras.
Despite his feral appearance, Alex senses something deeper in Wilder’s eyes, and she becomes determined to uncover the truth about him. As they work together to unravel a web of lies, Alex finds herself drawn to Wilder’s raw masculinity and his enigmatic personality.
But as the investigation heats up, she realizes that Wilder may be hiding secrets that could put them both in danger. Will Alex be able to uncover the truth about Wilder before it’s too late?
Or will she lose everything she holds dear in the process?
About the Author
Eleanor Alice Burford, who went by the pen name Jean Plaidy, was a prolific British author. She wrote approximately 200 historical novels, which collectively sold 14 million copies before her death.
Burford used different pen names for different types of stories, including Victoria Holt (whose books sold 56 million copies) and Philippa Carr (whose books sold 3 million copies). She also wrote under her maiden name and other pseudonyms.
This allowed her to explore a wide range of subject matter without confusing her readers, many of whom were unaware of her other identities.
Editoral Review
The Plantagenet Prelude, by Jean Plaidy, is a thoroughly researched and well-crafted historical fiction novel. First published on January 1, 1976, this book marks the beginning of Plaidy’s intricate saga of the Plantagenet dynasty, a royal family that ruled England from 1154 until 1485.
As an experienced writer of historical fiction, Plaidy’s books offer readers fascinating glimpses into the past with vividly evocative descriptions of their time periods. The Plantagenet Prelude is set in the 1100s and depicts the volatile relationship between King Henry II and his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
The plot revolves around the struggles of this couple to maintain control over England, France and their own children, as well as their own tempestuous marriage. The novel explores themes of power, love, loyalty, and betrayal, all of which are brought to life by the author’s extensive knowledge of history.
Plaidy’s writing style is engaging and accessible, while also offering readers an immersive experience. The narrative is rich with detail, including descriptions of the palaces, castles, and landscapes of the time period.
Additionally, the characters are well-drawn and fully realized, with each one possessing unique personalities and motivations. One of the strengths of The Plantagenet Prelude is Plaidys ability to bring the historical figures to life.
The story captures the tensions and conflicts resulting from the machinations of Henry, Eleanor, and the rest of the royal court, whose alliances and intrigues play a major role in the plot. The dialogues between characters are deep and meaningful, revealing their motivations and desires.
Furthermore, the novel sheds light on the feudal system and the power play of the ruling classes in medieval England. Despite these strengths, there are a few limitations to this book.
While the complexity of characters is one of its biggest strengths, it is also a weakness, as Plaidy introduces so many historical figures that some readers may find themselves struggling to keep track of them all. The narrative can also feel bogged down with exposition at times, as Plaidy wants to provide the reader with a complete picture of the historical context.
Overall, The Plantagenet Prelude is an excellent piece of historical fiction. Plaidy does a superb job in bringing historical characters to life and evoking a sense of time and place.
Readers who are interested in history, British monarchy or epic power struggles will find this novel enthralling. However, readers who are not familiar with the time period may find themselves struggling with its details.
Among the works of Jean Plaidy, this novel is a great starting point for new readers. Its worth reading for its immersive descriptions and rich storytelling, and it is a laudable testament to the power of carefully crafted historical fiction.
Final Rating: 4/5.
