Royal Diaries: Eleanor

About this book

Fourteen-year-old Eleanor of Aquitaine lives in a castle in Poitier, France, with her father Count William of Aquitaine (son of William the Conqueror), and her 12-year-old sister Petronilla. Their mother died several years earlier, so their grandmother and ladies-in-waiting raise the girls. Eleanor is extremely intelligent and literate, having been carefully educated by royal tutors. Spinning bores her, as does weaving, sewing, and other housewifery skills expected of her. She would rather be a knight and ride off to war. In fact, in 1136, when her father is invited to help invade Normandy,

Reviews

Gregory finds a near-perfect individual for the Royal Diaries series in Eleanor of Aquitaine and does her subject justice. The story begins in 1136, when Eleanor is a disobedient 13-year-old in her father's ducal palace, and ends in 1137, when she marries and becomes queen of France. In this fictional diary, Eleanor records a wide variety of events and displays myriad emotions while creating an informative backdrop of the social and religious customs of the twelfth century. The characterizations of the lively Eleanor, her protective grandmother, and her troubled father are all convincing within their time and place. The book ends with an epilogue, a historical note, a Capet-Plantagenet family tree, and a list of characters (some historical, some fictional). Illustrations, also grouped at the end, include black-and-white reproductions of period paintings and engravings, photos of places and artifacts, and a map. A rewarding addition to a popular series. --Booklist, February 2003

Eleanor's story begins in Poitiers, where she lives in a castle with her father, Duke William X of Aquitaine; her younger sister; and her grandmother. The 13-year-old's days are filled with lessons, court gossip and intrigue, and royal feasts. As a young lady approaching the marrying age, she and others are on the lookout for a suitable husband for her. Eleanor's diary is also the repository of some of the seamy details of life, including fleas in people's hair. When she marries the King of France's son, Louis the Younger, she goes to Paris to assume her new royal duties. With attention focused on the small details of life and her youthful dreams, Eleanor comes to life. At the same time, readers learn about this period and some of its inhabitants through her eyes. An epilogue, historical note, family tree, photographs, and glossary of characters round out the book. Fans of the series will devour this installment.-School Library Journal, January 2003