Touchstone has been reissueing Norah Lofts books in the US and next up is The Lute Player (release date December 8, 2009). This is one of Lofts books that I haven't read yet - has anyone read it?
Summary: Beloved author Norah Lofts brings to life the romance and adventure of the crusading king Richard the Lionhearted through the eyes of his most humble and trusted companion -- his lute player.
One of the most renowned figures in medieval history, Richard the Lionhearted, inspired by a vision of the Holy Land, led his knights onto the battlefields of the Third Crusade. During the years of fighting and intrigue, Richard's life was intertwined with the lives of two strong, vibrant, and drastically different women who loved him -- Berengaria, princess of Navarre, and his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. While his marriage to Berengaria was ill-fated, Eleanor loved her son with a frantic, possessive pride. But it is Blondel, the king's lute player, who here steps forward from the shadows to tell this tale of romance, war, and betrayal.
In her trademark style, Norah Lofts paints a complex and human portrait of alegendary king.
2009 (new)
2007 (UK) - I don't get this one at all!
1971
1969
1964
1954
1953
6 comments:
I've read it. It was just so-so, it's really hard to make Richard and Berengeria on crusade interesting, although I think Sharon will be able to do it.
Hmm...I haven't read it but I'll probably try it out. What other of her books are being reissued? I have the two on Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.
I imagine the 2007 cover is more about getting women to pick it up based on the cover than anything to do with the actual story. Just my opinion, though. :)
Misfit - I'm sure Sharon will too - can't wait!
Robin - They have also reissued Crown of Aloes (about Isabella of Castile); Here Was a Man (Sir Walter Raleigh) and in 2010 will be releasing Eleanor the Queen (Eleanor of Aquitaine). Some have also been reissued in the UK (along with The Lost Queen).
Kailana - I'm sure you're right, but that cover isn't even pretty...
I have the 1969 cover. I bought Madselin and How Far to Bethlehem around the same time by Lofts as well.
I enjoyed The Lute Player but it was slow going and nowadays might well be seen as fairly alternative history. I remember Berengaria being mentioned in the novel as having had her eye muscles cut or something so that she could cry without screwing up her face - a bit odd.
Nope have not read anything by her but everyone got a copy of this in the mail out of th blue. Everyone but me and I want it so bad I love the new cover.
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