The Time Of Singing (William Marshal #4) (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
This is my favourite novel so far in the Marshal series. Although not the primary focus, William Marshal is portrayed through the eyes of Roger Bigod, the male protagonist of this novel. It was great to see Marshal from this viewpoint, and it solidified everything the reader was shown about him in the first two novels (The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion). It was interesting to see him from an outsider's perspective.One of the main reasons I enjoyed this novel so much was due to the female protagonist, Ida de Tosney. It was only recently discovered that Ida was the mother to Henry II's illegitimate son, William Longespee, when a document was found where he refered to "Countess Ida, my mother". By this point Ida's husband had been granted the earldom of Norfolk, thus giving her the title of Countess. This novel brings to light the struggle that Roger went through in order to regain the earldom that was in dispute after his father's death.Throughout the novel the reader watches Ida mature from a naive girl whose virginity is taken by a demanding King into a strong woman with a devoted husband and budding family. In many ways this is a coming of age story set in medieval times. Ms Chadwick did an excellent job of portraying Ida's courage--it was not a fierce courage like that of Eleanor of Aquitaine for example--but rather a quiet courage that allowed her to face each trial that life brought her way and try to make the best of it. In truth she seems like a remarkable woman, and I was glad to receive this insight into her life. I enjoyed the first two books in series more. There was more conjecture in this book because it involved a "love story" which may or may not have happened as described. I enjoy learning about the historical events, not reading about a conjectured love life. Nevertheless, now that I am aware of Elizabeth Chadwick as an author of medieval era historical fiction, I will be reading more of her books.
What do You think about The Time Of Singing (William Marshal #4) (2008)?
US title for The Time of Singing. Perhaps Susannah can advise me if these should be combined or not.
—aproff
Absorbing historical romance set in the times of King Henry II (lecher) and his sons.
—Alynaenae
I just won the giveaway of this book, thank you so much Elizabeth!!
—TKBCW
recommended by Sharon Kay Penman, so it must be good.
—crystalsimeoni
