The critically acclaimed author of The King's Mistress brings another fascinating woman from history to life in an enthralling story of political intrigue, personal tragedy, and illicit love.Joan of Kent, renowned beauty and cousin to King Edward III, is destined for a politically strategic marriage. As the king begins a long dynastic struggle to claim the crown of France, plunging England into the Hundred Years’ War, he negotiates her betrothal to a potential ally and heir of a powerful lordship.
But Joan, haunted by nightmares of her father’s execution at the hands of her treacherous royal kin, fears the king’s selection and is not resigned to her fate. She secretly pledges herself to one of the king’s own knights, one who has become a trusted friend and protector. Now she must defend her vow as the king—furious at Joan’s defiance—prepares to marry her off to another man.
In A Triple Knot, Emma Campion brings Joan, the “Fair Maid of Kent” to glorious life, deftly weaving details of King Edward III’s extravagant court into a rich and emotionally resonant tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal.
About the Author:
Emma Campion did her graduate work in medieval literature and history, and has continued to study the period while working first as an editor of scientific publications and now for some years as a freelance writer. She was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, grew up in Cincinnati, and has lived most of her adult life in Seattle, which she and her husband love for its combination of natural beauty and culture. Emma enjoys walking, hiking, and gardening, and practices yoga and vipassana meditation. She travels frequently to Great Britain.
Emma's current passion is exploring fuller and more plausible interpretations of the lives of women in the 14th century than are generally presented.
My Review:
“A Triple Knot” by Emma Campion is a fascinating historical
fiction novel. Joan of Kent and Eleanor of Aquitaine are two of my favorite
women in history to read about, so I jumped on reading a novel about Joan. Her
life was seriously like a soap opera. She was loved by three different men,
betrothed to one but married to another, then that marriage was annulled and
she was remarried to the first one, and all of this while being love by Edward
of Woodstock, who was to be the future King of England. Her life story is so
crazy that it’s almost hard to believe! I really like that the novel began when
Joan was young, because it gives the reader the whole picture of her life and
her background, and it shows the hardships she went through after the loss of
her father. “A Triple Knot” was well-written and smooth flowing. Once I started
reading it, I had trouble putting it down! Joan’s life is perfect for a novel.
It was full of intrigue, love, lust, and lies. She was a strong woman of her
time, and she definitely made her mark in history.
I would recommend this novel to lovers of historical
fiction, especially those who are fascinated with England’s Kings and Queens.
You really get a good look into the lives of royalty in this novel, and overall
it’s a great read.
I give this novel a FIVE out of FIVE stars.
It seems that this may be a great book. Joan of Kent seems to have led a fascinating life. I think I should look into it.
ReplyDelete