Rating: 
Summary: Reaches places inside that few stories can
Review: How lucky I was to have been living in England in the late 1980s when I discovered Edith Pargeter/Ellis Peters, because these books were in print in paperback (how I wish I had hard copies!). I have read and re-read these books, and all of the Cadfael books, and just about every other book she has written - I even bought the Cadfael mysteries in Swedish (lived there after England) because (1) I had that collecting EP boks bug and (2) it immensely improved my vocabulary!This story is complex, compelling, riveting; human in scale, yet encompassing great themes; and it's a roaring good read. I laugh, I cry, I wish I were as wonderfully talented as Madonna Benedetta, or as loyal as Gilleis...and every time the boys seek sanctuary in Shrewsbury, I think "If only Cadfael were there, he would find a way to help them." Yes, I am obssessed, but in a good way! I am impressed by Ms Pargeter's knowledge of mediaeval history, and even more so by her ability to create living, breathing characters to bring it alive. Because of her, I have read a great deal of serious, non-fiction history about the war between Stephen and Maude, and about the melding of Norman and Saxon into England. And because her sympathies are so clearly with both Welsh and English in the tangled border area, I have been able to burnish my strong pride in my Welsh heritage, while learning to forgive those who trampled it to bits. Because history is never as simple as it seems from this end. I highly recommend these books. I sent copies to a friend of mine for his birthday one year and I hope he treasures them too!
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Summary: The Heaven Tree Trilogy
Review: I absolutely love these books. They bring the mediaeval world so vividly to life and the characters are so real too. I would recommend these to anyone; they are so readable! The way in which people are brought to life is amazing. These outrank the books of Sharon Penamn as my favorites; even Here Be Dragons. To anyone who may come across these books- read them because you don't know what you are missing if you do not. The characters are and have remained my favourites in all my years of reading. Harry and Llewelyn particularly jump out at you from the pages, and the dignity and grace of Benedetta is something I wish you could find more often in other books.
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Summary: A Book Beyond Praise
Review: I am currently re-reading this book after a lapse of some years. After the first reading, I bought the trilogy in hardcover, because I knew I would want to read it again and again and even bequeath it as something precious. It is inconceivable to me that a book this wonderful could be out of print. If you have any interest in the aspirations of the human spirit, in truly feeling the highest love of which humans are capable, in rich and three-dimensional characters whose triumphs and tragedies will break your heart, in the connection between God and art and love, and in ultimate redemption, then read this book.
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Summary: On my all time top-ten list
Review: I bought these books in a train station in Leeds, England, when I was sixteen, and still have them. I've loaned them carefully to a few friends over the years, and have long wished that they were more widely available so I could buy copies to give away to anyone I know who loves historical fiction. I haven't re-read them for many years, but the images and the characters are still vivid. Harry Talvace, Ralf Isambard, Benedetta--wow, I can still see them as if I knew them as old friends. If you can find these, snap them up! Some of you may know that I'm also a big Dorothy Dunnett fan, and these rank right up there with the Lymond Chronicles and well ahead of the House of Niccolo in my estimation. I'm also inordinately fond of Hope Muntz's The Golden Warrior. (While I'm at it--some other good historical novels (though a notch below these) include Sharon Kay Penman's Sunne in Splendor, anything by Shellabarger (Prince of Foxes, Captain from Castile, etc.), and much of Sabatini (Captain Blood, etc.))
Rating:
Summary: Close to the top of my life list
Review: I found a paperback edition of these three books in a train station bookstall in Leeds, England in the late 60s, and they remain one of my all time favorites. Harry Talvace, Benedetta, and Ralf Isambard still populate my memories as if they were people I once knew. Those who love these books should also check out Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles -- the only other historical novels that have the richness of character and plot that I found in these books.
Rating:
Summary: Close to the top of my life list
Review: I found a paperback edition of these three books in a train station bookstall in Leeds, England in the late 60s, and they remain one of my all time favorites. Harry Talvace, Benedetta, and Ralf Isambard still populate my memories as if they were people I once knew. Those who love these books should also check out Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles -- the only other historical novels that have the richness of character and plot that I found in these books.
Rating:
Summary: Heaven Tree Trilogy is among the best I've read.
Review: I have been a fan of historical fiction, and of Ms. Pargeter, for decades. The accuracy of the times, mores, and construction details flow with any research I've done. The depth of characterization and heart have overwhelmed me. I cried, laughed, and groaned. I cursed Ralf Isambard, and praised him. I hated to have to sleep, disdained the age of my eyes at times, and had to pause to weep, occasionally. The length of this work should not be allowed to deter anyone, I am recommending it to my daughters, and friends. This is, thus far, the best I have read of Ms. Pargeter, or of any of my favorite authors. The reviews given by the professionals don't do this story justice, but it is the most compelling story. I gush, proudly.
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Summary: Simply put - the best book ever
Review: I have never felt it necessary to write a review of a book on this website, although I read quite a few. But this is a book that deserves it. I somehow got my hands on the hardcover edition of this book several years ago. It is my all-time favorite book. Other reviewers have given summaries of this novel; I don't want to waste space I could otherwise use to praise this trilogy. I have never felt so involved in a novel or so familiar with the characters in my life. Please don't let the length of this trilogy, or the difficulty of obtaining a copy stop you from reading these books. It will be so worthwhile if you read them.
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Summary: This book is my most treasured possession!
Review: I have never written a book review before, but this book inspires me to share my pleasure with everyone. This is, without a doubt, my favorite book. A friend told me about it several years ago and, bless her soul, lent me her copy of the trilogy. After reading it and living through the journey of Harry, Adam, Benedetta, Gilleis, and of course, my favorite, Isambard, I was transported back to this historical time. The pictures it paints are so vivid, so engulfing, that I couldn't tear myself away, and even at 899 pages, the journey was too short. After experiencing this brilliant story, I had to own a copy for myself. Though it was out of print at the time, I contacted the publishher (FREQUENTLY) until they released another printing. This is the only book I own that I have never lent to anyone - I can't bear to part with it! I have re-read this book at least 4 times, and I'm planning on diving into it again this summer.
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Summary: Memorable over decades
Review: I'll start with a confession: I haven't read the first book. I read the Green Branch perhaps 25 years ago, having found it at a second-hand book store. It moved me then, and remained in my memory as few books have done. Unfortunately, the book shop did not have the other books. Recently, I found the third book, The Scarlet Seed, for sale second-hand in California, and grabbed it. The story had lost none of its impact. Few books have that kind of staying power. This epic is well worth the read, especially for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It's set in a beautifully drawn medieval world. The characters are sympathetic and engaging, with understandable motivations. At the end of it, you have the sense of understanding not only the heroes of the stories, but also their antagonists. It's an epic that draws you in.
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