Rating: 
Summary: Historical fiction as it was meant to be written
Review: I've waited a long time for this book to come out. Sharon Kay Penman has long been my favorite author. This sequel to When Christ and His Saints Slept continues the story of Henry II and Eleanor. Penman is well grounded in the history of the period and her historical novels accurately convey the events of the time as well as acquainting us with the major players of the era. I was interested in the relationship between Henry and Eleanor and, knowing the ultimate outcome, read with fascination about Henry's growing flirtation with Rosamunde. The confrontation between Henry and Eleanor after she first learns about Rosamunde was, perhaps, my favorite scene in the book. As another writer mentioned, many readers will already be acquainted with Thomas Becket's role in the story through movies. I thought Penman did a good job of describing him. We were not privy to his inmost thoughts, but rather had to try to figure him out as did Henry II. I thought this was a clever way for Penman to handle the question of his motivation. We don't know, neither did Henry or his other contemporaries, but we have enough to make our own conjectures. If you haven't already, be sure to read Penman's other books--Sunne in Splendor (Richard III), and the Welsh Trilogy, starting with Here Be Dragons.
Rating:
Summary: Historical Fiction at its best
Review: If you enjoy historical fiction, try this one. The writing is lighter than George (Autobiography of Henry VIII, Cleopatra, Mary Queen of Scots) but the history is there, and for the most part, accurate. Her characters are well developed, and story line interesting. It is one of those books I was sad to reach the end.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Up To Penman's Usual High Standards
Review: Ms. Penman's early works, in particular The Sunne in Splendour (about the final years of the War of the Roses and Richard III's brief reign) and the Wales Trilogy (about the struggles between the Welsh Prince Llewelyn and his allies (Simon de Montfort) and the English Crown (first King John, then Henry III and finally the brutal and ruthless Edward I), are dense, psychologically complex, and intricately plotted masterworks of historical fiction. However, Time and Chance and to a much lesser degree When Christ and His Saints Slept lack the sophistication that are the hallmark of Ms. Penman's earlier work. Although Time and Chance concerns itself with three of the most extraordinary figures in English history - - Henry II, Eleanor of Acquitane and Thomas Becket - - they remain flat and one-dimensional throughout the story. Perhaps the subjects themselves are simply too big to capture in such a panoramic scale. The only character Ms. Penman feels comfortable with is Ranulf, Henry II's half-Welsh uncle who is present in the novel more as a literary device than as an actual character whose actions spur forward the plot. The problems with character are magnified by the fact that the plot is so flimsy. Compared with Ms. Penman's early novels in which a number of complex major plot lines were being woven along with a number of minor ones, Time and Chance's rather singular and linear plot line is disappointing. All that being said, it is only a "disappointing" book compared with Ms. Penman's earlier works. If it had some other author's name on the cover, then I likely would have read it happily and would have been glad that another decent writer cared about the Plantagenents. Much to my astonishment, Ms. Penman's Sunne in Splendour managed to transform me into an avid lover of English medieval history. My only lament now is that it is difficult to find in print good fiction set in England or even France during the time period of 1066 to 1450 or so. That is why it is particularly upsetting when Ms. Penman, normally one of the best writers in this genre, produces such a light-weight read. I've read Shakespeare's history plays which, of course, are marvelous. Edith Pargeter is rather enjoyable. Her style is sparse but you find that her characterizations nevertheless linger with you long after you have finished the novel. Try A Bloody Field By Shrewsbury which is about Henry V when he was a young man and his complex relationship with his father and with his surrogate father Hotspur. Although set during the Renaissance, Dorothy Dunnett's novels about the Scottish noble Francis Crawford of Lymond are really quite good, try The Game of Kings. However, Francis' utter perfection and his propensity for needless (self-inflicted) suffering as well as for being misunderstood by his loved ones can get a bit tiresome. I recently read Bernard Cornwall's An Archer's Tale which has a pretty interesting description of Crecy; if you are willing to read "fantasy" then I also recommend George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones which is set in a world very similar to 1300-1450 England. He seems to draw a lot of his inspiration from the War of the Roses, e.g., the usurping royal family is called Lannister instead of Lancaster. There is not that much magic in it at all, it reads more like alternative medieval historical fiction.
Rating:
Summary: #2 Of The Best Eleanor Series Ever Written
Review: Penman emerged long ago as one of the best historical novelists and continues to solidify her reputation with each new release. Her special genius lies in the bright and shining historical detail that she can weave into both plot and dialog (she's a very good student of history and at times is absolutely brilliant in conveying to us the workings of medieval minds). Chronologically, this is the 2nd of her novels. It's also the 2nd in the Henry & Eleanor trilogy (the others are When Christ & His Saints Slept and Devil's Brood). There is no doubt this trilogy will stand as a superior work for ages to come. There is certainly a very complex plot (because this era of English history was quite convoluted). Penman does an excellent job of keeping it all straight for us as she leads us through the maze of characters. Yes, it's complicated but if you read the history of these times you quickly come to see what a great job she did in her design of the story. There are touching moments (the private verbal dueling between Henry & Eleanor are always memorable) and Penman is great at establishing dynamic moments for a wide range of events (the machinations of Becket, etc.). Although I suspected it was coming, I still found her negative characterization of Becket to be an amazing perspective (that I can easily imagine coming from the very mind of Henry himself - a remarkable piece of writing by Penman). As always, Penman's true genius is the broad historical scope that is painted on top of the shimmering details of brief moments. It truly does feel as if you are living the story yourself, and it is this bringing us readers in as witnesses that stands as Penman's contribution to the art of the
historical novel. If you prefer to read in chronological order:
1101-1154 When Christ And His Saints Slept (Vol 1 of the Henry & Eleanor Trilogy)
1156-1171 Time And Chance (Vol 2 of the Henry & Eleanor Trilogy)
12th Cent Devil's Brood (Vol 3 of the Henry & Eleanor Trilogy)- not yet released
1192-1193 The Queen's Man
1193 Cruel As The Grave
1183-1232 Here Be Dragons (Vol 1 of Welsh Trilogy)
1231-1267 Falls The Shadow (Vol 2 of Welsh Trilogy)
1271-1283 The Reckoning (Vol 3 of Welsh Trilogy)
1459-1492 The Sunne In Splendour
Rating: 
Summary: The historical clash of titans...
Review: Penman takes her continuing saga of Medieval England to the next level with the rule of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane. It is Henry's intention to bring peace to a country too long divided by the bloodshed of civil strife. Henry's command of statecraft is exceptional, the force of his personality equal to the task of leadership so necessary to a prosperous kingdom. As ever in this defining period of history, the Church wields enormous power and Henry chafes at the constant demands of Rome. Enter Thomas Becket, chancellor to the king. Henry prevails on Becket to accept the position of Archbishop of Canterbury, thereby performing a dual role as representative of the Church and advisor to the King. As history proves, this is the most critical error of Henry's reign. Henry's refusal to heed the advice of his counselors, particularly of Eleanor, is his most critical and costly mistake, one that will ultimately define his reign. The first hint of trouble comes when Becket returns the seal of Office of Chancellor, throwing down a gauntlet, the first of many. Still in denial, Henry cannot believe he has so misjudged Thomas Becket. Throughout the novel, Becket and the King engage in the most intricate and convoluted arguments, all revolving around the separation of Church and State. Henry wants the Church to attend to its own business and leave the work of kings to the King. But Becket is determined to protect the Church's holdings and preserve established rights to monies and yearly tithes. Penman enriches her historical perspective by the addition of family members and wives of the protagonists. Her women not only add a romantic element, but they serve as further definitions of the men they love. For instance, Eleanor adds dimension to Henry's motives and concerns, as reflected in her communications with him. Henry's mother, Maud, brings out another aspect of her son, his loyalty, devotion and infamous Angevin temper. That said, Becket and Henry II are by far the most important personalities in Time and Chance, often at the expense of other plot development. (It is interesting to note, however, Becket's single-mindedness and arrogance; cloaked in the guise of religion, Becket is fanatical and riddled with pride, as he suffers in his much-noted hair shirts.) Much of the interplay between Eleanor and Henry is lost with the focus on Becket and Henry, even when Henry eventually distances himself from Eleanor and becomes enamoured with a new woman. Everything else seems nothing more than window-dressing. This in itself isn't a flaw, but one of Penman's consistent strengths is character development and how these characters add to the overall view of such richly historical times. Perhaps because Thomas Becket and Henry II do dominate these years in a seminal way, Time and Chance is essentially concerned with the ultimate battle between Church and State that ends in bloody murder. Luan Gaines/2003.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant and enticing
Review: Penman, has drawn her magic pen once again, this time to tell the tale of the strongly interwoven relationships between Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Thomas Becket and the Empress Maude. Henry & Eleanor's relationship starts out as a breathtaking explosion of power and attraction but soon simmers into a broiling brew of discontent between such *high-maintance* personalities. Becket is rightly shown as the enigma he was in life and in a gutsy move on Penman's part she allows the reader to make up their own mind about this complex and very *unsaintly* character. She also includes a wonderful continuation of fictional characters from When Christ and his Saints Slept which as a side bar story...really eases the increasing tensions between Henry and Eleanor. Penman isn't known as a fasnicating, accurate historical author without great reasoning and she doesn't disapoint with Time and Chance which is a tremendous building block to the final novel in the trilogy - The Devil's Brood. An amazing read from an amazing author!!!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent novel of medieval Europe
Review: Sharon Kay Penman may be the best writer around of historical novels about medieval England, France, and Wales. She takes only minor liberties with the facts so her novels can be considered an enjoyable way to amplify your knowledge of medieval history. "Time and Chance" is the well-known tale of the struggle for power between Henry II, King of England and about one-half of what is now France, and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The fabulous Eleanor of Aquitaine is Henry's competent wife and Queen. (My picture of Eleanor will always be that of Katherine Hepburn in the "The Lion of Winter.") Henry and Becket, for those who have forgotten the story, are best friends - until Henry appoints Becket as the Archbishop and, suddenly, the friendship dissolves in a bitter Church/State struggle. It's a disappointment that the author doesn't make much of an effort to unravel the mystery of Becket's character. For me, Becket comes across as more of a fool than a man of principle. As one of the characters says "a wise man ought not to let his tongue cut his own throat." A weakness of the novel is that it begins with a heavy emphasis on Wales and Welsh characters, but Wales becomes increasingly irrelevant as the story unfolds. Don't spend too much time trying to figure out who's who among the Welsh, because it doesn't really matter much in the scheme of things. An effort to comprehend the complex ecclesiastical disputes and sort out the churchly characters in the novel would be much more rewarding. Criticisms notwithstanding, this is a fine novel, telling an excellent tale about some of the most momentous events of the Middle Ages. A sequel can be expected that will continue the story of Henry and Eleanor and their sons who include Richard the Lion Hearted, everyone's favorite medieval hero, and John, everyone's favorite medieval villain. Penman sets the scene for a little different twist on these two in her next book.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent novel of medieval Europe
Review: Sharon Kay Penman may be the best writer around of historical novels about medieval England, France, and Wales. She takes only minor liberties with the facts so her novels can be considered an enjoyable way to amplify your knowledge of medieval history. "Time and Chance" is the well-known tale of the struggle for power between Henry II, King of England and about one-half of what is now France, and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The fabulous Eleanor of Aquitaine is Henry's competent wife and Queen. (My picture of Eleanor will always be that of Katherine Hepburn in the "The Lion of Winter.") Henry and Becket, for those who have forgotten the story, are best friends - until Henry appoints Becket as the Archbishop and, suddenly, the friendship dissolves in a bitter Church/State struggle. It's a disappointment that the author doesn't make much of an effort to unravel the mystery of Becket's character. For me, Becket comes across as more of a fool than a man of principle. As one of the characters says "a wise man ought not to let his tongue cut his own throat." A weakness of the novel is that it begins with a heavy emphasis on Wales and Welsh characters, but Wales becomes increasingly irrelevant as the story unfolds. Don't spend too much time trying to figure out who's who among the Welsh, because it doesn't really matter much in the scheme of things. An effort to comprehend the complex ecclesiastical disputes and sort out the churchly characters in the novel would be much more rewarding. Criticisms notwithstanding, this is a fine novel, telling an excellent tale about some of the most momentous events of the Middle Ages. A sequel can be expected that will continue the story of Henry and Eleanor and their sons who include Richard the Lion Hearted, everyone's favorite medieval hero, and John, everyone's favorite medieval villain. Penman sets the scene for a little different twist on these two in her next book.
Rating:
Summary: What's Everyone Complaining About?
Review: Sharon Kay Penman never fails to please as far as I'm concerned. Her books are long and complex and rich in period detail. Her characterization of these famous medieval people is wonderful! My only complaint about this book was that it was so long in coming out to continue the saga started in the book When Christ and His Saints Slept. After reading the afterword I found out why - Ms. Penman was ill for quite awhile. I'm just glad she's better and is willing to continue the story of Eleanor and Henry II. This formidable couple cut a wide swath in English history, and Ms. Penman does an admirable job of recreating their life for our pleasure and enlightment. We even got a rare glimpse into the life of St. Thomas Beckett. Unlike a previous reviewer, I didn't think the book suffered from a lack of information about this strange and enigmatic man.
I find that Ms. Penman's books are spellbinding and can pull the reader into a story and a time very far-removed from the present frenetic lifestyle that we all lead. I cannot wait to read the last book in the series.
Rating:
Summary: A very fine "Time and Chance"
Review: Sharon Kay Penman's prequel, "When Christ And His Saints Slept" was a good novel but off her mark. "Time and Chance," her second entry in the Plantagenet trilogy, is better work. The novel's main focus is on the conflict between Henry II, King of England, and Thomas Becket, the Chancellor who becomes the Archbishop of Canterbury--and the King's enemy. Penman's main characters draw our interest from the start. Henry is shown as a man always on the move, impatient, expectant of success, and capable of throwing frightening tantrums if he doesn't get it. Becket is aptly described as a "chameleon," and his personality undergoes a startling change when Henry makes him the Archbishop of Canterbury. Once Henry's best friend, a man who enjoyed the pleasures of the table and luxury, Becket becomes, with his appointment, the champion of the Church and a foe to Henry's aims of making the clergy accountable to his authority. Key to the battle are Louis, King of France (who has a vested interest in seeing Henry humbled), and Eleanor, Henry's queen, who warned him against Becket from the beginning. In fact, Eleanor is the one who changes most in this novel. She enters the story as mother and wife, able to offer Henry counsel equal to any man around him, yet relegated to the background or the marriage bed. Penman shows her resentment without resorting to cliches; Eleanor doesn't rage, fume, or chew the scenery, but the reader can feel her frustration at being ignored by Henry at whim. Ranulf also enters the scene, as Henry turns his sights towards Wales and forces his uncle to choose between loyalty to him and loyalty to his kindred in Wales. The story doesn't grab the reader as strongly as it should. Penman seems to be aware that many of her readers have encountered her Welsh before, and doesn't spend much time with description or character development. Hywel, the prince of Wales, is a charming man, but he feels transitional. His brothers Rhodri and Davydd are one-dimensional, and their mother Cristyn is not much better. Even Owain of Gwynedd, the last true Welsh King, feels like Llywellyn Fawr without the sense of humor. Ranulf's scenes are all too thin and don't have much payoff. Also, the style of Penman's writing has changed. I'm sorry now that I ever wanted her to break up those long paragraphs; now that most of the paragraphs are short, they feel choppy, and I miss the flow of her earlier work. And while Penman hasn't committed the sin of the "information dump," loading pages full of exposition, she does a lot of showing rather than telling. There are many "between the scenes" passages in "Time and Chance" that should have shown some action between characters, instead of being narrated. However, I'm not complaining. Penman herself notes that she was sick while writing "Time and Chance," and if she can write like this while sick, I can't wait to see what she comes up with when she's healthy again. Oh, yes, Penman introduces us to Rosamund Clifford, Henry's mistress, and Rosamund and Eleanor do have a face-to-face meeting. It is full of tension and crackling emotion. And Rosamund is the friendliest home-wrecker ever created for fiction. It is just as easy to believe that Henry fell for this beautiful young girl as it is to believe Eleanor's reaction to seeing her husband's mistress. Not an emotional note is struck wrong; nothing plays false. Although this trilogy will not be the equal of Penman's Welsh Trilogy, it is a fine piece of work. I look forward to the third and final novel.
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