Rating: 
Summary: Sparked a major interest in history for me.
Review: This is easily one of the best, if not the best, historical novels I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I first read it when I was maybe ten or twelve years old. I absolutely loved it! I read it five or six times over in the space of about a month. Reading this novel, I always felt like a part of the colorful medieval world created by Konigsburg. Every time I finished the book I had to immediately restart it; I couldn't stand not being part of that world anymore. I'm quite sure this book is at least partly responsible for the shelf full of history books in the corner of my bedroom. I'm a wee bit older now, nearly eighteen, but the medieval world introduced to me by _Scarlet and Miniver_ still interests me as much as it did when I finished the book for the first time. It truly left a lasting impression with me. P.S. - to the people who dislike or don't understand the title - "Scarlet" is a bright red, and "miniver" is white or light gray fur that was used as trim for royal or ceremonial robes. The name fits the book perfectly, because it sums up the passion Eleanor of Aquitaine had for vibrant colors and rich surroundings, things that set her apart from the dutiful, dull persons surrounding her throughout much of the book.
Rating:
Summary: A great work of historical fiction
Review: This is truly one of the best pieces of historical fiction ever written, for a kid OR an adult. Not only is the subject matter well researched and the history complete without ever being boring, it is also presented in a truly imaginative way: as a conversation between Eleanor and several of her friends in Heaven, as they wait for Eleanor's second husband to be released from Purgatory. Maybe that sounds strange, but it really works.
Through the book, Eleanor and her friends discuss Eleanor's exciting life: her marriage to the King of France and then the King of England and her relationship with each; her relationship with her children (including the two sons who were both King of England), her many adventures. Ms. Konigsburg manages to do all this without glossing over some of Eleanor's less perfect points, or by sacrificing style, humor, or story-telling.
If you've seen any of my Listmania lists or my reviews, you'll know that I'm something of an Eleanor fanatic... and this is the book that got it started. I think it's a great read for a girl or a boy, but I think that it is especially important for a girl to know about such an important and influential woman in history. It is also worth a read by adults, for its imaginative presentation.
Rating:
Summary: This was a great historial novel!
Review: This was a great story! It was a good book not only for entertainment, but I learned a lot about that period of history as well. E.L. Konigsburg brought interesting characters together with real historical events to produce a book that will be treasured for many generations.
Rating:
Summary: A book that has stayed with me all my life
Review: THis was one of my absolute favorite books as a kid. I didn't go in for historical fiction much, but somehow Konigsberg wrote the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine in such an engaging, funny way that to this day, over 20 years later, that little part of european history is rock solid in my memory due to this book. it was my first introduction to a powerful, remarkable female political figure. I will forever be in debt to E. L. Konigsberg for giving me this story.
Rating:
Summary: Combining Fact With Fiction
Review: When I read this book I had just completed the chapter about Henry II in history class. Amazingly, we had not talked about Eleanor at all. So when I read this book - though I'm not sure if all of the historical part was true - I learned a great deal while enjoying the story at the same time. That shows how great the book is; it combines fact with fiction to make a wonderful educational yet entertaining book.
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