Review: For the King’s Favor by Elizabeth Chadwick
Reviewed by Erin N.
The House of Plantagenet ascended the English thrown with Henry II, grandson of Henry Beaucler of the House of Normandy. The Plantagenets have made their mark in history and folktales through Richard the Lionheart’s victories in the Crusades, through the signing of the Magna Carta which limited kingly power, and the through the stories of Robin Hood which arose during King John’s reign. It was during the end of Henry Plantegent’s reign and the reigns of Richard and John that the tragic yet touching lives of Ida de Tosney and Roger Bigod occurred. Pawns of the mocharchs, these two managed to find love, strength, and family despite their tribulations.
Ida de Tosney was a young ward of the king when Henry II ordered her to be presented to the court. At 15, she was made Henry’s mistress against her will and at 16 she gave birth to Henry’s much doted on illegitimate son, William. Despite the favors at court and the respect she received from the men and women she met, Ida was never able to overcome the shame she felt over the adulterous sex she had to endure. Her only hope and salvation was that Henry would tire of her and arrange for an advantageous marriage.
Roger Bigod was the oldest on and rightful heir to his father, the Earl of Norfolk. Hugh, the Earl, joined Henry the Young (son of Henry II and coroneted a junior king to ensure ascension) in a rebellion against Henry II. Roger, much abused by his father, joined Henry II to save his thrown. Henry II stripped Hugh of his titles and much of his lands as penance; Roger was allowed to live in servitude to the king in the hopes of regaining what his father had so hastily lost. As a last act before death, Henry II offered to Roger his mistress’s hand in marriage…with one stipulation – she is to relinquish claim to her one and only child, William.
[amazonify]1402244495[/amazonify]The stories of Ida and Roger in For the King’s Favor are based upon the true life stories of the real Ida de Tosney and Roger Bigod. Their lives run alongside the life and times of the great William Marshal whom Elizabeth Chatwick has written two novels about. Chatwick creates a realistic backdrop that doesn’t lose the romantic overtones that follow the medieval royal families of England. The lives of Ida and Roger captivate and give the reader the all important gift of hope.
Check out our interview with Elizabeth Chadwick and learn more about the book!
Erin fell in love with the written word as a small child and subsequently spent most of her life happily devouring literature. She works as a freelance news, marketing, and technical writer. Erin lives just outside of Cleveland, Ohio with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
This book was provided free of any obligation by Sourcebooks Landmark. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.
