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Review
'The best writer of mediaeval fiction currently around' - HISTORICAL NOVEL REVIEW 'Elizabeth Chadwick knows exactly how to write convincing and compelling historical fiction' - Marina Oliver 'Chadwick's historical grasp is secure and vivid in this punchy prequel to her last two FitzGilbert epics...an absorbing narrative that canters along' - FINANCIAL TIMES 'The author's facts are well researched, and her use of genuine people of the day intermingled with fictitious characters makes for a spellbinding story. She tells history as it was, but in an eminently readable form which can do nothing other than enthuse even the most jaded reader with the past. Most highly recommended' - Historical Novels Review 'Another wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched novel from an author who grows in stature with every book she writes' - LANCASHIRE EVENING POST 'Another example of how to write compelling historical fiction ... by the best novelist in this genre' DRIFFIELD LEADER
Lancashire Evening Post
`Another wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched novel from an author who grows in stature with every book she writes'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Elizabeth Chadwick's historical novels never fail to engage from the first word, and A Place Beyond Courage is yet another excellent example of first-rate history brought to life. The story of The Greatest Knight's father, John Marshal, A Place Beyond Courage treats us to the equally full and engaging life of a man who knew his own mind and lived his life with gusto and fortitude.
Ms. Chadwick begins her tale with John's early years as Marshal to Henry I, King of England, and follows him through the tumultuous period of warring factions for the crown after the king's death. John is shown to be very adept at achieving his goals and maintaining his own fortunes as he switches sides between Henry's daughter Matilda and Henry's nephew, Stephen; his personal life, however, leaves him feeling cold as his marriage to the mouse Aline dwindles into random meetings in the hall. Enter Sybilla, the sister of the Earl of Salisbury, and equal in fire and spirit to John; the hapless Aline is set aside as a love of deep understanding and desire develops between the two. Chadwick does an outstanding job of balancing the romantic aspect with the historical; never once does the novel steep into the vein of overblown romance as she shows the commitment between the two.
Following the steps of John Marshal through history is as well-told by Chadwick as it can possibly be. As I finished the predecessor to this novel, The Scarlet Lion, I'd thought I loved William Marshal. If that was the case, I'm now in love with John Marshal. Don't miss out on one of the best historical novels I've read in a very long time. It just doesn't get better than this.
Ms. Chadwick begins her tale with John's early years as Marshal to Henry I, King of England, and follows him through the tumultuous period of warring factions for the crown after the king's death. John is shown to be very adept at achieving his goals and maintaining his own fortunes as he switches sides between Henry's daughter Matilda and Henry's nephew, Stephen; his personal life, however, leaves him feeling cold as his marriage to the mouse Aline dwindles into random meetings in the hall. Enter Sybilla, the sister of the Earl of Salisbury, and equal in fire and spirit to John; the hapless Aline is set aside as a love of deep understanding and desire develops between the two. Chadwick does an outstanding job of balancing the romantic aspect with the historical; never once does the novel steep into the vein of overblown romance as she shows the commitment between the two.
Following the steps of John Marshal through history is as well-told by Chadwick as it can possibly be. As I finished the predecessor to this novel, The Scarlet Lion, I'd thought I loved William Marshal. If that was the case, I'm now in love with John Marshal. Don't miss out on one of the best historical novels I've read in a very long time. It just doesn't get better than this.
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a prequel of sorts to The Greatest Knight, and is the story of John FitzGilbert, the father of William Marshal. The story takes place amidst the backdrop of England's civil war between Henry's daughter Matilda and her cousin Stephen who usurped her crown, as John tries to juggle his perilous position between the two rivals for the crown.
John's first marriage to Aline (the best he could make at the time in his position) does not fare well as she is weak of mind as well as spirit, and when he chooses to side with Matilda he makes a more advantageous marriage with Sybilla, who bears John several children including William. The characterization of John started from a cat that always lands on his feet to a loving husband and father, facing the most difficult decision of his life. The author did a marvelous job of bringing John, Aline and Sybilla to life, and most especially the young William. I was totally entranced at the way William was portrayed, from his exuberant first word to his innocent knowledge of the danger he was in whilst being held hostage by King Stephen.
While this is not a page turning, sit on the edge of your seat, action filled novel, I was thoroughly entertained throughout. As always with Chadwick's books, the way she brings the medieval period to life in such a graceful and effortless way, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothes and battles is just awesome. As quoted on some of her book jackets, the next best thing to time travel. Five stars.
John's first marriage to Aline (the best he could make at the time in his position) does not fare well as she is weak of mind as well as spirit, and when he chooses to side with Matilda he makes a more advantageous marriage with Sybilla, who bears John several children including William. The characterization of John started from a cat that always lands on his feet to a loving husband and father, facing the most difficult decision of his life. The author did a marvelous job of bringing John, Aline and Sybilla to life, and most especially the young William. I was totally entranced at the way William was portrayed, from his exuberant first word to his innocent knowledge of the danger he was in whilst being held hostage by King Stephen.
While this is not a page turning, sit on the edge of your seat, action filled novel, I was thoroughly entertained throughout. As always with Chadwick's books, the way she brings the medieval period to life in such a graceful and effortless way, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothes and battles is just awesome. As quoted on some of her book jackets, the next best thing to time travel. Five stars.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Much of Elizabeth Chadwick's research is carried out as a member of Regia Anglorum, this is an early medieval re-enactment society. Her writing in recent books has become much more accomplished. She now writes about the period with the convictions of her obvious knowledge of the subject and has also made a subtle change from writing what were in effect historical love stories (nothing wrong with that) to historical novels with a love interest. She has now quite a list of books to her name and as I said above personally I feel her writing has become a little more earthy and her books are all the better for it, appealing to both men and women.
This novel takes us to an earlier period of the twelfth century than some of the author's previous books. A time when ambitious men could rise high on the back of their might with a sword or their choice of Lord. One such man is John FitzGilbert Marshal, who at first profits immensely from the choices that he makes, at a time when the kin of the dead King Henry battle each other for England and his empty throne.
On the other side of the coin Marshall's family suffer deeply. As strong as John is, his wife Aline is frail and not equipped either physically or mentally for the strain that her husband's choices place on her and the family. When John is seriously wounded in battle, she is a broken woman, not knowing which way, or who to turn to . . .
The author captures the period so beautifully that the reader can almost feel that they are there among all the colorful pageantry and the cruelty of the period. A period in English history when the life of a man was as expendable as that of a sheep or a cow. Battles were fought at close quarters where you could see the whites of the eyes of your opponent. It must truly have been a frightening world to live in. The book shows that William Marshall, proclaimed as the greatest knight who ever lived, inherited his skills on the battle field and in the tourney from his father John
This novel takes us to an earlier period of the twelfth century than some of the author's previous books. A time when ambitious men could rise high on the back of their might with a sword or their choice of Lord. One such man is John FitzGilbert Marshal, who at first profits immensely from the choices that he makes, at a time when the kin of the dead King Henry battle each other for England and his empty throne.
On the other side of the coin Marshall's family suffer deeply. As strong as John is, his wife Aline is frail and not equipped either physically or mentally for the strain that her husband's choices place on her and the family. When John is seriously wounded in battle, she is a broken woman, not knowing which way, or who to turn to . . .
The author captures the period so beautifully that the reader can almost feel that they are there among all the colorful pageantry and the cruelty of the period. A period in English history when the life of a man was as expendable as that of a sheep or a cow. Battles were fought at close quarters where you could see the whites of the eyes of your opponent. It must truly have been a frightening world to live in. The book shows that William Marshall, proclaimed as the greatest knight who ever lived, inherited his skills on the battle field and in the tourney from his father John
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Place Beyond Courage
I think it's a great mixture of a good story line within a historical background and makes history come alive. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Trish
a fan
being a fan of Elizabeth Chadwick and William Marshal particularly, I was a bit apprehensive about reading about the Williams Father, especially knowing about the hostage situation... Read more
Published 5 months ago by jayne wilson
A Place Beyond Courage
Brilliant book, brilliant author. Novel charts progress of William Marshall's father. Author has way of bringing history alive which makes for an enjoyable read.
Published 9 months ago by avid lady
Like finding hidden treasure
I'd never heard of Elizabeth Chadwick until I found this book and now I'm working my way through every single one. Read more
Published 12 months ago by L. Turner
Beyond Incredible
What a terrific book! A Place Beyond Courage is a story with lots of action, history, political turmoil, a courageous man struggling to bring himself and his family through the... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Marilyn S.
A Place Beyond Courage
If you liked the William Marshall books - you will love this one as it gives you the background to his upbringing (well it is fiction but it could be true!!!!) I loved it! Read more
Published 20 months ago by Hobble
A Place Beyond Courage
A well presented, well researched, well written novel by a lady who is probably the best British historical novelist to date. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Hiraethus o Gymru
A very hygienic view of the past
I always want to enjoy Chadwick given the synopses of her books but I'm afraid I find her a very uneven writer: she can't quite seem to decide whether she's writing lush romance or... Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2009 by Roman Clodia
Good page turner
A good page turner, though lacking somewhat the impact of her brace of novels on William Marshal. The portrayals of John Marshal's two wives illustrate the difficulties in... Read more
Published on 18 Sep 2009 by John Hopper
My first Elizabeth Chadwick
This was my first Elizabeth Chadwick novel and I really enjoyed it. I would definatey read more by this author and look forward to reading The Greatest Night. Read more
Published on 2 Sep 2009 by Dr Phibes
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