The Crown Rose by Fiona Avery

[Melisende]

Hmm ...... this novel of medieval France by Fiona Avery is a hard one to categorise.

It is basically a story of the early life of St. Isabelle of France - daughter of Blanche of Castile and sister of St. Louis. It roughly covers her younger years from the period of 1234 to 1242 - the last chapter catching up with Isabelle in her final years.

It is a curious novel as it delves into the mystique of local French legends, religious relics and secret societies - so be warned, this is not a "straight" biographic retelling of the life of a medieval saint.

The "relationships" between the French royal family, and with those around them, makes for an interesting by-play.

But to quote the inside jacket of the book:

"The Crown Rose portrays the mystery of one man who enters Isabelle's life at several key moments, becoming her icon, her soul's other half, and her destiny - a man who may, in fact, be much more than an ordinary man."


You really have to keep reading it to discover the mystery of this Man - I literally could not put it down. I kept wanting to have a break from reading, but couldn't - so I sat and read, and read till finished.

I enjoyed this book - and will most likely read it again.

[diamondlil]

My interest is definitely piqued...and the library has it so I have added it to my TBR list.

[Melisende]

I occassionaly found myself re-reading pages to ensure that I hadn't missed any "clues".

I'm going to track it down again through my library - after I return the ten books I have out at the moment!

[princess garnet]

I read this book while in library/grad school. Very enjoyable story! Here's the author's website: http://www.fionaavery.com/