A Time of Singing - Elizabeth Chadwick

A Time of Singing - Elizabeth Chadwick (2008)
I discovered Elizabeth Chadwicks books at the library probably about 10 years ago, with her earlier books The Love Knot and The Marsh King's Daughter, both of which I enjoyed.

Now with A Time of Singing, she tells the story of Ida de Tosnay, who becomes a ward of King Henry II. He takes a shine to her, taking her as his mistress and fathering a son to her. When she feels that his attention is waning, she realizes that she needs to find protection, by selecting a husband. Chance meetings with Roger BNigod, a heir to the earldom of Norfolk, result in a marriage, but she is forced to leave her son with the king.

The first chapter was a bit of a struggle, but once the story of Ida started I was immediately drawn in, and really began to believe their characters. How hard it must have been, to be a girl in the 12th century, when you had to rely on the men to make choices about your life.

So it has been enjoyable, lying in a warm bed reading this novel, as the evenings begin to get colder and the skies grow darker here in New Zealand (it is autumn here).

I will give it a 3.5/5.

Out of interest, when searching for a picture of the book cover, I came across Elizabeth Chadwicks website, where she writes about what songs she listens to, and influence her in each chapter of the book :http://elizabethchadwicksoundtracks.blogspot.com/ Think A Knights Tale, modern rock as a soundtrack to a 12th century story.