When Christ and His Saints Slept

Sharon Kay Penman

Book 1 in the series:Plantagenets

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're a fan of immersive historical fiction, this book is a treat! Sharon Kay Penman brings 12th-century England to life, tackling the turbulent era known as The Anarchy: the near two-decade civil war between Empress Maude and King Stephen. Expect a masterclass in blending meticulous research, rich detail, and multidimensional characters - including fascinating figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine. Despite the epic battle scenes and political intrigue, Penman never loses sight of the human impact of war, making historical giants feel relatable. Anyone who loves losing themselves in meaty, character-driven history (think Ken Follett or Elizabeth Chadwick fans) will find themselves swept up by this one.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re looking for a quick, breezy read, this might feel daunting - it’s a chunky book (700+ pages!) with a sprawling cast, dense with battles, betrayals, and shifting alliances. Some readers have struggled with the sheer number of characters (especially all those Matildas and Maudes), and the pace can drag at times with repetitive sieges and political maneuverings. If you prefer tight storytelling or modern dialogue, the period language and diverging subplots (like those involving fictional side characters) might not be your cup of tea.

Epic, immersive, and intricately detailed - this is historical fiction at its finest, though the length and complexity won’t suit everyone. Highly recommended for history buffs and fans of sweeping sagas.

About:

'When Christ and His Saints Slept' by Sharon Kay Penman is a historical fiction novel that delves into the power struggle between Maude of Anjou and Stephen of Blois for the English throne following the death of King Henry I. The book covers the period from January 1101 to October 1154, portraying the intense conflicts, betrayals, and battles that engulfed England during this tumultuous time. Through vivid storytelling, Penman breathes life into historical characters like Maude, Stephen, Henry II, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, providing a detailed and engaging account of the political battleground that was twelfth-century Europe.

The narrative is rich in historical detail, offering a deep dive into the brutal and violent era of the Plantagenets' founding. Penman's writing style humanizes the characters, presenting their motives and struggles with depth and empathy. The book weaves a complex tapestry of loyalty, betrayal, power, and ambition, drawing readers into a world filled with political intrigue and personal turmoil.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with both historical and fictional elements that explore the diverse motivations and traits of individuals during a chaotic historical period.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style melds detailed narrative with dynamic character perspectives, bringing the historical backdrop vividly to life.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the historical conflict over the English throne between Maude and Stephen, emphasizing the chaos and human cost during the Anarchy.

Setting:

The setting vividly portrays 12th-century England during a period of civil unrest and political turmoil, enriching the characters' experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, sometimes moving slowly through battle sequences but picking up as key characters develop and plot lines converge.

THE ship strained at its moorings, like a horse eager to run. Berold stopped so abruptly that he almost collided with a passing sailor, for in all of his sixteen years, he’d never seen a sight so entr...

Notes:

The novel is set during a tumultuous period in 12th century England, known as The Anarchy, which stems from a dispute over the throne after the death of Henry I.

Henry I designated his daughter Maude as his heir, but his cousin Stephen seized the throne instead, leading to a long civil war.

Sharon Kay Penman uses multiple perspectives to depict the struggle between Maude and Stephen, providing a more balanced view of the events.

The book emphasizes the brutal consequences of civil war on ordinary people, illustrating how they suffered regardless of which ruler was in power.

Penman includes fictional characters like Ranulf, who offers an engaging perspective on the events and provides depth to the narrative.

Despite being a historical fiction, the author portrays realistic gender dynamics of the time, showcasing strong female characters like Maude and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The story is rich in detail, with battles, betrayals, and shifting loyalties among the nobility, making it an intense political saga.

Penman’s writing style is noted for being accessible and engaging, making it feel like a history book but with vivid characters and dialogue.

The novel reveals stark realities of the era, where women were considered inferior, and the Catholic Church played a crucial role in politics.

Readers have commented on the complexity of the character relationships and the extensive cast, which can sometimes be overwhelming.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of war, violence, and the realities of life during a turbulent historical period.

From The Publisher:

In When Christ and His Saints Slept, the newest addition to her highly acclaimed novels of the middle ages, and the first of a trilogy that will tell the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, master storyteller and historian Sharon Kay Penman illuminates one of the less-known but fascinating periods of English history. It begins with the death of King Henry I, son of William the Conqueror and father of Maude, his only living legitimate offspring.

1994

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784 pages

Ratings (8)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (38):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (21)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (7)

1 comment(s)

df7sum404

Incredible

1 year

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, everyone of the 700+ pages. Truly an epic historical. This is my first book by Penman, but it will not be the last.

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About the Author:

For many years while she was a student and then a tax lawyer, Sharon Kay Penman (1945-2021) worked on a novel about the life of Richard III and The War of the Roses. After the original manuscript was stolen from her car, Penman rewrote the entire novel that would become The Sunne in Splendour.

Penman is the author of ten critically acclaimed and New York Times best selling historical novels and four medieval mysteries featuring Justin de Quincy. The first book in the series, The Queen's Man, was a finalist for an Edgar Award for Best First Mystery from the Mystery Writers of America.

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