Before I read this novel, I knew next to nothing about Eleanor of Aquitaine -- just that she was a famous and powerful queen a long time ago. Through Elizabeth Chadwick's rich novel THE SUMMER QUEEN, I feel I have discovered the amazing woman behind the name. I even learned that "Eleanor" is not how she would have signed her name.

THE SUMMER QUEEN begins when Alienor is a child, as her father, the Duke of Aquitaine, prepares to leave on a pilgrimage. Just weeks later, this young girl, barely a teenager, will find herself ruling her duchy and preparing for her future role as queen of France. She is an intelligent girl who was reared to rule; she will need every ounce of her strength and courage to control her destiny and that of her people.

Chadwick eloquently tells of Alienor's experiences and emotions as she faces each new challenge in a world where most women are mere pawns. Her descriptions of locales, from Aquitaine to Paris to Jerusalem, and the alternately dusty and muddy roads between them are captivating.

This is a work of fiction, and I don't know enough about the known history of this time period to say whether or not it's a fair and accurate representation. The author's note and bibliography suggest that Chadwick has done rigorous research to present Alienor's story as honestly as possible.

THE SUMMER QUEEN tells only the beginning of Alienor's story; this is the first in a trilogy. I recommend this novel for readers who enjoy history, historical fiction, or stories of strong women fighting for power and equality.