Queen's War Author:Jeanne MacKin The author of the highly acclaimed first novel "The Frenchwoman" focuses on Eleanor from 1173 to 1189. She leads her three oldest sons in rebellion against their father Henry II of England, who cannot believe they would war with him. Eleanor is portrayed as a strong woman who accuses Henry of early senility caused by the murder of Becket two yea... more »rs previously, but who is still torn between love and hatred for him. She is also frustrated because her sons neither consult nor listen to her on the conduct of the war. Other novels have depicted her as a victim of circumstances or as a jealous vixen. Mackin shows her as an intelligent and ambitious mother willing to sacrifice everything for power and for her son, Richard. Parallel plots of a peasant girl's romance and a crippled woman's desire for love soften the warlike elements.« less