Historical
The Scarlet Lion: William Marshal, Book 2
By Katherine Petersen
Mar 1, 2010 - 7:25:08 PM

Elizabeth Chadwick gives readers insight into the second half of William Marshal’s life in THE SCARLET LION, the follow-up novel to the tremendous THE GREATEST KNIGHT in which she explores William’s life through the first years of his marriage to Isabelle de Clare. The couple had 10 children who all lived, which is a miracle in itself but also had a marriage more akin to a partnership, more common today than in the Middle Ages. He called Isabelle his “safe harbour,” came to her for advice and unburdening himself and she sometimes traveled with him close to battle sites.

This story sheds light on the many facets of William’s character from loving husband and father, fierce warrior, honorable diplomat and respected leader. Chadwick not only highlights his accomplishments like his participation in the Magna Carta of 1215 and the Battle of Lincoln at age 70 but shows us his interactions with his wife and children which were at times difficult.

Chadwick incorporates details during the Middle Ages such as the food they eat, the clothing they wore, furnishings along with descriptions of horses, armor and military camps, but her greatest accomplishment with this novel is her ability to pull readers into the tale. I’m always let down when I finish a novel that has touched me deeply, and THE SCARLET LION is no exception. It may sound like a cliché, but Chadwick truly brings her characters to life, so much so that it’s easy to feel as if you’re a close friend reading about people you know. Supporting characters elicit strong emotions as well whether it’s the brutality of King John, the petulance of Alais de Bethune or the heartbreak of Will the Younger.

Fans of historical fiction will devour this novel, appreciating the depth of research, flowing prose, eye for detail and feeling like you knew William Marshal, one of the greatest knights from long ago and his family and contemporaries. I look forward to reading more of Chadwick’s novels in the future.