Book Review: Time and Chance - Sharon Kay Penman

by Tamara Mazzei (originally published in the Lake Charles, American Press)

Time and Chance, the latest entry from historical fiction author Sharon Kay Penman, offers an engaging portrayal of Medieval England and France. Focusing on the characters of King Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the martyred archbishop Thomas Becket, Penman explores the complex political and personal landscape of her characters with a deft hand.

As a sequel to When Christ and His Saints Slept, the narrative of Time and Chance begins in 1156, shortly after Henry II has married Eleanor of Aquitaine (the former queen of France) and succeeded to the throne of England.

By using a changing viewpoint, Penman shows us life through the eyes of Henry, Eleanor, Thomas Becket, and a purely fictional character, Ranulf, who was also featured prominently in When Christ and His Saints Slept, and who gives a certain measure of continuity to the story.

Penman is noted for her historical accuracy, and while I've heard a few minor quibbles from historians, all in all, the book seems to be as well researched as her others. In fact, the one criticism I have is that she sticks too closely to the chronicles, in some cases even quoting them directly. There's nothing wrong with sticking to documentary evidence, but I admit to wishing that Penman had gotten a little more deeply into the heads of her characters, in spite of the lack of sources documenting their motivation. Or perhaps, because of that lack.

All in all, however, I think Time and Chance is a credit to Ms. Penman and I would highly recommend it to historical fiction lovers everywhere.