The Lioness | 
pickThanks to #NetGalley for this advanced listening copy…
Jeanne de Clisson is a forgotten real life figure during the Hundred Years‘ War—because she was a woman. And yet, she was fierce. A noblewoman set on revenge against the murder of her husband by the king. Legends abound, but she became a pirate and later retired to the English countryside.
This historical fiction account imagines her life, using rumor to play up her notoriety. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ Jeanne faces a number of enemies, including amongst her own crew, and lives on rage and revenge. At times, her constant musings about revenge detracted from the story, and I am not sure if the portrayal was to make her seem obstinate or, like a lion, a ferocious opponent. Because this is an alc copy, I cannot quote the final sentence of the author‘s note, but it‘s chef‘s kiss—how history is a collection of perspectives, usually by ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 3d
Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ a white man, and the importance of reading all of the footnotes, taking time to read all of the voices. Not only does this book champion a woman warrior (spoiler: Jeanne was not the only woman warrior), but the narrative also exhibits the contributions of non-white characters. I‘d say this type of story complements Philippa Gregory‘s books, as it‘s a good feminine historical fiction. It also makes me want to read Griffis‘ The Empress! 3d
Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️The audio is a good listen! 3d
Bookwomble Sounds good, and I like the idea of the pirate warrior retiring to the countryside! Better make sure the milk delivery is right! 🥛🥛🗡️☠️😅 2d
Librarybelle @Bookwomble 😂 2d
