The Champion - Softcover

Chadwick, Elizabeth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0751511781 ISBN 13: 9780751511789

Publisher: Sphere, 1998

Synopsis

Alexander and Hervi de Montroi, half-brothers with no inheritance, meet in France. Hervi is a professional jouster and Alexander, fleeing the beatings of an English monastery, needs a trade. Despite misgivings, Hervi takes him on as his squire, introducing him to the travellers' immoral lifestyle. He befriends a girl, Monday, taking care of her after her parents die until, pregnant with Alexander's child, she leaves, finding shelter in a castle as a seamstress. Noticed by King John, she becomes his mistress in England, bearing his son and gaining a house. Meanwhile, Stefan has returned to England too, in the pay of an Earl - they meet again at court and, now older, fall in love. They have the King's blessing, but Monday's grandfather, now heirless, sees her as a way to gain power. She escapes his kidnapping to be reunited with Alexander on the land granted to him by the Earl.

About this title

Review:

'An author who makes history come gloriously alive' -- THE TIMES

`One of Elizabeth Chadwick's strengths is her stunning grasp of historical detail...Her characters are beguiling...' -- BARBARA ERSKINE

`The best writer of mediaeval fiction currently around' -- Historical Novel Review

From the Author:

Short listed by ordinary readers for the RNA award in 1998
For several years I had wanted to write a novel about jousting. The way it is portrayed in Hollywood films is nothing like the reality and I wanted to redress the balance a little whilst still telling a thumping good tale. I must have succeeded because The Champion was short-listed for the Romantic Novelists Association major award, being selected from over 180 entrants. The short list carries the accolade of being chosen by ordinary people who love reading and discussing books - rather like customers of Amazon! I have always been fascinated by the Middle Ages and what I try to do for readers is bring them to life as accurately as possible while telling a good story - 'a painless history lesson' as one reviewer commented!

About this edition

• Publisher: Sphere
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0751511781
• ISBN 13: 9780751511789
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512