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Bigod #1
The Time of Singing
US Title : For the King's Favor
A captivating story of a mother's love stretched to breaking and a knight determined to rebuild his life with the royal mistress, For the King's Favor is Elizabeth Chadwick at her best. Based on a true story never before told and impeccably researched, this is a testament to the power of sacrifice and the strength of love.
When Roger Bigod, heir to the powerful earldom of Norfolk, arrives at court to settle an inheritance, he meets Ida de Tosney, young mistress to King Henry II. In Roger, Ida sees a chance for lasting love, but their decision to marry carries an agonizing price. It's a breathtaking novel of making choices, not giving up, and coping with the terrible shifting whims of the king.
A captivating story of a mother's love stretched to breaking and a knight determined to rebuild his life with the royal mistress, For the King's Favor is Elizabeth Chadwick at her best. Based on a true story never before told and impeccably researched, this is a testament to the power of sacrifice and the strength of love.
When Roger Bigod, heir to the powerful earldom of Norfolk, arrives at court to settle an inheritance, he meets Ida de Tosney, young mistress to King Henry II. In Roger, Ida sees a chance for lasting love, but their decision to marry carries an agonizing price. It's a breathtaking novel of making choices, not giving up, and coping with the terrible shifting whims of the king.
514 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2008
229 people are currently reading
5414 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
47 books3,226 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
July 5, 2020
A simply wonderful novel set in the late reign of Henry II, King of England, and the young woman who became his mistress, Ida de Tosney. As with all of Elizabeth Chadwick's writing, the historical setting and details are spot on, but best of all, she can tell a terrific story. Ida is very young when she becomes Henry's mistress and bears him a child, but she has to make an impossible choice when she has the opportunity to marry...
I don't want to reveal anything more here, as I don't want to ruin the book for anyone else. I cried and cried throughout parts of this book -- and I don't usually do that with novels -- but I was so riveted by Ida's story, and that of Roger Bigod. This is what historical fiction ought to be, where you feel as though you are there, eavesdropping on the lives of the people who lived then. Close to us in many ways, but also very different in others. Both thumbs up, and five very enthusastic stars from me.
This is being published in the US as For the King's Favor in September 2010 by Sourcebooks. It's great seeing Ms. Chadwick's books getting some much needed exposure.
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Elizab...
I don't want to reveal anything more here, as I don't want to ruin the book for anyone else. I cried and cried throughout parts of this book -- and I don't usually do that with novels -- but I was so riveted by Ida's story, and that of Roger Bigod. This is what historical fiction ought to be, where you feel as though you are there, eavesdropping on the lives of the people who lived then. Close to us in many ways, but also very different in others. Both thumbs up, and five very enthusastic stars from me.
This is being published in the US as For the King's Favor in September 2010 by Sourcebooks. It's great seeing Ms. Chadwick's books getting some much needed exposure.
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Elizab...
September 16, 2010
THE TIME OF SINGNG is my third Chadwick read, after THE MARSH KING'S DAUGHTER and THE WILD HUNT. I absolutely adored those two books and I was really looking forward to this one.
I ended up...well, not hating it, but being distinctly unimpressed. The one thing that kept me reading was the author's grasp of language: Chadwick's prose is often beautiful, extremely well crafted and a joy to read.
The same cannot be said for her storytelling in this one. I wonder if the reason for the drop in quality is because this book's based on real characters, so there's no opportunity to up the ante in terms of drama and emotion. Instead, what we get is a plodding retelling of the lives of a number of people. Is this book about Roger and his attempt to win his lands by right? Is it about Ida and her relationship with the King? Is it about the malevolence of Roger's half-brother Huon, or the rivalry between his son and stepson? This lengthy book is about all of them, and none of them.
The era comes to life, often vividly, and the author's research is exemplary, as always. But there's no drive, there's nothing to keep the reader enfixed or want to keep reading. It's one of those books that I was desperate to finish. Story strands come and go, but I never felt any sense of excitement, intrigue, desire or menace. Initially there are romantic parts but these tail away and even the political incident is distinctly lacking in danger. I didn't care about Roger very much, and certainly not for the maudlin Ida. The sub-plot involving Roger's stepbrothers is a good one, but even that fades away to be dealt with in a rather unsatisfactory and rushed way, in favour of long, detailed descriptions of scenes like tourneys that don't further the plot.
In the end, I think this would have worked a lot better as a non-fiction read. As it is, it occupies the uneasy ground between fact and fiction, forced to follow minor events and never free to give way to literary devices. My next Chadwick read will definitely be one of her earlier ones.
I ended up...well, not hating it, but being distinctly unimpressed. The one thing that kept me reading was the author's grasp of language: Chadwick's prose is often beautiful, extremely well crafted and a joy to read.
The same cannot be said for her storytelling in this one. I wonder if the reason for the drop in quality is because this book's based on real characters, so there's no opportunity to up the ante in terms of drama and emotion. Instead, what we get is a plodding retelling of the lives of a number of people. Is this book about Roger and his attempt to win his lands by right? Is it about Ida and her relationship with the King? Is it about the malevolence of Roger's half-brother Huon, or the rivalry between his son and stepson? This lengthy book is about all of them, and none of them.
The era comes to life, often vividly, and the author's research is exemplary, as always. But there's no drive, there's nothing to keep the reader enfixed or want to keep reading. It's one of those books that I was desperate to finish. Story strands come and go, but I never felt any sense of excitement, intrigue, desire or menace. Initially there are romantic parts but these tail away and even the political incident is distinctly lacking in danger. I didn't care about Roger very much, and certainly not for the maudlin Ida. The sub-plot involving Roger's stepbrothers is a good one, but even that fades away to be dealt with in a rather unsatisfactory and rushed way, in favour of long, detailed descriptions of scenes like tourneys that don't further the plot.
In the end, I think this would have worked a lot better as a non-fiction read. As it is, it occupies the uneasy ground between fact and fiction, forced to follow minor events and never free to give way to literary devices. My next Chadwick read will definitely be one of her earlier ones.
February 18, 2017
For the King's Favor is a worthy companion novel to The Greatest Knight. It takes place during the same time (during the reign of Richard II), and overlaps with William Marshal's story at a few points, so definitely read that book, and probably also its sequel, first.
It's great to see glimpses of William again from another perspective, but it's also great to learn more about the Bigods. William and Roger struggle in parallel to build their houses, but their obstacles are very different, and Roger's honor is just as fine as William's in his own way. We also get Ida's full perspective in this book - she is not just a prize to be won or given, but a woman doing her best to make a life in a world where she has no power and few choices.
This is written in the same style as the Marshal books, covering many years in a way that is somehow not boring. I love how Chadwick shows the capriciousness of kings and how it could make and break people's lives, sometimes more than once. I feel like I know the people who lived in those times, their ambitions, heartaches, successes through luck or hard work and loyalty, or their failures in spite of them. Chadwick makes the history come alive.
It's great to see glimpses of William again from another perspective, but it's also great to learn more about the Bigods. William and Roger struggle in parallel to build their houses, but their obstacles are very different, and Roger's honor is just as fine as William's in his own way. We also get Ida's full perspective in this book - she is not just a prize to be won or given, but a woman doing her best to make a life in a world where she has no power and few choices.
This is written in the same style as the Marshal books, covering many years in a way that is somehow not boring. I love how Chadwick shows the capriciousness of kings and how it could make and break people's lives, sometimes more than once. I feel like I know the people who lived in those times, their ambitions, heartaches, successes through luck or hard work and loyalty, or their failures in spite of them. Chadwick makes the history come alive.
October 4, 2008
The Time of Singing retells the story of Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk, who joined the younger Henry in his revolt against his father Henry II. When the revolt fails Hugh loses the Earldom and lands and when he dies there is a bitter dispute over the right to inherit the Earldom between Roger and his step-mother and her two sons. While Roger serves Henry and bides his time to claim his Earldom young Ida de Tosney arrives in court as the King's ward. Henry is smitten and has other plans for Ida and he makes her his mistress and she eventually bears him a son, William. Unhappy with her position as mistress to the king, Ida casts her hopes on Roger and Henry allows them to marry -- although she must leave her son behind.
Henry still withholds the Earldom, but he does restore some of their lands and Ida and Roger build a life and family together and begin rebuild Framlingham Castle to greater heights than it was before. Once Richard I takes the crown at the death of Henry the Earldom is restored to Roger, and the rest of the book recounts their lives as they struggle to keep everything they hold dear as the battle lines are drawn during Richard's absence on crusade and subsequent kidnapping threatens to bankrupt England.
A very enjoyable surprise for me was the appearance of my personal favorite hero, William Marshal – I did not expect him at all, or to feature so prominently – but it appears Bigod and Marshal were contemporaries and friends. Another big surprise was Ida’s son William – who readers of fiction set during the reigns of John and Henry III will recognize as William Longespée, and I have to admit many of my favorite moments in the book were of William and his attempts at a relationship with his mother, Roger and their children.
While I enjoyed this book very much, this is not an action packed, page turning, sit on the edge of your type of book, but one to sit back and savor like a fine red wine or a box of chocolates (or both!!). As always with Chadwick's books, the way she brings the medieval period to life in such a graceful and effortless way, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothes and battles is just awesome. As quoted on some of her book jackets, the next best thing to time travel. 4.5/5 stars.
Henry still withholds the Earldom, but he does restore some of their lands and Ida and Roger build a life and family together and begin rebuild Framlingham Castle to greater heights than it was before. Once Richard I takes the crown at the death of Henry the Earldom is restored to Roger, and the rest of the book recounts their lives as they struggle to keep everything they hold dear as the battle lines are drawn during Richard's absence on crusade and subsequent kidnapping threatens to bankrupt England.
A very enjoyable surprise for me was the appearance of my personal favorite hero, William Marshal – I did not expect him at all, or to feature so prominently – but it appears Bigod and Marshal were contemporaries and friends. Another big surprise was Ida’s son William – who readers of fiction set during the reigns of John and Henry III will recognize as William Longespée, and I have to admit many of my favorite moments in the book were of William and his attempts at a relationship with his mother, Roger and their children.
While I enjoyed this book very much, this is not an action packed, page turning, sit on the edge of your type of book, but one to sit back and savor like a fine red wine or a box of chocolates (or both!!). As always with Chadwick's books, the way she brings the medieval period to life in such a graceful and effortless way, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothes and battles is just awesome. As quoted on some of her book jackets, the next best thing to time travel. 4.5/5 stars.
August 15, 2023
I love to read historical that is set back in the 1100’s. And I really don’t care who the main characters are.
February 25, 2020
Setting: England, 1170s. Reigning monarch: Henry II. Elizabeth Chadwick’s For the King’s Favor follows her successes - The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion - where I learned about “the last chivalrous knight”, William Marshall. I loved both books. For the King’s Favor continues to impart aspects of William Marshall’s life, but the main real life character is Ida de Tosney, an heiress who is under the protection of Henry II along with Isabelle, the heiress of Striguil and the daughter of Richard de Clare and Aoife, the Irish princess whose life the author’s book, The Irish Princess, examines. Ida de Tosney becomes the mistress of Henry II, bears him a son, but eventually marries Roger Bigod, a rising star at court. Mistress de Tosney’s decision to leave the king and marry produces “a heartbreaking sacrifice “. The author does a fine job relating the life and decisions Ida de Tosney, a true life person. PS: Isabelle, heiress of Striguil, surfaces again!
4.25 stars.
4.25 stars.
August 12, 2016
The fourth book under the William Marshal series and the first under Bigod’s, it tells us the story of Roger Bigod and his bid to restore the earldom he lost with his father’s rebellion, his royal duties as a lawyer and administrator, and his marriage to Ida de Tosney, King Henry II’s former mistress.
Like William Marshal, Roger Bigod lived a life of loyalty, wisdom and honor; he was also an experienced soldier, having fought for the king’s side since he was a young man.
Not much is written about our medieval hero, and so Miss Chadwick had to make use of a lot of ingenuity and flair (and a few from the Akashic records, too, she admits) to come up with a story that is credible and brilliant. Indeed, it is amazing how she can easily conjure up a gripping story line for historical events without altering the facts. Even the characters’ description (their looks, traits, etc.) seem natural and realistic. Halfway through the read I was already convinced that Roger Bigod was certainly all of these good things—kind, gentle, honorable, patient, brave, and loving.
It’s just too bad that I live in the present. Where have all the chivalrous men gone?
Like William Marshal, Roger Bigod lived a life of loyalty, wisdom and honor; he was also an experienced soldier, having fought for the king’s side since he was a young man.
Not much is written about our medieval hero, and so Miss Chadwick had to make use of a lot of ingenuity and flair (and a few from the Akashic records, too, she admits) to come up with a story that is credible and brilliant. Indeed, it is amazing how she can easily conjure up a gripping story line for historical events without altering the facts. Even the characters’ description (their looks, traits, etc.) seem natural and realistic. Halfway through the read I was already convinced that Roger Bigod was certainly all of these good things—kind, gentle, honorable, patient, brave, and loving.
It’s just too bad that I live in the present. Where have all the chivalrous men gone?
October 11, 2020
Magnificent! Whenever I choose a book by this author I am awed not only by her writing and the tales she gives readers but the extensive research that adds so much to the reading experience. Here briely is how the story develops. Roger Bigod arives at the court of Henry II and finds he is drawn to the king's young mistress, Ida de Tosney. Likewise, the young woman finds her eyes again and again searching for him. Who is he? Why has she not previously seen him at court?
The charismatic attraction between the two persist even beyond the birth of the king's son. Ida convinces the king to let her leave court to marry before he chooses someone for her. She chooses Bigod but the king refuses to let her take their son with her. Throughout their lives she mourns the loss of her first son. Yet her marriage is a happy one and her children from him a blessing that she appreciates. This is awonderful read and if one likes historical fiction I would advise reading this author's work. And, this novel is a genuine pleasure to read.
The charismatic attraction between the two persist even beyond the birth of the king's son. Ida convinces the king to let her leave court to marry before he chooses someone for her. She chooses Bigod but the king refuses to let her take their son with her. Throughout their lives she mourns the loss of her first son. Yet her marriage is a happy one and her children from him a blessing that she appreciates. This is awonderful read and if one likes historical fiction I would advise reading this author's work. And, this novel is a genuine pleasure to read.
October 31, 2010
Like with all fiction she does have some artistic freedom, because we don't know everything, like how old Ida really was. But Chadwick always stays close to the truth and does her best to make it as historically accurate as possible, and that is what I love about her books. They are true to facts, but at the same time she makes history come alive as she write about people that have lived, like Roger and Ida, or when she creates something new.
Plot:
Ida de Tosney is a royal ward, and mistress of King Henry II, she gives him a son, but she wants freedom and finds it in Roger Bigod who is fighting over his inheritance with his half brothers. This is the story of their love, children in a turbulent time.
My thoughts:
I can really see myself there, Chadwick breaths life in times gone by and history feels like yesterday. If it's court procedure, clothes or how they act. In this book the characters have lived for real and from that she pieces together a wonderful story. Ida does what she must, what could a ward do when the king wants her in his bed. In Roger she sees a chance to get away. He is here a very calm and sensible man, not at all like his father. Together they make a good pair. William Marshall also makes appearances, Henry II and his family, and Ida's son with Henry. It sure it's a more interesting way to learn about history than in a textbook.
The story never gets boring, they go on with their lives, and because of the time there is always something going on. Henry's son fighting against him, Richard the Lionheart going on crusade, and of course when Roger tries to get his lands back and his father's title. The quiet moments are just as good, and I end the book with a smile.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
To every HF fan yes, of course, and to the rest of you too. This is a lovely piece of historical fiction. The book makes me want to go there, just to breath that same air for a moment or two. The book made me remembered why I loved her books in the first place.
Cover: Truly lovely. I have to say something about the UK one too because that one I love too, there is this pre-raphaelite painting just like it. And she is stitching the Norfolk banner here so perfect.
Plot:
Ida de Tosney is a royal ward, and mistress of King Henry II, she gives him a son, but she wants freedom and finds it in Roger Bigod who is fighting over his inheritance with his half brothers. This is the story of their love, children in a turbulent time.
My thoughts:
I can really see myself there, Chadwick breaths life in times gone by and history feels like yesterday. If it's court procedure, clothes or how they act. In this book the characters have lived for real and from that she pieces together a wonderful story. Ida does what she must, what could a ward do when the king wants her in his bed. In Roger she sees a chance to get away. He is here a very calm and sensible man, not at all like his father. Together they make a good pair. William Marshall also makes appearances, Henry II and his family, and Ida's son with Henry. It sure it's a more interesting way to learn about history than in a textbook.
The story never gets boring, they go on with their lives, and because of the time there is always something going on. Henry's son fighting against him, Richard the Lionheart going on crusade, and of course when Roger tries to get his lands back and his father's title. The quiet moments are just as good, and I end the book with a smile.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
To every HF fan yes, of course, and to the rest of you too. This is a lovely piece of historical fiction. The book makes me want to go there, just to breath that same air for a moment or two. The book made me remembered why I loved her books in the first place.
Cover: Truly lovely. I have to say something about the UK one too because that one I love too, there is this pre-raphaelite painting just like it. And she is stitching the Norfolk banner here so perfect.
August 14, 2011
I really, really, reeeeaaaallly wanted to like this book. It is set in a period I love, and talks about historical figures I don't know very well (the Bigods, Longspee), with ones I have read a lot about playing supporting roles (Henry II, Richard I, Eleanor of Aquitaine, John Lackland, William Marshall, among others).
But Chadwick takes too many liberties, and gets too much wrong (really--she's a member of Regia Anglorum, and yet she writes of the heroine "pinning her wimple under her chin with a round brooch." Ummm. No. A small detail, but telling.). Then, in full disclosure, at the end she talks about how she gets a sense of her characters through the"Akashic Record." Okay--I really, really believe there's more to life than just what we see and hear, but even for me this is a little...out there. It reminds me disturbingly of Taylor Caldwell and her "methods" in writing I, Judas, among other things. When coupled with some of what I know she got wrong, based on historical record, this pushed me over the edge.
Maybe if I'd liked the heroine more, or even the hero, it would have worked better for me. Ultimately, the entire book felt like a tangent--which, in fact, it was. Chadwick wrote the book because in writing her series on William Marshall she found Hugh Bigod's frequent appearances in history interesting, and that his wife was the mother of one of Henry II's most famous bastards, equally so. Thus, this book.
A pleasant summer read, I suppose, but I can't recommend going out of your way to find it.
But Chadwick takes too many liberties, and gets too much wrong (really--she's a member of Regia Anglorum, and yet she writes of the heroine "pinning her wimple under her chin with a round brooch." Ummm. No. A small detail, but telling.). Then, in full disclosure, at the end she talks about how she gets a sense of her characters through the"Akashic Record." Okay--I really, really believe there's more to life than just what we see and hear, but even for me this is a little...out there. It reminds me disturbingly of Taylor Caldwell and her "methods" in writing I, Judas, among other things. When coupled with some of what I know she got wrong, based on historical record, this pushed me over the edge.
Maybe if I'd liked the heroine more, or even the hero, it would have worked better for me. Ultimately, the entire book felt like a tangent--which, in fact, it was. Chadwick wrote the book because in writing her series on William Marshall she found Hugh Bigod's frequent appearances in history interesting, and that his wife was the mother of one of Henry II's most famous bastards, equally so. Thus, this book.
A pleasant summer read, I suppose, but I can't recommend going out of your way to find it.
March 11, 2021
Elizabeth Chadwick really knows how to write historical fiction. Her books are always gripping with good characterisation. I like that her female characters have a strength and dignity to them.
This was a reread that I chanced across in a charity shop , and I am so glad I did . I do like reading about medieval England .
This was a reread that I chanced across in a charity shop , and I am so glad I did . I do like reading about medieval England .
September 5, 2010
I really, really enjoyed this story. The one drawback was that the review copy I received had translation issues between formats because there were numerous obvious typos in it that were distracting. The story was a bit too long as well. Regardless, I found it to be a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it to people who enjoy a good medieval romance. This author certainly knows how to deliver on that account.
Ms. Chadwick's writing style was thoroughly engrossing and I found myself living in the 1100s along with the characters. The deflowering of Ida by the king at such a young age and her subsequent service to him was realistically portrayed. I really grieved her situation. She was truly trapped and was such a sweet girl with a good heart. So when Roger Bigod came along and there was an obvious attraction between them, I was hoping and praying that she would be allowed to marry him.
Their relationship with exciting and I enjoyed experiencing their budding relationship along with them. Their marriage was intense and sweet at the same time. Their love for each other was powerful and real. I think the author's greatest strength was in her ability to develop powerful love relationships between characters. She also did an outstanding job with the setting and with showing inter-familial rivalries and the desire to possess land and power.
I agonized with Ida when she had to leave her oldest son behind and I grieved for her every time she reflected on the loss. I also rejoiced in her other children who were a comfort to her. I understood Roger's pain when he felt like he was in competition with the king even though he knew deep inside that he was not, and that she truly loved him, not Henry. It did make for some awesome chemistry and set up the sexual tension between them as husband and wife very well. This story was hot, but done in good taste. The romantic elements were strong but not overarching because the story was chock full of history and historical subplots that made for a well-rounded novel.
Ms. Chadwick's writing style was thoroughly engrossing and I found myself living in the 1100s along with the characters. The deflowering of Ida by the king at such a young age and her subsequent service to him was realistically portrayed. I really grieved her situation. She was truly trapped and was such a sweet girl with a good heart. So when Roger Bigod came along and there was an obvious attraction between them, I was hoping and praying that she would be allowed to marry him.
Their relationship with exciting and I enjoyed experiencing their budding relationship along with them. Their marriage was intense and sweet at the same time. Their love for each other was powerful and real. I think the author's greatest strength was in her ability to develop powerful love relationships between characters. She also did an outstanding job with the setting and with showing inter-familial rivalries and the desire to possess land and power.
I agonized with Ida when she had to leave her oldest son behind and I grieved for her every time she reflected on the loss. I also rejoiced in her other children who were a comfort to her. I understood Roger's pain when he felt like he was in competition with the king even though he knew deep inside that he was not, and that she truly loved him, not Henry. It did make for some awesome chemistry and set up the sexual tension between them as husband and wife very well. This story was hot, but done in good taste. The romantic elements were strong but not overarching because the story was chock full of history and historical subplots that made for a well-rounded novel.
October 11, 2008
‘You are stronger than you think’
Ms Chadwick’s latest novel draws additional historical figures from the shadows of the 12th century and imbues them with vibrant life. Roger Bigod, is the disputed heir to the earldom of Norfolk from approximately 1177. This dispute, which involved Roger’s stepmother and stepbrothers, commenced during the reign of Henry II and extended for over a decade before being resolved by Richard I. The dispute brings Roger to court, where he meets Ida de Tosney who is Henry II’s young mistress and the mother of his son. Eventually, Ida and Roger marry and while the marriage is a consequence of mutual attraction, it has its costs and burdens.
Ms Chadwick’s greatest strength is her ability to combine historical accuracy and characters whose actions can be viewed from a contemporary perspective without any loss of authenticity. This accuracy is important to Ms Chadwick, and it is conveyed to the reader in a way which, while it seems effortless, is a tribute to detailed research. We may not know, with great certainty and at this distance, exactly how Roger and Ida interacted with each other on a personal basis but the novel largely accords with the known facts and provides a fascinating insight into a particularly turbulent time in English history. The medieval code of chivalry carried with it both burdens and costs as well as benefits and privileges.
For me, an added attraction is the links between the Bigods and another of my personal heroes: William Marshal. I was aware of Roger Bigod before reading this novel but not especially interested in him. Now I find that Ms Chadwick has – yet again – introduced me to an historical character about whom I need to know more. Fortunately, I am provided with a select bibliography which gives me a great starting point.
Ms Chadwick’s latest novel draws additional historical figures from the shadows of the 12th century and imbues them with vibrant life. Roger Bigod, is the disputed heir to the earldom of Norfolk from approximately 1177. This dispute, which involved Roger’s stepmother and stepbrothers, commenced during the reign of Henry II and extended for over a decade before being resolved by Richard I. The dispute brings Roger to court, where he meets Ida de Tosney who is Henry II’s young mistress and the mother of his son. Eventually, Ida and Roger marry and while the marriage is a consequence of mutual attraction, it has its costs and burdens.
Ms Chadwick’s greatest strength is her ability to combine historical accuracy and characters whose actions can be viewed from a contemporary perspective without any loss of authenticity. This accuracy is important to Ms Chadwick, and it is conveyed to the reader in a way which, while it seems effortless, is a tribute to detailed research. We may not know, with great certainty and at this distance, exactly how Roger and Ida interacted with each other on a personal basis but the novel largely accords with the known facts and provides a fascinating insight into a particularly turbulent time in English history. The medieval code of chivalry carried with it both burdens and costs as well as benefits and privileges.
For me, an added attraction is the links between the Bigods and another of my personal heroes: William Marshal. I was aware of Roger Bigod before reading this novel but not especially interested in him. Now I find that Ms Chadwick has – yet again – introduced me to an historical character about whom I need to know more. Fortunately, I am provided with a select bibliography which gives me a great starting point.
October 22, 2012
I found this book enjoyable in terms of style, but kept wanting something to happen because nothing much seemed to. It isn't bad writing, but I never felt like anyone was in any trouble whatsoever.
Chadwick does have a good sense of time and place. It did feel like you were there.
Chadwick does have a good sense of time and place. It did feel like you were there.
March 11, 2012
Buddy read with Anna :-).
December 6, 2023
I found this book much less interesting than the William Marshal books, even though this is supposedly in that series. It was boring a lot of the time and covered much of the same time as the Marshal books. I likely would have found it more entertaining if I hadn't just read the other books so the events of this book could have been less fresh in my mind. I'm really not sure why this is considered part of the William Marshal series.
January 2, 2023
Another perfect medieval historical fiction by Elizabeth Chadwick. Another story where the era and real people came to life.
As Misfit put it nicely: this is not an action packed, page turning, sit on the edge of your type of book, but one to sit back and savor like a fine red wine or a box of chocolates (or both!!)
As Misfit put it nicely: this is not an action packed, page turning, sit on the edge of your type of book, but one to sit back and savor like a fine red wine or a box of chocolates (or both!!)
July 22, 2021
AKA "The Time of Singing". #4 William Marshal & #1 Bigod. This is one of my favorite Medieval historical fiction/romance series. Set in 12th century England & Europe during the reigns of Henry I, Richard I & King John. Rated 4 stars.
July 10, 2011
I accidentally bought this — it was free for a while and ended up bouncing around on the Free Kindle bestseller list, and somehow when I downloaded it, I failed to notice it wasn't free any more. I paid a full $9.99 for it and was pretty upset about it because I'd never even heard of the author before, let alone read anything by her. But I kept the book anyway, hoping I'd like it and yet prepared to read it already prejudiced against it because of the circumstances in which I acquired it.
I was pleasantly surprised.
For the King's Favor is historical fiction, a novel based on real people in history, in this case the Bigods in the medieval times. I've read only a few other books in this genre, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be doing the research for something like this, gathering as many details as you can and then extrapolating and imagining for whatever gaps there are in the small collection of facts. As an amateur genealogist, I respect anyone who can do this well, and I have to say, Elizabeth Chadwick does this very well.
I really felt I got to know the Bigods intimately while reading this book, and while it's hard to give books in this genre the same sort of feel as a conventional fictional novel, where the story arc seems straightforward and leads to a happy ending (most real people don't have a clear happy ending), I felt at times as if I were reading a proper story and not a fictionalized biography. In fact, there was even a point in the book where it was almost like reading a Julie Garwood novel — there was a boat race, and several of the men in the book that you don't think are getting along that great up until that point are on the same team; they go through some male bonding and win the competition to boot. It reminded me of a scene in a Garwood book where the hero and the heroine's brother do really well in a tournament and swagger after soundly trouncing everyone else.
But the truly best part for me was just really getting to know these people — before reading this book, they were just meaningless names on a family tree in the annals of history, in a time period I care very little about, and now, I find myself wanting to learn more about the people, the places, and the events of the time and reading more in this genre. I'd always been rather indifferent to history — it was NOT my favorite subject in school, what with all those names and dates — but reading about the people of the time as though they were characters in a novel really, really helps spark my interest.
I was pleasantly surprised.
For the King's Favor is historical fiction, a novel based on real people in history, in this case the Bigods in the medieval times. I've read only a few other books in this genre, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be doing the research for something like this, gathering as many details as you can and then extrapolating and imagining for whatever gaps there are in the small collection of facts. As an amateur genealogist, I respect anyone who can do this well, and I have to say, Elizabeth Chadwick does this very well.
I really felt I got to know the Bigods intimately while reading this book, and while it's hard to give books in this genre the same sort of feel as a conventional fictional novel, where the story arc seems straightforward and leads to a happy ending (most real people don't have a clear happy ending), I felt at times as if I were reading a proper story and not a fictionalized biography. In fact, there was even a point in the book where it was almost like reading a Julie Garwood novel — there was a boat race, and several of the men in the book that you don't think are getting along that great up until that point are on the same team; they go through some male bonding and win the competition to boot. It reminded me of a scene in a Garwood book where the hero and the heroine's brother do really well in a tournament and swagger after soundly trouncing everyone else.
But the truly best part for me was just really getting to know these people — before reading this book, they were just meaningless names on a family tree in the annals of history, in a time period I care very little about, and now, I find myself wanting to learn more about the people, the places, and the events of the time and reading more in this genre. I'd always been rather indifferent to history — it was NOT my favorite subject in school, what with all those names and dates — but reading about the people of the time as though they were characters in a novel really, really helps spark my interest.
September 4, 2014
I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Chadwick; there hasn't been a book of hers that I haven't liked or inhaled. For the King's Favor is no exception. It's a decent book, and the story kept me interested from the beginning to end.
Overall, a decent book, but not my favorite.
Overall, a decent book, but not my favorite.
September 10, 2010
4.5 Stars
Ida de Tosney arrived at King Henry II's court at age 15 to be his ward. But the King favored her immediately and she became his mistress. Ida really had no choice and was his mistress for years and they even had a son together. When a handsome, shy young lord, Roger Bigod, comes to the court for the King to settle his inheritance, Ida is smitten. She flirts with Roger at every chance, but Roget is very cautious of not offending the King. Will Ida be able to convince the King to give her up and let her marry, and what will become of her son?
This was my first book by Elizabeth Chadwick, but it won't be my last! I am not used to fiction based on historical fact being so romantic! Sigh, Roger was absolutely swoon-worthy. I loved that he was so shy and honorable. Ida was pretty feisty and very forward about how much she liked Roger and she took control of what she wanted and eventually convinced the King to let her marry Roger.
I loved Ida and Roger's flirtation at Henry's court, but I loved even more how the story told about their actual marriage. Ida feels things for Roger that she had never felt for Henry. Ida and Roger have lots of ups and downs in their loving relationship, and Roger's service to King Henry makes everything more difficult for them and their family.
Roger's love of hats was an ongoing joke and never failed to make me smile. Little things like this made the characters really come to life.
I liked how the author wasn't afraid to use jealousy as a plot line. Of course Roger would be jealous if his wife had been the King's mistress! Who wouldn't be?
The only reason this book didn't get all five stars from me was because the last 100 pages or so seemed to deal more with Ida's two oldest sons instead of Ida and Roger. I liked the ending and it was good to see everything come full circle, but I felt like the focus on the sons moved too far away from the main story.
Overall, this is fantastic historical fiction with a lot of romance!
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
Ida de Tosney arrived at King Henry II's court at age 15 to be his ward. But the King favored her immediately and she became his mistress. Ida really had no choice and was his mistress for years and they even had a son together. When a handsome, shy young lord, Roger Bigod, comes to the court for the King to settle his inheritance, Ida is smitten. She flirts with Roger at every chance, but Roget is very cautious of not offending the King. Will Ida be able to convince the King to give her up and let her marry, and what will become of her son?
This was my first book by Elizabeth Chadwick, but it won't be my last! I am not used to fiction based on historical fact being so romantic! Sigh, Roger was absolutely swoon-worthy. I loved that he was so shy and honorable. Ida was pretty feisty and very forward about how much she liked Roger and she took control of what she wanted and eventually convinced the King to let her marry Roger.
I loved Ida and Roger's flirtation at Henry's court, but I loved even more how the story told about their actual marriage. Ida feels things for Roger that she had never felt for Henry. Ida and Roger have lots of ups and downs in their loving relationship, and Roger's service to King Henry makes everything more difficult for them and their family.
Roger's love of hats was an ongoing joke and never failed to make me smile. Little things like this made the characters really come to life.
I liked how the author wasn't afraid to use jealousy as a plot line. Of course Roger would be jealous if his wife had been the King's mistress! Who wouldn't be?
The only reason this book didn't get all five stars from me was because the last 100 pages or so seemed to deal more with Ida's two oldest sons instead of Ida and Roger. I liked the ending and it was good to see everything come full circle, but I felt like the focus on the sons moved too far away from the main story.
Overall, this is fantastic historical fiction with a lot of romance!
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
November 11, 2009
Another great story from Chadwick who puts another contender in the "historical-fiction-hunk-who-really-existed" field. Full review here: http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/200...
November 19, 2011
Parts of the story were interesting. Some of the language was silly. One more "tightening of loins" and I would scream.
July 4, 2019
Any book by Elizabeth Chadwick (Historical fiction of Olde England) is bound to be 4 or 5 stars. I consider this author second only to Phillippa Gregory. This book was so good and so intriguing I find I must go back and read the first 3 novels of the William Marshal collection.
I so enjoy reading good rich historical fiction of 12th century England and beyond. Elizabeth Chadwick is one of the best authors in this genre. I can highly recommend this book.
I so enjoy reading good rich historical fiction of 12th century England and beyond. Elizabeth Chadwick is one of the best authors in this genre. I can highly recommend this book.
Read
April 11, 2022DNF... Hope to pick up later
October 22, 2010
I thought "For the King's Favor" was a very enjoyable read. This book features the same troublemaking Plantagenets, Henry II and his brood of sons. This time, though, the story is told from the perspective of outsiders. Ida de Tourney is Henry's young ward. She heads to court to see what Henry decides to do about her fate. She wants to make a good impression on the King so that she is married off to a good family. Simultaneously, the novel tells the story of Roger Bigod, son of the disgraced Hugh Bigod. Roger struggles to regain his properties after they were confiscated after Hugh's support of the Young King in his failed rebellion against Henry II.
The novel portrays Henry II as a self-centered schemer. While Henry could be loving, he thinks little of other's wishes and only of what is expedient for his own purposes. The middle aged King finds young Ida attractive and essentially rapes her. Ida then becomes his mistress. Meanwhile, Henry keeps dangling Roger's inheritance in front of him, enjoying his ability to collect revenues from Roger's patrimony while also enjoying Roger's loyalty as his liege lord.
Ida, never comfortable as Henry's mistress, finds herself pregnant. Simultaneous to struggling wtih her own ambivalence and moral misgivings about her royal liaison, she decides to arrange her own marriage with Roger Bigod. Roger agrees to the match and the two marry. However, Ida's choice to marry comes with difficult consequences - Henry separates her from her son.
The remainder of the book deals with Ida and Roger battling their demons as a result of their relationships with Henry II - Ida battling her guilt over giving up her son and Roger fighting for his lands, and once he gets them back, to performing his duty as an honorable earl. Chadwick does a fantastic job making people who died approximately eight hundred years ago seem like real, living people. In her author's note, Chadwick mentions that she went to a clairvoyant to help her understand what Ida and Roger might have felt about the key events in their lives. Chadwick's strategy paid off, as she created a very well-rounded life for people about whom not a ton is known.
I think my favorite thing about this book is that the story, although familiar in the sense that it deals with the Plantagenets and William Marshall, felt new and fresh because it centered on characters I knew little about - Ida, Roger, and William Longespee - Ida's son with Henry.
*****5 stars.
The novel portrays Henry II as a self-centered schemer. While Henry could be loving, he thinks little of other's wishes and only of what is expedient for his own purposes. The middle aged King finds young Ida attractive and essentially rapes her. Ida then becomes his mistress. Meanwhile, Henry keeps dangling Roger's inheritance in front of him, enjoying his ability to collect revenues from Roger's patrimony while also enjoying Roger's loyalty as his liege lord.
Ida, never comfortable as Henry's mistress, finds herself pregnant. Simultaneous to struggling wtih her own ambivalence and moral misgivings about her royal liaison, she decides to arrange her own marriage with Roger Bigod. Roger agrees to the match and the two marry. However, Ida's choice to marry comes with difficult consequences - Henry separates her from her son.
The remainder of the book deals with Ida and Roger battling their demons as a result of their relationships with Henry II - Ida battling her guilt over giving up her son and Roger fighting for his lands, and once he gets them back, to performing his duty as an honorable earl. Chadwick does a fantastic job making people who died approximately eight hundred years ago seem like real, living people. In her author's note, Chadwick mentions that she went to a clairvoyant to help her understand what Ida and Roger might have felt about the key events in their lives. Chadwick's strategy paid off, as she created a very well-rounded life for people about whom not a ton is known.
I think my favorite thing about this book is that the story, although familiar in the sense that it deals with the Plantagenets and William Marshall, felt new and fresh because it centered on characters I knew little about - Ida, Roger, and William Longespee - Ida's son with Henry.
*****5 stars.
August 17, 2010
I can't tell you how much I really loved this book with gushing over our author and her writing style til she blushes. Another fantastic story told during the same period as that of William Marshall and his books, The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion but this time dealing with Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk.
This time our hero and heroine are on pretty even footing with their stories inter tangling close to the beginning of the book. The fact that our characters are put together at a younger age and you get to see more of their personal life and strife's makes one thankful for the progress in culture down through the centuries. I also love the in depth little touches the author gave each character to make them seem more venerable and real in a highly personal way.
Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk is not the bright and shinning star his bastard of a father wants him to be. Considered nothing better than the scrapings on the bottom of ones boot and the abuse that he takes not only from his father but also from his half brothers and step mother leave Roger no choice but to join ranks with King Henry II and try to prove to the King his worth. The sins of the father don't always pass down to become the sins of the son and one should be given a chance to prove oneself before being judged. So Roger's journey is about to begin and the choices he makes will prove him either a sinner or a saint so to speak.
Ida de Tosney is a ward of the King and a very beautiful one at that. We all know how King Henry II was and for a young girl of fifteen years to escape the notice of the King when she is so innocent and beautiful is very highly unlikely. Ida does not accept her lot in life as easily as some of the King's other concubines but she comes to terms as with her situation in due time. Giving the King another bastard child and then having the child ripped from her life is enough to test even the most patient and agreeable of us.
With the marriage of Roger and Ida brings about a fresh start for both of them but with baggage from their past rearing it's ugly head around far to many corners. Can they overcome the obstacles placed before them without letting the pain of the past swallow them up? Their story will show a resilience and courage that will prevail through history.
This time our hero and heroine are on pretty even footing with their stories inter tangling close to the beginning of the book. The fact that our characters are put together at a younger age and you get to see more of their personal life and strife's makes one thankful for the progress in culture down through the centuries. I also love the in depth little touches the author gave each character to make them seem more venerable and real in a highly personal way.
Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk is not the bright and shinning star his bastard of a father wants him to be. Considered nothing better than the scrapings on the bottom of ones boot and the abuse that he takes not only from his father but also from his half brothers and step mother leave Roger no choice but to join ranks with King Henry II and try to prove to the King his worth. The sins of the father don't always pass down to become the sins of the son and one should be given a chance to prove oneself before being judged. So Roger's journey is about to begin and the choices he makes will prove him either a sinner or a saint so to speak.
Ida de Tosney is a ward of the King and a very beautiful one at that. We all know how King Henry II was and for a young girl of fifteen years to escape the notice of the King when she is so innocent and beautiful is very highly unlikely. Ida does not accept her lot in life as easily as some of the King's other concubines but she comes to terms as with her situation in due time. Giving the King another bastard child and then having the child ripped from her life is enough to test even the most patient and agreeable of us.
With the marriage of Roger and Ida brings about a fresh start for both of them but with baggage from their past rearing it's ugly head around far to many corners. Can they overcome the obstacles placed before them without letting the pain of the past swallow them up? Their story will show a resilience and courage that will prevail through history.
June 23, 2019
This was by far my favorite out of the William Marshal books that I've read. And I'm glad I read it before I picked up the Hugh Bigod/Mahlet book that takes place after The Scarlet Lion otherwise I would've been so confused. The main focus of the book dealt with the characterizations rather than with the William Marshal focus of what's going on in the kingdom, which I really enjoyed. The beginning of the book (especially with Ida and Henry) was hard to get through and I would find myself cringing at how Henry would force himself upon her. It was very easy to hate Roger's half siblings, but I was really surprised how easily Will (his younger step-brother) was able to come into his own. It seemed like a bit too easy, especially for a man who was portrayed throughout the book as spineless. Ida's first son, by King Henry was easily hate able too with his haughty interior monologue about his half siblings, but he too did a quick turn around and was easily likeable after that. I would liked to have seen this book go up to Hugh and Mahlet's marriage but then it might been way too long a book. As it was the last fifty pages were a chore to get through as it seemed like everything was kinda just sliding along until Roger's step-brother and the King died within a page or two of each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2011
This book should be read prior to Defy a King, but due to the way this book was released in the US, unlike the UK, we received them out of order. The UK version is (The Time of Singing.) Both are stand alone books, but it would have been nice to have read this one first. In this novel we learn about Roger Bigod during the turbulent years of King Henry II, King Richard and King John as he fights for his lands that his traitor father lost. We also experience his marriage to Ida de Tosney (King Henry's mistress and mother of his bastard William Longespee.) If you read "The Greatest Knight "the first in the trilogy" this book will make you smile reliving a lot of those memories. Roger Bigod and William Marshall go through a lot together. I won't say more for spoiler alerts, but this is another great Chadwick read. Once again this is a stand alone book, but reading the books in order makes it all that much more enriching The Greatest Knight, The Scarlet Lion, For the King's Favor, To Defy a King.
January 18, 2010
Blending an array of authentic period details into a modern tale, Ms Chadwick has given life to two remarkable individuals. The book spans between 1173 and 1199 during the years of Henry 11's reign, this historical fiction is centered on Roger Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk and his wife Ida de Tosney.
With a steady pace and emotional tension, the story tells how Henry 11 was drawn by Ida's naivety and innocence and quickly made her his unwilling mistress, a son named William came from that union. He eventually gave her up in marriage to Roger Bigod.
At the same time we follow Roger Bigod from his struggle to regain his earldom which was stripped from his father and disputed by his stepmother and brothers to the beginning of his relationship with Ida and finally to their long and remarkable life together.
"The Time of Singing", propels the reader into two worlds, one tells, a love story with its moments of tenderness and lust and the other covers meticulously the life of medieval England bankrupted by its Crusades and politics, a country at the mercy of its kings and leaders.
The writing is captivating and grabs your attention from the start. The story is straight forward and not encumbered by frivolous details. The characters are cleverly described and vividly brought to live. This is one absorbing novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
With a steady pace and emotional tension, the story tells how Henry 11 was drawn by Ida's naivety and innocence and quickly made her his unwilling mistress, a son named William came from that union. He eventually gave her up in marriage to Roger Bigod.
At the same time we follow Roger Bigod from his struggle to regain his earldom which was stripped from his father and disputed by his stepmother and brothers to the beginning of his relationship with Ida and finally to their long and remarkable life together.
"The Time of Singing", propels the reader into two worlds, one tells, a love story with its moments of tenderness and lust and the other covers meticulously the life of medieval England bankrupted by its Crusades and politics, a country at the mercy of its kings and leaders.
The writing is captivating and grabs your attention from the start. The story is straight forward and not encumbered by frivolous details. The characters are cleverly described and vividly brought to live. This is one absorbing novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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