When Christ and His Saints Slept
Encyclopedia
When Christ and His Saints Slept is a historical novel
written by Sharon Kay Penman
and published in 1995. When Christ and His Saints Slept (1995) is the first of Penman's Plantagenet trilogy
, followed by Time and Chance
and Devil's Brood
.
battles to secure her claim to the English throne, ultimately more for her young son Henry Plantagenet, than for herself. Penman chronicles the story of cousins Matilda and Stephen
who fight for England’s throne.
had a positive review for When Christ and His Saint Slept. The book was considered a "magnificent combination of history and humanity" in which Penman presents "complicated politics" in a persuasive manner with well-presented characters. Although based on real life historical characters—Queen Maude and King Stephen are the main protagonists—Penman also adds a "successful addition" with the fictional Ranulf. The only complaint was the era in which the Penman's sets the action (12 century England) "lacks epic qualities." The novel had a first printing of 75,000 copies with a major ad and promotion and author tour.
Historical novel
According to Encyclopædia Britannica, a historical novel is-Development:An early example of historical prose fiction is Luó Guànzhōng's 14th century Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which covers one of the most important periods of Chinese history and left a lasting impact on Chinese culture.The...
written by Sharon Kay Penman
Sharon Kay Penman
Sharon Kay Penman is an American historical novelist, published in the UK as Sharon Penman. She is best known for the Welsh Princes trilogy and the Plantagenet series. In addition, she has written four medieval mysteries, the first of which, The Queen's Man, was a finalist in 1996 for the Best...
and published in 1995. When Christ and His Saints Slept (1995) is the first of Penman's Plantagenet trilogy
Trilogy
A trilogy is a set of three works of art that are connected, and that can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, or video games...
, followed by Time and Chance
Time and Chance (novel)
Time and Chance is a historical novel written by Sharon Kay Penman published in 2002 and is the second volume in the Plantagenet trilogy, proceeded by When Christ and His Saints Slept and followed by Devil's Brood.- Plot :...
and Devil's Brood
Devil's Brood
Devil's Brood is a historical novel written by Sharon Kay Penman, published in 2008, and is the third volume in her Plantagenet series, preceeded by When Christ and His Saints Slept and Time and Chance, and followed by Lionheart ....
.
Plot summary
When Christ and His Saints Slept introduces the genesis of the Plantagenet dynasty as Empress MatildaEmpress Matilda
Empress Matilda , also known as Matilda of England or Maude, was the daughter and heir of King Henry I of England. Matilda and her younger brother, William Adelin, were the only legitimate children of King Henry to survive to adulthood...
battles to secure her claim to the English throne, ultimately more for her young son Henry Plantagenet, than for herself. Penman chronicles the story of cousins Matilda and Stephen
Stephen of England
Stephen , often referred to as Stephen of Blois , was a grandson of William the Conqueror. He was King of England from 1135 to his death, and also the Count of Boulogne by right of his wife. Stephen's reign was marked by the Anarchy, a civil war with his cousin and rival, the Empress Matilda...
who fight for England’s throne.
Reception
Publishers WeeklyPublishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
had a positive review for When Christ and His Saint Slept. The book was considered a "magnificent combination of history and humanity" in which Penman presents "complicated politics" in a persuasive manner with well-presented characters. Although based on real life historical characters—Queen Maude and King Stephen are the main protagonists—Penman also adds a "successful addition" with the fictional Ranulf. The only complaint was the era in which the Penman's sets the action (12 century England) "lacks epic qualities." The novel had a first printing of 75,000 copies with a major ad and promotion and author tour.