The Crownless Queen
The Crownless Queen is the second part of Elizabeth Chadwick’s duology about the life of Joan of Kent.
In this instalment, we see a more mature Joan, enjoying a settled life as wife and mother; but her contentment is shaken when Thomas, her husband, dies while serving in Normandy. As a wealthy and still-attractive widow, Joan faces the possibility of numerous marriage proposals. But a measure of stability is offered when her childhood friend and long-time admirer, Prince Edward, heir to the throne, proposes.
A strength of Chadwick’s writing is the clarity of her prose and her ability to cut through to the characters who are important for the story. These characters and their relationships are vividly brought to life, and the dialogue between them is believable and engaging. The temporary respite from the Hundred Years’ War ends when Edward is called upon to take part in the Castilian Civil War and his army achieves a significant victory over Franco-Castilian forces at the Battle of Nájera. Much of this is described from a distance, and Chadwick protects her reader from the realities of medieval warfare. However, given that this is Joan’s story, it makes sense as a narrative decision. Alternatively, we can enjoy vivid descriptions of sumptuous settings, clothes and food.
Although this novel is a fascinating exploration of the medieval world and Joan continues to have many highs and lows in her life, this second half arguably lacks the passion and vibrancy of her younger rebel years. There are scenes of great sadness, and relationships are developed with sensitivity and insight; and we see the younger years of Richard II and his accession in 1377. But there is more yet to tell: and if this is a duology, then its conclusion certainly left this reader wanting more.
