The only complaint was that the era in which Penman sets the action 'lacks epic qualities.' The novel had a first printing of 75,000 copies with a major ad and promotion campaign and author tour. Just invest tiny epoch to edit this on-line notice When Christ And His Saints Slept A Novel as skillfully as review them wherever you are now. Although based on real life historical characters-Queen Maude and King Stephen are the main protagonists-it was thought that, in the fictional character Ranulf, Penman added a 'successful addition'. The book was described as a 'magnificent combination of history and humanity' in which Penman presents 'complicated politics' in a persuasive manner with well-presented characters. As church bells tolled for the death of Englands King Henry I, his barons faced the unwelcome prospect of being ruled by a woman: Henrys beautiful.

The next addition in this highly acclaimed historical fiction series of the middle ages, and the first of a trilogy that will tell the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Penman chronicles the story of cousins Maude and Stephen as they fight for England’s throne.Publishers Weekly gave a positive review of When Christ and His Saints Slept. When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman: 9780345396686 : Books A.D. In When Christ and His Saints Slept master storyteller and historian Sharon Kay Penman illuminates one of the lesser-known but fascinating periods of English history.

In the book Penman introduces the genesis of the Plantagenet dynasty as Empress Maude battles to secure her claim to the English throne, ultimately more for her young son Henry Plantagenet, than for herself. It is the first of Penman's Plantagenet trilogy, followed by Time and Chance, Devil's Brood, Lionheart and A King's Ransom.

When Christ and His Saints Slept is a historical novel written by Sharon Kay Penman, published in 1995.

When christ and his saints slept review