A Place Beyond Courage

The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper, and royal servant John FitzGilbert Marshal is one of them. Raised high as the kin of the deceased King Henry battle each other for England s throne, John reaps rich rewards but pays a terrible price for the choices he makes - as do his family. His wife, fragile, naive Aline is hopelessly unequipped to cope with the demands of a life lived on the edge and, when John is seriously injured in battle, her worst nightmare is realised.

Sybilla, bright, forthright sister to the Earl of Salisbury, finds herself used as a bargaining counter when her brother seeks to seal a truce with his troublesome neighbour, John FitzGilbert. And then there is Sybilla s small son, William, seized hostage by the King for John s word of honour. But sometimes keeping your honour means breaking your word...

“'The best writer of mediaeval fiction currently around' - HISTORICAL NOVEL REVIEW'Elizabeth Chadwick knows exactly how to write convincing and compelling historical fiction' - Marina Oliver'Chadwick's historical grasp is secure and vivid in this punchy prequel to her last two FitzGilbert epics...an absorbing narrative that canters along' - FINANCIAL TIMES'The author's facts are well researched, and her use of genuine people of the day intermingled with fictitious characters makes for a spellbinding story. She tells history as it was, but in an eminently readable form which can do nothing other than enthuse even the most jaded reader with the past. Most highly recommended' - Historical Novels Review'Another wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched novel from an author who grows in stature with every book she writes' - LANCASHIRE EVENING POST'Another example of how to write compelling historical fiction . . . by the best novelist in this genre' DRIFFIELD LEADER”

Chadwick's historical grasp is secure and vivid in this punchy prequel to her last two FitzGilbert epics...an absorbing narrative that canters along [FINANCIAL TIMES]

Another wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched novel from an author who grows in stature with every book she writes [LANCASHIRE EVENING Post]

Spellbinding . . . Based on real characters and extensive research, Chadwick's imaginative tale will keep readers captive till the final page [Publishers Weekly]

Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride. Beautifully strong characters and real feel for time and place [Daily Telegraph]

An extraordinary, wonderful, true story . . . I really felt that I had walked with William Marshal, and that my own life was enriched [Richard Lee, Founder and Publisher of The Historical Novel Society]

Elizabeth Chadwick lives near Nottingham with her husband, two sons and assorted animals including cats, dog and guinea pigs. She is the author of many historical novels. Her first novel, THE WILD HUNT, won a Betty Trask Award, and THE SCARLET LION was nominated by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society, as one of the top ten historical novels of the last decade. Elizabeth's nineteenth novel, TO DEFY A KING, won the RNA Historical Novel Prize in 2011. Her novels are sold in 18 languages worldwide.

Previous Books:

Shields of Pride, The Scarlet Lion, The Winter Mantle, Daughters of the Grail, The Marsh King's Daughter, Lords of the White Castle, The Time of Singing

Sometimes keeping your honour means breaking your word . . . The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper - and royal servant John FitzGilbert is one of them. But when the old king dies and his successor is appointed, John's position at court is weakened and his wife, the pious, pliant Aline, is hopelessly unequipped to deal with a life lived on the edge. John knows the only way to protect his lands and his children is to divorce Aline. He meets his match in new wife Sybilla, daughter of his enemy Patrick of Salisbury, as she possesses a strength and courage that equals his own. But when Sybilla's son, William, is seized by the king, John is forced to make a terrible sacrifice . . . 'Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride. Beautifully strong characters and real feel for time and place' Daily Telegraph 'I cannot remember when I've enjoyed a book more' Sharon Penman

The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper, and royal servant John FitzGilbert Marshal is one of them. Raised high as the kin of the deceased King Henry battle each other for England s throne, John reaps rich rewards but pays a terrible price for the choices he makes - as do his family. His wife, fragile, naive Aline is hopelessly unequipped to cope with the demands of a life lived on the edge and, when John is seriously injured in battle, her worst nightmare is realised.Sybilla, bright, forthright sister to the Earl of Salisbury, finds herself used as a bargaining counter when her brother seeks to seal a truce with his troublesome neighbour, John FitzGilbert. And then there is Sybilla s small son, William, seized hostage by the King for John s word of honour. But sometimes keeping your honour means breaking your word...

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.