When Christ and His Saints Slept
When Christ and His Saints Slept
Book Brief
Beta784
Novel • Fiction
England • 1130s
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman is a historical novel set in 12th-century England during the civil war known as The Anarchy. The story follows key figures, focusing on the power struggle between Empress Matilda and her cousin Stephen for the English throne after the death of King Henry I.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Gritty
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
19,528 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman is praised for its meticulous historical detail and complex characterization, capturing the turbulent period of England's 12th century. While some readers find its length daunting, others appreciate the depth it provides. The narrative's rich tapestry engrosses, though its slower pacing might challenge some readers.
Who Should Read When Christ and His Saints Slept?
Readers who enjoy When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman typically appreciate detailed historical fiction with a focus on medieval politics, akin to fans of Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth or Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. They revel in epic narratives of power struggles and richly drawn characters.
19,528 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
When Christ and His Saints Slept this book is the first in Sharon Kay Penman's trilogy about the Plantagenet kings, specifically covering the turbulent period of The Anarchy, a civil war in England and Normandy during the 12th century.
Sharon Kay Penman is known for her meticulous historical research, and it took her considerable time to write her novels, often visiting locales and delving into archives to capture the essence of the period she was writing about.
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The author initially pursued a legal career, working as a tax lawyer before dedicating herself to writing historical fiction, with her passion for history serving as a strong foundation for her storytelling.
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784
Novel • Fiction
England • 1130s
1996
Adult
18+ years
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