When Christ and His Saints Slept (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine, #1) Summary & Key Insights

Sharon Kay Penman's "When Christ and His Saints Slept" opens in 1152, focusing on the tumultuous marriage and political maneuvering surrounding Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, King of England. The novel meticulously details the power struggle between these two formidable individuals, their ambitions clashing against the backdrop of 12th-century Europe's relentless power plays.

Eleanor, fiercely independent and politically astute, initially captivates Henry with her beauty and vast territories. Their marriage, however, quickly becomes a battleground for dominance. Henry, driven by his desire for absolute power and a unified kingdom, constantly clashes with Eleanor's ambition and independent spirit. Their conflicting personalities and political strategies create a volatile dynamic throughout the novel. Their sons, the young princes Henry, Geoffrey, and Richard, are also central figures, each displaying their own distinct personalities and vying for their father’s favor and inheritance, often playing against each other.

The novel highlights the political machinations surrounding Henry's reign. He faces numerous rebellions, both internally from discontented barons and externally from French King Louis VII, Eleanor's former husband. The constant threat of war, coupled with Henry's ruthless pursuit of power, shapes the narrative. Eleanor's imprisonment by Henry, after her involvement in a rebellion, forms a crucial plot point, showcasing her resilience and unwavering determination even in captivity. Her captivity isn't just physical, but also a means of silencing her political influence.

Central to the plot are the conflicts stemming from Henry’s relentless pursuit of consolidating power, both within his kingdom and against rivals like Louis VII. His ambition sometimes overshadows his judgement, and he’s prone to violent and impulsive actions, which cause significant repercussions for his family and kingdom. Eleanor, meanwhile, despite her imprisonment, remains a force to be reckoned with, using her wit and strategic alliances to influence events even from within her confinement.

The overarching themes revolve around power, ambition, betrayal, and the complexities of familial relationships under immense pressure. Penman masterfully portrays the clash of personalities and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. The novel explores the moral ambiguities of medieval politics, highlighting the fine line between political expediency and outright treachery. The interwoven personal and political dramas create a captivating narrative that keeps the reader engaged until the very end, leaving them eager for the continuation of the story in subsequent books. The lasting impact of the actions of Henry and Eleanor on their family and the kingdom forms a poignant and enduring legacy depicted throughout.