When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman

vividly pictured as grandly beautiful, its people volatile, stubborn, and mystic.” - The San Diego Union “A masterful picture of Wales in the thirteenth century. The book that began the trilogy that includes Falls the Shadowand The Reckoning, Here Be Dragons brings thirteenth-century England, France, and Wales to tangled, tempestuous life. The turbulent clashes of two disparate worlds and the destinies of the individuals caught between them spring to life in this magnificent novel of power and passion, loyalty and lies. But as John’s attentions turn again and again to subduing Wales-and Llewelyn-Joanna must decide where her love and loyalties truly lie. Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, secures an uneasy truce by marrying the English king’s beloved illegitimate daughter, Joanna, who slowly grows to love her charismatic and courageous husband. The only complaint was that the era in which Penman sets the action ( 12th century England) 'lacks epic qualities.' The novel had a first printing of 75,000 copies with a major ad and promotion campaign and author tour.Thirteenth-century Wales is a divided country, ever at the mercy of England’s ruthless, power-hungry King John. 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. Publishers Weekly gave a positive review of When Christ and His Saints Slept. Penman chronicles the story of cousins Maude and Stephen as they fight for England's throne.

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, (ultimately five books) 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 1994.

When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman