Reviews

Publishers Weekly

"An incisive poetic writer, Sauerwein (The Way Home) populates this novel of 12th-century France with dynamic, memorable characters that illuminate the setting without compromising their dimension or believability."

Horn Book

"Spare, lyrical, true to its time yet universal in its portrayal of love, loyalty, and loss, Eloise's story is as interesting for its similarities to Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy, as for its more evident differences —a sweet, sad tale to savor and treasure.."

Booklist

"Those willing to let the gorgeous, densely atmospheric prose wash over them and able to take the bluntly realistic conclusion in stride will come away with a sense of having been steeped in another time."

Publishers Weekly

"An incisive poetic writer, Sauerwein (The Way Home) populates this novel of 12th-century France with dynamic, memorable characters that illuminate the setting without compromising their dimension or believability."

Horn Book

"Spare, lyrical, true to its time yet universal in its portrayal of love, loyalty, and loss, Eloise's story is as interesting for its similarities to Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy, as for its more evident differences —a sweet, sad tale to savor and treasure.."

Booklist

"Those willing to let the gorgeous, densely atmospheric prose wash over them and able to take the bluntly realistic conclusion in stride will come away with a sense of having been steeped in another time."

School Library Journal

"Through clear, descriptive prose, Sauerwein beautifully interweaves the history of the time into her spare tale of love and loss. Despite its brevity, the number of characters and perspectives make this a challenging read. This absorbing story is a fine choice for an interdisciplinary study of the time."

Kirkus Reviews

"A superbly crafted tapestry of medieval heartbreak … Religious rituals, references to famous medieval stories, and ongoing reminders of seasonal change (In August, the night is ten hours long, the day fourteen) mournfully broaden this short, complex piece beyond its own specifics."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Teen readers will sympathize with the maiden protagonist, but it is cuckolded Robert who emerges as the truly tragic figure, completely smitten with and devoted to his childlike wife but unable to muster the words and polished manners to win her heart. Readers who've outgrown middle-grade novels with medieval runaway brides and happy, romantic endings can now revisit the forced-marriage plot all grown up."

Voice of Youth Advocate

"Sauerwein's writing style is sensual and ethereal, infused with songs and poetry, setting this book apart from most historical fiction. A unique, appealing aspect is the lack of a truly central character. Although all characters are connected with Eloise, each is as strongly developed as she is. … A strong offering, a fresh look at the traditional boy-meets-girl story."

Midwest Book Review -- The

"[A] vivid, realistic story of medieval times and passion which brings the 12th century world to life."

Children's Literature

"Beautifully evocative and pictorial prose makes this a haunting and thought-proving book. Short descriptive paragraphs throughout the book give us a picture of daily life in the countryside of France at the time of the story, telling us about the doings of various personalities in the village as they go about their work and play. The story is told from the point of view of several characters that often converge and cross paths as the story unfolds. A truly remarkable piece of work."