by Alice Loxton
- Non-Fiction
- History
- English Walks
- English History
- Royal
I’m a big history fan, so I went into Eleanor expecting a history-focused book, something that would explore the life of a lesser-known Queen of England and uncover more about her story. The cover and description suggested a “lost queen” narrative, and I assumed it would be a deep dive into her life and fate.
Instead, the book is largely a retracing of Eleanor’s funeral procession from Lincoln to London, structured around a walking journey through the English landscape. At first, I was a little confused by this approach, as I hadn’t done much research beforehand, but I gave it a chance.
I listened to the audiobook, and I have to say the narration didn’t help me engage with the story, the delivery felt robotic and somewhat flat. The walking narrative did grow on me a little, especially when it inspired me to look up some of the places she visited, such as a memorial graffiti painting I’d like to see in person. However, in parts, it felt repetitive. For instance, when the route reaches the locations of Eleanor’s crosses, many of the original crosses no longer exist, leaving just plaques or sites to imagine, which led to a lot of “use your imagination” moments from the author.
I also struggled with certain stylistic choices. Imagined conversations and speculations about what Eleanor would have thought or said felt strange, we simply don’t know, and it often pulled me out of the historical context rather than immersing me in it.
The historical content itself was a mixed bag. There were interesting tidbits, and it left me curious to learn more about Eleanor, but I can’t say I learned much concrete from the book itself. I also didn’t feel like I understood her as a person any better than before. That said, I enjoyed learning about how other people have engaged with Eleanor historically and discovering places named after her, that part was genuinely interesting. Alice Loxton’s enthusiasm for the subject is clear, but that passion didn’t fully translate to me as a listener.
I think this book will appeal most to history enthusiasts who also enjoy walking through England and exploring the landscapes of the past. If you’re coming into this expecting a historical biography or a mystery about Eleanor herself, it may not meet those expectations.
If I could rewrite the blurb or cover line, I’d focus more on the idea of honouring an unknown queen through her historical legacy and the landscape she left behind, rather than suggesting a mystery to solve.
Overall, Eleanor was an interesting read, and as someone who loves history, I appreciated aspects of it, but the mismatch between my expectations and the book’s focus affected my enjoyment more than the content itself. For the right reader, someone interested in history, walking, and exploring England’s past, it could be a rewarding experience.
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