Eleanore of Avignon

A Novel

De: Elizabeth DeLozier

Narrado por: Saskia Maarleveld

A Library Reads Pick!

An Amazon Best Book of the Month!

An Aardvark Book Club Pick!

Rich with unforgettable characters, gorgeously drawn, and full of captivating historical drama, Eleanore of Avignon is the story of a healer who risks her life, her freedom, and everything she holds dear to protect her beloved city from the encroaching Black Death

Provence, 1347. Eleanore (Elea) Blanchet is a young midwife and herbalist with remarkable skills. But as she learned the day her mother died, the most dangerous thing a woman can do is draw attention to herself. She attends patients in her home city of Avignon, spends time with her father and twin sister, gathers herbs in the surrounding woods, and dreams of the freedom to pursue her calling without fear.

In a chance encounter, Elea meets Guigo de Chauliac, the enigmatic personal physician to the powerful Pope Clement, and strikes a deal with him to take her on as his apprentice. Under Chauliac’s tutelage she hones her skills as a healer, combining her knowledge of folk medicine with anatomy, astrology, and surgical techniques.

Then, two pieces of earth-shattering news: the Black Death has made landfall in Europe, and the disgraced Queen Joanna is coming to Avignon to stand trial for her husband’s murder. She is pregnant and in need of a midwife, a role only Elea can fill.

The queen’s childbirth approaches as the plague spreads like wildfire, leaving half the city dead in its wake. The people of Avignon grow desperate for a scapegoat and a group of religious heretics launch a witch hunt, one that could cost Elea—an intelligent, talented, unwed woman—everything.

©2024 Elizabeth DeLozier (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

Named "Most Anticipated" by Paste

“Eleanore of Avignon is an ambitious historical novel, but debut novelist Elizabeth DeLozier gives the impression she's been at this for years. I found myself highlighting certain passages, studying the way DeLozier crafted her characters and their relationships with one another. The story's protagonist, Elea, immediately drew me in. She's tender yet fiercely loyal, and although the story takes place in another era, her perspective felt relatable and her struggles relevant to women today. Eleanore of Avignon is an impressive debut, sure to be loved by readers who also enjoy Maggie O'Farrell and Sarah Dunant.”—Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary

“Emotionally riveting and exquisitely told, Eleanore of Avignon is an unforgettable exploration in story form of who we become when all that we love most hangs in the balance. A powerful and compelling debut. I loved it!”—Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of Only the Beautiful

“A medieval French city. A terrible plague. And a woman born to heal against all odds. In her sumptuous debut novel author Elizabeth DeLozier’s riveting and brilliant young hero is haunted by the beloved lives she could not save, and the many who turn to her in desperate need. With a twin sister whose heart is shattered, and forbidden knowledge and desires of her own, Eleanore of Avignon works alongside the most powerful doctor in all of France in a race against time and a battle against an invincible foe. Twenty-first century readers will be astounded at how little has changed since the Bubonic Plague spread fear, suspicion, political battles, and scientific doubts more than six hundred years ago. We will not soon forget the mysteries and heartfelt bonds that thread through this book, nor the terrible threats that Eleanore strains beneath and works to hide. To be a healer, Eleanore of Avignon risks her own life and the lives of those she loves. Hers is spellbinding story for the ages.”—Laurie Lico Albanese, author of Hester

Entertaining and improbable

Really enjoyed the depiction of early medicine dealing with unimaginable disaster, But I had trouble accepting the unlikely friendships and respect the heroine was given, considering the actual position of women in that era. That, and the somewhat formulaic plot elements using standard boy meets smart, feisty girl, difficulties ensue type construction.
But a fast, fun read, or listen!

Strength of characters

Primary characters were brought to life and were not spared. The depth of research was obvious and helped bring the story to life.

Please write the next Eleanore of…..

I liked the whole experience.
Loved the story as read by the reader.
A PLEASURE!

So good!

Loved everything about this book! So interesting and I couldn’t stop listening!
Really great story

Incredible, like I was right there!

This book/ audible captured my attention & emotions the whole way through. As an identical twin, I connected with the girls and shed tears. Fabulous!

BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

I was mesmerized by each word, a magical story of love, devotion, determination and grit. I did not want this to end and I"m floating on air since I finished .... DeLozier is an outstanding and gifted writer. BRAVISIMA!

Fantastic historical fiction.

Elizabeth DeLozier made me love these characters. She made me smell the herbs and the stench of sickness. She put me in medieval Avignon. And Saskia Maarleveld brought everything into color with her fabulous narration.

Beautifully narrated

I learned so much about this time in history. The narrator brought words I can not pronounce correctly to life!

Young woman’s perseverance to practice medicine in 14th century Avignon, France

Historical fiction is my favorite genre. This novel portrays a story of the religion, culture and tragedy of the Black Plague

Life During the Black Plague

A sincere 5 star review for a stunning, captivating and fascinating _debut_ novel!

I was transported to Avignon (an area of the world about which I admittedly knew very little), into the papacy of Clement VI (a time frame of which I was, again, previously completely ignorant!) and it felt as if I had embarked upon the most immersive experience by just listening to DeLozier's words. My skin crawled with the eerie depictions of the religious fanatics and their self-flagellation and desire to persecute others; my heart leapt with Elea's intellectual, academic and personal discoveries. I practically looked around for a mask to don as she walked into Plague-infested rooms!

Beautifully written, and masterfully performed, there are some even more spectacularly crafted words which lift from the story and simply add in ways like garnishes add to the best desserts - "vulpine"?!? (Wow!) The medical and historical research conducted to seamlessly integrate into this novel are worthy of doctorate level work and provide a foundational authenticity throughout as well as wonderful resources and answers for enquiring minds. Meanwhile, the characters with whom the reader is immersed begin to feel like friends and family - Elea, the plucky and determined heroine, Guigo the relatable mentor, and even the best of canine characters in the loyal Baldoin.

As if the drama of the Black Plague and events of the Papacy weren't enough, DeLozier deftly weaves in subplots addressing addressing anti-Semitism, the role of women at this point in history, grief, religious fanaticism, and so much more. I'm simply stunned this is DeLozier's first work and so appreciated her Author's Note at the book's conclusion, I'd rate this novel 5.5 stars for that extra tidbit into her creative and writing process if I could! Highly recommended listening for anyone - and especially those interested in historical fiction, medical history or women's studies.