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

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!

Beautifully woven together without being overly-flowery.

I listen to well over 100 books a year and this is one of the best I’ve read in a long time. It’s definitely a new favorite.
The narration by Saskia Maarleveld was lovely. I hadn’t realized I had listened to her books before.
This book satisfied my genre slump, I’m a mood reader and I don’t generally turn to historical fiction as my first pick.. I heard someone briefly mention this on TikTok .
Such an excellent debut novel.

DeLozier did amazing research of the journals of some of the first doctors to treat the plague.

Eleanore is one of the most genuinely likable and strong characters I’ve come across.

outstanding historical novel

This is the best book I've read in a long time. The imagery was deliciously rich and realistic for the era. I didn't want it to end! After watching documentaries about the middle ages, I began searching out historical fiction to make the era more real in my mind's eye. When I found this novel, I truly struck gold. I know that the story will stay with me for a long time, fiction or not. It felt real to me.

This book made our modern pandemic seem like a walk in the park

Beautifully researched and voice acted, this book is for listeners who love to be immersed in another time and place. And if you’re like me, this ends well so be brave and listen without any spoilers!

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.

WOW

Gripping, immersive story. Tender relationships heightened by omnipresent dangers. The ending was amazing- perfect mix of grief, love, and hope!