Aquitania , the 2020 Planeta Prize-winning novel by Eva García Sáenz de Urturi, is a masterful blend of historical rigor and the propulsive energy of a modern thriller. Set in the 12th century, the narrative centers on Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful and influential women of the Middle Ages. The story begins with a shock: the sudden death of her father, the Duke of Aquitaine, under suspicious circumstances in Santiago de Compostela. Convinced that King Alfonso VII of Castile or the King of France is responsible, Eleanor embarks on a quest for vengeance that begins with a strategic marriage to Prince Louis of France.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its atmospheric world-building. Sáenz de Urturi moves away from the romanticized, chivalric tropes of the medieval period, instead presenting a world defined by filth, political cruelty, and a "Game of Thrones"-esque complexity. The prose is evocative, capturing the sensory details of the era—from the cold stones of Poitiers to the suffocating etiquette of the French court. By utilizing multiple perspectives, including that of a mysterious, tormented soul known as "The Child," the author creates a sense of pervasive dread and mystery that keeps the reader questioning the characters' true motives. Aquitania Eva Garcia Saenz De Urturi epub
At its core, Aquitania is a character study of Eleanor. Rather than a static historical figure, she is portrayed as a brilliant, resilient, and often ruthless strategist. Her evolution from a grieving daughter to a formidable queen is the emotional anchor of the book. While the plot moves at a rapid "epub-friendly" pace characteristic of a thriller, it never loses sight of its historical foundations. For readers looking for an immersive journey into the dark heart of medieval Europe, Aquitania serves as both a gripping mystery and a vivid resurrection of one of history’s most fascinating women. Aquitania , the 2020 Planeta Prize-winning novel by