I admit to not knowing much about the 1100's in history besides Robin Hood. I did recognize the name Eleanor of Aquitaine and of course her song Richard the Lion Hart who is in Robin Hood. I don't know how I feel about the story set up, but I enjoy the story told. E. L. sets this up as all these people are in heaven and they are telling their stories of what happened on Earth. E.L. discusses purgatory and hell. It's a bit odd to bring in that, but it works. There are 4 parts told from 4 different people.We learn about Eleanor, and it's her story, when she is getting married and who she is. She marries several people in her life and she was very much into politics and came up with so many things the middle ages are known for. She came up with the Chivalrous knights and manners and courtly love. She also raised sons that shaped the monarchy in England. This was the time period that England owned land in what is now France and they fight over later in the War of the Roses.Eleanor is a wonderful character, spirited and strong. She is a leader in a time women weren't much more than property. She was amazing. I think E. L. did a great job with this story and it was fun to read. I did have to get used to the heaven thing. It was a bit off-putting at first and it took me a while to get past. This little book took me more than a month to read. It's interesting and not a very used device so I am okay with it now.This is a great little book about a period of history we hear very little about for middle grade audiences and up. I wish I had read this in 5th grade and learned. It's a much better way to learn history than dry facts in a text book about dates. This was a story and it sticks with you more, at least it does me. When you see that these were scheming, regular, flawed people, it's so much more interesting. It's a real story and we can see how people fit into the times. I love E. L. She is an amazing author. I have her complete works and I will read them all.