The Lords of Vaumartin    by Cecelia Holland Order:  USA  Can Houghton Mifflin, 1988 (1988) Hardcover, Paperback      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Josseran holds the lordship of Vaumartin in trust for his despised, bookish nephew Everard. His wife Isobel whispers in his ear like Lady Macbeth. She manipulates him into taking Everard to war against Edward of England. At the Battle of Crecy, Everard finds his manhood and loses his sole defender when his uncle Yvain dies in his arms. Everard flees to Paris where he exists on the fringes of the university, is embroiled for a time with a colorful alchemist, survives the Plague, and becomes a scholar, a father and a husband. His is an unusual coming of age in an eventful period. Everard has his own views on what is important to him, which are at odds with the prevailing wisdom of the times. Just as interesting a character is the very human villain of the piece, Josseran, in whom a lifelong belief in chivalry wars with love for his wife and his own ambition. As usual, Ms. Holland gives us an exciting and engaging story, well steeped in the history of the time. Editor's Note: Unfortunately this novel is out of print, but can still be obtained from used bookstores and libraries. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Historical books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews