In Sharon Bennett Connolly’s new book, ‘King John’s Right Hand Lady: the Story of Nicholaa de la Haye,’ a remarkable 12-13th century woman is brought to life. In a world dominated by men, not only was Nicholaa able to hold her own, but she even had her abilities publicly acknowledged by the husbands she married and the king’s she served.
This book first piqued my interest because it brought to mind a woman whose name I had first read in passing many years ago, in one of Sharon Kay Penman’s novels. A woman serving as constable and sheriff in medieval England? Of course I had to read more! And I am so glad that I did.
Whilst I have read many wonderful new releases so far this year, and I look forward to reading and reviewing many more, I have to say this has been my favourite so far. Not only is Nicholaa’s story fascinating, the way Sharon presents her impeccable scholarship is second-to-none.
I hold this book up as the gold standard for how history should be written. Sharon does not just tell the narrative history, but actually presents the primary sources, showing not just what we know of Nicholaa’s life, but how we know it. It is wonderful to be able to read the sources and see how Sharon pieced together Nicholaa’s life and family. Where sources raise more questions than they answer, Sharon does not just run with a chosen narrative version, but admits to the ambiguities and gaps in the historical record, and where relevant, offers multiple theories as to what really happened.
I must thank Sharon Bennett Connolly for bringing this fascinating woman out of the shadows, and for doing so in such an illuminating way.
Also, thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for giving me the opportunity to review what has become my favourite work of medieval scholarship.
#KingJohnsRightHandLady #PenandSword #NetGalley
