The Land Beyond the Sea Paperback – March 2, 2021

When readers choose a novel by Penman, they know that they are in for a treat, and the Land Beyond the Sea is no exception. Using historical documents and primary sources, both European and Muslim, Penman has woven a rich tapestry depicting the events and people in the Frankish kingdom of Outremer during the 1180’s and 1190’s, culminating in the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin. There are a number of remarkable characters, including the courageous and young King Baldwin IV who struggled to hold his kingdom despite suffering from leprosy; the noble knight Balian d’Ibelin who was able to get Saladin to agree to a relatively peaceful surrender of Jerusalem; Saladin, the canny and charismatic Kurdish leader of the Saracens; and the real villains, Reynald de Chatillon and Gerard de Ridecourt, Grand Master of the Templars, whose intransigence, hatred, and influence over Guy de Lusignan, resulted in two battles which brought the end of the Frankish kingdom. There are other remarkable characters, both Christian and Muslim, who Penman brings to life. What is made clear is that the conflicts were not just between Christian and Muslim, but also a matter of Christian vs. Christian, and Muslim vs. Muslim. The causes of the Frankish defeat were rooted in personal animosities, ambitions, and competing visions of how to survive as a Christian kingdom surrounded by enemies. The conflict between the Latin Church and the Greek Orthodox Church also played a part. In fact, readers might find themselves shaking their heads and thinking that not much has changed in this small part of the world.Penman has included an essay on her sources, primary and secondary, which is very helpful and interesting. A fascinating read!

As with most all of SKP's works, her research of the period and historical characters combine in a thoroughly enjoyable read!!

(SPOILERS AHEAD) Some readers are dismayed by the sheer number of historical (and some fictional) characters in this grand novel by Penman. She clearly has a very strong grasp of the period of history covered in this latest novel, and you can even cite the historical references she must have used to weave her story. She seamlessly blends history with fiction.Penman has clearly made an effort to distinguish one Baldwin from another, one Aimery from another, and so forth. She calls them Baldwin instead of Baudouin, Aimery instead of Amalric, Reynald instead of Reynaud. Yes, this particular period is an extremely compelling ground for the historical author, and the number of personae is very weighty, but for one who relishes true historical fiction, this is not of concern. Many periods of European history provide the backdrop for history fiction writers, but few periods have the true historical intrigue built right in, and Penman steps up to this task.Penman does not do well, however, in the depiction of the sappy, lovey-dovey marriage of Balian and Dowager Queen Maria. Her Balian is far too modern to be a 12th century man: he wants to be at his wife's bedside during childbirth, he goes near lepers without fearing infection and he doesn't see himself better than lower class people.It was touching to read of the young Leper King Baldwin IV and his mother, the beautiful and outspoken Agnes de Courtney, usually portrayed in fiction as a vile, bitter and unattractive woman. Here was a woman whose marriage to an heir apparent was a annulled for political alliances, dealing with her only son dying of a deadly, debilitating and disfiguring disease.If some readers can't deal with the number of characters and scenes, or have trouble keeping up with the plot, or cannot grasp the action due to the context of each scene, then that reader should stick to reading bodice rippers where the main two characters are the hero protagonist and his maiden in peril where most of their time is spent in between sweaty sheets.I was disappointed, however, to see the mass execution of the Knights Hospitaller and Knights Templar after the Battle of Hattin in 1187 only glossed over. This historical event had more than 200 captured knights beheaded one by one. Useless had they been enslaved and forbidden to be ransomed, there was only one fate for these warrior monks. I think Penman missed a powerfully dramatic opportunity in her novel. (Other novelists have used this incident to underscore the brutality of the Crusades. Executions of this sort were perpetrated on both sides of the conflict.)All in all, bravo, Ms Penman! A book worth savoring slowly and enjoying!

The Land Beyond the Sea covers the approximately twenty-year period before Ms. Penman's previous book Lionheart. Outremer, or the lands held by the Franks during the Crusades, is under siege by Saladin and his armies. The young king is Baldwin IV, stricken with leprosy and struggling to hold his kingdom together. The politics of the various lords native to Outremer and those on Crusade, the struggle between the Roman and Greek churches over the rule of Jerusalem, and the determination of the Muslims to take back the Holy City make for a compelling read.The story is told from various POVs, but Balian d’Ibelin who marries the former Greek Queen of Jerusalem is the glue that holds the story together. He starts as an unimportant younger brother and ends up heroically saving the people of Jerusalem when Saladin finally conquers the city. Ms. Penman is one of the best at writing historical fiction and she's picked a fascinating period to set her story. She uses primary sources from both the Christian and Muslim world and depicts both sides of this holy war fairly. It's a wonderful read (I learned so much about the history of those times) and full of intriguing people.

I love reading Penman. She is truly a great author. Her story line is always captivating. If you enjoyed the Ridley Scott movie the Last Kingdom, this book is a must read. Excellent portrayal of King Baldwin and how he delt with leprosy.

Great novel. Well researched. I enjoy all of Sharon Penman. I would love to have more of them, but sadly we have now lost this wonderful author.May she rest in peace,

I greatly enjoyed this book, because I really like reading about the crusades. Since I came across the sunne in splendour, I am a fan.

Another wonderful and captivating novel by Sharon Penman, who continues to transport you back in time with her words, bringing the past to life in such a way that makes you feel you were there.Be warned: once the battle of Hattin takes place, you won't be able to put the book down! Could result in lack of sleep...

As usual, a wonderful and enthralling book that holds you until the very last page. The research is remarkable. I love all of Sharon Penman books. So sad to hear she passed away.