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Rich with unforgettable characters and full of captivating historical drama, Eleanore of Avignon is the story of a healer who risks her life, her freedom, and everything she holds dear to protect her beloved city from the encroaching Black Death.
Avignon, 1347. Eleanore is a young midwife and herbalist with remarkable skills. But as she learned the day her mother died, the most dangerous thing a woman can do is draw attention to herself.
In a chance encounter, Eleanore meets the enigmatic personal physician to the powerful Pope Clement, and strikes a deal with him to take her on as his apprentice.
Then, two pieces of earth-shattering news: the Black Death has made landfall in Europe, and the disgraced Queen Joanna is coming to Avignon. She is pregnant and in need of a midwife, a role only Eleanore can fill.
The plague spreads like wildfire, leaving half the city dead in its wake. Desperate for a scapegoat, the people of Avignon follow a group of religious fanatics on a witch-hunt, one that could cost Eleanore—an intelligent, unwed woman; a talented healer—everything.
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"A medieval French city. A terrible plague. And a woman born to heal against all odds. In her sumptuous debut novel author Elizabeth DeLozier’s riveting and brilliant young hero is haunted by the beloved lives she could not save, and the many who turn to her in desperate need. With a twin sister whose heart is shattered, and forbidden knowledge and desires of her own, Eleanore of Avignon works alongside the most powerful doctor in all of France in a race against time and a battle against an invincible foe. Twenty-first century readers will be astounded at how little has changed since the Bubonic Plague spread fear, suspicion, political battles, and scientific doubts more than six hundred years ago. We will not soon forget the mysteries and heartfelt bonds that thread through this book, nor the terrible threats that Eleanore strains beneath and works to hide. To be a healer, Eleanore of Avignon risks her own life and the lives of those she loves. Hers is spellbinding story for the ages."
— Laurie Lico Albanese, author of Hester
"A stunning work of historical fiction.”
— Geek Girl Authority“Paints a vivid picture of life on the margins of a medieval city…The result is a gripping portrait of a woman’s bravery in a city on the brink.”
— Shelf Awareness“Saskia Maarleveld’s narration is spirited, meaningful, and skilled. With inflection and effective use of octave changes, she provides appropriate voices for the characters and brings this medieval world to life. Maarleveld manages the history and sometimes technical medical procedures well, allowing the listener to become caught up in the drama of Elea’s life.”
— AudioFileNamed "Most Anticipated" by Paste | One of Washington Post's Noteworthy Books of the Month | One of Shelf Awareness's Best Books of the Week
Eleanore of Avignon is an ambitious historical novel, but debut novelist Elizabeth DeLozier gives the impression she's been at this for years. I found myself highlighting certain passages, studying the way DeLozier crafted her characters and their relationships with one another. The story's protagonist, Elea, immediately drew me in. She's tender yet fiercely loyal, and although the story takes place in another era, her perspective felt relatable and her struggles relevant to women today. Eleanore of Avignon is an impressive debut, sure to be loved by readers who also enjoy Maggie O'Farrell and Sarah Dunant.
— Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost ApothecaryEmotionally riveting and exquisitely told, Eleanore of Avignon is an unforgettable exploration in story form of who we become when all that we love most hangs in the balance. A powerful and compelling debut. I loved it!
— Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of Only the BeautifulMedieval Avignon comes to vivid life in this transportive debut about one brave young woman's quest to save her home from the horrors of the Black Death. Against this gritty, realistic backdrop, the incredible courage and stubborn love of the novel's fierce heroine shines with brilliant light. Beautiful and poignant, Eleanore of Avignon reads like a love song to the healers who have always walked among us.
— A.D. Rhine, authors of Daughters of BronzeDeLozier paints a vivid picture of life on the margins of a medieval city… The result is a gripping portrait of a woman's bravery in a city on the brink.
— Shelf AwarenessA stunning work of historical fiction.
— Geek Girl AuthorityEleanore of Avignon is superb historical fiction.
— All About RomanceBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Elizabeth DeLozier holds a BA degree in Spanish literature, a BS in biological anthropology, and a doctorate in physical therapy. She is an avid traveler, animal lover, and history nerd. Eleanore of Avignon is her debut novel.
Saskia Maarleveld is an experienced voice-over actress and Earphones Award–winning narrator. Raised in New Zealand and France, she is highly skilled with accents and dialects, and many of her books have been narrated entirely in accents other than her own. In addition to audiobooks, her voice can be heard in animation, video games, and commercials.