The Falcon’s Eyes: A Novel

The Falcon’s Eyes is a beautiful novel showing a snapshot of life in twelfth century France, before it had its familiar borders. It follows Isabelle de Lapalisse, later Isabelle de Meurtaigne, from her youthful marriage to a count to her later years in Fontevraud Abbey, at the side of Eleanor of Aquitaine herself. At over eight hundred pages, the novel spans decades of Isabelle’s life and delves deep into the details of what it might have been. It’s richly researched, and it’s clear Stanfill put a great deal of work and love into this book.

The book won’t appeal to everyone, unfortunately. Those who prefer fast-paced tales of adventure and action may find themselves disappointed. The Falcon’s Eyes is slower, written for those who are interested in the everyday moments of history, even the mundane moments. For those who enjoy such things, this book is a treasure trove. To use an old expression, it brings history to life.

While it will not be to everyone’s taste, it certainly was to mine, and it is likely to appeal to quite a few people I know. Because of that, I’m happy to give the book five stars.