Your Preview Verdict: The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks

Your Preview Verdict: The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks

In the middle ages, a poet told a story that mocked a strong woman. It became a literary classic. But what if the woman in question had a chance to tell her own version? Who would you believe?

England, The Year of Our Lord, 1364.

When married off aged 12 to an elderly farmer, Eleanor Cornfed, who’s constantly told to seek redemption for her many sins, quickly realises it won’t matter what she says or does, God is not on her side – or any poor woman’s for that matter.

But Eleanor was born under the joint signs of Venus and Mars. Both a lover and a fighter, she will not bow meekly to fate. Even if five marriages, several pilgrimages, many lovers, violence, mayhem and wildly divergent fortunes (that swoop up and down as if spinning on Fortuna’s Wheel itself) do not for a peaceful life make.

Aided and abetted by her trusty god-sibling Alyson, the counsel of one Geoffrey Chaucer, and a good head for business, Eleanor fights to protect those she loves from the vagaries of life, the character deficits of her many husbands, the brutalities of medieval England and her own fatal flaw… a lusty appreciation of mankind. All while continuing to pursue the one thing all women want – control of their own lives.

This funny, picaresque, clever retelling of Chaucer’s ‘Wife of Bath’ from The Canterbury Tales is a cutting assessment of what happens when male power is left to run unchecked, as well as a recasting of a literary classic that gives a maligned character her own voice, and allows her to tell her own (mostly) true story.

Our Previewers gave The Good Wife of Bath an average of 4.5 Stars! Read some great reviews from our Previewers here:

The woman has a voice. For the love of God, let her speak! And that is exactly what Karen Brooks has done with The Good Wife of Bath. It’s an astonishing feat of meticulous research, and a fascinating reimagining of the character of Eleanor Cornfed from Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem, Wife of Bath, taken from The Canterbury Tales. This is one of the most captivating and epic books I’ve read in a long time. Brooks has really outdone herself: the settings are vivid depictions of the harsh reality of life in the 1300’s, and the character development of Eleanor is visceral. The use of the language of the time is spot on, and Brooks’s witty, humorous take includes a dash of bawdiness, making for a very compelling read. Geoffrey Chaucer himself appears as Eleanor’s distant cousin, and I loved the entertaining letters they sent to each other throughout the book. Eleanor embarks on pilgrimages to Canterbury, Rome and Jerusalem, facing hardship and challenges at every turn. But Eleanor’s a strong, resourceful woman who manages to rise above. An exquisite and unflinching tale of one woman’s defiant journey as she fights to create a place for herself in a man’s world. Linda, QLD, 5 Stars

An easy reading book. Very humorous being based on a character we know. Some could find the words offensive but being the era it warrants them. The words were used in the 1300s. Very interesting about the real characters, was very intriguing. Thank you for the great read. Loraine, QLD, 5 Stars

Wow, I hated Chaucer at school. But this is funny and intriguing in 1364 with Eleanor and Alyson. The book is enjoyable, has insight, is relevant to today as women sometimes battle to control their own live/s. It has the feel of an autobiography but it’s well worth the read. Not a page turner but a slow burn and I found I could only read a bit here and there, not push through in 1/2 sittings. It’s a bit heavy, almost a non fiction feel but it’s a great book! Louise, NSW, 5 Stars

I was one of the lucky people who got to read a preview of The Good Wife of Bath and wow! What a novel! I don’t often read Historical Fiction but I am so happy I had the opportunity as this book was outstanding and I couldn’t put it down. Karen’s use of Old English really transported you back in time and into the 1300s. The amount of research that has gone into this book is extremely evident and has certainly paid off. It is the sign of an amazing book when it truly feels as though you are immersed into it. Following Eleanor throughout her life and being there for all her trials and tribulations along the way, feeling her emotions and being there for all the highs and lows. I felt that I too, was a part of her family and there every step of the way. The struggles of equality for women during that time were a strong reminder of how far history has come since then and how lucky we are in this day and age. Overall, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It was truly a pleasure to read. Thank you so much! Amanda, VIC, 5 Stars

In this historical novel The Good Wife of Bath we are given an insight into Chaucer’s Wife of Bath-from her side of the story. Karen Brooks creates a fascinating tale by bringing Eleanor’s character to life with humour, charm and bravery. I enjoyed being immersed in Eleanor’s first person perspective as I absolutely love any story where women are able to be recognised, grow and develop themselves along their journey. An impressive, thought-provoking and historically driven novel which is perfect for those who have a passion for Medieval England, women’s empowerment or simply a bold and witty tale that will keep you turning the pages. The Good Wife of Bath is a wonderful story centred on a courageous, intelligent and strong-willed woman in a world ruled by men in power, providing an inspiration for any reader who decides to delve into Brooks’ intriguing retelling of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Brittany, VIC, 5 Stars

Karen Brooks’ The Good Wife of Bath is such an innovative and refreshing read – a fabulous reimagining of a classic tale, finally bringing the female voice and experience to the fore. Highly recommended, especially for fans of historical fiction, Chaucer and a darn good read! Jason, VIC, 5 Stars

Karen Brooks has created an absorbing, funny and certainly entertaining read based on the life and loves of the Wife of Bath, Eleanor Cornfed. Having read some time ago Chaucer’s classic The Canterbury Tales, I found myself transported back to England, 1364, when the tale begins. Brooks is able to place the reader in Eleanor’s world – causing us to feel outrage, empathy and hilarity all at once. We follow the protagonist through her adventures and five different marriages, and, to be honest, we cannot help but love her. Brooks’ attention to historical detail, vivid characters and pleasurable pace only leaves you wanting to see Fortuna’s Wheel keep turning. The Good Wife of Bath is exquisite and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Genene, SA, 5 Stars

I unexpectedly enjoyed this book so much! Despite vivid flashbacks to my High School English classroom before even starting, this story of Eleanor was a thorough pleasure to read. From start to finish, The Good Wife of Bath had me enthralled and each time I picked it up, it felt like revisiting an old friend. Reading the flip-side of one of Chaucer’s characters has been fascinating, I love seeing different perspectives of familiar characters. Letting Eleanor tell her own tale opened up a whole new world on the character we thought we knew. A rich, detailed and well-researched historical fiction that you won’t easily forget. Michelle, NSW, 5 Stars

Such a wonderful book! I loved the main character and her development from 12-year-old bride to an independent woman. The medieval setting added so much to the tone of the book, even though it was obviously written with a ‘modern’ twist. Excellent research of historical facts, living conditions and the mentality of the time. I feel I’ve lost a friend who will be sadly missed! Lina, VIC, 5 Stars

A well written tale with a modern spin on the classic The Canterbury Tales that is full of delightful characters. The Good Wife of Bath is set in the 1300’s. It is a great tale, that spans five husbands, each different kind of men who each have an impact on her life. The story is well researched by Karen Brooks with great details of the wool trade, politics and religion of the era. Eleanor is a woman of strength and resilience. Growing up in a male dominated society, she quickly learns of her strengths and her flaws, her mind and her body. She endures a lot of heartache, with many rises and falls. She gains the trust of her stepdaughter Alison, through her endeavours, and develops a friendship with Geoffrey Chaucer, the Poet. The character building of Eleanor and Alyson keep the reader engaged. A great tale to read, but not for the light hearted. Teresa, VIC, 5 Stars

Thank you to Better Reading and HQ fiction, Australia, for an ARC of this fourteenth book by author, Karen Brooks. I thought this book was a wonderful read. Historical fiction is my favourite genre and having studied Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales many years ago, I was very keen to read this modern take on Chaucer’s Wife of Bath. Here the author has given us a very believable, possible back-story to the original Wife’s tale. I loved the way the author blended historical fact and the real character of Geoffrey Chaucer with her own imagination in order to create a very readable and fast paced novel. I read it over a couple of days as I simply didn’t want to put it down. It was a story full of humour and great characters (including some strong females who wanted to be more than just a husband’s possession), and was even a little bawdy in parts. It was told in the first person through the voice of the feisty Eleanor. The first part of the book told the story of Eleanor’s five marriages. At the end of each marriage she went on a pilgrimage and also wrote a letter to her cousin, Geoffrey Chaucer. These letters are included in the telling of her story. The second part of the story centres on Eleanor the widow, who is now living in London, and struggling to support herself and protect those she loves. She wants to be in control of her own destiny and live life on her terms. The characters in this story were delightful and I so enjoyed reading their story. The novel gave good insight into life in the 1300’s – how people lived, (poverty, disease – including the Black Death plague, lack of sanitation), as well as details about what they ate, wore and where they worked. The authors note at the end of the book is also well worth reading. This was the first book I have read by this author but I hope it won’t be my last. Ruth, WA, 5 Stars

A delightfully engaging story, I found this really hard to put down. The cover was stunning and the story more so. The descriptions were so vivid the settings became real (unfortunately so did the smells). The characters were fantastic and so detailed I swear I’d be able to pick them out of a police lineup. I laughed and cried with them from start to end. The authors note at the end added even more detail and authenticity. I’ll be seeking out The Canterbury Tales (the Middle English version) just to learn more. Jodie, WA, 5 Stars

This is an incredibly compelling saga of the life of one exceptional young woman living in difficult times. We meet Eleanor Cornfed not long after her father dies and she is punished by being married at the age of 12 to a man many years her Senior. But she is tenacious and instead of lamenting the situation, she grows to love her husband, befriend his daughter and learns how to survive. And it is these skills that she needs after she becomes a widow. Given the strength of the character I was disappointed she saw a succession of marriages as her only option. I accept this was a sign of the times. But Eleanor is tough and always rose to the challenge. One of the most enjoyable parts of the book was her constant source of friendship and guidance from Geoffrey Chaucer and this is a lovely relationship that spans the book. For me, this is essentially a love story, not of the romantic kind but all of the other forms that love can take. This is a densely rich book with significant historical fact that never weighed down the story. Karen Brooks is the queen of historical fiction and she’s delivered another fantastic book. Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars

Loved this book, wasn’t sure what it was going to be like, but was certainly a fantastic surprise! Loved Eleanor’s Amazing, Mostly True, Story! Full of loveable and hateable characters! Karina, NSW, 5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the very beginning. The author managed to portray the hardship and horrors of child brides and the never ending, seemingly impossible, battle for females to be recognised as having an intelligence equal (or in some cases superior) to that of men. She also managed to portray what young girls were forced to do in order to survive back in that time; while managing to portray a humorous aspect on every page which had me chuckling even in the direst events. Marrying five men, building their fortunes, only to hand it onto the next one and never having a child of her own must have been devastating but finally she finds that family is not always biological but can be just as strong or stronger when a group lives and breathes as one, and a good friend can sometimes not be recognised as something else until they are gone. A very good read! Terry, SA, 5 Stars

Karen Brooks has done a wonderful job giving the Good Wife of Bath her own voice and a lot of personality and smarts for a woman in the 1300’s! A man known as ‘The Poet’ arranges young Eleanor’s marriage to her first husband, Faulk Bigod. Faulk is a gentle soul & looks after his sister’s children. Alyson is one of the children who is 18 to Eleanor’s 12. Alyson at first resents her ‘step’ mum but they soon become friends. Eleanor fast learns what men want & from this she starts her control & manipulation to get her own way. Eleanor has many events & turns in her life as well as four more husbands. I think from each husband she learned an important lesson about herself and how to manipulate a situation to make the most for her own life. I also enjoyed the secondary character of Alyson, how she was a strong support & friend through the subsequent husbands and Eleanor always looked out for her too. I do love a reinvention of a classic character and this has been wonderfully written with true historical events speckled within all wrapped up with a gorgeous cover. Alli, VIC, 5 Stars

Historical Fiction at its best – I loved this book, Eleanor was a truly beautiful character and I immersed myself into the time and story. Read Read Read you will LOVE IT. Debbie, VIC, 5 Stars

Intriguing, with sly wit, humour and sadness this novel encapsulates the times for whence it was written. An engaging story that leaves the reader wanting more and wondering with each turn of the page what can possibly befall Eleanor next. I enjoyed reading as Eleanor grew in confidence and age, learnt (mostly) from her mistakes but more importantly was always trying to do better for those who relied upon her and what she had to offer. Ultimately she was a selfless woman, who (almost born before her time) did not have all the freedoms we consider ‘normal’ today. The characters are well developed and show that ‘blood’ is not required to create a family. Mandy, VIC, 5 Stars

As soon as I finished reading The Good Wife of Bath, I was already missing Eleanor – one of the most fascinating voices I have read in ages. She is a character with whom I would definitely enjoy a mazer or two of ale, and some ribald conversation! Karen Brooks has evidently done some thorough historical research and transports the reader back more than 600 years with ease. The food, trade, fashion, religion and politics of the time are engrossing. Eleanor lives by her wits and triumphs over every setback and humiliation, beginning when we meet her at the tender age of 12. That most of these situations are caused by men is not lost on a reader in the #MeToo era. From that first disgraceful encounter on, Eleanor is the voice of self-agency for women and a refreshing example of someone capable of feeling and demonstrating evolving and enduring love, right into what would have then been old age. Her relationships with Alyson, the Poet and her ragtag crew of de facto family are beautiful. Whilst Eleanor is not an entirely “good” person, she is a fabulous role model. Highly recommended – even for those of us unfamiliar with Chaucer’s original. Heidi, VIC, 5 Stars

I was so excited when I received a review copy of Karen Brooks’ The Good Wife of Bath and I was definitely not disappointed. The character from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is brought to life with a complete backstory, filled with plenty of historical detail and engaging characters. I’ve always wanted to read the Tales, but had never found a modern, easy to read version. Karen Brooks has brought the character and period to life without losing the flavour of the original, and the reader doesn’t have to have read it to enjoy this book. As well as being entertaining, it also is an interesting look at the lot of a woman, at a variety of life stages, in Medieval England. Eleanor faces life head on, refusing to back down from what fate puts in her way. Fantastic read! Juanita, NSW, 5 Stars

The Good Wife of Bath is a beautifully written, wonderful read! I studied Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales many years ago, and The Wife of Bath’s Tale was one of my favourites. Karen Brooks’ version has made it even more enjoyable. I love that Chaucer himself is an integral and influential part of the story, too. This novel is well researched and true to the original, but I far preferred Karen Brooks’ protagonist, who is a feistier and far more appealing character than the original Wife of Bath. All of the characters in this novel are well-rounded, believable and interesting. The dangers, pathos and pleasures of life in the 14th Century are superbly depicted. I highly recommend this excellent novel. Thanks to Better Reading, Karen Brooks and HQ Fiction for the ARC. Charlene, WA, 5 Stars

I’ve not read many books set in the 1300s but this was a truly entertaining read from beginning to end and a real eye opener to what life was like for females during this time. Looking forward to seeking out other books from Karen Brooks to read. Susan, NSW, 5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Set between 1364 and 1401, Ms Brooks takes Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘Wife of Bath’ out of the pages of the Canterbury Tales and breathes life into her. A woman mocked in ‘The Canterbury Tales’ becomes a strong woman trying to make her way in a world in which women were definitely second-class citizens. This is a world haunted by the plague of the Black Death, where religion is important and where poverty is rife. And what an interesting woman Eleanor Cornfed becomes! In her own first-person narration, follow Eleanor’s life, from her first marriage at age 12 in 1364, through her four subsequent marriages, pilgrimages, business ventures and wild fluctuations in fortune. Geoffrey Chaucer himself appears in the novel, occasionally giving Eleanor advice along the way. Eleanor fights hard to gain control of her own life and to take care of those who are important to her. She might not win every battle, but she certainly tries hard. Join Eleanor as she negotiates the ordure flung at her with humour and cunning. Wonderfully written historical fiction and thoroughly recommended. Jennifer, ACT, 5 Stars

As a fan of historical fiction, I loved The Good Wife of Bath. I became so deeply immersed in the story and the characters that I felt sad, happy, surprised and thrilled by the many twists and turns in this book. The story is vividly told and the places and people really come to life. I especially enjoyed the way it was told from a female’s point of view. I would and will read this again someday. Jeannine, NSW, 5 Stars

The book starts with the birth of Eleanor on 21st April 1352. At first I found the writing a bit hard to get into but once I started I was glad I didn’t stop there. I really enjoyed this book as to me it was like she fought for women’s rights in a world dominated by men. A woman’s place was only to be wed, then a mother and look after the household. The men could do anything to their wife and it was never questioned. Once the woman (or girl in these times) any money then became the husbands. Along comes Eleanor who was first wed when she was only 12. She had learned from her father all about broking and this came in handy for her first husband to make his name. But when he passed away she was quickly wed again for the second time by age 15. And so it went on. I felt sorry for Eleanor as all she was trying to do was speak up for herself and put women out there as people. I am sure once you get into this, you will want to finish the book as I did. I loved it in the end and thought there should have been more women like Eleanor, even back then. #BRPreview  Sue, NSW, 5 Stars

I loved it! This was such a magnificently written novel I didn’t want the story to end. The main character Eleanor portrays a very strong and determined woman of her time. Forced into marriage at an early age, she heeds the words of her late father: “No matter what life hurls at you, child, catch it. If it’s shit, turn it into fertiliser. Grip opportunity with both hands and ride it like a wild colt until you’ve tamed it (page 23).” And so she does. She created opportunities wherever they arose. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that happened throughout Eleanor’s life, the good times and the bad. The loyalty of her friends, family and servants made it special and helped Eleanor along the way. The depictions of the English scenery; the pastures full of sheep, farm life, city life in Bath and the London of old made me feel I was in the story as an outsider with my kirtle and matching hose holding a mazer of ale. I would highly recommend this novel for a fantastic read of how a head-strong and courageous woman, like Eleanor, braved medieval England. Julie, VIC, 5 Stars

Engaging, enlightening and engrossing. Such a brilliant book that had me flicking the pages with anticipation. Highly recommended. Stacey, WA, 5 Stars

This was a wonderful read! A historical novel all about Chaucer’s Wife of Bath from The Canterbury Tales. It’s extremely well researched and using the basic details of her life provided by Chaucer in the prologue to the wife of Bath’s tale, Brooks has created a very believable character in Eleanor/Alyson, full of life and love. Chaucer himself appears throughout the book as Eleanor’s friend, all the details of his life being historically accurate. Chaucer’s character also provides a way for all the historical events in the wider world to appear in the story briefly, from the various kings, their wives and mistresses, the peasants revolt and so on. The book is well written and told in first person, structured between narratives of Eleanor’s five marriages interspersed with letters written to Chaucer from the pilgrimages she went on between husbands. The language is full of wit and humour, bawdy where appropriate and the hardships of her life are told unflinchingly. I’m going to miss these characters now I’ve finished! Janelle, NSW, 5 Stars

At times I found the story a bit dense and a slow read, but I enjoyed getting to know Eleanor and her history. Eleanor was brave, clever and determined, and I wanted things to work out well for her. I laughed out loud a few times at her cheeky sense of humour. I haven’t read The Wife of Bath, so I don’t know how much the plot differs from the original, or whether any stylistic choices are deliberate echoes of the original. Helen, VIC, 4 Stars

The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks is a wonderfully innovative retelling of Chaucer’s Wife of Bath from the original Canterbury Tales. The narrative is well crafted and follows Eleanor across her marriages with letters between her and Chaucer acting as developmental signposts along the way. The attention to historical detail is impeccable and the spurts of witty commentary help maintain reading momentum along the way. An unexpected pleasure to read. Many thanks to Better Reading Preview for the advanced copy. Sarah, VIC, 4 Stars

Karen Brooks has written a compelling story in The Good Wife of Bath. The captivating and intriguing characters in Eleanor and Alyson made me continue reading and not wanting to put the book down. What a journey Eleanor has lived and the other people along the way. I have never read The Canterbury Tales so did not know any of the background on her character or the history behind this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Karen’s next one! Christine, WA, 4 Stars

A wonderful and interesting mix of fact and fiction is a clever rewrite from a different perspective of the Wife of Bath. Kim, NSW, 4 Stars

I enjoyed this well written copy of The Good Wife of Bath more than I was expecting to. The historical details were well researched, the characters strong and it was very difficult to put it down once I started reading it. I recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of historical fiction. Hannelie, WA, 4 Stars

I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to! What a delightful, surprising book! I found Eleanor to be an extraordinary and brilliant woman – particularly for her time. She is a strong feminist who fit against the idea that women are lesser than men. Eleanor was married at a ridiculously young age (12!!!) and though she suffers through the trials and tribulations of life, she grows into a strong and impressive woman. I found the book to be funny, witty, and full of fantastic characters. I normally struggle with historical fiction but found this one easy to read and was immersed in the book. Rochelle, VIC, 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this (mostly) true story. Great characters, and the settings were beautifully described. Eleanor really comes alive in this book. A long time since I read Chaucer but may have to go back to it again now I am so much more familiar with The Poet! The book is well researched (I love the use of words no longer familiar to us) and a much easier read than the ‘original’. The 14th century is far removed from today – in time and social norms and values – so the humour is sometimes offset by feelings of shock and even outrage as events unfold and Eleanor goes from child bride to ‘old’ woman. A big book and a great read. Victoria, NSW, 4 Stars

I recently received an ARC copy of The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks thanks to @better reading and @HarperCollinsPublishers. It tells the story of Eleanor Cornfed who lives a simple life till orphaned at an early age. She learns strength, resilience and how to use her body and mind to achieve goals and become a shrewd but successful business woman. Life is hard and filled with headache and loss, yet she survives things most others could never do including the plague and murderous men. Always supported by Geoffrey Chaucer the famous and hugely successful writer, she has a true friend who has her best interests at heart. It is set during the middle ages and combines medieval language and modern English making it understandable and interesting. I’m not sure my understanding of old English would allow me to enjoy the Canterbury tales but at least this gives me insight into her life. I really enjoyed this unusual style of writing. Janet, NSW, 4 Stars

This is one of the novels that you want to immerse yourself between the pages of the book. The characters, pilgrims, set in England in the 1300’s. It’s a fascinating read and the characters will have you laughing and crying. Eleanor is master of her own destiny, which doesn’t fare well in those times, but she is tough, determined, sympathetic, but not forgiving. I’m going to make a point of getting my hands on a copy of The Canterbury Tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer which was used as reference for this wonderful tale by Karen Brooks. Sharon, QLD, 4 Stars

Having no knowledge of the Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book – the further along Eleanor’s tale I read the more I liked it. Married off at 12 to husband number one, brought with it an unexpected love for him, a mind for business and the surprising and enduring love and friendship with his daughter Alyson. Each marriage brings new challenges, wealth, heartbreak and a new pilgrimage. Will husband number five, the one she marries for love, be the all encompassing love that she has longed for and provide her with the baby she has yearned for with each marriage? Alongside Eleanor’s tale is that of ‘The Poet’, Geoffrey Chaucer, her friend and confidant. The historical nature of the book, based in the 14th century, being married at 12, women having no rights legally or morally, the plague, mistresses, kings, queens and of course bawds. She is way ahead of her time and I would love to be reading about her in current times – what could she achieve? Nicole, VIC, 4 Stars

Loved this book!! I thought it was really well written and was witty and thought provoking. Much of it is set a long time ago, the storyline, emotion, relationships and friendships are all ones which we can relate to. I love Karen Brooks writing and she continues to not disappoint. Kate, QLD, 4 Stars

This new take on The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer gives a voice to the modern women of the 1300’s. Right from the get go I loved the voice Karen Brooks gave to Eleanor as we follow her through scandal, five marriages and numerous pilgrimages. The book begins with Eleanor being married off to a man old enough to be her father, not one to take life lying done this bawdy character makes the best of her situation. Although she is the heart and soul of the story Eleanor develops strong friendships and shows us how love and loyalty make life’s journey bearable. The story has been well researched and is true to the time period, it provides a great insight into the struggles women face in their home life as well as being able to gain mastery over their own life. Brooks bring to the forefront how women in this time dealt with poverty, death and pain, and is not a fast read. I found the characters believable and was intrigued each time I picked up the book to find out what would happen next. I would recommend this book to those that are history buffs and love a strong female character. Tanya, QLD, 4 Stars

Reading The Good Wife of Bath is like reading the diary of someone that you don’t know. You feel like you shouldn’t be reading it, yet you can’t put it down. You have to keep dipping into it to find out what happens next. While I am a fan of historical fiction, I usually read books set from in the 1800’s to 1900’s. It is not often I would even look at a book set in the 1300’s, yet I found this novel surprisingly intriguing and found I couldn’t stay away from it for long. It became like checking in with a good friend to see what they were up to and what boyfriend/husband problems they were having now. I must admit I was genuinely surprised how much I enjoyed this novel as it is not something I would pick up off the shelf and buy to read. I can imagine this being made into a tv series. Mel, NSW, 4 Stars

The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks is not a book I would not normally even pick up to read but so glad I was sent a copy from Better Reading for review! Historical fiction is not a genre I enjoy but this book held my interest throughout & I enjoyed the characters especially Eleanor who is really far ahead of her time! A well written enjoyable book that I’m glad I was able to get lost in! Lisa, QLD, 3 Stars

If you’re looking for a word rich 13th century era novel with the original feminist then The Good Wife of Bath is the tale for you! We follow Eleanor through the 13th and into the 14th century in such a descriptive narrative it’s hard not to completely immerse yourself into her world and to suffer the way she does, time and time again in such a socially complex and male driven world, but all hope is not lost. There is a happy ending in sight for our dear Eleanor. Lover. Fighter. Feminist and all around, mother. Mercury, NSW, 3 Stars

Packed with friendship, family and feminism, The Good Wife of Bath is a retelling of Chaucer’s story from The Canterbury Tales – but told by Eleanor, the ‘wife’ herself. Starting in 1364 when Eleanor at age 12 is married off to an elderly farmer, this book follows Eleanor through multiple marriages, ventures, triumphs and losses. Eleanor is a fierce protagonist. She is an enterprising, smart woman ahead of her time. Despite living in a man’s world, she makes a life for herself over & over again, often overcoming severe hardship. Thoroughly researched and written in an engaging and humorous way, this is one lengthy and epic saga! I really enjoyed reading a historical fiction novel set during this time period, though the injustice, poverty, tragedies and hardships in this lengthy tome did start to wear me down a bit. For lovers of historical fiction who’d like to discover a fantastic Middle Ages heroine. Jessica, NSW, 3 Stars

I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. I’d heard of Chaucer but was mainly unaware of his work so I went into reading this book with quite a open mind. I did enjoy this book but probably more so during the first half of the book with the anticipation of finding out the husbands stories. There were so many characters to keep track of and I felt like the second half of the book really could have been more condensed. Overall I did enjoy the book but I’m not sure I will be rereading anytime soon. Rachelle, TAS, 3 Stars

Reviews

A Wild and Witty Retelling: Read Our Review of The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks

Review | Our Review

15 December 2021

A Wild and Witty Retelling: Read Our Review of The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks

    A Clever and Funny Reimagining: Read an Extract from The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks

    Review | Extract

    12 July 2021

    A Clever and Funny Reimagining: Read an Extract from The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks

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          Publisher details

          The Good Wife of Bath
          Author
          Karen Brooks
          Publisher
          HQ Fiction
          Genre
          Fiction
          Released
          01 February, 2023
          ISBN
          9781867256021

          Synopsis

          In the middle ages, a poet told a story that mocked a strong woman. It became a literary classic. But what if the woman in question had a chance to tell her own version? Who would you believe?

          England, The Year of Our Lord, 1364

          When married off aged 12 to an elderly farmer, Eleanor Cornfed, who's constantly told to seek redemption for her many sins, quickly realises it won't matter what she says or does, God is not on her side - or any poor woman's for that matter.

          But Eleanor was born under the joint signs of Venus and Mars. Both a lover and a fighter, she will not bow meekly to fate. Even if five marriages, several pilgrimages, many lovers, violence, mayhem and wildly divergent fortunes (that swoop up and down as if spinning on Fortuna's Wheel itself) do not for a peaceful life make.

          Aided and abetted by her trusty god-sibling Alyson, the counsel of one Geoffrey Chaucer, and a good head for business, Eleanor fights to protect those she loves from the vagaries of life, the character deficits of her many husbands, the brutalities of medieval England and her own fatal flaw... a lusty appreciation of mankind. All while continuing to pursue the one thing all women want - control of their own lives.

          This funny, picaresque, clever retelling of Chaucer's 'Wife of Bath' from The Canterbury Tales is a cutting assessment of what happens when male power is left to run unchecked, as well as a recasting of a literary classic that gives a maligned character her own voice, and allows her to tell her own (mostly) true story.

          Karen Brooks
          About the author

          Karen Brooks

          Karen Brooks is the author of fourteen books - historical fiction, historical fantasy, YA fantasy, and one non-fiction. She was an academic for over 20 years, a newspaper columnist and social commentator. She has a Ph.D. in English/Cultural Studies and has published internationally on all things popular culture, education and social psychology. An award-winning teacher, she's taught throughout Australia and in The Netherlands and keynoted at many education conferences. Nowadays, she finds greatest contentment studying history and writing, and helping her husband in his Brewstillery, Captain Bligh's.She shares a beautiful stone house in Hobart, Tasmania, built in 1868, with her husband, adorable dogs and cats, and shelves brimming with books.

          Books by Karen Brooks

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