Sharmie S – Google

What a great book. I am a huge fan of the combination historical fiction and good writing. I’d give a lot to bramble to read “Woof Hall” again, for the first time. “Eleanore of Avignon” is so well written and researched. The introduction of the Black Plague in Europe, specifically Avignon, with its papal residency, is recounted here through the eyes of marvelous characters, fictional and actual. The drama is built in. A rogue queen, a larger-than-life mentor, the wild cults that emerged, a family of nice people, doomed by their circumstances—it’s a great read. More from this author, please

This is an amazing film. It puts you, the viewer, into the court of Henry VIII like nothing else will. If you know your history, you will love it. 10 years of excruciating pain from an infected open wound in his leg has left the monarch fat and furious and probably insane. Navigating in a scenario where you can easily be beheaded, burned or worse, if Henry is having a bad day, must have been terrifying and exhausting. Jude Law was s wonderful. All the actors do a great job. The vision is remarkable.

I love this so much. Coen-brothers-esque and Chris O’Dowd can do no wrong. The cast, especially Sean Bridges and Ray Romano never clunk. They are submerged in their well-written characters and, truthfully, the numerous peripheral individuals bring it, too. Amazing. There is langorous and delicious plot development and even though I’ve only seen the first three episodes, each one of them is better written and produced than any of the over-blown and unsatisfying films I’ve seen all year. Hunker down and enjoy. I’m trying so hard not to binge watch the entire season so I can make this experience last.