The Beggar Queen by Kelly Evans

Author Kelly Evans transports readers to 7th century France in The Beggar Queen, a masterfully penned mosaic of historical fact and compelling fiction. In an era where life is cheap, but love can be costly, an unlikely young woman navigates the treacherous waters of the Merovingian court and changes the course of history, though few have ever heard her name. Steeped in cultural, religious, and societal detail, this story will appeal to academic lovers of history, as well as those seeking a dramatic escape. While the dialogue occasionally feels too modern, and there are some anachronistic idioms, the reading experience is immersive and nuanced, highlighting a fascinating period rarely explored in literature.