By Sharon Penman
Penguin/Michael Joseph

This historical novel is set in the time of Henry II, and begins shortly after the martyrdom of Thomas Beckett. Henry has been campaigning in Ireland, whilst elsewhere his most trusted bishops have negotiated with representatives of the Pope. At this time England was more than just that, because of large swathes of foreign titles and lands, and this covers the power plays well. It is told from third party points of view, of friends and advisors who see the frustrations and the diplomacy, not only in Henry, but in his already crowned son (a strange medieval practice now discontinued, though perhaps Prince Charles would fancy his mother reinstating it). The young Henry is seen as surrounded by youths who do not meet his father's approval, though his head has yet to be turned, although it will not be long before family feuds will lead to conflict, and banishment.
Apparently this is the third volume of Penman's series, but you don't need to have read the others as we are given good introductions to all the major characters, and to the historicala rguments such as church courts, family disputes and so forth. Like all fine works a great story is often better told by examining the micro family story, and the personal then illuminates the impersonal.