Set in the late 12th century at a time when the Angevin empire is in turmoil having passed into the hands of King John, the story centres on the fortunes of the deBraose family, and in particular William de Braoses wife, Matilda, as seen through the eyes of her ladys' maid. The brutality she endures throughout her life is probably typical of how women were treated then. The author may have taken some "creative interpretation" with many of the historical facts throughout the story. Her life was a hard, sad, lonely existence with frightening experiences day in and day out. All in all it was a pretty good read. Caught my interest right away, I could have done away with all the brutality though, but then, you really seemed to get the grit of the dirt between your teeth as the author lays out this story.