THE DARK QUEENS The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World

Cassandra Campbell expertly narrates this captivating history of rival sisters-in-law who became notorious Frankish queens during the Middle Ages. Brunhild was a princess from Toledo, Spain; Fredegund was a former slave. They would rule over a large part of Europe. Often portrayed as ruthless and cunning, they are analyzed using both primary sources and literature. The sympathetic examination also considers their challenges: widowhood, wars, plagues, political intrigue, murder, and assassination attempts. Campbell's calm, even narration is juxtaposed with the violence and brutality discussed. Enough information is provided that listeners will be able to transform exaggerations from the primary sources into more probable, logical explanations. Campbell deftly rises to the challenge of pronouncing some of the most challenging names of the Middle Ages. A.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2022]