Requiem for a Queen
Matilda of Boulogne (1105 –1152) has long been relegated to the footnotes of history, remembered – if at all – as merely the wife of King Stephen of England.
But now, for the first time, her extraordinary story is brought to life in Requiem for a Queen, a seminal novel that rescues this remarkable woman from obscurity and places her where she belongs: at the centre of her own legend.
Meticulously researched and richly imagined, this novel does more than recount Matilda’s life; it resurrects her in vivid, unforgettable detail. From her strategic brilliance during The Anarchy (1135 – 1153) to her fierce loyalty and political acumen, this novel reveals a queen who was far more than a supporting player in England’s turbulent history.
Why This Book Matters
• The First of Its Kind – No previous work has given Matilda of Boulogne the full narrative treatment she deserves.
• A Window into Medieval Power – Beyond biography, the novel immerses readers in the intrigue, alliances, and struggles of 12th-century England.
• A Love Letter to Storytelling – Seamlessly blending historical depth with gripping fiction, this is a tale that resonates with timeless themes of ambition, love, and resilience.
A Book with a Twist: The Story Within the Story
In a clever metafictional twist, Requiem for a Queen also follows Mélanie Moreau, a modernday writer who – after discovering the absence of any major work on Matilda – sets out to tell her tale.
This parallel narrative weaves past and present together, celebrating the enduring power of storytelling itself.
For Bookstores, Museums & Media
This novel is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction, medieval history, and feminist retellings. It is an ideal title for:
• Featured displays (Women in History, Forgotten Figures, Medieval England)
• Book clubs & reading groups (Discussion guide available)
• Museum shops & heritage sites (Relevant to exhibitions on monarchy, medieval Europe, or female rulers)
Available now in paperback, and e-book.
For review copies, interviews, or event inquiries, please contact:
Textcheck Agency, Ms Michaela Marwich
kontakt@textcheck.agency
Publisher: Holand Press, Cambridge
https://holandpress.com
tara@holandpress.com
About the Authors
Nicolai Tegeler – actor, screenwriter, producer, filmmaker, and audiobook narrator – has a special gift for dramatic productions. His passion for stage and screen has shaped his career, which peaked in 2018 when he brought the play Jedermann to Potsdam. His multiple awardwinning Stasi drama Zu den Sternen (To the Stars) has been particularly well received by American audiences.
Valeska Réon has been writing since 1997 in various literary genres, including guidebooks, biographies, thrillers, and historical novels.
This dynamic duo met on Instagram and quickly discovered their shared creative wavelength.
Currently, they’re adapting their thriller Natural Red 4 as a six-part mini-series.