lucysmith13's review against another edition
4.0
Pop Sugar Challenge 2020 prompt: A book with a three word title
I was first introduced to Jean Plaidy when I bought [b:The Royal Road to Fotheringhay (Stuart Saga, #1)|1327490|The Royal Road to Fotheringhay (Stuart Saga, #1) (Mary Stuart, #1)|Jean Plaidy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1356131470l/1327490._SY75_.jpg|647701], which I loved, and she doesn't fail to disappoint in The Italian Woman, the second book in a trilogy about Catherine de Medici.
Catherine is probably a historical figure that most of us have heard of but don't know much about, and this book deals with the middle period of her life - when her sons were on the throne of France. The novel is actually told from the point of view of Jeanne of Navarre, a distant relation by marriage of Catherine's through her late father in law. Jeanne is of the same generation of Catherine, yet her life is so different to Catherine's - Jeanne has a happy marriage and her children love her. But the machinations of Catherine de Medici touch any one who is remotely connected with the French court, and she will stop at nothing to ensure her children continue to rule France according to her will. Jean Plaidy manages to evoke the decadence and scandal of the French court and lead you through the intrigues and alliances which make it such a dangerous place. It can be a little difficult to keep up with these at times, but overall, an excellent novel and a great way to learn about an important historical period.
I was first introduced to Jean Plaidy when I bought [b:The Royal Road to Fotheringhay (Stuart Saga, #1)|1327490|The Royal Road to Fotheringhay (Stuart Saga, #1) (Mary Stuart, #1)|Jean Plaidy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1356131470l/1327490._SY75_.jpg|647701], which I loved, and she doesn't fail to disappoint in The Italian Woman, the second book in a trilogy about Catherine de Medici.
Catherine is probably a historical figure that most of us have heard of but don't know much about, and this book deals with the middle period of her life - when her sons were on the throne of France. The novel is actually told from the point of view of Jeanne of Navarre, a distant relation by marriage of Catherine's through her late father in law. Jeanne is of the same generation of Catherine, yet her life is so different to Catherine's - Jeanne has a happy marriage and her children love her. But the machinations of Catherine de Medici touch any one who is remotely connected with the French court, and she will stop at nothing to ensure her children continue to rule France according to her will. Jean Plaidy manages to evoke the decadence and scandal of the French court and lead you through the intrigues and alliances which make it such a dangerous place. It can be a little difficult to keep up with these at times, but overall, an excellent novel and a great way to learn about an important historical period.
amyborch's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Spoiled. The middle years of Catherine d’Medici. She has Jeanne of Navarre killed. Her daughter Margot is engaged to Henry of Navarre.
duchessofreadin's review against another edition
4.0
Catherine de Medici is the most untrusted woman in France. She is however, the most understated woman in France as well. Kept on the sidelines for years, her enemies have no idea what she is capable of, or how far she will go to get what she wants, and what she feels she deserves.
In the Italian Woman, we see the nature of Catherine de Medici coming out, and her enemies are starting to realize that she is a woman not to be messed with. How far will she go to get her hearts desire?
Great read! I loved it!
In the Italian Woman, we see the nature of Catherine de Medici coming out, and her enemies are starting to realize that she is a woman not to be messed with. How far will she go to get her hearts desire?
Great read! I loved it!
monicabhills's review against another edition
3.0
This was the second in the trilogy about Catherine de Medici. This novel also told the story from Jeanne of Navarre. It gave a very interesting look at this French family and especially Catherine de Medici. I always finish these types of books feeling grateful that I am alive now and not any time in history. Women just have a horrible lot in life. However Catherine was a truly horrible person. This novel was not my favorite. I did enjoy the first book more. I own the third book so I will read that one but I hope it is a little better than this one. Not a bad book just didn't love it.
i_8_ur_soul's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Te amo Margot
krisandburn's review
3.0
Although I appreciated the story this novel told, based on true facts, it simply was not told in a compelling enough way for me.
When a story takes a formidable character from history, such as Catherine de Medici in this case, you know you should be in for an interesting read. In places this novel was fascinating, but overall it was too much like reading non-fiction. It felt a bit clinical and distant in the way biographies I have read on similar topics can do. In fact, it made me think I may want to read a biography on this infamous, but very interesting woman. Maybe that would suit me better.
I enjoy historical fiction and when they are based on actual people from history I don't mind if their story is embellished or dramatized. In fact, I tend to prefer it. This was ok for me and I do not regret reading it, but unfortunately I am unlikely to read more from this author,
When a story takes a formidable character from history, such as Catherine de Medici in this case, you know you should be in for an interesting read. In places this novel was fascinating, but overall it was too much like reading non-fiction. It felt a bit clinical and distant in the way biographies I have read on similar topics can do. In fact, it made me think I may want to read a biography on this infamous, but very interesting woman. Maybe that would suit me better.
I enjoy historical fiction and when they are based on actual people from history I don't mind if their story is embellished or dramatized. In fact, I tend to prefer it. This was ok for me and I do not regret reading it, but unfortunately I am unlikely to read more from this author,
june1832's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
stefhyena's review
2.0
All the torture scenes and messed up ways of relating were horrible to think about and ultimately tedious and repetitive. I guess it was well researched, a historical text on the same topic might have been interesting but as a novel the characters were too unlikeable and uninteresting. As women's history it is too "liberal feminist" ie being so interested in Catherine de Medici having power that you miss the point that there is literally NOTHING liberating about this.
I won't bother with any more of these.
I won't bother with any more of these.
crystalmarie's review
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Be sure to read these books in order.
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