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sabregirl's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars. This was...I'm not sure. I guess the book was good? It was almost at times a weird stream of consciousness where the paragraph would change suddenly to someone else and then switch back. Catherine would be annoying sometimes and unbearable. I want to read the other books to see if they get better but I'm not in a rush.
cher_n_books's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars - It was good.
Good enough that I plan to continue the trilogy.
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Favorite Quote: If you do not try very hard to please people, often you can please them more.
First Sentences: At Amboise the French court was en fete.
Good enough that I plan to continue the trilogy.
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Favorite Quote: If you do not try very hard to please people, often you can please them more.
First Sentences: At Amboise the French court was en fete.
gittav's review against another edition
2.0
Very quick read with uncomplicated language and plot. Entertaining for it's romantic history fiction qualities but not meant to be a serious narrative that stays close to fact. This book lacks its exploration of the relationship Catherine de' Medici had with her husband by focussing solely on the "woe is me" romantic aspect and never addresses the political or social aspects of her marriage.
The internal dialogue of Catherine's throughout the book is indulgent, downright pathetic and based on sheer speculation. Decent enough to read in between Christmas dinners, cooking and other engagements as it was neither thought-provoking nor educational.
So much more could've been done with the complexity of the historic events of the king having a mistress for the entire duration of his marriage. Perhaps it's due to the period this was written in - 1950s - but so much more could've been explored. The passivity of Catherine de' Medici made for the ease of reading this. Not much happens, not much is said. Shame as the dynamic could've made for such a more vibrant piece of historic fiction.
Will not be recommending this to anyone. 2 stars as it at least stayed within the realm of factual events, appropriate language and mannerisms.
Feel free to recommend if someone knows of a good piece of fiction/non-fiction regarding this unusual marriage.
The internal dialogue of Catherine's throughout the book is indulgent, downright pathetic and based on sheer speculation. Decent enough to read in between Christmas dinners, cooking and other engagements as it was neither thought-provoking nor educational.
So much more could've been done with the complexity of the historic events of the king having a mistress for the entire duration of his marriage. Perhaps it's due to the period this was written in - 1950s - but so much more could've been explored. The passivity of Catherine de' Medici made for the ease of reading this. Not much happens, not much is said. Shame as the dynamic could've made for such a more vibrant piece of historic fiction.
Will not be recommending this to anyone. 2 stars as it at least stayed within the realm of factual events, appropriate language and mannerisms.
Feel free to recommend if someone knows of a good piece of fiction/non-fiction regarding this unusual marriage.
lucysmith13's review against another edition
4.0
The first in the Catherine de Medici series by Jean Plaidy, Madame Serpent introduces us to the infamous Queen of France, and charts her journey from the daughter of the influential Medicis of Florence to mother of the Kings of France.
Catherine de Medici is both well known and unknown - heard of by many but her life understood less so - and Plaidy's novel gives us an insight into what she went through, and may offer explanations as to why she was so ruthless in her later years. Plaidy is able to present the stages in Catherine's life in a fascinating and engaging way, contrasting her early years in Italy with the atmosphere of the French court and the pain of marriage to an uninterested husband. Told from multiple points of view (mainly Catherine and Henry), at times you do actually feel sorry for Catherine, as she deals with multiple trials and slights. Yet gradually over time, the changes in her personality and attitudes become evident, as she transforms into a formidable political power. Excellent writing from Plaidy and a brilliant insight into one of the most famous women in history.
Catherine de Medici is both well known and unknown - heard of by many but her life understood less so - and Plaidy's novel gives us an insight into what she went through, and may offer explanations as to why she was so ruthless in her later years. Plaidy is able to present the stages in Catherine's life in a fascinating and engaging way, contrasting her early years in Italy with the atmosphere of the French court and the pain of marriage to an uninterested husband. Told from multiple points of view (mainly Catherine and Henry), at times you do actually feel sorry for Catherine, as she deals with multiple trials and slights. Yet gradually over time, the changes in her personality and attitudes become evident, as she transforms into a formidable political power. Excellent writing from Plaidy and a brilliant insight into one of the most famous women in history.
cuavia's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jennp28's review
3.0
Eh, not one of my faves. Also, I feel a little bit ripped off, having bought a book (albeit off the discount rack) with a modern cover, assuming I was getting modern lit, only to find out it's a republication of a 50 year old novel. It shows in the writing style.
I got annoyed by the endless repetition of how hot she was for her husband and how clever her scheming was.
I also got caught up wondering which was more accurate - this or the tv show Reign. Ha!
I got annoyed by the endless repetition of how hot she was for her husband and how clever her scheming was.
I also got caught up wondering which was more accurate - this or the tv show Reign. Ha!
amyborch's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The life of Catherine  d’ Medici till her husband dies.Â
prof_pelon's review against another edition
4.0
this was avfun read but not spectacular. very anti Diane and made Catherine a little too spurned meek wife for my interpretation but still interesting.
kirstyreadsandcreates's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first Plaidy and I enjoyed it. I did find it a little slow, but I think this was more to do with the fact that I only had small blocks of time in which to read it and a novel like this is better read in chunks.
It tells the story of Catherine Medici, who is forced to move from Italy to France to marry the son of King Francis. As if the move to a different country - away from her family - isn't enough, we see her struggle to keep the attention of her husband on her, rather than his mistress, Diane. Catherine becomes determined to see her son become the next King of France... whatever the cost.
The characterisation of Catherine was great. We got to see both sides of her - her vulnerability and her ruthlessness. There wasn't a great deal of characterisation of the rest of the cast, but there was enough to keep it interesting. The plotline was well written and, aside from being a little slow in places, kept me interested throughout.
It was a little heavier reading than I was expecting. I'll be reading the rest of the trilogy, but it'll be a while before I pick the next one up.
It tells the story of Catherine Medici, who is forced to move from Italy to France to marry the son of King Francis. As if the move to a different country - away from her family - isn't enough, we see her struggle to keep the attention of her husband on her, rather than his mistress, Diane. Catherine becomes determined to see her son become the next King of France... whatever the cost.
The characterisation of Catherine was great. We got to see both sides of her - her vulnerability and her ruthlessness. There wasn't a great deal of characterisation of the rest of the cast, but there was enough to keep it interesting. The plotline was well written and, aside from being a little slow in places, kept me interested throughout.
It was a little heavier reading than I was expecting. I'll be reading the rest of the trilogy, but it'll be a while before I pick the next one up.
azidy's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25