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Reviews tagging 'Blood'
Young Queens: The Gripping, Intertwined Story of Catherine De' Medici, Elisabeth de Valois and Mary, Queen of Scots by Leah Redmond Chang
1 review
mari1532's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
I thank Netgalley and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux Publishing for an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I originally heard about this book from several historians that I follow on Instagram and podcast formats. When this book was discussed on Not Just the Tudors I knew I wanted to read this book. Having finished it the best way I can describe this book is it is a Black Forest Cake for history lovers. Redmond Chang's research throughout this book is decadent and immense and how she examines the sources and paints a portrait of the women behind these sources is so refreshing.
The central narrative of this book is the life of Catherine de Medici. In part because Catherine is the link between Elisabeth de Valois and Mary, Queen of Scots, but also because she lived the longest. Although I have read books focused on Catherine in the past Redmond Chang's work paints a vivid, multilayered picture of Catherine as a woman, wife, mother, and Queen. Often it feels as though Catherine's story is segmented into one of those roles so a clear picture of her never emerges. However, the author's evaluations of Catherine's political motives and her emotional attachment to her children made this historical narrative of Catherine all the more dynamic.
My absolute favourite part of the book was the discussion of Elisabeth. I knew of her existence before reading this book as being a fan of history during this period she does make fleeting appearances, but finding a source that focuses specifically on Elisabeth de Valois is difficult to come by. The way that Redmond Chang was able to describe Elisabeth's life in Spain and the balancing act she attempted to maintain as a Queen of Spain and a daughter of France was truly breathtaking. As with Catherine, the use of Elisabeth's letters brought her to life. They also highlight the formidable role that she played in the dynamics of Franco-Spanish relations at the time. I was also entertained by Redmond Chang's speculation on how Catherine may have responded to some of Elisabeth's letters concerning diplomatic policy. Their mother-daughter relationship was well-highlighted throughout the book.
I did enjoy the discussion of Mary, Queen of Scots. I feel that Redmond Chang brought a refreshing perspective to Mary's story. Like with Catherine, I often feel there is also a dichotomy when portraying Mary, sinner or saint, perpetrator or victim. I appreciated how the author balanced a varied perspective of Mary's behaviours without attempting to psychologically examine her at a distance. Redmond Chang managed to give Mary both agency and vulnerability. I also think that the heart of the narrative in this book explains why Mary chose to go to England rather than France. By highlighting the political dynamics in each country and the perception of Darnley's murder and the Bothwell marriage in the Catholic countries of Spain and France it put events into an entirely new perspective for me.
In addition to providing a fresh perspective on three Queens at the heart of European politics in the middle of the 16th century, Redmond Chang's work is just so well written you feel as if you are watching a history documentary rather than reading a work of non-fiction. I think my only complaint with this book was that it was very hard to follow the timeline of events. For instance, in one chapter a family member is dead or a baby has been born when in the next chapter this event hasn't happened yet. Given the amount of information throughout the book though I was willing to overlook this.
Although the focus is on Catherine, Elisabeth, and Mary the author provides vivid detail of political events encircling these women's lives. The sheer amount of research conducted for this book alone makes this book important, but the way that Redmond Chang brings these Queens to life again makes it worthy of every award. Highly recommend. If you love monarchy, female power narratives, and reading accounts of historical figures in their own words this is a must-read.
I originally heard about this book from several historians that I follow on Instagram and podcast formats. When this book was discussed on Not Just the Tudors I knew I wanted to read this book. Having finished it the best way I can describe this book is it is a Black Forest Cake for history lovers. Redmond Chang's research throughout this book is decadent and immense and how she examines the sources and paints a portrait of the women behind these sources is so refreshing.
The central narrative of this book is the life of Catherine de Medici. In part because Catherine is the link between Elisabeth de Valois and Mary, Queen of Scots, but also because she lived the longest. Although I have read books focused on Catherine in the past Redmond Chang's work paints a vivid, multilayered picture of Catherine as a woman, wife, mother, and Queen. Often it feels as though Catherine's story is segmented into one of those roles so a clear picture of her never emerges. However, the author's evaluations of Catherine's political motives and her emotional attachment to her children made this historical narrative of Catherine all the more dynamic.
My absolute favourite part of the book was the discussion of Elisabeth. I knew of her existence before reading this book as being a fan of history during this period she does make fleeting appearances, but finding a source that focuses specifically on Elisabeth de Valois is difficult to come by. The way that Redmond Chang was able to describe Elisabeth's life in Spain and the balancing act she attempted to maintain as a Queen of Spain and a daughter of France was truly breathtaking. As with Catherine, the use of Elisabeth's letters brought her to life. They also highlight the formidable role that she played in the dynamics of Franco-Spanish relations at the time. I was also entertained by Redmond Chang's speculation on how Catherine may have responded to some of Elisabeth's letters concerning diplomatic policy. Their mother-daughter relationship was well-highlighted throughout the book.
I did enjoy the discussion of Mary, Queen of Scots. I feel that Redmond Chang brought a refreshing perspective to Mary's story. Like with Catherine, I often feel there is also a dichotomy when portraying Mary, sinner or saint, perpetrator or victim. I appreciated how the author balanced a varied perspective of Mary's behaviours without attempting to psychologically examine her at a distance. Redmond Chang managed to give Mary both agency and vulnerability. I also think that the heart of the narrative in this book explains why Mary chose to go to England rather than France. By highlighting the political dynamics in each country and the perception of Darnley's murder and the Bothwell marriage in the Catholic countries of Spain and France it put events into an entirely new perspective for me.
In addition to providing a fresh perspective on three Queens at the heart of European politics in the middle of the 16th century, Redmond Chang's work is just so well written you feel as if you are watching a history documentary rather than reading a work of non-fiction. I think my only complaint with this book was that it was very hard to follow the timeline of events. For instance, in one chapter a family member is dead or a baby has been born when in the next chapter this event hasn't happened yet. Given the amount of information throughout the book though I was willing to overlook this.
Although the focus is on Catherine, Elisabeth, and Mary the author provides vivid detail of political events encircling these women's lives. The sheer amount of research conducted for this book alone makes this book important, but the way that Redmond Chang brings these Queens to life again makes it worthy of every award. Highly recommend. If you love monarchy, female power narratives, and reading accounts of historical figures in their own words this is a must-read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, and War
Moderate: Incest and Death of parent
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault