A review by krisandburn
The Italian Woman by Jean Plaidy
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,