Books matching: catherine de medici
9 result(s)
The Devil's Queen by Jeanne Kalogridis is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Catherine de Medici, portraying her as a complex and powerful woman. The book follows Catherine's journey from her childhood in Florence to her politically arranged marriage to King Henry of France, showcasing her struggles, ambitions, and relationships. Through vivid descriptions and fast-paced storytelling, Kalogridis weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, love, and the complexities of royal politics, shedding light on the misunderstood historical figure of Catherine de Medici.
Kalogridis skillfully portrays Catherine de Medici as a multifaceted character, providing a more sympathetic angle to her actions and decisions. The novel explores Catherine's resilience in the face of adversity, her intelligence, and her fierce protectiveness towards her family. With elements of magic, court intrigue, and historical events like the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, The Devil's Queen offers a captivating and immersive portrayal of one of history's most controversial queens.
At first glance he was an unremarkable man, short and stout with graying hair and the drab clothes of a commoner. I could not see his face from my vantage two floors above, but I watched him recoil as...- #2
Save:'The Rival Queens: Catherine de' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal that Ignited a Kingdom' by Nancy Goldstone is a historical account that reads like a thriller, focusing on the rivalry between Catherine de Medici, Queen of France, and her daughter Marguerite, Queen of Navarre. The author delves into the troubled relationship between the two queens, portraying Catherine as a schemer who manipulates to preserve her dynasty, while Marguerite emerges as a more balanced character, capable of loyalty and diplomacy. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre of Huguenots in Paris and the subsequent War of the Three Henrys, showcasing the tumultuous events experienced by the French royal family during the 16th century.
Goldstone's writing style is praised for its lively fashion, making historical characters like Catherine de Medici and Marguerite de Valois clearly delineated and engaging. The narrative is driven by the psychology of powerful personalities rather than broader social, economic, or political factors, providing a fast-paced and gripping account of the court intrigues and political struggles among the French nobility during a period of religious wars and shifting alliances.
'The Confessions of Catherine de Medici' by Christopher C.W. Gortner is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Catherine de Medici, a powerful queen consort of France. The book follows Catherine's journey from her early years in Italy to her marriage to Henry, Duke of Orléans, and her rise to power as Queen Mother to three French Kings. Through the first-person narrative of Catherine herself, readers get a new perspective on her life, ambitions, struggles, and the political turmoil of the French Wars of Religion. The writing style immerses the reader in Catherine's world, showcasing her strength, intelligence, and complexities as a ruler.
I sat sewing with my aunt Clarice, as sunlight spread across the gallery floor. Outside the window I could hear the splashing of the courtyard fountain, the cries of the vendors in the Via Larga and s...- #4
Save:'Madame Serpent' in the series 'Catherine de Medici' by author Jean Plaidy is a historical novel that delves into the life of Catherine de Medici, a powerful yet complex figure in French history. The book portrays Catherine's struggles with her husband's infidelity and her own quest for love and power. Readers find themselves immersed in court intrigues and historical events, following Catherine's journey through a life filled with bitterness, love, and manipulation. Plaidy's narrative style vividly brings to life the Renaissance era in France, capturing the essence of the time and the struggles of its characters.
The plot of 'Madame Serpent' revolves around Catherine's relationships, particularly with her husband, King Henry, and his mistress. The book explores Catherine's emotions, her desires for revenge, and her inner conflicts as she navigates the complexities of the royal court. Plaidy's writing style intricately weaves together historical facts and fictional elements, creating a compelling story that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the depths of Catherine's character.
At Amboise the French court was en fête. It usually was, for the King himself had said that if he would live peacefully with the French, and have them love him, he must keep them amused for two days i... - #5
Save:'The Dark Queen' in the series 'The Dark Queen Saga' by Susan Carroll follows the story of Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, who inherits mystical skills and the responsibility to protect her family and domain. Set in Renaissance France, Ariane faces political intrigues, witch hunters, and the treacherous designs of Catherine de Medici, the Dark Queen. When a wounded stranger arrives with a secret that the Dark Queen desires, Ariane turns to the noble Comte de Renard for help, risking everything to prevent a dreadful prophecy from coming true.
The plot of the book revolves around Ariane's struggles to defend against misuse of power, superstitions, and accusations of witchcraft, all while navigating her attraction to the Comte de Renard and uncertainties about his intentions. With elements of magic, romance, and political intrigue, 'The Dark Queen' weaves a tale of strong characters, dark turns, and the fight for good against evil in a vivid and engaging narrative.
The chamber lay hidden beneath the old part of the house, far from prying eyes. During Roman times, when a fortress had stood on the island, the room had been part of a catacomb of prisons, a dark pla... - #6
Save:Catherine de Medici by Leonie Frieda is a biography that delves into the life of one of France's most controversial queens, Catherine de Medici. The book attempts to separate fact from fiction surrounding Catherine's legacy, exploring her involvement in political intrigues, religious conflicts, and alleged heinous acts such as poisonings and assassinations. Through a well-researched and readable narrative, the author sheds light on Catherine's role in shaping the history of France, particularly during the tumultuous period of religious wars and power struggles.
The book presents Catherine de Medici as a complex and multifaceted character, showcasing her as a tough, practical political figure with both strengths and weaknesses. Frieda's writing style maintains objectivity and provides a comprehensive look at Catherine's life, from her early years in Italy to her reign as queen of France. Despite criticisms of bias and lack of focus on Catherine herself, the biography offers a balanced perspective on a woman often vilified in history, highlighting her efforts to navigate the challenges of ruling a divided and turbulent country.
Caterina Maria Romula de Medici was born at around eleven o’clock on the morning of Wednesday, 13 April 1519. Her father, Lorenzo II de Medici, Duke of Urbino, scion of the ruling House of Florence, h... - #7
Save:The Master of All Desires by Judith Merkle Riley is a historical novel set in 16th century France, where the story revolves around the pursuit of the Undying Head of Menander, capable of granting any wish at the cost of one's soul. The plot follows the power struggles among Queen Catherine de Medici, the King, and the King's mistress, all influenced by the witty and mischievous Menander. The book features a mix of fantasy, intrigue, history, and humor, with well-developed characters like Sibille, Aunt Pauline, Nostradamus, and the angel Anael.
In a lighthearted and witty tone, the novel follows Sibille's journey of self-discovery as she navigates through treacherous paths of greed, corruption, and black magic in the 16th century French court. With elements of fantasy and historical accuracy, the story offers a fresh perspective on medieval superstitions while maintaining a believable setting where magic coexists with history, making it an engaging read for fans of historical fiction and fantasy genres.
'Medicis Daughter: A Novel of Marguerite de Valois' by Sophie Perinot is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Princess Marguerite de Valois, daughter of Catherine de Medici. The story follows Margot's struggles as she navigates the treacherous political landscape of 16th century France, being used as a pawn by her family and facing challenges such as forbidden love, courtly intrigue, and the burden of her royal duty. Through the eyes of Marguerite, the readers get a glimpse of the religious turmoil during that era, her complex relationships with her family members, especially her mother, and her journey towards finding her own strength and independence.
Sophie Perinot's writing style in 'Medicis Daughter' is praised for its ability to transport readers back in time to the 1500s France, making the characters and the historical period come alive. The author skillfully weaves a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Marguerite de Valois' life, portraying her as a strong and resilient woman who defies societal expectations and asserts her own agency in a world where women are often marginalized and used for political gains.
“It was also cold in Amboise,” I reply, trying to keep my voice cheerful while repressing an urge to kick Madame in the shins as she sits across from me in the coach. How can she think of the cold at ...- #9
Save:Queen Margot by Alexandre Dumas is a historical drama set during the French Wars of Religion, focusing on the life of Marguerite of Valois, daughter of Henri II and Catherine de Medici. The story delves into the intricate web of political intrigue, romance, and betrayal within the French royal family during the reign of Charles IX. Margot finds herself caught between loyalty to her family and her love for a Protestant soldier, La Mole, as she navigates the dangerous waters of court life in Paris. The plot unfolds with assassinations, astrological prophecies, and power struggles, showcasing Dumas' talent for weaving together historical events with compelling storytelling. The writing style brings to life the opulent yet treacherous world of the royal court, where alliances are fragile and secrets deadly.
