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Le confessioni di Caterina de' Medici
A quattordici anni, Caterina, l'ultima legittima discendente dei Medici, viene promessa in sposa al figlio di Francesco I di Francia, Enrico. Allontanata da Firenze, umiliata in Francia dove il marito le preferirà l'amante Diana di Poitiers e dove per la corte rimase sempre e comunque "la straniera", Caterina seppe emergere dall'oscurità della storia e diventare una delle figure significative del sedicesimo secolo. Mecenate di Nostradamus e lei stessa veggente, accusata di stregoneria e di omicidio dai suoi nemici, Caterina in realtà combatté per salvare la Francia e i suoi figli dalla feroce guerra di religione che imperversava in Europa, inconsapevole del destino che l'attendeva. Ma nessuno lo riconobbe. Dallo splendore dei palazzi sulla Loira ai campi di battaglia insanguinati, ai meandri oscuri del palazzo del Louvre, questa è la storia di Caterina, raccontata dalla viva voce della regina.
465 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2010
614 people are currently reading
16655 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Gortner
18 books2,506 followersBestselling author C.W. Gortner holds an MFA in Writing, with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies. Raised in Spain and half Spanish by birth, he currently lives in Northern California. His books have been translated in over 20 languages to date.
He welcomes readers and is always available for reader group chats. Please visit him at www.cwgortner.com for more information.
He welcomes readers and is always available for reader group chats. Please visit him at www.cwgortner.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 745 reviews
July 12, 2011
I would love to teach a course on historical female royal figures. One of my lessons would be comprised of females who have a bad reputation and I would have assignments to compare and contrast these women, their actions, and social perceptions; to that of strong women today. Who would these women in my lesson plan be? Mary Tudor, Mary Stuart (Queen of Scots), Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen Isabella, Juana the Mad, and this woman: Catherine de Medici.
Although I view Gortner's work to be occasionally hit or miss, it is mostly hit and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici certainly fits into that category. I have read TONS of historical fiction books including texts on Catherine and this is one of the best works to ever truly bring her alive. I honestly felt like I was sitting right there with Catherine de Medici as she told me her life style. Talk about really feeling the emotions portrayed in the book: I was ready to kick Diane de Poiter's booty!
An exceptional piece of work not only in the entertainment fictional realm but also in the detailed and informative aspect of historical fiction. This work will inspire you to read more about Catherine and seek out more information.
A must read for history buffs!
Although I view Gortner's work to be occasionally hit or miss, it is mostly hit and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici certainly fits into that category. I have read TONS of historical fiction books including texts on Catherine and this is one of the best works to ever truly bring her alive. I honestly felt like I was sitting right there with Catherine de Medici as she told me her life style. Talk about really feeling the emotions portrayed in the book: I was ready to kick Diane de Poiter's booty!
An exceptional piece of work not only in the entertainment fictional realm but also in the detailed and informative aspect of historical fiction. This work will inspire you to read more about Catherine and seek out more information.
A must read for history buffs!
August 26, 2016
After watching in 2014 the first season of the TV historical fantasy romance series “Reign” on CW channel, I was hooked. I didn’t miss the second and third season. It was this TV series that spurred my interest in the historical character Catherine de Medici.
This engaging novel is the third one I’ve read so far by the author C. W. Gortner, and he didn’t disappoint. With his mesmerizing prose I was quickly transported to tumultuous 16th century France, rife with bloody religious wars between Catholics and Protestants and treacherous court machinations in the royal families’ wrangling for power.
As a foreign teenage bride of undistinguished lineage arriving from Italy to marry a sophisticated French prince Henri II, whom she had never met before, Catherine de Medici was doomed to have rough beginnings in her adopted country. Soon she discovered that her new husband’s beloved mistress was the true mistress of Henri’s household and his only true love. When her childless state started to threaten her marital bond, she resorted to using the black arts to help with her fertility.
After becoming the Dauphine, Catherine was able to sire a number of children consecutively, three of whom would become King of France in tandem. During her second son’s reign (Charles IX), she got mired in a noxious scheme to kill several Protestant (or Huguenot) leaders, one of whom had once been her lover and who she believed had betrayed her. The scheme eventually got out of control and led to what is historically known as the Massacre of St. Bartholomew, during which several thousands of Huguenots were murdered in Paris and beyond. The Catholic nobles led by the usurping Guise family put the whole blame on Catherine, who always showed tolerance towards the Huguenots and preferred peace to strife. From then on, she and her reigning sons would be caught up in the never-ending feud between the Catholics and the Huguenots, until the time when she had the Guises killed and subdued.
As much as some of her actions might be deemed ruthless, it would appear they were occasioned by untenable situations brought about by the opposing religious factions’ hostile stances. Were her choices motivated by her thirst for power, or just her zeal to protect her cubs and the royal lineage at all costs?
In the reported words of Henri IV: “What could a woman do, left by the death of her husband with five little children on her arms, and two families of France who were thinking of grasping the crown – our own (the Bourbons) and the Guises? I’m surprised she didn’t do worse.”
Gortner has successfully spun a believable yarn of one of history’s most maligned royal women.
May 9, 2013
Da li zbog prevoda ili zato što sam čitala mnogo bolje napisane istorijske romane ova knjiga mi je največim delom bila dosadna i bledunjava... Dešava se, kad toliko mnogo čitam i zbog posla, da mi neke knjige budu dosadne ili loše a čitaoci se oduševe... :)
June 6, 2018
Who was Catherine de Medici? She was the most powerful woman of the 16th century. Was she responsible for so much bloodshed or was she the victim of it? We may never know, but her voice in this story is so authentic that you do want to believe her.
Her story starts at the age of 10 in Florence. At the age of 14, she travels to France to marry Henry, son of King Francois I. She is humiliated by him from the very beginning: him being late for their wedding and him having a mistress. What gives her strength and guidance is a book passed on to her which was given to her great grandfather Lorenzo the Magnificent – Machiavelli’s treatise – “considered one of the most elucidating on how men in power ought to behave.”
In 1552 her husband grands her power to rule in his absence. After the death of her husband, at the age of 40, she rules as regent over a kingdom where Huguenots (Protestants) fight for religious freedom. She commits to bring tolerance between the faiths. Soon after she learns about a betrayal and the bloodshed between Huguenots and Catholics planned behind her back, which marks her as a ruthless Queen in history.
This very engrossing very well-written story has a lingering effect which makes you want to submerge into history.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
Her story starts at the age of 10 in Florence. At the age of 14, she travels to France to marry Henry, son of King Francois I. She is humiliated by him from the very beginning: him being late for their wedding and him having a mistress. What gives her strength and guidance is a book passed on to her which was given to her great grandfather Lorenzo the Magnificent – Machiavelli’s treatise – “considered one of the most elucidating on how men in power ought to behave.”
In 1552 her husband grands her power to rule in his absence. After the death of her husband, at the age of 40, she rules as regent over a kingdom where Huguenots (Protestants) fight for religious freedom. She commits to bring tolerance between the faiths. Soon after she learns about a betrayal and the bloodshed between Huguenots and Catholics planned behind her back, which marks her as a ruthless Queen in history.
This very engrossing very well-written story has a lingering effect which makes you want to submerge into history.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
July 14, 2025
Ever since I got my hands on The Royal Diaries series when I was a kid, I've been fascinated by royalty. As I've gotten older, that fascination has never left. But through the years, I've wanted to learn about the more complicated queens: women who aren't villains or heroes, who had to make choices in order to survive or protect themselves against enemies who sometimes LITERALLY WANTED THEM DEAD. I think of Queens such as Mary Tudor ("Bloody Mary"), Juana of Castile ("Juana the Mad") and Catherine de Medici ("The Serpent Queen). I'm not condoning their actions, but unlike their male counterparts, they've been villainized throughout history. Fortunately, within the last few years we've been able to unpack the reputations of these women: what was true? what were rumors or straight up propaganda and sexism? Catherine de Medici has been accused of everything from poisoning two of her children to being the architect of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. While historical FICTION, in "The Confessions of Catherine De Medici" Gortner depicts a complex and complicated woman: a queen, a wife and a mother who made choices (some catastrophic) to ensure the survival of her family.
To guarantee the survival of the Medici family, Pope Clement sends his teenage niece Catherine to France, to marry the king's second son Henri. As she's dropped in the middle of the French court's intrigue, she slowly learns what it takes to survive. But she will not only have to battle duplicitous courtiers, but also Henri's powerful mistress Diane de Poitiers.
This book was fabulous.The author did an excellent job crafting Catherine's voice. I really felt like I was in her shoes, experiencing her heartbreaks, her triumphs and her doubts. He did a great job of shifting her voice from an uncertain teenager to a hardened yet determined mother in her 40s and 50s. Like many people, I first became familiar with Catherine de Medici in Reign-not necessarily accurate but entertaining nonetheless-and the show made me want to learn more about her, so I watched La Reine Margot (would highly recommend because it depicts Catherine at her scheming best...or worst) and I'm not so patiently waiting for the second season of The Serpent Queen. This book is a welcome addition to anyone who can't get enough of Catherine de Medici.
"When overhearing criticism of his late mother-in-law, it was Henri IV who retorted, “I ask you, what could the woman do, left by the death of her husband with five little children and two families who thought only of grasping the Crown—our own [the Bourbons] and the Guises? I am surprised she didn’t do worse.”
My main issue with this book was its characterization of Margot. We get this complicated 3-dimensional portrait of Catherine, yet her daughter Margot is a vapid narcissist capable of THAT? I won't say what THAT is because…spoiler 😩 While we get glimpses of humanity, particularly regarding her relationship with her younger brother Hercule, she was pretty one dimensional which was a little disheartening. Now, I'm itching to read a well-researched novel about Margot.
We also never got to see Catherine poisoning anyone! 😭 Given that I watched Reign-even though I know it wasn't historically accurate-I expected her to be poisoning people left and right.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Catherine finally slapping the taste out of Diane's mouth after Henri's death. Maybe I quietly cheered 😂
CW: pregnancy loss, death of a spouse, death of multiple children, adultery, grooming, murder, violence, torture
To guarantee the survival of the Medici family, Pope Clement sends his teenage niece Catherine to France, to marry the king's second son Henri. As she's dropped in the middle of the French court's intrigue, she slowly learns what it takes to survive. But she will not only have to battle duplicitous courtiers, but also Henri's powerful mistress Diane de Poitiers.
This book was fabulous.The author did an excellent job crafting Catherine's voice. I really felt like I was in her shoes, experiencing her heartbreaks, her triumphs and her doubts. He did a great job of shifting her voice from an uncertain teenager to a hardened yet determined mother in her 40s and 50s. Like many people, I first became familiar with Catherine de Medici in Reign-not necessarily accurate but entertaining nonetheless-and the show made me want to learn more about her, so I watched La Reine Margot (would highly recommend because it depicts Catherine at her scheming best...or worst) and I'm not so patiently waiting for the second season of The Serpent Queen. This book is a welcome addition to anyone who can't get enough of Catherine de Medici.
"When overhearing criticism of his late mother-in-law, it was Henri IV who retorted, “I ask you, what could the woman do, left by the death of her husband with five little children and two families who thought only of grasping the Crown—our own [the Bourbons] and the Guises? I am surprised she didn’t do worse.”
My main issue with this book was its characterization of Margot. We get this complicated 3-dimensional portrait of Catherine, yet her daughter Margot is a vapid narcissist capable of THAT? I won't say what THAT is because…spoiler 😩 While we get glimpses of humanity, particularly regarding her relationship with her younger brother Hercule, she was pretty one dimensional which was a little disheartening. Now, I'm itching to read a well-researched novel about Margot.
We also never got to see Catherine poisoning anyone! 😭 Given that I watched Reign-even though I know it wasn't historically accurate-I expected her to be poisoning people left and right.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Catherine finally slapping the taste out of Diane's mouth after Henri's death. Maybe I quietly cheered 😂
CW: pregnancy loss, death of a spouse, death of multiple children, adultery, grooming, murder, violence, torture
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March 6, 2010The truth is, none of us are innocent. We all have sins to confess.
So reveals Catherine de Medici in this brilliantly imagined novel about one of history’s most powerful and controversial women. To some she was the ruthless queen who led France into an era of savage violence. To others she was the passionate savior of the French monarchy. Acclaimed author C. W. Gortner brings Catherine to life in her own voice, allowing us to enter into the intimate world of a woman whose determination to protect her family’s throne and realm plunged her into a lethal struggle for power.
The last legitimate descendant of the illustrious Medici line, Catherine suffers the expulsion of her family from her native Florence and narrowly escapes death at the hands of an enraged mob. While still a teenager, she is betrothed to Henri, son of François I of France, and sent from Italy to an unfamiliar realm where she is overshadowed and humiliated by her husband’s lifelong mistress. Ever resilient, Catherine strives to create a role for herself through her patronage of the famous clairvoyant Nostradamus and her own innate gift as a seer. But in her fortieth year, Catherine is widowed, left alone with six young children as regent of a kingdom torn apart by religious discord and the ambitions of a treacherous nobility.
Relying on her tenacity, wit, and uncanny gift for compromise, Catherine seizes power, intent on securing the throne for her sons. She allies herself with the enigmatic Protestant leader Coligny, with whom she shares an intimate secret, and implacably carves a path toward peace, unaware that her own dark fate looms before her—a fate that, if she is to save France, will demand the sacrifice of her ideals, her reputation, and the passion of her embattled heart.
From the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley to the battlefields of the wars of religion to the mob-filled streets of Paris, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is the extraordinary untold journey of one of the most maligned and misunderstood women ever to be queen.
So reveals Catherine de Medici in this brilliantly imagined novel about one of history’s most powerful and controversial women. To some she was the ruthless queen who led France into an era of savage violence. To others she was the passionate savior of the French monarchy. Acclaimed author C. W. Gortner brings Catherine to life in her own voice, allowing us to enter into the intimate world of a woman whose determination to protect her family’s throne and realm plunged her into a lethal struggle for power.
The last legitimate descendant of the illustrious Medici line, Catherine suffers the expulsion of her family from her native Florence and narrowly escapes death at the hands of an enraged mob. While still a teenager, she is betrothed to Henri, son of François I of France, and sent from Italy to an unfamiliar realm where she is overshadowed and humiliated by her husband’s lifelong mistress. Ever resilient, Catherine strives to create a role for herself through her patronage of the famous clairvoyant Nostradamus and her own innate gift as a seer. But in her fortieth year, Catherine is widowed, left alone with six young children as regent of a kingdom torn apart by religious discord and the ambitions of a treacherous nobility.
Relying on her tenacity, wit, and uncanny gift for compromise, Catherine seizes power, intent on securing the throne for her sons. She allies herself with the enigmatic Protestant leader Coligny, with whom she shares an intimate secret, and implacably carves a path toward peace, unaware that her own dark fate looms before her—a fate that, if she is to save France, will demand the sacrifice of her ideals, her reputation, and the passion of her embattled heart.
From the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley to the battlefields of the wars of religion to the mob-filled streets of Paris, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is the extraordinary untold journey of one of the most maligned and misunderstood women ever to be queen.
January 15, 2019
A wonderful combination of historical fact and fiction. The story is a well written and refreshing look into the life of the woman named the Serpent Queen, the woman who poisoned her enemies, associated with witchcraft, and used her royal children as pawns on her chessboard, setting her country on a path of bloody religious war. C.W. Gortner, however, has never been one to accept historical stereotypes, and this novel proves to be no exception to his quest to reveal the human side of history’s most misunderstood queen. I highly recommend this book. You can read full review on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com/...
September 8, 2015
My laptop ate my review!
Loved the book. 4★
March 26, 2016
3.5 stars - It was really good.
I have been called murderess and opportunist, savior and victim. And along the way, become far more than was ever expected of me, even if loneliness was always present, like a faithful hound at my heels. The truth is, not one of us is innocent. We all have sins to confess."
This was an easy to read (and get lost in), informative novel about Catherine de Medici. While I feel like I now know more about her than I did going in, I also want to read more books about her now. This will likely also lead me on a road to other books by involved characters, such as her daughter Margot, Mary Queen of Scots, and Nostradamus. The more you know, the more you realize you don't know....
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: To be a woman alone in this world requires every weapon you possess, every last bit of strength and endurance. You cut away pieces of yourself without realizing it, until you have everything and nothing at the same time.
First Sentence: I am not a sentimental woman.
I have been called murderess and opportunist, savior and victim. And along the way, become far more than was ever expected of me, even if loneliness was always present, like a faithful hound at my heels. The truth is, not one of us is innocent. We all have sins to confess."
This was an easy to read (and get lost in), informative novel about Catherine de Medici. While I feel like I now know more about her than I did going in, I also want to read more books about her now. This will likely also lead me on a road to other books by involved characters, such as her daughter Margot, Mary Queen of Scots, and Nostradamus. The more you know, the more you realize you don't know....
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: To be a woman alone in this world requires every weapon you possess, every last bit of strength and endurance. You cut away pieces of yourself without realizing it, until you have everything and nothing at the same time.
First Sentence: I am not a sentimental woman.
February 28, 2016
I had a hard time connecting with Catherine. I couldn't hear her voice in my head. Well what I did hear was rather hollow, had little passion. It was just ho hum. I expected more. So much was happening at this time. Elizabeth Tudor was queen of England, there was huge unrest in France. And she met Nostradamus. I expected a grander story, more intrigue and complication. I found it hard to have real sympathy for Catherine. I was surprised at her open mindedness about religion and that she had a loved pet dog. I hope that was all real and true. This was well written and I am sure well researched. It just was off for me.
January 7, 2012
The opening line of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is simple yet powerful: "The truth is, none of us are innocent. We all have sins to confess."
Well, I have to say that I'm glad I had the chance to read this book, because it's amazing. Before reading this novel, I knew nothing of Catherine de Medici. To make sure that I have a vague idea of what I'm reading, I googled about Catherine de Medici. Turns out, she's a prominent historical figure in France. To be precise, she's the mother of the last three Valois kings of France, a major force in French politics during the 30 years of Roman Catholic-Huguenot wars and the instigator of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Her acts earned her the nicknames of Madame La Serpente and The Black Queen among many others.
At a young age, Catherine de Medici was married off to King Henry II of France. She was optimistic towards her new life in her newly-adopted country, but her optimism did not last for long when she realized that her husband had no interest in her at all and preferred to shower favours on his chief mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who was about twice his age. Even though her husband never neglected their utmost duty - to produce heirs to the throne, she was overwhelmed by loneliness and sadness when she learned that to him, she was merely a breeding mare and nothing else.
After her husband died, Catherine acted as the regent on behalf of her son and held great power. However, she feared that the noble figures in court would trigger an uprising to overthrow the current ruler of France - the royals. She constantly faced complex and daunting problems - the conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants being the main problem. Desperate to keep the Valois monarchy on the throne, she set various policies to ease the tension between the two conflicting parties in religion. However, when things got out of control, she was determined to protect the throne of France at all costs.
To many, she may seem to be the representation of evil itself, but The Confessions of Catherine de Medici deems otherwise. Under Gortner's expert pen, we see a hidden facade of the queen herself; we observe the heartaches, the pain, the despair and the sadness of a queen who struggles alone to defend the throne of France. The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is a powerful appeal for the queen, who, with the burden of the throne of France on her shoulders, is forced to do what is best for the country - even if it means betraying her own heart.
Well, I have to say that I'm glad I had the chance to read this book, because it's amazing. Before reading this novel, I knew nothing of Catherine de Medici. To make sure that I have a vague idea of what I'm reading, I googled about Catherine de Medici. Turns out, she's a prominent historical figure in France. To be precise, she's the mother of the last three Valois kings of France, a major force in French politics during the 30 years of Roman Catholic-Huguenot wars and the instigator of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Her acts earned her the nicknames of Madame La Serpente and The Black Queen among many others.
At a young age, Catherine de Medici was married off to King Henry II of France. She was optimistic towards her new life in her newly-adopted country, but her optimism did not last for long when she realized that her husband had no interest in her at all and preferred to shower favours on his chief mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who was about twice his age. Even though her husband never neglected their utmost duty - to produce heirs to the throne, she was overwhelmed by loneliness and sadness when she learned that to him, she was merely a breeding mare and nothing else.
After her husband died, Catherine acted as the regent on behalf of her son and held great power. However, she feared that the noble figures in court would trigger an uprising to overthrow the current ruler of France - the royals. She constantly faced complex and daunting problems - the conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants being the main problem. Desperate to keep the Valois monarchy on the throne, she set various policies to ease the tension between the two conflicting parties in religion. However, when things got out of control, she was determined to protect the throne of France at all costs.
To many, she may seem to be the representation of evil itself, but The Confessions of Catherine de Medici deems otherwise. Under Gortner's expert pen, we see a hidden facade of the queen herself; we observe the heartaches, the pain, the despair and the sadness of a queen who struggles alone to defend the throne of France. The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is a powerful appeal for the queen, who, with the burden of the throne of France on her shoulders, is forced to do what is best for the country - even if it means betraying her own heart.
March 23, 2011
NO SPOILERS!!
I have finished the book and want to say very clearly that this is a wonderful book. For me the the latter half is much better than the first, but you need the first to get acquainted with the characters. I did come to empathize with Catherine. It just took me a while. My sole reservation about this book is that love is poorly portrayed. This is not a romance novel. It is full of action and murder and poisoning and family bruhaha. You think you've got family problems. Forget it. Your problems are a piece of cake compared to the Royal House of France during the 1500s. Nevertheless, you will recognize disfunctions that can occur in any family.
I praise the author for explaining clearly a difficult time period and for his ability to bring this time period to life. If someone should mention the Bartholomew Massacre or the Huguenots or the Guise family or Mary Stuart or Diane de Poitiers or Henri de Navarre and Queen Jeanne d'Albert or Philip II of Spain, Francçois I and II or Nostradamus and many many others, after reading this book, you will understand who they were and what they did and why. Heavens, I forgot Gaspard de Coligny. Don't forget him!!! The Tudors and the Bourbon family, yes they are part of this too. So if it takes a while to know all these people, be a little patient, at least more patient than I was. The author does a magnificent job of teaching you all this. You do not even need a pad of paper and pencil. It does not matter to me that the romance portrayed in the novel did not work for me. I promise you, by reading this book you will learn a lot, and you will enjoy the exciting history that it portrays. Other books will be much more interesting having read this first. So four stars it is.
There is an informative author's note at the end. The author's interpretation of the known facts is convincing, and I appreciate that he takes the time to explains his interpretation to the reader.
**************************
Wow, Part Three is action packed! I sure am glad there is a family tree in the front. How many Henris are there?! The kids grow up quickly and are married off, always to promote political ties. That is history. Historical romance is really not my cup of tea, and there is too much of that here. I feel the same when the theme concerns occult beliefs. Some of the episodes are so terribly predictable. The different historical events are presented in a quick and neat manner. Not terribly much depth..... I hope the book improves. On to Part Four.
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Through Part Two: Naked as a Babe (page 101)
Having read through part two, I am quite disappointed. I have no complaints with the presentation of the historical facts. My complaint is that I do not believe the emotions expressed by Catherine. I am told she loves France and King François and that she feels physical attraction to her absentee husband Henri, but the author has not made me believe that these emotions could really exist. Below I will give specific reasons for my thoughts.
As a young woman of fourteen when she first arrived in France Catherine emphasizes how she misses home, Italy. In one sentence she says she has these Italian companions to give her comfort in the strange new land. Yes, France is beautiful, and she sees this from the start, but everything is in comparison to the art and beauty she has experienced in Italy. Here, look at this description of Fontainebleau:
I recognized François's passion for everything Italian. He had sought to re-create a vision of my land that I no longer held, one of supreme artistry and extroverted exuberance, and he was so delighted with my interest he even took me on a personal tour of his chateau, pointing out the oleander-dusted grottoes that echoed courtyards of Tuscany and bathing chambers that boasted heated floors and mosaics like those of ancient Rome. (page 46)
(Isn't it grammatically correct to write François' rather than Françcois's?) As the years go by and she never becomes pregnant, rumors abound. They are not complimentary. She is not accepted by the French people. She is ostracized and very much disfavored. Sorry, but where does this love of France come from?
Catherine supposedly feels a strong, immediate friendship with her husband's father, King François. Their love for each other just happened in the twinkling of an eye. Such can occur, but sometimes the prose is just too overblown. The reader is given only one episode, a day of hunting, where the two really interact. Oh yes, there is that tour of Fontainebleau. The reader is told that the two felt great affection and love for each other, but I haven't seen it grow. On his deathbed, Cathrine reflects:
How could I live in a world where he no longer existed? (page 95)
Catherine supposedly feels physical attraction to her husband, a man she never sees and who has humiliated her countless times. Her husband's mistress realizes that Catherine must bear a child. If she doesn't she will be thrown out and replaced by another who will. This could be ever so troublesome for the mistress, Diane de Poitiers! So she gets involved and makes sure that heirs are produced. She taught them exactly what to do, down to "providing them with a chart detailing the best positions for conception" (page90) !Can you imagine anything so horrible? She is standing in the dark corner of the romm while they have sex. Do you believe that Cathrine would think the following?
...I stole every bit of pleasure I could in the process, acting the bawd for my husband and his mistress, for she'd told us that only the heat of our ardour would ripen my womb. (page 90)
It is those first words of the quote which I find unbelievable.
I do not feel that at this time the author has shown me, the reader, believable emotions. I am disappointed. Due to these false emotions I feel like I am reading a light novel. I will continue and concentrate on the historical facts. Maybe the characters will turn around too. I hope so.
*********************************
Through Part One: The Tender Leaf, (page 33)
I have only read part one, but yes I like it. The author has included a family tree and a map, which are helpful. Also the chapters are dated, so you can keep straight in your head when the historical bits really did occur. History is explained clearly. It is interwoven into the sory, so it never becomes "a lesson". It is just useful to know so the reader understands why the characters make the choices they do. It is not heavy reading, just fun! And you learn at the same time. :0) What I particularly like is that you see how childhood experiences of Catherine de Medici, who is called Catarina in the book, are shapping her character. She is only thirteen by the end of part one. You know already that she has the ability to speak diplomatically although her emotions push her to scream. She can control her temper. She does not enjoy the "silly curtsies, fluttering hands and coy glances" (page 28) demanded by society and she abhors dancing! Lastly she learns from the past - she will not be duped. So the author has made me empathize with Catarina's childhood difficulties. I like her very much.
Lastly some lines make you think twice, as this one:
Remember, whatever he says, you're more important to him than he is to you. (page 29)
This is said by Lucrezia, Catarina's maid servant, just before Catarina is called into a meeting with Pope Clement VII, her uncle. What does this sentence say? To me it illustrates the close relationship between the two, and it exhibits strength and self-reliance. I am sure this is a forewarning of what is to come.
Before reading: I have to check this out. I am adding it b/c I so loved The Last Queen by Gortner.
I have finished the book and want to say very clearly that this is a wonderful book. For me the the latter half is much better than the first, but you need the first to get acquainted with the characters. I did come to empathize with Catherine. It just took me a while. My sole reservation about this book is that love is poorly portrayed. This is not a romance novel. It is full of action and murder and poisoning and family bruhaha. You think you've got family problems. Forget it. Your problems are a piece of cake compared to the Royal House of France during the 1500s. Nevertheless, you will recognize disfunctions that can occur in any family.
I praise the author for explaining clearly a difficult time period and for his ability to bring this time period to life. If someone should mention the Bartholomew Massacre or the Huguenots or the Guise family or Mary Stuart or Diane de Poitiers or Henri de Navarre and Queen Jeanne d'Albert or Philip II of Spain, Francçois I and II or Nostradamus and many many others, after reading this book, you will understand who they were and what they did and why. Heavens, I forgot Gaspard de Coligny. Don't forget him!!! The Tudors and the Bourbon family, yes they are part of this too. So if it takes a while to know all these people, be a little patient, at least more patient than I was. The author does a magnificent job of teaching you all this. You do not even need a pad of paper and pencil. It does not matter to me that the romance portrayed in the novel did not work for me. I promise you, by reading this book you will learn a lot, and you will enjoy the exciting history that it portrays. Other books will be much more interesting having read this first. So four stars it is.
There is an informative author's note at the end. The author's interpretation of the known facts is convincing, and I appreciate that he takes the time to explains his interpretation to the reader.
**************************
Wow, Part Three is action packed! I sure am glad there is a family tree in the front. How many Henris are there?! The kids grow up quickly and are married off, always to promote political ties. That is history. Historical romance is really not my cup of tea, and there is too much of that here. I feel the same when the theme concerns occult beliefs. Some of the episodes are so terribly predictable. The different historical events are presented in a quick and neat manner. Not terribly much depth..... I hope the book improves. On to Part Four.
****************************
Through Part Two: Naked as a Babe (page 101)
Having read through part two, I am quite disappointed. I have no complaints with the presentation of the historical facts. My complaint is that I do not believe the emotions expressed by Catherine. I am told she loves France and King François and that she feels physical attraction to her absentee husband Henri, but the author has not made me believe that these emotions could really exist. Below I will give specific reasons for my thoughts.
As a young woman of fourteen when she first arrived in France Catherine emphasizes how she misses home, Italy. In one sentence she says she has these Italian companions to give her comfort in the strange new land. Yes, France is beautiful, and she sees this from the start, but everything is in comparison to the art and beauty she has experienced in Italy. Here, look at this description of Fontainebleau:
I recognized François's passion for everything Italian. He had sought to re-create a vision of my land that I no longer held, one of supreme artistry and extroverted exuberance, and he was so delighted with my interest he even took me on a personal tour of his chateau, pointing out the oleander-dusted grottoes that echoed courtyards of Tuscany and bathing chambers that boasted heated floors and mosaics like those of ancient Rome. (page 46)
(Isn't it grammatically correct to write François' rather than Françcois's?) As the years go by and she never becomes pregnant, rumors abound. They are not complimentary. She is not accepted by the French people. She is ostracized and very much disfavored. Sorry, but where does this love of France come from?
Catherine supposedly feels a strong, immediate friendship with her husband's father, King François. Their love for each other just happened in the twinkling of an eye. Such can occur, but sometimes the prose is just too overblown. The reader is given only one episode, a day of hunting, where the two really interact. Oh yes, there is that tour of Fontainebleau. The reader is told that the two felt great affection and love for each other, but I haven't seen it grow. On his deathbed, Cathrine reflects:
How could I live in a world where he no longer existed? (page 95)
Catherine supposedly feels physical attraction to her husband, a man she never sees and who has humiliated her countless times. Her husband's mistress realizes that Catherine must bear a child. If she doesn't she will be thrown out and replaced by another who will. This could be ever so troublesome for the mistress, Diane de Poitiers! So she gets involved and makes sure that heirs are produced. She taught them exactly what to do, down to "providing them with a chart detailing the best positions for conception" (page90) !Can you imagine anything so horrible? She is standing in the dark corner of the romm while they have sex. Do you believe that Cathrine would think the following?
...I stole every bit of pleasure I could in the process, acting the bawd for my husband and his mistress, for she'd told us that only the heat of our ardour would ripen my womb. (page 90)
It is those first words of the quote which I find unbelievable.
I do not feel that at this time the author has shown me, the reader, believable emotions. I am disappointed. Due to these false emotions I feel like I am reading a light novel. I will continue and concentrate on the historical facts. Maybe the characters will turn around too. I hope so.
*********************************
Through Part One: The Tender Leaf, (page 33)
I have only read part one, but yes I like it. The author has included a family tree and a map, which are helpful. Also the chapters are dated, so you can keep straight in your head when the historical bits really did occur. History is explained clearly. It is interwoven into the sory, so it never becomes "a lesson". It is just useful to know so the reader understands why the characters make the choices they do. It is not heavy reading, just fun! And you learn at the same time. :0) What I particularly like is that you see how childhood experiences of Catherine de Medici, who is called Catarina in the book, are shapping her character. She is only thirteen by the end of part one. You know already that she has the ability to speak diplomatically although her emotions push her to scream. She can control her temper. She does not enjoy the "silly curtsies, fluttering hands and coy glances" (page 28) demanded by society and she abhors dancing! Lastly she learns from the past - she will not be duped. So the author has made me empathize with Catarina's childhood difficulties. I like her very much.
Lastly some lines make you think twice, as this one:
Remember, whatever he says, you're more important to him than he is to you. (page 29)
This is said by Lucrezia, Catarina's maid servant, just before Catarina is called into a meeting with Pope Clement VII, her uncle. What does this sentence say? To me it illustrates the close relationship between the two, and it exhibits strength and self-reliance. I am sure this is a forewarning of what is to come.
Before reading: I have to check this out. I am adding it b/c I so loved The Last Queen by Gortner.
January 31, 2011
4.5 stars
This is one of the best HF's I've ever read. I was hooked from the very beginning, couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end.
The novel starts out with Catherine as a young girl in Italy, leads to her marriage in France to Henri (the second son of King Francis I), her role as the Dauphine, as the Queen of France and then finally as the Queen Mother. She stops at nothing to keep her family and country safe.
I'm so thankful that this was my introduction to Catherine de Medici, her life and the other major players in France at the time. C.W. Gortner brought Spain and France alive for me and had me constantly looking up the people, the places and the battles, wanting to learn all I could. And how refreshing to read a historical novel in which I actually don't know the outcome. I had no idea what was going to come next and although the Tudors and England will always be my favorites, I have found a new love for the French royals, as well.
This may be my first read on Catherine de Medici and the first book I've read by C.W. Gortner but it won't be my last of either.
This is one of the best HF's I've ever read. I was hooked from the very beginning, couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end.
The novel starts out with Catherine as a young girl in Italy, leads to her marriage in France to Henri (the second son of King Francis I), her role as the Dauphine, as the Queen of France and then finally as the Queen Mother. She stops at nothing to keep her family and country safe.
I'm so thankful that this was my introduction to Catherine de Medici, her life and the other major players in France at the time. C.W. Gortner brought Spain and France alive for me and had me constantly looking up the people, the places and the battles, wanting to learn all I could. And how refreshing to read a historical novel in which I actually don't know the outcome. I had no idea what was going to come next and although the Tudors and England will always be my favorites, I have found a new love for the French royals, as well.
This may be my first read on Catherine de Medici and the first book I've read by C.W. Gortner but it won't be my last of either.
March 28, 2012
THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI, by C.W. Gortner is by far the clearest, out-of the box-take on this usually overly vilified queen of France. This in depth biography-type novel reveals a Catherine that not many people know- and that in itself is incredibly original as well as refreshing.
The Catherine in Gortner’s book has been researched to the max- and although the author took the liberty of slightly altering names and events for creativity and flowing purposes (this merely avoided the encumbrance of an historical index of names appearing just for the sake of accuracy- and I appreciated that!), the history is impeccably spot-on. Bravo for a novel that stuck to its essence while bringing us so much more!
How can this Catherine be so different? Well, for one, THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI, portrays an all-around complete Catherine; woman, mother, queen, lover, friend , ruler, patriot, and ultimate monarch. The emotions alone, that each of these roles entail are enormous and not always easy to convey in a novel; especially when written in the first person. Magically, Gortner achieves this to perfection.
Is it possible to love Catherine, when history has done everything possible to morph her into an absolute monster? When you read the how’s and why’s of Catherine’s actions, you begin to understand the person behind the story. It’s often easier to hold on to shock images that create an impact effect rather than to delve into the intricacies of the history itself. After reading Gortner’s magnificent novel, I understood the history so much better.
The details in Catherine’s life, France, her children, the political situation, the religion!- all in flawless account, like layers of a collage with Catherine woven into its web, this story opens up a whole new dimension into France’s ruling family of the time. And, if after reading this novel you still can’t find it in you to love Catherine- I guarantee you’ll begin to sympathize with her in ways you’ve never imagined.
So many facets to this woman: Catherine was headstrong for her nation, yet showed vulnerability in the face of love. She kept strong for her husband and endured the belittlement and embarrassment caused by his mistress and that whole awkward situation. She arranged marriages for her offspring with the nation in mind- yet had immeasurable love for them and an acceptance of their choices which was unparallel of her time (Her love for her son, Henri, poured unconditionally-beautiful!). Catherine had an uncanny foresight for great things, but sadly never had anyone to completely share her own doubts, needs, fears and- love. The enlightenment that no religion should divide a country and that France was all her people, not only Catholics-this too was grand.
I have to admit that I never truly believed the Jezebel portrayal, so I was especially glad to read this fantastic novel which revealed Catherine as a woman of immense substance. I now see Catherine as a woman and ruler who sacrificed all for the ultimate good of France- a huge responsibility which she took charge of with all her might. Her focus never deviating from her purpose –no matter the cost.
I happen to love this quote from the book;
Catherine while on her deathbed:
“...I’ve had ample opportunity to reflect on this unseen entity who guides our path and to ponder why he has seen fit to test me so. Have I not struggled as much as any other for my blood? Others live fewer years; accomplish a mere fraction of what I have; and yet they sit enthroned with halos about their brows, while I sink like a villain in my own calumny.
As I wait the inevitable, I see the dead...my sometimes enemies and accomplices, each martyr to their cause. Important as they were in life, through death they have become legend.
And I ask myself, What legend will history inscribe for me?
Read Catherine as you’ve never read before – It’s time history got a dusting-Thank you C.W. Gortner for polishing it to a shine.
EXCELLENT!
The Catherine in Gortner’s book has been researched to the max- and although the author took the liberty of slightly altering names and events for creativity and flowing purposes (this merely avoided the encumbrance of an historical index of names appearing just for the sake of accuracy- and I appreciated that!), the history is impeccably spot-on. Bravo for a novel that stuck to its essence while bringing us so much more!
How can this Catherine be so different? Well, for one, THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI, portrays an all-around complete Catherine; woman, mother, queen, lover, friend , ruler, patriot, and ultimate monarch. The emotions alone, that each of these roles entail are enormous and not always easy to convey in a novel; especially when written in the first person. Magically, Gortner achieves this to perfection.
Is it possible to love Catherine, when history has done everything possible to morph her into an absolute monster? When you read the how’s and why’s of Catherine’s actions, you begin to understand the person behind the story. It’s often easier to hold on to shock images that create an impact effect rather than to delve into the intricacies of the history itself. After reading Gortner’s magnificent novel, I understood the history so much better.
The details in Catherine’s life, France, her children, the political situation, the religion!- all in flawless account, like layers of a collage with Catherine woven into its web, this story opens up a whole new dimension into France’s ruling family of the time. And, if after reading this novel you still can’t find it in you to love Catherine- I guarantee you’ll begin to sympathize with her in ways you’ve never imagined.
So many facets to this woman: Catherine was headstrong for her nation, yet showed vulnerability in the face of love. She kept strong for her husband and endured the belittlement and embarrassment caused by his mistress and that whole awkward situation. She arranged marriages for her offspring with the nation in mind- yet had immeasurable love for them and an acceptance of their choices which was unparallel of her time (Her love for her son, Henri, poured unconditionally-beautiful!). Catherine had an uncanny foresight for great things, but sadly never had anyone to completely share her own doubts, needs, fears and- love. The enlightenment that no religion should divide a country and that France was all her people, not only Catholics-this too was grand.
I have to admit that I never truly believed the Jezebel portrayal, so I was especially glad to read this fantastic novel which revealed Catherine as a woman of immense substance. I now see Catherine as a woman and ruler who sacrificed all for the ultimate good of France- a huge responsibility which she took charge of with all her might. Her focus never deviating from her purpose –no matter the cost.
I happen to love this quote from the book;
Catherine while on her deathbed:
“...I’ve had ample opportunity to reflect on this unseen entity who guides our path and to ponder why he has seen fit to test me so. Have I not struggled as much as any other for my blood? Others live fewer years; accomplish a mere fraction of what I have; and yet they sit enthroned with halos about their brows, while I sink like a villain in my own calumny.
As I wait the inevitable, I see the dead...my sometimes enemies and accomplices, each martyr to their cause. Important as they were in life, through death they have become legend.
And I ask myself, What legend will history inscribe for me?
Read Catherine as you’ve never read before – It’s time history got a dusting-Thank you C.W. Gortner for polishing it to a shine.
EXCELLENT!
March 8, 2019
The only things I knew about Catherine de Medici were that she was Italian and that she had a reputation for being a ruthless murderess. I did not realize that she was a Queen in France, and Gortner explained her reputation away while keeping her from looking like a despot.
I love good historical fiction because it teaches me something, in the guise of an adventure story. This one takes place from 1529 to 1589, during the reign of Henry VIII of England and shortly thereafter, and I have often thought that would be one of the most dangerous times ever to have been a royal. I was reminded by this story that it would also have been a difficult time to be religious. While England was fighting over whether it would be Catholic or Protestant, France was struggling with the advent of Calvin and the Huguenots. In the center of this conflict sat Catherine de Medici, trying to hold the French throne for her sons and parceling out her daughters to various alliances.
No one could help feeling sorry for Catherine in her early life. She certainly developed a thicker skin than I ever could have. I cannot imagine seeing this kind of constant bloodshed and enduring the deaths of so many people you know or love, and still keeping your sanity, let alone your equilibrium.
When I read a Tudor book, I know the history so I can spot the inaccuracies or inventions. In this case, I do not know the history, so I cannot really speak to that. However, this did not have the feeling of being grossly inaccurate and the author does provide a list of scholarly works that contributed to his research and which he suggests reading for historical background. I would not hesitate to read other historical fiction by Mr. Gortner.
I love good historical fiction because it teaches me something, in the guise of an adventure story. This one takes place from 1529 to 1589, during the reign of Henry VIII of England and shortly thereafter, and I have often thought that would be one of the most dangerous times ever to have been a royal. I was reminded by this story that it would also have been a difficult time to be religious. While England was fighting over whether it would be Catholic or Protestant, France was struggling with the advent of Calvin and the Huguenots. In the center of this conflict sat Catherine de Medici, trying to hold the French throne for her sons and parceling out her daughters to various alliances.
No one could help feeling sorry for Catherine in her early life. She certainly developed a thicker skin than I ever could have. I cannot imagine seeing this kind of constant bloodshed and enduring the deaths of so many people you know or love, and still keeping your sanity, let alone your equilibrium.
When I read a Tudor book, I know the history so I can spot the inaccuracies or inventions. In this case, I do not know the history, so I cannot really speak to that. However, this did not have the feeling of being grossly inaccurate and the author does provide a list of scholarly works that contributed to his research and which he suggests reading for historical background. I would not hesitate to read other historical fiction by Mr. Gortner.
July 23, 2019
Iako su ovu ženu kroz istoriju nazivali raznim vrstama pogrdnih imena, pitanje je da li je sve zaslužila. Iz njene perspektive izreka "u ljubavi i ratu je sve dozvoljeno" dobija pun smisao.
Činjenica je da je kao žena vladar u to vrijeme morala da se suoči sa raznim nedaćama koje je i danas, iz ovog vremena, teško zamislivo. Da, borila se i na neke nepravedne načine, ali kao da današnji vlasodršci to ne rade.
Zanimljivo mi je bila uporedba onog i ovog vremena i koliko se za kratko vrijeme toliko toga u svijetu mijenja. A da ne kažem da su neke stvari iz tog vremena danas nezamislive i obrnuto. U svakom slučaju, knjiga je vrijedna čitanja.
Činjenica je da je kao žena vladar u to vrijeme morala da se suoči sa raznim nedaćama koje je i danas, iz ovog vremena, teško zamislivo. Da, borila se i na neke nepravedne načine, ali kao da današnji vlasodršci to ne rade.
Zanimljivo mi je bila uporedba onog i ovog vremena i koliko se za kratko vrijeme toliko toga u svijetu mijenja. A da ne kažem da su neke stvari iz tog vremena danas nezamislive i obrnuto. U svakom slučaju, knjiga je vrijedna čitanja.
June 1, 2021
3.5*
Knowing nothing at all about Catherine de Medici, I found this novel to be well written and very informative. I enjoyed being immersed in the political intrigues of 16th century France. Even tho Catherine de Medici was known as the Serpent Queen, I appreciated how the author portrayed her in a more sympathetic view.
Knowing nothing at all about Catherine de Medici, I found this novel to be well written and very informative. I enjoyed being immersed in the political intrigues of 16th century France. Even tho Catherine de Medici was known as the Serpent Queen, I appreciated how the author portrayed her in a more sympathetic view.
August 7, 2010
Another fantastic book by CW Gortner.
From Wikipedia
Catherine de' Medici (13 April 1519 – 5 January 1589) was born in Florence, Italy, as Caterina Maria Romula di Lorenzo de' Medici.
Both her parents, Lorenzo II de' Medici, Duke of Urbino, and Madeleine de La Tour d'Auvergne, Countess of Boulogne, died within weeks of her birth.
In 1533, at the age of fourteen, Caterina married Henry, second son of King Francis I and Queen Claude of France. Under the gallicised version of her name, Catherine de Médicis,[1:] she was Queen consort of France as the wife of King Henry II of France from 1547 to 1559. Throughout his reign, Henry excluded Catherine from participating in state affairs and instead showered favours on his chief mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who wielded much influence over him. Henry's death thrust Catherine into the political arena as mother of the frail fifteen-year-old King Francis II. When he died in 1560, she became regent on behalf of her ten-year-old son King Charles IX and was granted sweeping powers. After Charles died in 1574, Catherine played a key role in the reign of her third son, Henry III. He dispensed with her advice only in the last months of her life.
Catherine's three sons reigned in an age of almost constant civil and religious war in France. The problems facing the monarchy were complex and daunting. At first, Catherine compromised and made concessions to the rebelling Protestants, or Huguenots, as they became known. She failed, however, to grasp the theological issues that drove their movement. Later, she resorted in frustration and anger to hard-line policies against them.[2:] In return, she came to be blamed for the excessive persecutions carried out under her sons' rule, in particular for the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre of 1572, in which thousands of Huguenots were killed in Paris and throughout France.
Some recent historians have excused Catherine from blame for the worst decisions of the crown, though evidence for her ruthlessness can be found in her letters.[3:] In practice, her authority was always limited by the effects of the civil wars. Her policies, therefore, may be seen as desperate measures to keep the Valois monarchy on the throne at all costs, and her spectacular patronage of the arts as an attempt to glorify a monarchy whose prestige was in steep decline.[4:] Without Catherine, it is unlikely that her sons would have remained in power.[5:] The years in which they reigned have been called "the age of Catherine de' Medici".[6:]
From Wikipedia
Catherine de' Medici (13 April 1519 – 5 January 1589) was born in Florence, Italy, as Caterina Maria Romula di Lorenzo de' Medici.
Both her parents, Lorenzo II de' Medici, Duke of Urbino, and Madeleine de La Tour d'Auvergne, Countess of Boulogne, died within weeks of her birth.
In 1533, at the age of fourteen, Caterina married Henry, second son of King Francis I and Queen Claude of France. Under the gallicised version of her name, Catherine de Médicis,[1:] she was Queen consort of France as the wife of King Henry II of France from 1547 to 1559. Throughout his reign, Henry excluded Catherine from participating in state affairs and instead showered favours on his chief mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who wielded much influence over him. Henry's death thrust Catherine into the political arena as mother of the frail fifteen-year-old King Francis II. When he died in 1560, she became regent on behalf of her ten-year-old son King Charles IX and was granted sweeping powers. After Charles died in 1574, Catherine played a key role in the reign of her third son, Henry III. He dispensed with her advice only in the last months of her life.
Catherine's three sons reigned in an age of almost constant civil and religious war in France. The problems facing the monarchy were complex and daunting. At first, Catherine compromised and made concessions to the rebelling Protestants, or Huguenots, as they became known. She failed, however, to grasp the theological issues that drove their movement. Later, she resorted in frustration and anger to hard-line policies against them.[2:] In return, she came to be blamed for the excessive persecutions carried out under her sons' rule, in particular for the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre of 1572, in which thousands of Huguenots were killed in Paris and throughout France.
Some recent historians have excused Catherine from blame for the worst decisions of the crown, though evidence for her ruthlessness can be found in her letters.[3:] In practice, her authority was always limited by the effects of the civil wars. Her policies, therefore, may be seen as desperate measures to keep the Valois monarchy on the throne at all costs, and her spectacular patronage of the arts as an attempt to glorify a monarchy whose prestige was in steep decline.[4:] Without Catherine, it is unlikely that her sons would have remained in power.[5:] The years in which they reigned have been called "the age of Catherine de' Medici".[6:]
May 31, 2011
The challenges for an author tackling the life of Catherine de Medici are many: not only was her life longer than most, it was chock full of drama and tragedy, and marred by incidents and opinions that continue to taint her reputation to this day. I'm happy to say that Gortner does a fabulous job of interweaving the many pivotal, historical moments in Catherine's life with intimate moments and personal revelations, while addressing the rumors and ugly truths of one of history's most powerful women. From her rivalry with her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, to her relationship with sorcery, to the murder of her political rivals and her hand in the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, it's all here in glorious, gory detail.
I think this book is beautifully written, and as I was reading I marked at least a dozen quotes and passages that I thought were striking. Gortner paints a very human portrait of a fascinating woman whom history has painted as a monster, but who was ultimately a wife and a mother at heart. She definitely makes mistakes and she has a hard time admitting the error of her ways, but she's very realistic. I think Gortner has taken some serious dramatic license with Catherine's love life after her husband's death, however, but it makes for great story and adds that perfect touch of angst, betrayal, and motivation. Gortner doesn't mention his inclusion of this relationship at all in his author's note, but he does reveal that he chose only to include Catherine's surviving children in his fictionalization of her life. I was disappointed to learn this, because I don't think you can paint a true portrait of a woman if you omit the loss of three of her children in childbirth and infancy.
This is a very entertaining and enlightening read, particularly in regards to the religious struggle between the Catholics and Huguenots that plagued France throughout this time period. The Huguenots actually would not be granted full religious freedom for another two hundred years after Catherine's death. And the political battle staged in the name of religion between the Guises, the Valois, and Henri of Navarre--not to mention the meddling of Elizabeth Tudor, Philip II, and the Holy Roman Emperor--translates into some really gripping and compelling reading, and offers a world of insight into the woman who stood alone among them.
I think this book is beautifully written, and as I was reading I marked at least a dozen quotes and passages that I thought were striking. Gortner paints a very human portrait of a fascinating woman whom history has painted as a monster, but who was ultimately a wife and a mother at heart. She definitely makes mistakes and she has a hard time admitting the error of her ways, but she's very realistic. I think Gortner has taken some serious dramatic license with Catherine's love life after her husband's death, however, but it makes for great story and adds that perfect touch of angst, betrayal, and motivation. Gortner doesn't mention his inclusion of this relationship at all in his author's note, but he does reveal that he chose only to include Catherine's surviving children in his fictionalization of her life. I was disappointed to learn this, because I don't think you can paint a true portrait of a woman if you omit the loss of three of her children in childbirth and infancy.
This is a very entertaining and enlightening read, particularly in regards to the religious struggle between the Catholics and Huguenots that plagued France throughout this time period. The Huguenots actually would not be granted full religious freedom for another two hundred years after Catherine's death. And the political battle staged in the name of religion between the Guises, the Valois, and Henri of Navarre--not to mention the meddling of Elizabeth Tudor, Philip II, and the Holy Roman Emperor--translates into some really gripping and compelling reading, and offers a world of insight into the woman who stood alone among them.
June 7, 2010
Catherine de Medici. I picked this up not knowing exactly who she was, knowing only that if she was "de Medici," there would be lots of the drama that make the best historical fiction. Her parents died when she was young; she was held hostage in a convent in Florence when the Medicis were overthrown; and her uncle, Pope Clement VII, married her off to the second son of King Francis I of France when she was only fourteen years old. Her life in the French court was not easy.
Catherine is fascinating. I found myself Googling her to find out more once I finished because I just hadn't quite gotten my fill yet. These are her "confessions," so we are given full access to her thoughts. I loved watching her grow from a slightly spoiled girl, to a frightened girl, to a young wife, to a woman in her prime and at the height of her glory. Gortner took the approach that some of the bad things that happened during her reign were due to others' actions rather than any complicity on her part. That made it easier to understand her motivations, but it also made her seem like a bad ruler. She had no control over her court, she ignored threats when she should have taken preemptive action, and she didn't think through all the implications of what she did.
Politics play a fairly large part in the book, and I didn't always follow why things were happening. I don't think that I'm someone who would ever be good at intrigue. At most I might think one step ahead of where I am. So when Catherine was making deals, or she all of a sudden had to support one faction over another, or she chose whether to assassinate someone or not, I did not always follow. That could just be me though.
A little feminist preaching here. At the time when Catherine had power (1560-1589), there were so many other powerful women. Elizabeth I, Mary Stuart, Jeanne III of Navarre, and maybe even others. So why were women as a whole still treated as brood mares? I just don't get it.
Catherine's daughter Margot was incredibly interesting. Oh, I wanted to slap her, but I would love to read more about her.
This family could give the Tudors a run for their money. Holy cow. Maybe one ruler didn't have six wives and change the face of Christendom, but the personal drama? They had it. I was trying to tell my husband all about who was sleeping with who, who killed who, how many rulers France went through in this time, who they fought with, who they made peace with, and I just kept going on and on and on. I'm glad I didn't live then, but it is fascinating to read about those times.
If you're looking for some of that intrigue and drama the Tudors were famous for, but you're maybe a little tired of the Tudors themselves, give this one a try. I think you'll like it.
I received this book from the publicist for review.
Catherine is fascinating. I found myself Googling her to find out more once I finished because I just hadn't quite gotten my fill yet. These are her "confessions," so we are given full access to her thoughts. I loved watching her grow from a slightly spoiled girl, to a frightened girl, to a young wife, to a woman in her prime and at the height of her glory. Gortner took the approach that some of the bad things that happened during her reign were due to others' actions rather than any complicity on her part. That made it easier to understand her motivations, but it also made her seem like a bad ruler. She had no control over her court, she ignored threats when she should have taken preemptive action, and she didn't think through all the implications of what she did.
Politics play a fairly large part in the book, and I didn't always follow why things were happening. I don't think that I'm someone who would ever be good at intrigue. At most I might think one step ahead of where I am. So when Catherine was making deals, or she all of a sudden had to support one faction over another, or she chose whether to assassinate someone or not, I did not always follow. That could just be me though.
A little feminist preaching here. At the time when Catherine had power (1560-1589), there were so many other powerful women. Elizabeth I, Mary Stuart, Jeanne III of Navarre, and maybe even others. So why were women as a whole still treated as brood mares? I just don't get it.
Catherine's daughter Margot was incredibly interesting. Oh, I wanted to slap her, but I would love to read more about her.
This family could give the Tudors a run for their money. Holy cow. Maybe one ruler didn't have six wives and change the face of Christendom, but the personal drama? They had it. I was trying to tell my husband all about who was sleeping with who, who killed who, how many rulers France went through in this time, who they fought with, who they made peace with, and I just kept going on and on and on. I'm glad I didn't live then, but it is fascinating to read about those times.
If you're looking for some of that intrigue and drama the Tudors were famous for, but you're maybe a little tired of the Tudors themselves, give this one a try. I think you'll like it.
I received this book from the publicist for review.
May 17, 2010
Catherine de Medici has been called many names throughout history: The Italian Woman, Madame Serpent,
Jezebel, the Merchant's Daughter and the Black Queen. Now C.W. Gortner gives us another name to call her - woman.
The Catherine portrayed by Gortner is quite different than in previous novels I've read of her by Jean Plaidy (Catherine de Medici trilogy) and Karen Haper (Courtesan). As with Juana la Loca in The Last Queen, Gortner obliterates what we think we know about these amazing, yet controversial women and brings to life the humanity within them, making them so real that you can't but help feel empathy. Or if not empathy, then at least you can understand the motives behind their actions, even if their actions aren't fathomable.
Having been bred with the knowledge that she was the one hope remaining to the survival of the Medici name, Catherine would forever remain loyal to her family and fight for them to her last breath. She was a woman married off to a man (future King Henry II of France) who loved another, who bore him 10 children and was forced to concede everything to her husband's mistress (Diane de Poitiers), even her children. She was a woman who after the death of her husband fought tooth and nail to keep the throne for her sons, in a country strife with religious war and a starving populace. Catherine could hold her ground with any man, but there was a softer side to her also. A side that just wanted to be loved as a woman and not as a queen. She was also a lover of animals, which is something very dear to this readers' heart!
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is magnificently written historical fiction. Gortner never fails to amaze me with his understanding of women, research and accuracy and his seemingly-effortless writing talent makes this novel a must-read-again for me!! I am waiting with bated breath for his next novel on Isabella of Castile - another fascinating woman in history.
Jezebel, the Merchant's Daughter and the Black Queen. Now C.W. Gortner gives us another name to call her - woman.
The Catherine portrayed by Gortner is quite different than in previous novels I've read of her by Jean Plaidy (Catherine de Medici trilogy) and Karen Haper (Courtesan). As with Juana la Loca in The Last Queen, Gortner obliterates what we think we know about these amazing, yet controversial women and brings to life the humanity within them, making them so real that you can't but help feel empathy. Or if not empathy, then at least you can understand the motives behind their actions, even if their actions aren't fathomable.
Having been bred with the knowledge that she was the one hope remaining to the survival of the Medici name, Catherine would forever remain loyal to her family and fight for them to her last breath. She was a woman married off to a man (future King Henry II of France) who loved another, who bore him 10 children and was forced to concede everything to her husband's mistress (Diane de Poitiers), even her children. She was a woman who after the death of her husband fought tooth and nail to keep the throne for her sons, in a country strife with religious war and a starving populace. Catherine could hold her ground with any man, but there was a softer side to her also. A side that just wanted to be loved as a woman and not as a queen. She was also a lover of animals, which is something very dear to this readers' heart!
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is magnificently written historical fiction. Gortner never fails to amaze me with his understanding of women, research and accuracy and his seemingly-effortless writing talent makes this novel a must-read-again for me!! I am waiting with bated breath for his next novel on Isabella of Castile - another fascinating woman in history.
October 2, 2017
Il libro si legge bene, ma a tratti sembra proprio di leggere Grand Hotel! Manca di spessore, il modo di scrivere mi e' sembrato alquanto banale, mi aspettavo di piu' e sono rimasta alquanto delusa.
June 4, 2024
3.5 stars.
This is the first time this author disappointed me.
While I liked the book I wanted more from Catherine.
She was very powerless when it's know in history that she had a lot of power as regent to her sons(I mean both Elizabeth I and Philip II of Spain feared her).
I understand that the author wanted to show her humanity but I think he leaned a little bit into making her much more a victim than she was.
Don't get me wrong Catherine was a victim of her time and all these rumors about her were born out of hatred and fear but she had power.
At times the author made her rather stupid too,especially in some of the decision she took and some of her actions.
But I loved her complicated relationships with her children especially Henry III,the bond they had made me tear up a little.
The author omitted some details about her history and while I understand that he couldn't fit all her life in one book the details he left out I think were important enough to be mentioned at least.
This is the first time this author disappointed me.
While I liked the book I wanted more from Catherine.
She was very powerless when it's know in history that she had a lot of power as regent to her sons(I mean both Elizabeth I and Philip II of Spain feared her).
I understand that the author wanted to show her humanity but I think he leaned a little bit into making her much more a victim than she was.
Don't get me wrong Catherine was a victim of her time and all these rumors about her were born out of hatred and fear but she had power.
At times the author made her rather stupid too,especially in some of the decision she took and some of her actions.
But I loved her complicated relationships with her children especially Henry III,the bond they had made me tear up a little.
The author omitted some details about her history and while I understand that he couldn't fit all her life in one book the details he left out I think were important enough to be mentioned at least.
October 17, 2025
I do not remember much of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici. I picked up the book during my obsession with historical romance. Mr Gortner made the story more serious and focusing more on the historical instead of the romance.
3 stars
3 stars
March 14, 2016
Confissões de Catarina de Médicis foi uma surpresa deveras agradável, em todos os aspetos. Foi a primeira vez que tive oportunidade de ler algo de Gortner que até então me era totalmente desconhecido. Tenho a dizer que fiquei fã, que Gortner passou a figurar entre os meus escritores de romances históricos favoritos, entre os quais se encontram Philippa Gregory e Isabel Stilwell, por exemplo.
Ao longo destas 400 páginas pude conhecer Catarina desde a sua juventude até ao momento da sua morte. Esta rainha francesa é de facto uma personagem que marcou não só a história de França mas a história de uma Europa mergulhada em constantes guerras religiosas e uma grande instabilidade política. Acusada de vários atos vis e sórdidos como morte de filhos, amantes, inimigos e mais de 6.000 franceses no massacre de S. Bartolomeu esta é, sem dúvida, uma mulher que marcou um período histórico e que ainda hoje continua a interessar os historiadores. Como é possível que uma mulher sozinha, estrangeira, sem apoio, odiada conseguiu manter(-se a si própria e) os seus filhos no governo é algo extraordinário. É esta a mulher que Gortner tenta descrever. À partida escrever sobre uma mulher como esta não é fácil mas Gortner fez de facto um excelente trabalho. Ambiciosa, imperfeita, invejosa, fria, possessiva, protetora, amiga, leal, companheira, pacificadora, é esta a Catarina que nos é dado a conhecer. Uma mulher paradoxal, sem igual. Neste livro podemos ver a evolução duma jovem insegura e inocente para uma matriarca possessiva, protetora, companheira, conspiradora e intriguista. Por vezes, um dos erros mais comuns nos livros é tornarem as personagens ou muito pretas ou muito brancas, de acordo com as crenças populares. Felizmente tal não aconteceu neste livro. Nesta história foi-nos dado os dois lados da moeda e Gortner, muito obrigada por isso.
Para além duma personagem construída com cuidado e exposta de maneira interessante este livro é fantástico em termos de contexto histórico, abordando muitos dos problemas políticos e religiosos que abalaram este período histórico, desde a instabilidade política em Inglaterra com a ascensão de Isabel Tudor ao Trono, ao problemas impostos por Navarra, por exemplo. Contudo, não existe uma exploração exagerada destes aspetos históricos, o acaba por tornar a leitura fluída e dinâmica.
Vale a pena? Sim, é um livro que vale muito a pena, desde a escrita/tradução onde não me lembro de ter encontrado um único erro, à construção das personagens, às teias de intrigas complexas, ao contexto histórico e ambiente bem construído na qual se passa a história. É um livro fantástico, fluido e com a qual se pode realmente aprender. Aconselho vivamente!
February 17, 2011
This book has got to be one of the best royal fiction books I have read. Though the book covers many years of Catherine de Medici's life, the pacing is good. I had to force myself to put this book down because it held my attention so well. This was also a refreshing read after reading Mary Queen of Scots by Roderick Graham. Mary spent her life whining about how everyone had done her wrong, Catherine de Medici took charge and made what she wanted happen. I plan to read a biography about her to see how accurate this novel was.
The main problem I had with this novel was that near the end it got harder to tell what year we were in. At one point, 10 years passed over a few pages and there were no transitions to let the reader know this was happening. Some people may not be bothered by this but I am one that needs to have a frame of reference for when a story is taking place. Other than that this book was very good.
I enjoyed the character development in this book. Catherine goes from a young girl to an elderly woman in the novel and her voice matures throughout the novel. It rings very true. I very much enjoyed this book and recommend this to anyone who enjoys royal fiction and biographical novels.
Reading Scavenger Hunt: Three (or more) generations of the same family
The main problem I had with this novel was that near the end it got harder to tell what year we were in. At one point, 10 years passed over a few pages and there were no transitions to let the reader know this was happening. Some people may not be bothered by this but I am one that needs to have a frame of reference for when a story is taking place. Other than that this book was very good.
I enjoyed the character development in this book. Catherine goes from a young girl to an elderly woman in the novel and her voice matures throughout the novel. It rings very true. I very much enjoyed this book and recommend this to anyone who enjoys royal fiction and biographical novels.
Reading Scavenger Hunt: Three (or more) generations of the same family
November 30, 2015
Truth may be stranger than fiction, but truth spiced with fiction in this way is the perfect blend. Fast-paced, full of intrigue, passion and intricacy, this book is most certainly comparable to the best of Alison Weir's and even Philippa Gregory's court dramas. Most highly recommended - 4.5★s.
April 14, 2017
All I could think of while reading this book was thank goodness for the French Revolution that dismantled these corrupt royal families.
March 9, 2021
As I await the inevitable, I see the dead. The first duc de Guise, the dangerous Balafré; Jeanne de Navrare; Coligny; and Mary Stuart- my sometimes enemies and accomplices, each martyrs to their cause. Imporant as they were in my life, through death they have become legend.
And I ask myself, What epitaph will history inscribe for me?
Well, Catherine, I can answer that question. According to history, you were a manipulative, cunning murderess, willing to use any means necessary, violent or underhand, to eliminate the enemy. You were a master at arsenics and poisons and all things unacceptable for a French woman of the 16th century.
But C.W. Gortner showed us a different side of the Catherine de Medici we all know. The mother who would walk through hell and back for the sake of her children. The broken woman w ho swallowed up indescribable amounts of grief and let it rot inside, eating away at her mental and physical health in order to put up a indestructible façade, all because she knew she was the glue holding Huguenot-Catholic war-torn France together.
I've always loved Catherine de Medici. She's one of the most misunderstood characters of all time, further fueled by the fact that she was a woman in a patriarchal society. If I were to compile a list of the most misconstrued female characters of the European Renaissance-
Catherine de Medici- The Murderess
Juana of Castile- The Necrophiliac
Anne Boleyn- The Witch
Mary Stuart- The Narcissist
Katherine Howard- The Adulteress
If I were to open the floor to all of history, we could easily add in characters like Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elisabeth of Austria, and Cleopatra to that list.
But this novel shined a light on Catherine, narrowing in on her entire life- from childhood to death. Gortner's writing is incredibly powerful. It effectively captured the gradual waning of her zest for life, that slow acceptance that France is doomed, and maybe...just maybe...she can't do enough to change that.
Those narrow bits of foreshadowing at chapter ends truly sealed the book's fate for me. This woman literally went through hell for her country and children, and the small future-flashes really meant a lot in terms of Catherine predicting her own doom.
All in all, a must-read for my fellow history buffs. I feel we often tend to focus on post 19th century history, and ignore these "ancient" times. If you meet a self-proclaimed history buff today, 80% of the time you'll see them being most knowledgeable in the post WWI era. But we must remember that these times laid the foundation for the future- the conflict between religions, sects of religions, nationalities. Especially the European Renaissance and its contribution to intellect, literature, and creativity. Da Vinci? Shakespeare? All products of the time.
4/5 stars
And I ask myself, What epitaph will history inscribe for me?
Well, Catherine, I can answer that question. According to history, you were a manipulative, cunning murderess, willing to use any means necessary, violent or underhand, to eliminate the enemy. You were a master at arsenics and poisons and all things unacceptable for a French woman of the 16th century.
But C.W. Gortner showed us a different side of the Catherine de Medici we all know. The mother who would walk through hell and back for the sake of her children. The broken woman w ho swallowed up indescribable amounts of grief and let it rot inside, eating away at her mental and physical health in order to put up a indestructible façade, all because she knew she was the glue holding Huguenot-Catholic war-torn France together.
I've always loved Catherine de Medici. She's one of the most misunderstood characters of all time, further fueled by the fact that she was a woman in a patriarchal society. If I were to compile a list of the most misconstrued female characters of the European Renaissance-
Catherine de Medici- The Murderess
Juana of Castile- The Necrophiliac
Anne Boleyn- The Witch
Mary Stuart- The Narcissist
Katherine Howard- The Adulteress
If I were to open the floor to all of history, we could easily add in characters like Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elisabeth of Austria, and Cleopatra to that list.
But this novel shined a light on Catherine, narrowing in on her entire life- from childhood to death. Gortner's writing is incredibly powerful. It effectively captured the gradual waning of her zest for life, that slow acceptance that France is doomed, and maybe...just maybe...she can't do enough to change that.
Those narrow bits of foreshadowing at chapter ends truly sealed the book's fate for me. This woman literally went through hell for her country and children, and the small future-flashes really meant a lot in terms of Catherine predicting her own doom.
All in all, a must-read for my fellow history buffs. I feel we often tend to focus on post 19th century history, and ignore these "ancient" times. If you meet a self-proclaimed history buff today, 80% of the time you'll see them being most knowledgeable in the post WWI era. But we must remember that these times laid the foundation for the future- the conflict between religions, sects of religions, nationalities. Especially the European Renaissance and its contribution to intellect, literature, and creativity. Da Vinci? Shakespeare? All products of the time.
4/5 stars
May 13, 2010
“At the age of fourteen, Catherine de Medici, last legitimate descendant of the Medici blood, finds herself betrothed to the King Francois I’s son, Henri. Sent from her native Florence to France, humiliated and overshadowed by her husband’s life-long devotion to his mistress, when tragedy strikes her family Catherine rises from obscurity to become one of 16th century Europe’s most powerful women.
Patroness of Nostradamus and a seer in her own right, accused of witchcraft and murder by her foes, Catherine fights to save France and her children from savage religious conflict, unaware that her own fate looms before her—a fate that will demand the sacrifice of her ideals, reputation, and the passion of her own embattled heart. . .
From the splendors of the Loire palaces to the blood-soaked battles of the Wars of Religion and haunted halls of the Louvre, this is the story of Catherine’s dramatic life, told by the queen herself” (from author’s website)
This book follows Catherine from her life as a young girl in Italy, until the very end of her life in France. She is the daughter of the wealthy Medici family, but when she comes to France she is that Italian girl that no one really pays attention to. This is something she has to fight against her entire life.
I really enjoyed how Gortner presented Catherine. She is humanized, with passions, fears, and a soul. She cares about her children, desperately loves the husband who doesn’t love her back, and believes in the predictions of a man named Nostradamus. I think Gortner shows Catherine’s vulnerability and human side through the title of his book – a confession. About halfway through the book you begin to understand why this book is titled this way. To mimic a popular song that would describe Catherine perfectly, “these are my confessions”.
One of the things that was very new to me was the Huguenots vs. Catholics battle. I knew that there have always been conflicts between the two, but had never read anything about them. This part of the story, the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, was very exciting and I didn’t really know where it would go. Catherine was constantly in such difficult situations.
I loved getting to know all of the children of Catherine and Henri. I really think my favorite was their son Henri – he was the most constant to Catherine. On the other hand, her daughter Margot, was so bad, and constantly a thorn in Catherine’ side, very sly that one was. And my hatred for Diane de Poitiers continued in this book. I just can’t stand how much she got in the way of Catherine and Henri’s marriage – she was so controlling.
If you have read the Jean Plaidy trilogy about Catherine, I’m not sure if you will enjoy this book as much as you would if you haven’t. I have read the first in her series, Madame Serpent, and I didn’t feel like I had read anything new in the first third of Confessions. I can’t attest to anything beyond the first book.
A great new book from C. W. Gortner. I haven’t had the chance to get to The Last Queen yet, but if this book is any indication of how Gortner handles maligned women, I can’t wait to read it.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
Patroness of Nostradamus and a seer in her own right, accused of witchcraft and murder by her foes, Catherine fights to save France and her children from savage religious conflict, unaware that her own fate looms before her—a fate that will demand the sacrifice of her ideals, reputation, and the passion of her own embattled heart. . .
From the splendors of the Loire palaces to the blood-soaked battles of the Wars of Religion and haunted halls of the Louvre, this is the story of Catherine’s dramatic life, told by the queen herself” (from author’s website)
This book follows Catherine from her life as a young girl in Italy, until the very end of her life in France. She is the daughter of the wealthy Medici family, but when she comes to France she is that Italian girl that no one really pays attention to. This is something she has to fight against her entire life.
I really enjoyed how Gortner presented Catherine. She is humanized, with passions, fears, and a soul. She cares about her children, desperately loves the husband who doesn’t love her back, and believes in the predictions of a man named Nostradamus. I think Gortner shows Catherine’s vulnerability and human side through the title of his book – a confession. About halfway through the book you begin to understand why this book is titled this way. To mimic a popular song that would describe Catherine perfectly, “these are my confessions”.
One of the things that was very new to me was the Huguenots vs. Catholics battle. I knew that there have always been conflicts between the two, but had never read anything about them. This part of the story, the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, was very exciting and I didn’t really know where it would go. Catherine was constantly in such difficult situations.
I loved getting to know all of the children of Catherine and Henri. I really think my favorite was their son Henri – he was the most constant to Catherine. On the other hand, her daughter Margot, was so bad, and constantly a thorn in Catherine’ side, very sly that one was. And my hatred for Diane de Poitiers continued in this book. I just can’t stand how much she got in the way of Catherine and Henri’s marriage – she was so controlling.
If you have read the Jean Plaidy trilogy about Catherine, I’m not sure if you will enjoy this book as much as you would if you haven’t. I have read the first in her series, Madame Serpent, and I didn’t feel like I had read anything new in the first third of Confessions. I can’t attest to anything beyond the first book.
A great new book from C. W. Gortner. I haven’t had the chance to get to The Last Queen yet, but if this book is any indication of how Gortner handles maligned women, I can’t wait to read it.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
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