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Isabella and Ferdinand #2
Spain for the Sovereigns
1st edition Pan 1974 paperback, vg++ In stock shipped from our UK warehouse
317 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
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740 people want to read
About the author
Jean Plaidy
187 books1,587 followersEleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews
February 22, 2018
Plaidy continues the Isabella and Ferdinand ‘s journey in this tale. We see the reinstatement of the Spanish Inquisition to the delight of many Cardinals and priests, and we observe the conquest of the Muslim kingdom in the Spanish lands creating one Catholic kingdom. We also are introduced to Christopher Columbus and the new world. So although this is what I call a “connecting” book ( the one in the middle of a trilogy) we have a lot happening. It’s typical
Plaidy style though, so be ready for the melodramatic.
Plaidy style though, so be ready for the melodramatic.
August 7, 2009
2.5 stars. I thought this was just an OK/average book. It covers the reign of Isabella and Ferdinand from shortly after their marriage through the return of the adventurer, Cristobol Colon (Columbus) from the New World which includes the installation of the Inquisition, the conquest of the Moors and the expulsion of the Jews. Somewhat dry and matter-of-fact, but nontheless, gives a good basic story. I have yet to find a really good book on these two - the other ones that are out there (The Queen's Cross by Lawrence Schoonover and Crown of Aloes by Norah Lofts) are older books and somewhat dated in style. I wish one of the current writers of historical fiction would take a stab at their story.
July 31, 2016
Tenía altas expectativas de esta parte de la novela ya que era la parte importante de la vida de Isabel y Fernando como soberanos de España. Su mayor defecto es resumir muchas partes de la historia, provocando que te quedes con cara de *WHAT? ¿Qué acaba de pasar?*, restando sabor a la lectura.
En ocasiones Plaidy se estanca con una idea en un personaje, aquí fue Fernando con los "ojos que brillaban" de codicia. SIEMPRE lo repetía, volviéndose cansado, uno esperar mayor descripción en sentimientos y reacciones distintas. Falta en general profundizar en los personajes.
Son 3 estrellas porque es una buena novela con bases históricas pero no más. Definitivamente estuvo mejor el primer libro.
En ocasiones Plaidy se estanca con una idea en un personaje, aquí fue Fernando con los "ojos que brillaban" de codicia. SIEMPRE lo repetía, volviéndose cansado, uno esperar mayor descripción en sentimientos y reacciones distintas. Falta en general profundizar en los personajes.
Son 3 estrellas porque es una buena novela con bases históricas pero no más. Definitivamente estuvo mejor el primer libro.
January 23, 2025
After reading some very demanding books, decided I needed something lighter, so I read the second and now third installment of Jean Plaidy's Isabel y Fernando books on their reign of Spain. Light historical novels. 2.8 stars.
August 7, 2011
Después de leer el Libro I y el II, sostengo mi opinión: ésta no es la mejor saga de Jean Plaidy. De hecho, creo que es la menos buena.
No solamente por los tremendos errores históricos, sino por la manera en que está escrita.
Sabemos que no pretende ser un documento histórico, que es una novela "basada" en la historia, pero no deja de sorprender el que, según Plaidy, ahora resulta que Cristóbal Colón ya sabía que iba a descubrir un nuevo continente, y eso es justamente lo que les ofreció a los Reyes Católicos. Según las fuentes reconocidas y más aceptadas de la Historia, América fue descubierta casi por casualidad porque el objetivo de la expedición era encontrar una nueva ruta a las Indias y China, pues la tradicional, hacia el Este europeo, estaba prácticamente cerrada por los árabes.
Y la fabulosa leyenda de las joyas de Isabel, empeñadas para financiar la expedición, en manos de Plaidy se transforma en un momento de desprendimiento de Fernando, que toma el dinero del tesoro de Aragón, celosamente escondido de la mismísima reina.
Seguramente por ser mexicano algo conozco de la historia de Cristóbal Colón, y por eso ahora me pregunto: ¿serán igualmente inexactas sus otras series: la de los ingleses, los franceses, los italianos?
Una vez más, la construcción de personajes es muy superficial. Plaidy sigue repitiendo hasta la desesperación las mismas frases y situaciones para ilustrar la lucha de poder entre los dos Reyes, en vez de desarrollarla, tejerla, pintarla, recrearla en la historia, como debería hacerlo un escritor.
El retrato de los infantes no podría ser más pobre, siendo lo más destacado la princesa Juana, después conocida como Juana la Loca, a la que Plaidy enloquece poco menos que desde la cuna, con berrinches de niña malcriada y escenas y recursos repetitivos muy poco imaginativos.
Y una vez más, la edición de Javier Vergara de 1995 impide disfrutar la lectura: errores tipográficos, mala redacción, pobre sintaxis... A pesar de no tener muchas esperanzas, leeré el Libro III, al menos para terminar la saga.
No solamente por los tremendos errores históricos, sino por la manera en que está escrita.
Sabemos que no pretende ser un documento histórico, que es una novela "basada" en la historia, pero no deja de sorprender el que, según Plaidy, ahora resulta que Cristóbal Colón ya sabía que iba a descubrir un nuevo continente, y eso es justamente lo que les ofreció a los Reyes Católicos. Según las fuentes reconocidas y más aceptadas de la Historia, América fue descubierta casi por casualidad porque el objetivo de la expedición era encontrar una nueva ruta a las Indias y China, pues la tradicional, hacia el Este europeo, estaba prácticamente cerrada por los árabes.
Y la fabulosa leyenda de las joyas de Isabel, empeñadas para financiar la expedición, en manos de Plaidy se transforma en un momento de desprendimiento de Fernando, que toma el dinero del tesoro de Aragón, celosamente escondido de la mismísima reina.
Seguramente por ser mexicano algo conozco de la historia de Cristóbal Colón, y por eso ahora me pregunto: ¿serán igualmente inexactas sus otras series: la de los ingleses, los franceses, los italianos?
Una vez más, la construcción de personajes es muy superficial. Plaidy sigue repitiendo hasta la desesperación las mismas frases y situaciones para ilustrar la lucha de poder entre los dos Reyes, en vez de desarrollarla, tejerla, pintarla, recrearla en la historia, como debería hacerlo un escritor.
El retrato de los infantes no podría ser más pobre, siendo lo más destacado la princesa Juana, después conocida como Juana la Loca, a la que Plaidy enloquece poco menos que desde la cuna, con berrinches de niña malcriada y escenas y recursos repetitivos muy poco imaginativos.
Y una vez más, la edición de Javier Vergara de 1995 impide disfrutar la lectura: errores tipográficos, mala redacción, pobre sintaxis... A pesar de no tener muchas esperanzas, leeré el Libro III, al menos para terminar la saga.
September 30, 2019
Me parece que me leí el primero hace más de un año, en ese entonces no disfrute tanto de mi lectura como en esta ocasión, y es que no se si fue el hecho de que hace demasiado tiempo no me leía alguna novela histórica o no se que...pero ¡De verdad disfrute mi lectura!.
"España para sus soberanos" sigue la secuencia del reinado de Isabel I de Castilla y Fernando de Aragón, reyes de España, en forma de novela vemos la mente estratégica de la reina así como su vida personal, su amor por Fernando , su amor por su reino, la convicción de su destino y su pasión por el "cristianismo".
Conocemos a Fernando otro poco, el hombre idealizado" por la reina, sus errores, su ambición por las riquezas...Al final estoy segura que ambos con sus diferencias se complementaban perfectamente.
Pero esta vez no solo nos detengamos ahí, el libro relata el inicio de la "Inquisición" contra los judíos, la lucha contra los "moros", y si el descubrimiento de américa, este ultimo el tema más esperado de mi parte; debo confesar que sentí una inmensa empatía por Cristóbal Colón, el hombre soñador, en el desarrollo de su historia solo quería que por fin alguien le diese la oportunidad de cumplir sus sueños en realidad, un hombre apasionado por el mar, persistente, es muy difícil no amarlo, ademas el conocer un poco de su vida personal, bueno, le dio un extra.
¿Y que más decir? El libro me ha resultado entretenido, ágil y repleto de referencias históricas , todo lo que necesitaba.
"España para sus soberanos" sigue la secuencia del reinado de Isabel I de Castilla y Fernando de Aragón, reyes de España, en forma de novela vemos la mente estratégica de la reina así como su vida personal, su amor por Fernando , su amor por su reino, la convicción de su destino y su pasión por el "cristianismo".
Conocemos a Fernando otro poco, el hombre idealizado" por la reina, sus errores, su ambición por las riquezas...Al final estoy segura que ambos con sus diferencias se complementaban perfectamente.
Pero esta vez no solo nos detengamos ahí, el libro relata el inicio de la "Inquisición" contra los judíos, la lucha contra los "moros", y si el descubrimiento de américa, este ultimo el tema más esperado de mi parte; debo confesar que sentí una inmensa empatía por Cristóbal Colón, el hombre soñador, en el desarrollo de su historia solo quería que por fin alguien le diese la oportunidad de cumplir sus sueños en realidad, un hombre apasionado por el mar, persistente, es muy difícil no amarlo, ademas el conocer un poco de su vida personal, bueno, le dio un extra.
¿Y que más decir? El libro me ha resultado entretenido, ágil y repleto de referencias históricas , todo lo que necesitaba.
October 7, 2015
On "Spain for the Sovereigns", Jean Plaidy, tell us about how greedy and unfaithful Ferdinand was becoming! He never accepted well his position as Queen's Consort. For Isabella, it was complicated! She didn't want to give up of her position, but she also didn't want to let Ferdinand feel that he wasn't an equal to her! I think Ferdinand, being unfaithful to Isabella, was a "way" for him, to show that he ruled as man! Besides that, both were in total agreement when was about unit Spain in one faith! Isabella, as devout catholic, install the Inquisition without mercy! At first, she wasn't sure about how to proceed with it, but Torquemada with the help of the greedy Ferdinand, convinced her. It's awful to read about the religious fanaticism! One side, it was because of the belief that only Roman Catholicism were the real religion and on the other side, was the idea to use the Inquisition to steal the wealth of jews. Greedy humans! This will never change! But Isabella, didn't stop just with the Inquisition. Her main task was to expel de Moors of Spain. With Ferdinand, she fought hard to do conquer it! For Isabella, Spain always came first! I think she was a strong and brave woman, but her actions, specially with the Inquisition, was something really cruel! More i read about the Catholics Sovereigns, more i despise them, actually! Because they also used God's name to do so many bad things! But as always, history was written with blood. That was a very interesting reading!
March 14, 2021
If you thought the first novel was packed with suspense, then this second novel in the Isabella and Ferdinand trilogy is brimming with action. The book opens with war on Portugal and ends with a victorious siege against Granada and the Moors. There's a lot of ground covered in just a little over 300 pages: Ferdinand's ascension to the Aragonese throne, the start of the royal family, Christopher Columbus's voyage, and the devastation of the Inquisition. Compared to the previous book in the trilogy, there's a lot more to unpack here.
More than any other Plaidy book I've read, this book is just brutal. The Spanish Inquisition was a horrible process that targeted the Jewish population and anyone else who was vulnerable. It's very difficult to read that part of the book. Torquemada takes center stage as a bigoted zealot, and Plaidy makes it clear that his views are dangerous and unpopular. Nevertheless, they impress Queen Isabella.
Isabella has always been presented as a shrewd politician. However, when it comes to the matter of religion, it's impossible to see her as anything other than a bigot. Plaidy doesn't go into why this religious fanaticism is so important to Isabella. It's not that I want her flaws softened so much as I want to understand the madness. All we know is she made a vow in her youth to make an "all Christian Spain", and so she is determined to see it through to the end. While the torture of the Jewish citizens isn't described in detail, Plaidy does make it very clear what's happening, and I found it difficult to read because of how tragic it was.
It wasn't just with the Inquisition that Isabella seemed two-dimensional. When she finds out Ferdinand has been unfaithful, she seems to accept it almost instantly. She rarely displays any emotion beyond serene determination, and it's quite frustrating as a reader because you never really understand the person behind the crown.
This two-dimensional view is again applied to a character of legend: La Susana, the natural daughter of a prominent Jewish man who becomes a victim of the Inquisition. Obviously, authors exaggerate history for artistic license, and normally that's fine. However, Plaidy's characterization of La Susana reeks of misogyny. Essentially, the character - a young woman who is afraid of being cast out by her father for being pregnant out of wedlock - is blamed for the entire Inquisition. Sure, Torquemada is the sadistic leader, but she's the one who made it possible by turning in her neighbors. Not only that, she's depicted as a heartless whore instead of a sympathetic character. It's quite shocking and departs from Plaidy's usual characterization of women. As a result, this and the simple characterization of Isabella made this novel passable and not as good as its predecessor.
In summary, this book is a great intro to Spanish history and the major players of the game, but be warned. This is not at all light-hearted fiction, and while Plaidy doesn't seem particularly biased towards Isabella, there's very little complexity in the character to make her even seem real.
More than any other Plaidy book I've read, this book is just brutal. The Spanish Inquisition was a horrible process that targeted the Jewish population and anyone else who was vulnerable. It's very difficult to read that part of the book. Torquemada takes center stage as a bigoted zealot, and Plaidy makes it clear that his views are dangerous and unpopular. Nevertheless, they impress Queen Isabella.
Isabella has always been presented as a shrewd politician. However, when it comes to the matter of religion, it's impossible to see her as anything other than a bigot. Plaidy doesn't go into why this religious fanaticism is so important to Isabella. It's not that I want her flaws softened so much as I want to understand the madness. All we know is she made a vow in her youth to make an "all Christian Spain", and so she is determined to see it through to the end. While the torture of the Jewish citizens isn't described in detail, Plaidy does make it very clear what's happening, and I found it difficult to read because of how tragic it was.
It wasn't just with the Inquisition that Isabella seemed two-dimensional. When she finds out Ferdinand has been unfaithful, she seems to accept it almost instantly. She rarely displays any emotion beyond serene determination, and it's quite frustrating as a reader because you never really understand the person behind the crown.
This two-dimensional view is again applied to a character of legend: La Susana, the natural daughter of a prominent Jewish man who becomes a victim of the Inquisition. Obviously, authors exaggerate history for artistic license, and normally that's fine. However, Plaidy's characterization of La Susana reeks of misogyny. Essentially, the character - a young woman who is afraid of being cast out by her father for being pregnant out of wedlock - is blamed for the entire Inquisition. Sure, Torquemada is the sadistic leader, but she's the one who made it possible by turning in her neighbors. Not only that, she's depicted as a heartless whore instead of a sympathetic character. It's quite shocking and departs from Plaidy's usual characterization of women. As a result, this and the simple characterization of Isabella made this novel passable and not as good as its predecessor.
In summary, this book is a great intro to Spanish history and the major players of the game, but be warned. This is not at all light-hearted fiction, and while Plaidy doesn't seem particularly biased towards Isabella, there's very little complexity in the character to make her even seem real.
October 4, 2019
"Llora como mujer lo que no supiste defender como hombre".
No suelo pober títulos tan largos pero es que esta frase me gusta. En general este libro ha consistido en la etapa de la vida de la conquista de Granada y de la inquisición de ahí la frase, para lo que no hayáis leído la reseña anterior recuerdo que estos libro cuenta la vida de los reyes católicos en especial la de Isabel pues termina con su muerte.
Muestra otra cara de Fernando si ya en el primero era un mujeriego en este es un avaricioso por que todo lo que quería era dinero y es que la veradad estaban a dos velas por eso la lucha contra los moros, personalmente a mi no me caen bien ya antes me caían mal pero ahora me repatean.
Y la cosa es que no he visto que sean buenos reyes por que lo de la Inquisición la crearon por que los judíos eran ricos y a ellos se los comían las ratas, y me ha faltado sobre todo esas intrigas palaciegas por las que quería leer estos libro.
Total que le doy 4 estrella por darle algo por que ni está para darle 0 ni para darle 5 es que no se merecería ninguna puntuacion.
No suelo pober títulos tan largos pero es que esta frase me gusta. En general este libro ha consistido en la etapa de la vida de la conquista de Granada y de la inquisición de ahí la frase, para lo que no hayáis leído la reseña anterior recuerdo que estos libro cuenta la vida de los reyes católicos en especial la de Isabel pues termina con su muerte.
Muestra otra cara de Fernando si ya en el primero era un mujeriego en este es un avaricioso por que todo lo que quería era dinero y es que la veradad estaban a dos velas por eso la lucha contra los moros, personalmente a mi no me caen bien ya antes me caían mal pero ahora me repatean.
Y la cosa es que no he visto que sean buenos reyes por que lo de la Inquisición la crearon por que los judíos eran ricos y a ellos se los comían las ratas, y me ha faltado sobre todo esas intrigas palaciegas por las que quería leer estos libro.
Total que le doy 4 estrella por darle algo por que ni está para darle 0 ni para darle 5 es que no se merecería ninguna puntuacion.
May 5, 2021
It's history-by-numbers but hey! It's Jean! We know that's what it's going to be and despite the clunky dialogue and massively juddering direction changes (I imagine churning out 3 books a year at her most prolific, Jean really threw words onto the page from a series of notes she'd made from history books and didn't think too much about cohesion and coherence) it isn't that bad compared to many. I do wonder how good she'd have been if she'd settled for one book every three years instead!
This one is the second Ferdinand and Isabella one and takes us through the Inquisition and the reconquista and nobody being very impressed by Christopher Columbus's dreams. I'd have liked more of him and I might try and find a more weighty CC historical fiction.
Isabella wore the trousers. Ferdinand was a bit of a jerk. Kept the fruit of his loins elsewhere hidden but privileged and made sure Isabella didn't know about how much money he had stashed over in Aragon.
This one is the second Ferdinand and Isabella one and takes us through the Inquisition and the reconquista and nobody being very impressed by Christopher Columbus's dreams. I'd have liked more of him and I might try and find a more weighty CC historical fiction.
Isabella wore the trousers. Ferdinand was a bit of a jerk. Kept the fruit of his loins elsewhere hidden but privileged and made sure Isabella didn't know about how much money he had stashed over in Aragon.
May 5, 2019
The book focuses on the mid reign of Queen Isabella & King Ferdinand, who both seek to create an all Christian Spain. I’m doing so the royal family encounter many difficulties throughout including plots, betrayals and loss. However, much sympathy can be given both the Jewish people & the moors as many have been punished for simply living their own way. This book has ups and downs for everyone and will keep you wanting to know what happens next.
I really enjoyed this book especially the detail that Jean Plaidy went into, cant wait to start the next.
I really enjoyed this book especially the detail that Jean Plaidy went into, cant wait to start the next.
September 4, 2017
The second in Plaidy's early series on Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, this entry takes the pair through from Isabella's coronation as Queen of Castille and the tensions arising from her refusal to cede her crown to him to the unleashing of the inquisition and their triumphal conquest of Granada. Through these turbulent years Isabella's calm determination steers her husband and country towards what she hopes will be a glorious future.
June 18, 2021
This is the first comment I’ve actually left on a book because I loved it so much. If you are looking for strict facts and in depth analysis Jean Plaidy is not for you, but especially if you are new to the topic these books are really easy to read and this one covers a range of events. I could honestly not put it down.
July 27, 2018
Good life of important monarch
Probably unsuitable for a rigorous academic but an absorbing tale well told. Probably preferred it to the first book of the trilogy
Probably unsuitable for a rigorous academic but an absorbing tale well told. Probably preferred it to the first book of the trilogy
November 27, 2018
Poorly novelized history, it lacks some thrilling qualities to make it more engaging!
January 19, 2022
Zalige historische fictie ❤️
January 12, 2023
sigue siendo interesantisimo su vida
June 25, 2023
Me gusto más que el primero. Te sirve para aprender más pero no sería de mis favoritos
April 2, 2024
Súper adicta a esta saga. Ideal si se quiere conocer sobre esta parte de la historia de España de una forma ágil, didáctica y súper súper entretenida. A por el 3°
August 20, 2024
The Continuing story of Queen Isabella of Spain my history craving by Jean Plaidy
September 12, 2025
Esta trilogía es increíble, fácil de leer y amena
April 21, 2024
“Todo lo realizado sobre la tierra empieza siendo un sueño.”
La trilogía de Los Reyes Católicos se compone de los siguientes tomos: Castilla para Isabel, España para sus soberanos y Las hijas de España; en ellos, la escritora inglesa Jean Plaidy nos narra de principio a fin la vida de Isabel de Trastamara, que posteriormente al casarse con Fernando de Aragón ambos se convertirían en los Reyes Católicos, y nos lleva a comprender la manera en que se conformó la España que hoy día conocemos. Además de los personajes familiares que acompañan a Isabel, también podemos encontrar al célebre marinero Genovés Cristobal Colón, al sanguinario inquisidor Tomás de Torquemada así como el episodio de la reconquista del Reino de Granada que tiene vital importancia.
Me parece muy interesante poder conocer una historia tan fundamental para la manera en que el mundo cambió gracias a la incursión de Isabel La Católica en el reino de Castilla y posteriormente en el de toda España, pues gracias a ella se unificó el territorio peninsular y se logró hacer lo que ellos consideraban el descubrimiento de un Nuevo Mundo.
Sin embargo, la poética narrativa brilla por su ausencia, los personajes son muy planos y aunque la historia es interesante por lo que acontece, en ningún momento logré conectar con los personajes. A pesar de que intenta expresar las emociones de los personajes, no consigue que se salgan del papel y cobren vida. Hasta ahora, esta ha sido la única novela que he encontrado que abarque toda la vida de Isabel, por lo mismo me parece que como divulgación histórica esta trilogía sirve para acercarnos la vida y obra de estos Monarcas (pues inclusive su lectura es sencilla), pero a nivel literatura es muy pobre, tanto así que no fue fácil encontrar alguna frase potente. Es por todas estas razones que les otorgo 4 Estrellas.
Recomendación musical:
Joaquin Rodrigo. Concierto de Aranjuez
La trilogía de Los Reyes Católicos se compone de los siguientes tomos: Castilla para Isabel, España para sus soberanos y Las hijas de España; en ellos, la escritora inglesa Jean Plaidy nos narra de principio a fin la vida de Isabel de Trastamara, que posteriormente al casarse con Fernando de Aragón ambos se convertirían en los Reyes Católicos, y nos lleva a comprender la manera en que se conformó la España que hoy día conocemos. Además de los personajes familiares que acompañan a Isabel, también podemos encontrar al célebre marinero Genovés Cristobal Colón, al sanguinario inquisidor Tomás de Torquemada así como el episodio de la reconquista del Reino de Granada que tiene vital importancia.
Me parece muy interesante poder conocer una historia tan fundamental para la manera en que el mundo cambió gracias a la incursión de Isabel La Católica en el reino de Castilla y posteriormente en el de toda España, pues gracias a ella se unificó el territorio peninsular y se logró hacer lo que ellos consideraban el descubrimiento de un Nuevo Mundo.
Sin embargo, la poética narrativa brilla por su ausencia, los personajes son muy planos y aunque la historia es interesante por lo que acontece, en ningún momento logré conectar con los personajes. A pesar de que intenta expresar las emociones de los personajes, no consigue que se salgan del papel y cobren vida. Hasta ahora, esta ha sido la única novela que he encontrado que abarque toda la vida de Isabel, por lo mismo me parece que como divulgación histórica esta trilogía sirve para acercarnos la vida y obra de estos Monarcas (pues inclusive su lectura es sencilla), pero a nivel literatura es muy pobre, tanto así que no fue fácil encontrar alguna frase potente. Es por todas estas razones que les otorgo 4 Estrellas.
Recomendación musical:
Joaquin Rodrigo. Concierto de Aranjuez
January 19, 2014
Isabella is Queen of Castile, will never share rule with jealous money-hungry Consort Ferdinand, Prince of Aragon, first 23 to his 22. Believable motives fortify their mutual dream to unite Spain, conquer rich Moor strongholds, palatial Alhambra in Granada, Malaga. First they must raise allies and money for supplies, soldiers, training. When young, she promised her confessor a Christian realm; Jews are rich. The couple empower fanatic Catholic Inquisitors to torture, burn, and confiscate. Personalities enliven historical dates, basically a stream of battles and babies.
Infatuated with his firstborn son over many later illegitimates, Ferdinand appoints him Archbishop of Sargossa, the richest man, at age six. (Painted cute and smart, how does boy grow up?) )Isabella miscarries once riding to inspire her subjects, wields strict law in regular courts, enforces peace on corrupt criminal kingdom, steadily bears progeny helped by friend Beatriz.
The characters, though combined good and bad through modern hindsight, are fixed, never change or grow, but time adds more adults to intrigue reader. Foolish King Alfonso of Spain 40s, desires teen neice Joanna, unwilling figurehead for rebellion; her Dowager Queen Mother never reveals her true father. Beatriz supports case of widowed Christopher Columbus.
Was the widower really a dedicated beloved father and explorer? Was Moor ruler Boabdil pushed into civil war by bullying Castilian harem slave mother? Did grown Infanta Isabella 19 fall in love with arranged husband Alonso of Portugal? Was he murdered by heir Emmanuel who wanted her? Isabelle senior, worried about her crazy mother, watches children for "seeds of insanity" p 82; sequels may tell. We want true love, constant faith, to win the day, so her parents, sovereigns, are invested with those qualities.
Infatuated with his firstborn son over many later illegitimates, Ferdinand appoints him Archbishop of Sargossa, the richest man, at age six. (Painted cute and smart, how does boy grow up?) )Isabella miscarries once riding to inspire her subjects, wields strict law in regular courts, enforces peace on corrupt criminal kingdom, steadily bears progeny helped by friend Beatriz.
The characters, though combined good and bad through modern hindsight, are fixed, never change or grow, but time adds more adults to intrigue reader. Foolish King Alfonso of Spain 40s, desires teen neice Joanna, unwilling figurehead for rebellion; her Dowager Queen Mother never reveals her true father. Beatriz supports case of widowed Christopher Columbus.
Was the widower really a dedicated beloved father and explorer? Was Moor ruler Boabdil pushed into civil war by bullying Castilian harem slave mother? Did grown Infanta Isabella 19 fall in love with arranged husband Alonso of Portugal? Was he murdered by heir Emmanuel who wanted her? Isabelle senior, worried about her crazy mother, watches children for "seeds of insanity" p 82; sequels may tell. We want true love, constant faith, to win the day, so her parents, sovereigns, are invested with those qualities.
September 30, 2014
“Spain for the Sovereigns”, Book 2 of the Isabella and Ferdinand series, focuses on the holy war that the royal pair declared on the Jews and Moslems who occupied certain areas of Spain. In their bid to eradicate anyone who was not a Catholic, they united all provinces of Spain, thus their rule of Castile and Aragon increased until they became monarchs of the whole country.
Isabella comes across as a flawed heroine. In many respects she is a noble queen and a good person, yet at the same time she has no love or pity for those who do not share her faith. She agrees to install the Spanish Inquisition in Castile, believing that the inhuman tortures that non-Christians endure will purge their sins and, she hopes, they may even see the errors of their ways at the last moment, thus avoiding the eternal suffering they would otherwise experience in the fires of Hell.
As for burning people at the stake, Isabella’s attitude – like with many others during the medieval period – is: what’s a brief spell of agony endured on earth compared to an eternity of burning in Hell?
Ferdinand is a great soldier and a brave man, yet he’s also greedy for money and an unfaithful husband. He and Isabella make a formidable pair and are arguably Spain’s most famous royal couple. They did good things for the country, yet their treatment of people who did not share their religious beliefs was inhumane.
This novel features a wider scope than the first book, featuring more key figures from this period of the fifteenth century, the most notable of which being Christopher Columbus, who appealed to Isabella for funding to allow him to search for a new world – even people who dislike history won’t need me to state what he discovered!
On the whole I felt this book was not as good as its prequel; however, as the 4 stars indicate, I still really liked it.
Isabella comes across as a flawed heroine. In many respects she is a noble queen and a good person, yet at the same time she has no love or pity for those who do not share her faith. She agrees to install the Spanish Inquisition in Castile, believing that the inhuman tortures that non-Christians endure will purge their sins and, she hopes, they may even see the errors of their ways at the last moment, thus avoiding the eternal suffering they would otherwise experience in the fires of Hell.
As for burning people at the stake, Isabella’s attitude – like with many others during the medieval period – is: what’s a brief spell of agony endured on earth compared to an eternity of burning in Hell?
Ferdinand is a great soldier and a brave man, yet he’s also greedy for money and an unfaithful husband. He and Isabella make a formidable pair and are arguably Spain’s most famous royal couple. They did good things for the country, yet their treatment of people who did not share their religious beliefs was inhumane.
This novel features a wider scope than the first book, featuring more key figures from this period of the fifteenth century, the most notable of which being Christopher Columbus, who appealed to Isabella for funding to allow him to search for a new world – even people who dislike history won’t need me to state what he discovered!
On the whole I felt this book was not as good as its prequel; however, as the 4 stars indicate, I still really liked it.
June 23, 2020
Published 1960. A wonderfully told tale of the Spanish monarchs and a fine example of historical fiction with well documented historical facts. Showing the human side of the monarchs whilst at the same time the horrors of their political decision impacting upon the Moors of Spain and of the Jewish people who are virtually displaced or eradicated in their determination to have a unified Spain both politically and culturally under one religion. The horrors of the Inquisition on ordinary lives, and parallel of this with the treatment of Jews under Nazi rule whereby people were separated by gender, children taken from their parents, many not just tortured but also made slaves well described. Also saw the eradication of their rights to practice law, medicine etc. All paralleling the Holocaust. Still able to see the genuine religious fervour of Isabella and balancing this with her as a woman and as a mother. Ferdinand's motivation so different from Isabella - more about getting money through the use of the Spanish inquisition and his political canniness is well portrayed. Different and complex personalities well told in this trilogy series.
November 5, 2015
I've been enjoying Plaidy's series about Isabelle and Ferdinand (Fernando) so far. It's disappointing that the novels about Isabella--a most influential monarch and a fascinating female figure during this era--are so few in English. If one is expecting Phillipa Gregory's style, she or he may not appreciate Plaidy's Spain for the Sovereigns. Gregory is much more emotional and sensational, "sexier," and these elements have certainly been a key in her success. Plaidy appears somewhat reserved in comparison, but also a bit more analytical and descriptive. Unlike in more recent examples of historical fiction depicting females, the narration is not through the eyes of a major character. This is not a drawback, in my opinion, in any way.
If you, like me, were disappointed by The Queen's Vow, give Plaidy's books a try. Spain for the Sovereings is more dynamic and engaging than the first novel in the series.
If you, like me, were disappointed by The Queen's Vow, give Plaidy's books a try. Spain for the Sovereings is more dynamic and engaging than the first novel in the series.
July 6, 2012
Sigh... I just finished book two and I'm feeling obligated to keep going. Will it get better with time? I'm a captive audience; I commute and got the e-version. I can't just waste it!
I can paraphrase the story telling pretty easily....
Isabella was betrothed, she was scared. Then she met her husband and she learned he was nervous too. And with that shared emotion, they grew to love each other and they were happy. Then he died suddenly in a hunting accident and she was sad.
What? What happened when they hunted? How did he die? He's just dead? In a land where there is almost endless plots to off the heads of state, thats's it??? How about you describe the hunt? Did he fall of a horse? Get shot by dick c. accidentally?
I think it can be done better and likely has. It's still interesting or else I wouldn't keep reading.
Book 3, here I come. (I guess.)
I can paraphrase the story telling pretty easily....
Isabella was betrothed, she was scared. Then she met her husband and she learned he was nervous too. And with that shared emotion, they grew to love each other and they were happy. Then he died suddenly in a hunting accident and she was sad.
What? What happened when they hunted? How did he die? He's just dead? In a land where there is almost endless plots to off the heads of state, thats's it??? How about you describe the hunt? Did he fall of a horse? Get shot by dick c. accidentally?
I think it can be done better and likely has. It's still interesting or else I wouldn't keep reading.
Book 3, here I come. (I guess.)
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