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The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin
The Mancini Sisters, Marie and Hortense, were born in Rome, brought to the court of Louis XIV of France, and strategically married off by their uncle, Cardinal Mazarin, to secure his political power base. Such was the life of many young women of the age: they had no independent status under the law and were entirely a part of their husband’s property once married.
Marie and Hortense, however, had other ambitions in mind altogether. Miserable in their marriages and determined to live independently, they abandoned their husbands in secret and began lives of extraordinary daring on the run and in the public eye. The beguiling sisters quickly won the affections of noblemen and kings alike. Their flight became popular fodder for salon conversation and tabloids, and was closely followed by seventeenth-century European society. The Countess of Grignan remarked that they were traveling “like two heroines out of a novel.” Others gossiped that they “were roaming the countryside in pursuit of wandering lovers.”
Marie and Hortense, however, had other ambitions in mind altogether. Miserable in their marriages and determined to live independently, they abandoned their husbands in secret and began lives of extraordinary daring on the run and in the public eye. The beguiling sisters quickly won the affections of noblemen and kings alike. Their flight became popular fodder for salon conversation and tabloids, and was closely followed by seventeenth-century European society. The Countess of Grignan remarked that they were traveling “like two heroines out of a novel.” Others gossiped that they “were roaming the countryside in pursuit of wandering lovers.”
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
36 people are currently reading
2433 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth C. Goldsmith
12 books10 followersElizabeth C. Goldsmith is a professor of French and director of the study abroad curriculum at Boston University. She has written books on literature in the age of Louis XIV, focusing on letter correspondences and women's writing. She teaches courses on seventeenth-century theater and the novel, travel writing, and historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 15, 2012
Admittedly, I didn’t know much about the Mancini sisters aside from Hortense having been a perspective wife to Charles II and later being his mistress. This is because of my love for Nell Gwynne and therefore, Hortense was “competition”. What better way to infuse my knowledge about this “forward” lady and her sister Marie than with Elizabeth C. Goldsmith’s, “The Kings’ Mistresses”?
Although dual biographies can pose problems (bias towards one of the figures, not enough information, or a lack of cohesiveness to name a few); Goldsmith’s “The Kings’ Mistresses” is a rare gem. Initially introducing the Mancini sisters with a background view of their family and both the courts of France and Rome (don’t be shy to consult the genealogical table!); Goldsmith then alternates chapters focusing on each sister. Although this could cause sequencing confusion, Goldsmith seamlessly fuses their stories and manages to produce two separate stories woven into one. Furthermore, unlike other dual biographies, both Marie and Hortense receive equal time and detail within in their respective chapters.
The reader feels the drama of the sisters so vividly and can’t help but be wrapped up in wonder and inspiration (for instance, Hortense was the first non-royal female to pen her memoirs published under her own name and her attempt at divorce “became the first of its kind to be aired in international media” while generating “published treatises and arguments about the legal right of women in marriage” (189).
Speaking of detail, the amount of information and knowledge which Goldsmith presents is awe-inspiring, compelling, and entertaining, along with drama and a rich pace. Yet, the text is not overwhelming as Goldsmith knows the precise equation regarding which topics to dive deeper into and which to allow more air. Goldsmith also has the ability to bring the text to life. The events and settings are described in such a manner that the reader feels like he/she is seeing everything first-hand. Even those readers with little interest and/or knowledge of the courts of France and Rome will find the text easy-to-read but beautiful.
Goldsmith augments the work with a lofty amount of primary resources with the majority being letters and family papers/documents which creates a feeling of the sisters themselves addressing the reader and thus, the reader in turn being able to learn their private thoughts (very much like reading a memoir, which makes sense because there are memoir excerpts). Sometimes, Goldsmith offers facts which are more on a social history level (meaning: a glimpse into how events are either viewed or effected current times); which would normally be an elementary tactic in a biography but works rather well in “The Kings’ Mistresses”. These are not over-done nor employed often enough to annoy the reader not interested in this method.
Goldsmith also skips the habit of other writers who present too much speculation. Again, the amount of knowledge is staggering and amazing so she perhaps doesn’t need to speculate. Also intriguing is the full view created of the sisters as not only letters and primary sources from other people in their lives are quoted; but also sister regarding sister! Although time periods overlap between the chapters, the reader does not have difficulties remembering what the other sister was experiencing at the same time, due to Goldsmith’s ability to present information in a solid way.
One minor setback is that unlike other history works, Goldsmith declined to include a color plate insert. This is disappointing as she mentions a vast amount of artworks and portraits which would have supplemented the text well to be added.
The ending was the weakest portion of “The Kings’ Mistresses” with overly- epitaph writing. Further, although Marie’s death and legacy was described in a somewhat lengthy manner, Hortense’s death was somewhat skimmed and the impact on Marie was completely absent and ignored which leaves the reader with questions. Overall, however, “The Kings’ Mistresses” is delightful, informative, and very well written. One thing is for sure: I now have a huge interest and respect for the Mancini sisters.
Although dual biographies can pose problems (bias towards one of the figures, not enough information, or a lack of cohesiveness to name a few); Goldsmith’s “The Kings’ Mistresses” is a rare gem. Initially introducing the Mancini sisters with a background view of their family and both the courts of France and Rome (don’t be shy to consult the genealogical table!); Goldsmith then alternates chapters focusing on each sister. Although this could cause sequencing confusion, Goldsmith seamlessly fuses their stories and manages to produce two separate stories woven into one. Furthermore, unlike other dual biographies, both Marie and Hortense receive equal time and detail within in their respective chapters.
The reader feels the drama of the sisters so vividly and can’t help but be wrapped up in wonder and inspiration (for instance, Hortense was the first non-royal female to pen her memoirs published under her own name and her attempt at divorce “became the first of its kind to be aired in international media” while generating “published treatises and arguments about the legal right of women in marriage” (189).
Speaking of detail, the amount of information and knowledge which Goldsmith presents is awe-inspiring, compelling, and entertaining, along with drama and a rich pace. Yet, the text is not overwhelming as Goldsmith knows the precise equation regarding which topics to dive deeper into and which to allow more air. Goldsmith also has the ability to bring the text to life. The events and settings are described in such a manner that the reader feels like he/she is seeing everything first-hand. Even those readers with little interest and/or knowledge of the courts of France and Rome will find the text easy-to-read but beautiful.
Goldsmith augments the work with a lofty amount of primary resources with the majority being letters and family papers/documents which creates a feeling of the sisters themselves addressing the reader and thus, the reader in turn being able to learn their private thoughts (very much like reading a memoir, which makes sense because there are memoir excerpts). Sometimes, Goldsmith offers facts which are more on a social history level (meaning: a glimpse into how events are either viewed or effected current times); which would normally be an elementary tactic in a biography but works rather well in “The Kings’ Mistresses”. These are not over-done nor employed often enough to annoy the reader not interested in this method.
Goldsmith also skips the habit of other writers who present too much speculation. Again, the amount of knowledge is staggering and amazing so she perhaps doesn’t need to speculate. Also intriguing is the full view created of the sisters as not only letters and primary sources from other people in their lives are quoted; but also sister regarding sister! Although time periods overlap between the chapters, the reader does not have difficulties remembering what the other sister was experiencing at the same time, due to Goldsmith’s ability to present information in a solid way.
One minor setback is that unlike other history works, Goldsmith declined to include a color plate insert. This is disappointing as she mentions a vast amount of artworks and portraits which would have supplemented the text well to be added.
The ending was the weakest portion of “The Kings’ Mistresses” with overly- epitaph writing. Further, although Marie’s death and legacy was described in a somewhat lengthy manner, Hortense’s death was somewhat skimmed and the impact on Marie was completely absent and ignored which leaves the reader with questions. Overall, however, “The Kings’ Mistresses” is delightful, informative, and very well written. One thing is for sure: I now have a huge interest and respect for the Mancini sisters.
January 6, 2014
This was a very well done and unembellished biography of two fascinating sisters in Louis XIV's court and milieu. Their story is a stark reminder of how far the civil rights of women have come (at least in Western civilization) since those days when they were nothing more than property belonging to fathers and husbands. The extent to which their husbands forced their estranged wives into penury and confinement with the approval of the courts and society at large is utterly chilling. The price, literally, to be paid by being a noble and wealthy female was freedom. Compared to other true tales of women who fled their marriages in the 17th and 18th centuries the absence of outside, romantic dalliances is noteworthy. Given that there were no rumors cited and only Hortense's one affair, one must assume that these women were truly driven for freedom from stifling and disturbing marriages rather than misguided notions of romance. Two plucky women who had the gall to want to experience their lives unscripted and unrestricted by male conventions and double standards. Social creatures who resisted the strictures of Catholic misogyny amid a rigid society which feasted on ridicule and scandal.
There is not a vast amount that informs the emotional essence of Marie and Hortense. That said, I find this preferable to excitable biographers who attribute all variety of sensibilities to their subjects without any basis for them. It is also rather fun to see Louis as a supporting character and a bit of a prig. All said and done, the travails and travels of,these sisters in the turbulent 17th century when women were chattel were remarkable.
There is not a vast amount that informs the emotional essence of Marie and Hortense. That said, I find this preferable to excitable biographers who attribute all variety of sensibilities to their subjects without any basis for them. It is also rather fun to see Louis as a supporting character and a bit of a prig. All said and done, the travails and travels of,these sisters in the turbulent 17th century when women were chattel were remarkable.
November 10, 2016
3.5 stars
Hortense and Maria Mancini were women ahead of their time. They were courageous trailblazers who stood up for their independence from forced marriage and seemed to never age throughout their stories. Carefree in the worst of times, they never let circumstances get the best of them and refused to let men make all of the decisions. I think I may admire them after reading this book.
Hortense and Maria Mancini were women ahead of their time. They were courageous trailblazers who stood up for their independence from forced marriage and seemed to never age throughout their stories. Carefree in the worst of times, they never let circumstances get the best of them and refused to let men make all of the decisions. I think I may admire them after reading this book.
April 4, 2012
The Kings' Mistresses is a fabulous account of Marie and Hortense Mancini, two of the most scandalous and free-thinking women of their time.
Marie and Hortense were the nieces of Cardinal Mazarin. The two, along with their siblings were born in Rome and brought to Paris: Marie was 13 and Hortense, 9. Their uncle arranged marriages for both of them – Marie first, because she was a little too cozy with King Louis XIV.
However, both Marie and Hortense's marriages didn't go well. After producing several children, both of them ditched their husbands. Hortense left her mad and scheming husband in 1668, and Marie left her husband four years later, with fear that he would kill her otherwise.
Both sought refuge in different places, but not the same. Marie went from convent to convent, finally ending up in Madrid, and didn't have the freedom that Hortense ended up having in London after she became the mistress of Charles II.
However, both accomplished what they set out to do: never to return to their husbands. Whatever roadblocks were hurled their way, whatever lawsuits were produced, and whoever tried to intervene, the sisters somehow managed their goal. The sisters ended up having major influence on the women of their time. Their escapades were reported all through Europe and it got people talking. Whether people were on the sides of the sisters or their 'poor, deserted' husbands, people talked. And when people start talking about an issue, things start happening.
The result, eventually, of the sisters flights ended up having was the discussion of just how much power a husband should have over his wife. Unhappy wives soon started following the Mancini sisters' examples by standing up and saying that they shouldn't have to stay in a disastrous marriage and should have the right to live separately from their husbands.
The two sisters ended up writing memoirs, which were quoted in the book. I so happen to have said memoirs, and can not wait to get to them now.
The Kings' Mistresses was a great biography on two women who stood up for their rights during a time when women didn't have any. At times, reading the book, I was infuriated by just how little power the women had, how much Marie's husband toyed with her: locking her up in convents (and at one point, a prison!). Through the decades, both husbands would demand their wives return to them, not because they cared for them, but because of their own wounded prides. Neither husband won, and to that, I say: Hooray!
Marie and Hortense were the nieces of Cardinal Mazarin. The two, along with their siblings were born in Rome and brought to Paris: Marie was 13 and Hortense, 9. Their uncle arranged marriages for both of them – Marie first, because she was a little too cozy with King Louis XIV.
However, both Marie and Hortense's marriages didn't go well. After producing several children, both of them ditched their husbands. Hortense left her mad and scheming husband in 1668, and Marie left her husband four years later, with fear that he would kill her otherwise.
Both sought refuge in different places, but not the same. Marie went from convent to convent, finally ending up in Madrid, and didn't have the freedom that Hortense ended up having in London after she became the mistress of Charles II.
However, both accomplished what they set out to do: never to return to their husbands. Whatever roadblocks were hurled their way, whatever lawsuits were produced, and whoever tried to intervene, the sisters somehow managed their goal. The sisters ended up having major influence on the women of their time. Their escapades were reported all through Europe and it got people talking. Whether people were on the sides of the sisters or their 'poor, deserted' husbands, people talked. And when people start talking about an issue, things start happening.
The result, eventually, of the sisters flights ended up having was the discussion of just how much power a husband should have over his wife. Unhappy wives soon started following the Mancini sisters' examples by standing up and saying that they shouldn't have to stay in a disastrous marriage and should have the right to live separately from their husbands.
The two sisters ended up writing memoirs, which were quoted in the book. I so happen to have said memoirs, and can not wait to get to them now.
The Kings' Mistresses was a great biography on two women who stood up for their rights during a time when women didn't have any. At times, reading the book, I was infuriated by just how little power the women had, how much Marie's husband toyed with her: locking her up in convents (and at one point, a prison!). Through the decades, both husbands would demand their wives return to them, not because they cared for them, but because of their own wounded prides. Neither husband won, and to that, I say: Hooray!
May 1, 2012
I knew nothing of the Mancini sisters going into this book, but right from the start I knew their story was unique. The Kings Mistresses is well written and engaging, which is not always something that can be said for non-fiction. The two sisters caused sensations throughout Europe after fleeing from their husbands and while reading you really get a sense of just how much media coverage there was even in the 17th century. It seemed the sisters could hardly travel anywhere without being known. After the sisters go different ways the story could have gotten jumbled by trying to follow each but the author does a good job of going between each and not feeling like you are going backwards or rehashing anything. I was also nervous about the length of the book being somewhat of a hindrance to telling a full story but after I was done I felt like their story had been told fully and completely.
April 13, 2012
I got a pre-publication review copy of the UK edition. It was an interesting read. Elizabeth Goldsmith has done good service in drawing attention to these women. She argues that their influence on the arts (they were great patrons of the theatre), on social mores and even on the legal position of women, makes them important, as well as fascinating, figures. Not being an expert on the late 17th century, I am not qualified to say if she is right, but she makes a convincing case. The 17th century marks the beginning of modern history and these two women were, if not the first modern women (as Goldsmith claims), certainly important early examples of their type.
The book is thoroughly researched, with frequent references to their correspondence. Both women were (as was normal at the time) prolific writers and Goldsmith has read and translated many of their letters, and mined them for material in this book.
The scholarship seems of a good quality, but, like many scholars, Goldsmith does not do a good job in making her material immediately accessible to a lay audience. Background information on the period is not well integrated with the story. Fascinating and exciting incidents that lack documentation are passed over in a couple of paragraphs. For example, at least two significant figures in the tale die suddenly and both are described as probably poisoned. But no other details are given. There are fascinating stories of family feuds, intrigues and dastardly plots, but they are just skipped over in the blink of an eye. And there are other interesting things that are just mentioned and passed over without being pursued. For example, around 1674, Hortense acquires a new servant, Mustapha. He was, we're told, captured by pirates, and he stays at her side, obviously an important figure in her life, until her death. But that's pretty well all we are told about Mustapha. How did this Arab end up in France as a servant – or was he more of a slave? Were they lovers? If not, what was the relationship? They were painted together and, toward the end of her life, friends urged Hortense to let Mustapha cheer her up. There's another story here I'd like to know more about.
I write historical novels and there are always arguments about whether historical novels are essentially dishonest because we wicked authors write things that might not be true. (Say it soft, but I write the occasional thing that very definitely isn't true.) This book, though, shows the limitations of historical non-fiction. Goldsmith (quite properly) avoids speculation. No one seems to have written about these mysterious poisonings or exactly why Hortense was so close to Mustapha, so these areas of her life are passed over.
I loved finding out about these fascinating women, but I grew frustrated by the careful detailing of the chronology of their lives. There is an amazing story (actually, several amazing stories) to be told here but Goldsmith doesn't let herself tell a story. She gives us details of journeys taken, inventories of jewels, the names of famous artists, courtiers and writers they associate with, paintings they feature in but she doesn't make it come alive. The result is a solid scholarly study but a book that won't get these two women the attention they deserve.
We can never truly understand or know the past as it was. All history is about story telling. One day a historical novelist with a lively imagination and a relaxed approach to the exact truth will write a novel that will do the Kings' mistresses justice. But they'll almost certainly be reading Goldsmith's book when they do their research.
The book is thoroughly researched, with frequent references to their correspondence. Both women were (as was normal at the time) prolific writers and Goldsmith has read and translated many of their letters, and mined them for material in this book.
The scholarship seems of a good quality, but, like many scholars, Goldsmith does not do a good job in making her material immediately accessible to a lay audience. Background information on the period is not well integrated with the story. Fascinating and exciting incidents that lack documentation are passed over in a couple of paragraphs. For example, at least two significant figures in the tale die suddenly and both are described as probably poisoned. But no other details are given. There are fascinating stories of family feuds, intrigues and dastardly plots, but they are just skipped over in the blink of an eye. And there are other interesting things that are just mentioned and passed over without being pursued. For example, around 1674, Hortense acquires a new servant, Mustapha. He was, we're told, captured by pirates, and he stays at her side, obviously an important figure in her life, until her death. But that's pretty well all we are told about Mustapha. How did this Arab end up in France as a servant – or was he more of a slave? Were they lovers? If not, what was the relationship? They were painted together and, toward the end of her life, friends urged Hortense to let Mustapha cheer her up. There's another story here I'd like to know more about.
I write historical novels and there are always arguments about whether historical novels are essentially dishonest because we wicked authors write things that might not be true. (Say it soft, but I write the occasional thing that very definitely isn't true.) This book, though, shows the limitations of historical non-fiction. Goldsmith (quite properly) avoids speculation. No one seems to have written about these mysterious poisonings or exactly why Hortense was so close to Mustapha, so these areas of her life are passed over.
I loved finding out about these fascinating women, but I grew frustrated by the careful detailing of the chronology of their lives. There is an amazing story (actually, several amazing stories) to be told here but Goldsmith doesn't let herself tell a story. She gives us details of journeys taken, inventories of jewels, the names of famous artists, courtiers and writers they associate with, paintings they feature in but she doesn't make it come alive. The result is a solid scholarly study but a book that won't get these two women the attention they deserve.
We can never truly understand or know the past as it was. All history is about story telling. One day a historical novelist with a lively imagination and a relaxed approach to the exact truth will write a novel that will do the Kings' mistresses justice. But they'll almost certainly be reading Goldsmith's book when they do their research.
April 28, 2012
I won this book through goodreads.
I enjoyed this non-fiction book. However, I feel it could have been done better. The research that went into the book appears to be excellent, the author seems to have a complete understanding of the times and events. But, I would have liked to see it put together a little more like a novel. Sometimes the time-line jumps forwad and backwards a few years. Some events or back story is just thrown in for justification. I feel that the sisters liberal efforts could have been a little more punctuated, a little less matter-of-fact, especially since that was the author's intent, to show how these two sisters struggled, failed, and triuphed over women's rights. If you love history and strong women, this book is a must.
I enjoyed this non-fiction book. However, I feel it could have been done better. The research that went into the book appears to be excellent, the author seems to have a complete understanding of the times and events. But, I would have liked to see it put together a little more like a novel. Sometimes the time-line jumps forwad and backwards a few years. Some events or back story is just thrown in for justification. I feel that the sisters liberal efforts could have been a little more punctuated, a little less matter-of-fact, especially since that was the author's intent, to show how these two sisters struggled, failed, and triuphed over women's rights. If you love history and strong women, this book is a must.
April 23, 2025
It's perfectly well-written and superb in its research...but the subject matter proved to be less interesting to me than I originally hoped it would be. Gossipy historical colour for those in the right mood.
November 22, 2012
"... but one cannot always choose the life one would like to lead" (p. 125) This quote is from the memoirs of Hortense Mancini, Duchess of Mazarin. At the time it was written, even the King of France, Louis XIV, could not choose his marriage partner. A life determined by others fell most heavily on women. This book tells the story Hortense and her sister Marie who had the course of their lives determined by their influential uncle. By advising the young King Louis XIV and his mother, Cardinal Mancini, who came from modest beginnings, became one of the wealthiest men in Europe.
Marie and Hortense (from a family of 10 siblings) were extraordinarily beautiful. Marie caught the eye of Louis XIV and they became so smitten with each other that the young (perhaps) lovers could jeopardize the Cardinal's position through a royal-commoner wedding. Removing Marie to Italy was the good solution for the Cardinal who had the power over her to make it happen. It was not a good solution for Marie who had no power to stop it.
Armand Charles, Duke of Mazarin followed the curtsies and dances of Hortense since she was 11 years old, and a marriage followed that would elevate the Cardinal's status through her marriage to a noble. The terms most likely were those that eventually gave, through the Cardinal's will, control of Hortense's vast inheritance to her husband. The Duke proceeded to give away her inheritance to religious causes and kept her as a virtual prisoner. His actions clearly demonstrate that religious fundamentalism has been going hand in hand with restricting women across centuries and cultures. After bearing four children in succession Hortense fled to her sister Marie in Italy. Only after the Duke's destruction of the Cardinal's art collection did the male nobles who controlled Hortense's future take note; but still, their response was tepid.
Eventually Marie fled her situation as well. Author Elizabeth Goldsmith does not build strong case against her philandering (highly tolerated at the time) husband, Lorenso Orfrio Colonna. Marie did not want to bear more children, but did he really try to poison her? How bad a husband he was for his time is not clear; neither is how heavily Marie is influenced by her sister. What is significant about Marie's flight is the power Lorenzo had to make her suffer and her resolve to be free.
Goldsmith does show how the legal and political systems were stacked against women and the resolve of these two noble women to escape the abusive husbands that the system protected. As judges decreed that these women return to their husbands, they did not go back. Through their charm and connections, they were able to push the envelope, but only so far.
The book's title refers to the young Marie's relationship with the young Louis XIV and Hortense's later relationship with Charles II of England. While these relationships are important, they are not the thrust of the story.
The style bridges that of a history or a report (it could have been presented as a female picaresque or have a feminist spin), but in either case, it seems to be unnecessarily incomplete. Presumably there are records of the 7 children of these two women. How were they raised and what became of them? How the sisters supported themselves through all this is spottily reported. Did they sell their jewels? What of the 8 siblings of Marie and Hortense? How did they manage, assist, undermine and/or view the two traveling sisters? One brother initially tries to assist, but why he essentially "dumps" them is not clear. Both women wrote memoirs, there were court records and letters. These women were celebrities, there is clearly more to know about them than is presented here.
The book has no photos or drawings. There is plenty for the reader to want to see. There is Marie's lying in bed, the paintings that the sisters sold throughout Europe, the Mancini Palace and other residences be they convents or a prison. Renderings of their routes and means of their travels are also of interest.
What is presented is very good, worth 5 stars, but I can't help but think there is more content to be unearthed. I got this book at the public library, but had I paid $27 (+ tax and shipping) I would not have been happy.
Marie and Hortense (from a family of 10 siblings) were extraordinarily beautiful. Marie caught the eye of Louis XIV and they became so smitten with each other that the young (perhaps) lovers could jeopardize the Cardinal's position through a royal-commoner wedding. Removing Marie to Italy was the good solution for the Cardinal who had the power over her to make it happen. It was not a good solution for Marie who had no power to stop it.
Armand Charles, Duke of Mazarin followed the curtsies and dances of Hortense since she was 11 years old, and a marriage followed that would elevate the Cardinal's status through her marriage to a noble. The terms most likely were those that eventually gave, through the Cardinal's will, control of Hortense's vast inheritance to her husband. The Duke proceeded to give away her inheritance to religious causes and kept her as a virtual prisoner. His actions clearly demonstrate that religious fundamentalism has been going hand in hand with restricting women across centuries and cultures. After bearing four children in succession Hortense fled to her sister Marie in Italy. Only after the Duke's destruction of the Cardinal's art collection did the male nobles who controlled Hortense's future take note; but still, their response was tepid.
Eventually Marie fled her situation as well. Author Elizabeth Goldsmith does not build strong case against her philandering (highly tolerated at the time) husband, Lorenso Orfrio Colonna. Marie did not want to bear more children, but did he really try to poison her? How bad a husband he was for his time is not clear; neither is how heavily Marie is influenced by her sister. What is significant about Marie's flight is the power Lorenzo had to make her suffer and her resolve to be free.
Goldsmith does show how the legal and political systems were stacked against women and the resolve of these two noble women to escape the abusive husbands that the system protected. As judges decreed that these women return to their husbands, they did not go back. Through their charm and connections, they were able to push the envelope, but only so far.
The book's title refers to the young Marie's relationship with the young Louis XIV and Hortense's later relationship with Charles II of England. While these relationships are important, they are not the thrust of the story.
The style bridges that of a history or a report (it could have been presented as a female picaresque or have a feminist spin), but in either case, it seems to be unnecessarily incomplete. Presumably there are records of the 7 children of these two women. How were they raised and what became of them? How the sisters supported themselves through all this is spottily reported. Did they sell their jewels? What of the 8 siblings of Marie and Hortense? How did they manage, assist, undermine and/or view the two traveling sisters? One brother initially tries to assist, but why he essentially "dumps" them is not clear. Both women wrote memoirs, there were court records and letters. These women were celebrities, there is clearly more to know about them than is presented here.
The book has no photos or drawings. There is plenty for the reader to want to see. There is Marie's lying in bed, the paintings that the sisters sold throughout Europe, the Mancini Palace and other residences be they convents or a prison. Renderings of their routes and means of their travels are also of interest.
What is presented is very good, worth 5 stars, but I can't help but think there is more content to be unearthed. I got this book at the public library, but had I paid $27 (+ tax and shipping) I would not have been happy.
March 28, 2012
I won the book, so looking forward to it.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Read.
I love really history books. And this one is not a romance type novel, but more of a well written history. It is fascinating to learn about real people and their unusual lives. Hortense and Marie aristocrat by birth, were raised by all mean in in rich house and were Cardinal Mazarin's nieces. It is not only shows the life style on 16 th century, but how out of ordinary the characters in the book were for their time. They appear as some people would say were born in a wrong time. As they would not get satisfied with the limitation considered normed of beaver and manners for their time.
The book give us a review of England, France, Italy, and Spain during the mid to late 1600's.
The sisters travel around the Europe, dressed up as a men, and do many adventures things for their time. For some people for our time too.
Excellent read from category of independent and creative inspiring women in a way. As to go against a lot of in society also take courage and character.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Read.
I love really history books. And this one is not a romance type novel, but more of a well written history. It is fascinating to learn about real people and their unusual lives. Hortense and Marie aristocrat by birth, were raised by all mean in in rich house and were Cardinal Mazarin's nieces. It is not only shows the life style on 16 th century, but how out of ordinary the characters in the book were for their time. They appear as some people would say were born in a wrong time. As they would not get satisfied with the limitation considered normed of beaver and manners for their time.
The book give us a review of England, France, Italy, and Spain during the mid to late 1600's.
The sisters travel around the Europe, dressed up as a men, and do many adventures things for their time. For some people for our time too.
Excellent read from category of independent and creative inspiring women in a way. As to go against a lot of in society also take courage and character.
Read
July 15, 2016This was fascinating, the material well handled and the parallel lives well drawn. If you're at all interested in the way it was and was not possible for women to manage their own lives in Italy, France and England in the period, you should read this.
At its best, biography gives you a window into time and place that formal histories can't give, because they tend to focus on period (and on period as divided up in the nineteenth century, reigns and eras) and even more so on place -- on one country. People's lives are messier and cut across these artificial divisions. The lives of the Mancini sisters are a perfect example of how this can work to cast illumination across otherwise neglected spaces.
At its best, biography gives you a window into time and place that formal histories can't give, because they tend to focus on period (and on period as divided up in the nineteenth century, reigns and eras) and even more so on place -- on one country. People's lives are messier and cut across these artificial divisions. The lives of the Mancini sisters are a perfect example of how this can work to cast illumination across otherwise neglected spaces.
February 10, 2012
I won this book through GoodReads!
I'm halfway through. Since this is a history book rather than a historical novel, it can stray to being a recitation of events rather than a narrative at times. The exerts of the sister's letters and journals keep it from getting too dry though. I have only one minor complaint about the writing. The author could have called out their ages a little more often as the story progresses. The sisters had such tumultuous lives it was hard to keep track of how old they were. The author does indicate what year it was but just working in that Hortense was 15 when her son was born would be a more dramatic way of marking the passage of time.
I'm halfway through. Since this is a history book rather than a historical novel, it can stray to being a recitation of events rather than a narrative at times. The exerts of the sister's letters and journals keep it from getting too dry though. I have only one minor complaint about the writing. The author could have called out their ages a little more often as the story progresses. The sisters had such tumultuous lives it was hard to keep track of how old they were. The author does indicate what year it was but just working in that Hortense was 15 when her son was born would be a more dramatic way of marking the passage of time.
May 5, 2018
Wow. I’m adding this to my list of ‘books to re-read’. I really liked this book. It covers the lives of two women at a point in time where the concepts of feminism are starting to get traction. The author covers feminists, both male and female, in the book, and it’s fascinating to read about the different options to open to women of the time. I recommend this very highly.
November 4, 2015
Dry, Dry, Dry
September 11, 2018
I honestly knew absolutely nothing about the Mancini sisters until I picked up this book. The only reason I checked it out from the library to begin with is because I'm currently going through a King Louis XIV phase and reading up all the information I get. While King Louis isn't a huge part of this book, I ate it up.
I love women in history who have somehow figured out how to thrive independently. Sadly, historically speaking, there's not a lot of these stories because women didn't have many rights -- or any, in some circumstances -- to live the way they wanted to.
The Mancini sisters changed all that. In the mid 1600's -- it still blows my mind that they did all this in the 1600's -- they both left their husbands, traveled around Europe alone, attempted to legally separate their assets from these husbands, and just overall tried to live their life independently from anyone else.
They're iconic.
They also were the first women to publish their own memoirs and could even be considered the first media darlings at a time when journalism was just getting off the ground (in terms of society pages and info). They were the first women to do a lot, and reading about their history and their stories was so fun.
A main reason this book was so interesting to read is, hands down, because of Elizabeth C. Goldsmith. Goldsmith was able to make a historical book interesting and captivating. I had just put down a King Louis XIV biography that I absolutely hated because I couldn't get with the writing style, so discovering this book was heaven.
Overall, if you like to read about intriguing women and crazy moments in history that were way before their time, pick up this book. It's so interesting.
I love women in history who have somehow figured out how to thrive independently. Sadly, historically speaking, there's not a lot of these stories because women didn't have many rights -- or any, in some circumstances -- to live the way they wanted to.
The Mancini sisters changed all that. In the mid 1600's -- it still blows my mind that they did all this in the 1600's -- they both left their husbands, traveled around Europe alone, attempted to legally separate their assets from these husbands, and just overall tried to live their life independently from anyone else.
They're iconic.
They also were the first women to publish their own memoirs and could even be considered the first media darlings at a time when journalism was just getting off the ground (in terms of society pages and info). They were the first women to do a lot, and reading about their history and their stories was so fun.
A main reason this book was so interesting to read is, hands down, because of Elizabeth C. Goldsmith. Goldsmith was able to make a historical book interesting and captivating. I had just put down a King Louis XIV biography that I absolutely hated because I couldn't get with the writing style, so discovering this book was heaven.
Overall, if you like to read about intriguing women and crazy moments in history that were way before their time, pick up this book. It's so interesting.
June 18, 2019
Marie Mancini and her sister Hortense Mancini were the nieces of the powerful Cardinal Marzian of France. Their uncle amassed one of the greatest art collections and fortunes in Europe but had no children of his own and his nieces were selected to inherit most of it. They should have had fortunate lives and wanted for nothing but it did not turn out that way.
Given little choice with their husbands the ones they got turned out to be bad bargains for them both. Neither sister was prepared to to put up with the bad treatment and did something nearly unthinkable during they age they lived: They left them and took to the road to try and find a life of independence. It made them objects of gossip and scandal but given the option to return to their former life neither took it up.
This is as good a biography as you are likely to get of these ladies. It suffers from the usual problems biographies of women have from this era - lack of good documentation in the form of letters etc to be drawn on though the author has managed to access archives not used in previous biographies. This book will be the most factual resource available on these sisters lives and whenever I read one of these books I come away grateful I don't live when these ladies did.
Given little choice with their husbands the ones they got turned out to be bad bargains for them both. Neither sister was prepared to to put up with the bad treatment and did something nearly unthinkable during they age they lived: They left them and took to the road to try and find a life of independence. It made them objects of gossip and scandal but given the option to return to their former life neither took it up.
This is as good a biography as you are likely to get of these ladies. It suffers from the usual problems biographies of women have from this era - lack of good documentation in the form of letters etc to be drawn on though the author has managed to access archives not used in previous biographies. This book will be the most factual resource available on these sisters lives and whenever I read one of these books I come away grateful I don't live when these ladies did.
September 27, 2021
This is a very well written story about two very brave women with a strong sence of self-esteem and were willing to risk everything in order to live life the way that they felt that they deserved. Even though they were not important players on the world stage they were vital to the evolution of a woman's rights. These two sisters layed down the corner stone for woman retaining some of there wealth (dowry) after marriage. Without financial independence a woman relied on her husband for everthing unless he was incredibly indulgent. Just because they were not vital to European history does not mean that they did not have a very interesting story. Both sisters have romantic relationships with Kings of Europe. They were both very smart and knew what they wanted and we're willing to risk everything to get it.
I would have given it five stars if it included color pictures . The few pictures in this book were small and in black and white. These two sisters sat for many artists many times yet all we get are verbal descriptions of them truth is you have to go on the internet and find them if you want to see them
I would have given it five stars if it included color pictures . The few pictures in this book were small and in black and white. These two sisters sat for many artists many times yet all we get are verbal descriptions of them truth is you have to go on the internet and find them if you want to see them
December 14, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. To be honest I wasn't expecting much. I am not a huge fan of non fiction but this book sure did surprise me. I read it in one day. I thought the writing was superb and very interesting. This book was about two sisters who had to face bad marriages, moving around a lot and fight for their right to be free from their overbearing husbands. I couldn't put this one down. Elizabeth Goldsmith makes this tale so enjoyable and easy to read. Highly recommend for a little bit of fun.
May 24, 2022
The King's Mistresses by Elizabeth Goldsmith was a very interesting history of two women and the structure of a society that had power to make their lives difficult (at best). I agree with the author--these women were not just pleasure-seeking idle rich-types as other authors have concluded, but they were struggling within the confines of a society in which the cards were heavily stacked against women having clear rights. I really enjoyed this book, and it was well-written and researched.
May 11, 2020
Heady but rather long winded narration !
A very heady but long winded tale of the mazarine sisters & nieces of the famous cardinal & first minister of Louis VIX of france! Large portion of this story is taken up with Marie dutchess of Mazarine!
and her many adventures!
A very heady but long winded tale of the mazarine sisters & nieces of the famous cardinal & first minister of Louis VIX of france! Large portion of this story is taken up with Marie dutchess of Mazarine!
and her many adventures!
April 10, 2021
An engaging and well written book about two women that should be talked about more often because their story writes itself.
June 22, 2021
Amazing book, hard to believe it all actually happened and that this is not a work of fiction
April 1, 2022
Fascinating women in an interesting time.
January 8, 2023
Interesting but fine
February 19, 2017
I always like reading about women from history I've never heard of, but who managed to make an incredible impact upon their contemporaries through their behaviour or ideas. The Mancini sisters are no exception, and their lives certainly were unconventional and exciting for the seventeenth century.
I only had a few problems with Goldsmith's work, which is why it didn't quite make a 5 star rating. Despite the fact that it was easy to read, I felt that it could have perhaps been a bit longer or more detailed - for a book that bears the title 'The Kings' Mistresses', I felt that this part in both Marie and Hortense's lives were fairly well glossed over in a vague sort of way. I would have liked a bit more background information on both them and the family at the beginning of the book as well, compared to Goldsmith beginning from the time their uncle, Cardinal Mazarin, called them to the French court. And while there were one or two images of the sisters in the beginning of the book, I would have like to see a section of coloured images included, perhaps with portraits of other family members or images relating to the work.
Despite this, Goldsmith still managed to create an entertaining and factual read about two sisters who were the most fascinating women of their day.
I only had a few problems with Goldsmith's work, which is why it didn't quite make a 5 star rating. Despite the fact that it was easy to read, I felt that it could have perhaps been a bit longer or more detailed - for a book that bears the title 'The Kings' Mistresses', I felt that this part in both Marie and Hortense's lives were fairly well glossed over in a vague sort of way. I would have liked a bit more background information on both them and the family at the beginning of the book as well, compared to Goldsmith beginning from the time their uncle, Cardinal Mazarin, called them to the French court. And while there were one or two images of the sisters in the beginning of the book, I would have like to see a section of coloured images included, perhaps with portraits of other family members or images relating to the work.
Despite this, Goldsmith still managed to create an entertaining and factual read about two sisters who were the most fascinating women of their day.
June 20, 2012
I enjoyed this biography of the Mancini sisters. Biographies of historical figures can be iffy, especially a biography that is following more than one person. The author does a good job, though, of telling both sisters stories in a lively and engaging manner. I really wish someone would write a novel based on them - well, on Hortense more than Marie.Marie had an amazing life but personally I was drawn more to Hortense.
Hortense was married to a LUNATIC. Seriously. I could not get over how crazy this guy was. I found it fascinating and quite telling that the father of Hortense's loony husband did not think his son should marry Hortense - that it was a bad idea. Wow. A father not wanting his son to marry the wealthiest heiress in the country! Obviously because he knew what a weirdo his son was. His son had been obsessed with Hortense since she was 9 and he was in his mid-twenties. Mmm-huh, CREEPY. I still don't understand how he finagled the Cardinal into oking the marriage. The author mentions that the Cardinal was taking a lot of opium for the massive amounts of pain he was in while lying on his deathbed, so I guess the Cardinal being high as a kite & not rational was the reason for oking the marriage.
So here was Hortense, married at 14 to a religious creepy guy obsessed with her. He isolated her from the court & her friends & family. He fired any servant she was kind to. He had spies watching her every move. He took her to his remote countryside home where she got pregnant. Repeatedly. Can only imagine he raped her - ick. She had 4 kids in 5 yrs. All before she was 20. He just kept getting weirder & weirder until finally she bolted & ran away to Italy where her sister lived.
The author then talks about Marie & her marriage. Well, nothing can top Hortense's marriage. Marie seemed to have a more standard unhappy marriage. Husband has mistresses, husband ignores wife etc. The story really takes off when the sisters decide to run away together. Apparently Marie thought her husband wanted to poison her? The author didn't really back up that claim. I don't know if I really believe Marie. I think part of her just wanted to run away & chuck it all.
The book then follows all the adventures the sisters have both together and then apart. It was a big, big, big deal for a woman to leave her husband. And then to travel - without a husband or father - gasp! And sometimes the sisters wore men's clothes. And they took lovers. Hortense was more wild than Marie. She gambled, drank like a fish, took both male & female lovers (including King Charles II AND his 15 year old daughter) and wrote her memoirs & published them under her own name. I really could have read a whole book about Hortense and her exploits.
Hortense's husband then spent the next 30 yrs freaking out about Hortense leaving him & trying as hard as he could to kidnap her & lock her up in his spooky remote castle. He pissed away her enormous inheritance on lawyers & various quacks he hung out with. Hortense had also inherited the greatest art collection in all of Europe. We're talking Da Vinci,Titan, Raphael, Correggio etc. After one court ruling that didn't go the way he liked, Ol' creepy had a massive all day temper tantrum. He got a hammer, a knife & a big bucket of black paint & went to the gallery where the art was. He then spent ALL DAY in a total frenzy hacking & smashing & throwing paint all over the art. If he did this in public - destroying a priceless famous art collection - we can only imagine how horrid he was in private. It makes my skin crawl to think what Hortense must have gone through as a teenager married to him. Lordy!
I was relieved to learn that in England Hortense finally found a modicum of peace. She made good friends, took lovers, basically had a good time. To make up for those early years. Talk about deserving to cut loose! I found the parts about Marie to be interesting but overshadowed by her younger sister's life. I kept wanting the book to get back to Hortense.
Hortense was married to a LUNATIC. Seriously. I could not get over how crazy this guy was. I found it fascinating and quite telling that the father of Hortense's loony husband did not think his son should marry Hortense - that it was a bad idea. Wow. A father not wanting his son to marry the wealthiest heiress in the country! Obviously because he knew what a weirdo his son was. His son had been obsessed with Hortense since she was 9 and he was in his mid-twenties. Mmm-huh, CREEPY. I still don't understand how he finagled the Cardinal into oking the marriage. The author mentions that the Cardinal was taking a lot of opium for the massive amounts of pain he was in while lying on his deathbed, so I guess the Cardinal being high as a kite & not rational was the reason for oking the marriage.
So here was Hortense, married at 14 to a religious creepy guy obsessed with her. He isolated her from the court & her friends & family. He fired any servant she was kind to. He had spies watching her every move. He took her to his remote countryside home where she got pregnant. Repeatedly. Can only imagine he raped her - ick. She had 4 kids in 5 yrs. All before she was 20. He just kept getting weirder & weirder until finally she bolted & ran away to Italy where her sister lived.
The author then talks about Marie & her marriage. Well, nothing can top Hortense's marriage. Marie seemed to have a more standard unhappy marriage. Husband has mistresses, husband ignores wife etc. The story really takes off when the sisters decide to run away together. Apparently Marie thought her husband wanted to poison her? The author didn't really back up that claim. I don't know if I really believe Marie. I think part of her just wanted to run away & chuck it all.
The book then follows all the adventures the sisters have both together and then apart. It was a big, big, big deal for a woman to leave her husband. And then to travel - without a husband or father - gasp! And sometimes the sisters wore men's clothes. And they took lovers. Hortense was more wild than Marie. She gambled, drank like a fish, took both male & female lovers (including King Charles II AND his 15 year old daughter) and wrote her memoirs & published them under her own name. I really could have read a whole book about Hortense and her exploits.
Hortense's husband then spent the next 30 yrs freaking out about Hortense leaving him & trying as hard as he could to kidnap her & lock her up in his spooky remote castle. He pissed away her enormous inheritance on lawyers & various quacks he hung out with. Hortense had also inherited the greatest art collection in all of Europe. We're talking Da Vinci,Titan, Raphael, Correggio etc. After one court ruling that didn't go the way he liked, Ol' creepy had a massive all day temper tantrum. He got a hammer, a knife & a big bucket of black paint & went to the gallery where the art was. He then spent ALL DAY in a total frenzy hacking & smashing & throwing paint all over the art. If he did this in public - destroying a priceless famous art collection - we can only imagine how horrid he was in private. It makes my skin crawl to think what Hortense must have gone through as a teenager married to him. Lordy!
I was relieved to learn that in England Hortense finally found a modicum of peace. She made good friends, took lovers, basically had a good time. To make up for those early years. Talk about deserving to cut loose! I found the parts about Marie to be interesting but overshadowed by her younger sister's life. I kept wanting the book to get back to Hortense.
May 21, 2012
This is an excerpt from a more comprehensive review available on my blog:
I love a good story about women pushing the boundaries in times past, especially when they are based on real people. The Kings' Mistresses is the true tale of two sisters: Marie Mancini and her younger sister Hortense, the nieces of one of the most powerful men in seventeenth century France, Cardinal Mazarin (a protégé of Richelieu.) In 1653 Marie, "a dark-haired and intelligent-looking adolescent of thirteen" and Hortense, "a mere child of six, with curly black hair and striking in her delicate beauty" left their home in Rome to travel to Paris. It was the first of many journeys in their fascinating lives.
The "Kings" of the title are Louis XIV of France and Charles II of England. The adolescent Marie enchanted the young Louis while he convalesced from a dangerous illness and they began a romantic relationship. Hortense captured the affections of Charles as a mature woman after escaping to the English court to avoid the legal machinations of her husband.
The subtitle of this intriguing biography reads: "The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin" and explains the theme of this book—liberation and women's rights in seventeenth century Europe. The tabloids and personal gossips of the day followed the sisters' travels and adventures closely. Why? They dared to leave abusive husbands and live independent lives—something "not done" in those times (and frowned upon by some elements of today's society.) They flouted convention, traveled disguised as men, disputed with their husbands in court and publicly took on "protectors."
Goldsmith became interested in these two women while researching a historical study on French women writers. They were among the first women to openly publish their life stories and sign their own names. She had access to an enormous trove of letters from the sisters, their relatives and friends; carefully preserved by their descendants. Goldsmith uses a chronological approach to the biography mostly alternating chapters about the lives of the sisters as both women travel from place to place (but seldom together) escaping their pursuing husbands.
I enjoyed this well-written and well-researched tale, but it left me wanting more. It's a relatively short book (226 pages not counting notes and index), to cover two women's lives. Given the material available to Goldsmith, I would have liked more excerpts from the sisters' writing. There is also room for more analysis on societal norms and customs of the times. Were laws changed? Expectations altered? Did other women follow in their footsteps? It would have been nice to see what influence the sisters had on other women and society in general. But what is provided is fascinating and well-told.
Note: I received this book free through an Early Reader Program. The opinions expressed in the review are my own.
I love a good story about women pushing the boundaries in times past, especially when they are based on real people. The Kings' Mistresses is the true tale of two sisters: Marie Mancini and her younger sister Hortense, the nieces of one of the most powerful men in seventeenth century France, Cardinal Mazarin (a protégé of Richelieu.) In 1653 Marie, "a dark-haired and intelligent-looking adolescent of thirteen" and Hortense, "a mere child of six, with curly black hair and striking in her delicate beauty" left their home in Rome to travel to Paris. It was the first of many journeys in their fascinating lives.
The "Kings" of the title are Louis XIV of France and Charles II of England. The adolescent Marie enchanted the young Louis while he convalesced from a dangerous illness and they began a romantic relationship. Hortense captured the affections of Charles as a mature woman after escaping to the English court to avoid the legal machinations of her husband.
The subtitle of this intriguing biography reads: "The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin" and explains the theme of this book—liberation and women's rights in seventeenth century Europe. The tabloids and personal gossips of the day followed the sisters' travels and adventures closely. Why? They dared to leave abusive husbands and live independent lives—something "not done" in those times (and frowned upon by some elements of today's society.) They flouted convention, traveled disguised as men, disputed with their husbands in court and publicly took on "protectors."
Goldsmith became interested in these two women while researching a historical study on French women writers. They were among the first women to openly publish their life stories and sign their own names. She had access to an enormous trove of letters from the sisters, their relatives and friends; carefully preserved by their descendants. Goldsmith uses a chronological approach to the biography mostly alternating chapters about the lives of the sisters as both women travel from place to place (but seldom together) escaping their pursuing husbands.
I enjoyed this well-written and well-researched tale, but it left me wanting more. It's a relatively short book (226 pages not counting notes and index), to cover two women's lives. Given the material available to Goldsmith, I would have liked more excerpts from the sisters' writing. There is also room for more analysis on societal norms and customs of the times. Were laws changed? Expectations altered? Did other women follow in their footsteps? It would have been nice to see what influence the sisters had on other women and society in general. But what is provided is fascinating and well-told.
Note: I received this book free through an Early Reader Program. The opinions expressed in the review are my own.
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January 2, 2017This is a very competently written biography about two seventeenth century noblewomen who flee unhappy marriages, defying societal conventions to establish lives independent of their husbands. Their very public marital problems and their husbands' largely failed efforts to control them contributed to public debate about the rights of women, or at least of noble women. The book focused on the comparatively small, highly cultured and very well educated ruling class, leading lives of leisure. I learned next to nothing about the politics of the day or the lives of ordinary people. This is not necessarily a criticism of the book; the focus stayed on the two women subjects. I just didn't find it very interesting. Often, too, they didn't seem to be very liberated. Having decided that they had to flee unbearable conditions, they often struggled to find benefactors that would provide them a place of refuge and funding necessary to maintain sufficiently luxurious lifestyle to match their social status. Their social circumstances controlled them, even though their husbands did not.
June 19, 2012
Marie and Hortense Mancini, two of five nieces of Cardinal Mazarin are gorgeous and affluent. Fresh from Rome, the girls amaze the French Court of the Sun King. Marie, the elder sister, catches the eye of the King. Their love is forbidden by her uncle and the Queen Mother. To help Louis forget Marie, she is sent to Rome to marry the Prince Colonna. Though the marriage is a happy one at first, it decays into a relationship fraught with distrust and tension. The dying Cardinal bestows the title of Duchesse of Mazarin on Hortense. But the title comes with a price, a boring husband. The unhappy couple take possession of Palais Mazarin, home to sumptuous quarters and one of the largest art collections. Hortense begins to cause a scandal in France, stemming from her desire to be rid of her husband and his fanatical behavior. Escaping France, she returns to Italy and her sister. The two quickly become the scandal of Rome. When the tension in Rome becomes unbearable, the two sisters begin their lifelong journeys around Europe, dodging jilted husbands, jealous women and the law.
These educated females became the envy of women everywhere. They fought the main stream conviction that women were subservient to men, deciding their own destiny and escaping for freedom. Marie seems more docile at first, but puts up a harrowing fight to preserve her life. Hortense, the wild child sister, never gives up or compromises. Even when she is out of options, she still fights. I have to say, while both sisters were relate able, I loved Hortense. Both lived fascinating lives, accomplishing many deeds. Both published memoirs in their own names, and fought for the right to live free of their husbands' will.This nonfiction book reads like fiction, as the sisters' antics keep the reader engaged.
These educated females became the envy of women everywhere. They fought the main stream conviction that women were subservient to men, deciding their own destiny and escaping for freedom. Marie seems more docile at first, but puts up a harrowing fight to preserve her life. Hortense, the wild child sister, never gives up or compromises. Even when she is out of options, she still fights. I have to say, while both sisters were relate able, I loved Hortense. Both lived fascinating lives, accomplishing many deeds. Both published memoirs in their own names, and fought for the right to live free of their husbands' will.This nonfiction book reads like fiction, as the sisters' antics keep the reader engaged.
February 16, 2016
In the 17th-century, sisters Marie and Hortense Mancini married into wealth and nobility, but they soon discovered themselves desperately unhappy with their abusive husbands. Divorce at the time, was available, but extremely difficult, if not impossible, to acquire and fraught with scandal. Left with little choice, the two women fled, at times in each other 19s company, and other times alone. From Italy, France, and England, the women travelled and lived the high life, visiting and finding refuge in some of Europe 19s most elite families. They found love in the arms of kings. They indulged themselves in love affairs, gambling, hunting, and art collecting, much to the gossiping delight of the world that could not help but be fascinating with the wild freedom of these two women.
But as they moved from home to home, or castle to castle, their husbands tracked them, thrusting impediments and threats in their path, forcing them into convents or withdrawing all money, or entering into negotiations to force them into submission. Somehow, they managed to dodge the courts and their husband 19s attempts to squash their seized independence.
The author did an impeccable job of researching and tracking the travels of these two fascinating women. The book takes us on a journey with them from country to country, court to court, and home to home. However, it is quite academic in nature and brushes too briefly over their actual escapades. What I mean by that, is I got a wonderful picture of their actual travels, but very little about what truly made them notorious, where they flaunted societal standards, and why the world was so enchanted by their mischief. Nevertheless, this was a fabulous book that takes the reader into the courts of kings for a first hand glimpse of the world in 17th century Europe.
But as they moved from home to home, or castle to castle, their husbands tracked them, thrusting impediments and threats in their path, forcing them into convents or withdrawing all money, or entering into negotiations to force them into submission. Somehow, they managed to dodge the courts and their husband 19s attempts to squash their seized independence.
The author did an impeccable job of researching and tracking the travels of these two fascinating women. The book takes us on a journey with them from country to country, court to court, and home to home. However, it is quite academic in nature and brushes too briefly over their actual escapades. What I mean by that, is I got a wonderful picture of their actual travels, but very little about what truly made them notorious, where they flaunted societal standards, and why the world was so enchanted by their mischief. Nevertheless, this was a fabulous book that takes the reader into the courts of kings for a first hand glimpse of the world in 17th century Europe.
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