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Harlot Queen
Isabella of France was proud to be wed to the handsome Edward II of England, but her joy soon turned to rancour, for Piers Gaveston, an egotistical and mercenary courtier, usurped her husband's bed. No woman could compete with her beauty, but another man? What could she do at the age of fourteen? Wait, only wait. And so she waited, nursing her anger, rejection, and disgust. She grew in beauty and wiles; the king, in weakness, as other men, worse men, took Gaveston's place. Weary of waiting, Isabella turned to Mortimer of Wigmore. In his bed, she found comfort and love and cared little that people called her a harlot. But even the presence of Mortimer could not quench her thirst for vengeance, once she had tasted blood. Like an unleashed fury, she pursued the king's paramours. She would tear England in half to quench her rage; if she failed, her son would avenge her honour. The contest that ensued decided the fate of England. In this historically accurate and thrilling story of power and passion, Hilda Lewis has created an unforgettable account of how the fate of nations has often been forged in royal bedrooms.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1970
12 people are currently reading
1540 people want to read
About the author
Hilda Lewis
48 books40 followersHilda Winifred Lewis (née Maizels, 1896-1974) was a British writer.
She wrote a noted children's book, The Ship that Flew (1939) which concerns Norse mythology and time travel. It was republished in the Oxford Children's Modern Classics series in 1998. Her three YA books, including the well-received The Gentle Falcon, are available for Kindle and iBooks.
Several of her historical novels, e.g. I am Mary Tudor (1972), received attention. Most of her work is now out of print. Wife to Charles II and I, Jacqueline are available in The Book People's historical fiction paperback collection. The Witch and the Priest (1956) about the seventeenth century Lincolnshire witch trials is well worth reading, even second hand in the freely available but lurid Dennis Wheatley paperback Library of the Occult format.
She wrote a noted children's book, The Ship that Flew (1939) which concerns Norse mythology and time travel. It was republished in the Oxford Children's Modern Classics series in 1998. Her three YA books, including the well-received The Gentle Falcon, are available for Kindle and iBooks.
Several of her historical novels, e.g. I am Mary Tudor (1972), received attention. Most of her work is now out of print. Wife to Charles II and I, Jacqueline are available in The Book People's historical fiction paperback collection. The Witch and the Priest (1956) about the seventeenth century Lincolnshire witch trials is well worth reading, even second hand in the freely available but lurid Dennis Wheatley paperback Library of the Occult format.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 19, 2009
Royal Family Dysfunction
I had no idea about Isabella the 'She Wolf' of France. I found this history fascinating and I struggled to stay away from WikiPedia until I was done with the book. I didn't want to know what happened before I read Hilda Lewis' version of events.
Someone who is familiar with the facts might have a very different opinion but I thought the story was engaging and well written and never overly dramatic.
Some of the details were a bit grotesques, many times I felt lucky to be born into the modern world. Life was hard in Medieval times and justice was very harsh.
I liked the way Lewis varied the narrative from the first person to the third person perspective, it was done very subtly, without jarring the reader. And the way she presented the story allowed the reader to sympathize with King Edward II and Queen Isabella at different times during the course of events. And what interesting events they were!
I had no idea about Isabella the 'She Wolf' of France. I found this history fascinating and I struggled to stay away from WikiPedia until I was done with the book. I didn't want to know what happened before I read Hilda Lewis' version of events.
Someone who is familiar with the facts might have a very different opinion but I thought the story was engaging and well written and never overly dramatic.
Some of the details were a bit grotesques, many times I felt lucky to be born into the modern world. Life was hard in Medieval times and justice was very harsh.
I liked the way Lewis varied the narrative from the first person to the third person perspective, it was done very subtly, without jarring the reader. And the way she presented the story allowed the reader to sympathize with King Edward II and Queen Isabella at different times during the course of events. And what interesting events they were!
December 24, 2015
Harlot Queen follows the life of Isabella of France, who married Edward II of England in 1308. Unfortunately, their marriage was a failure from the start, mainly because of Edward's "favourites", young and ambitious men who stole the king's affections - and even lots of money and jewelry. After years of injustices and bitterness, Isabella decides to take her revenge... but at what cost?
Isabella of France is, in my opinion, one of the most enigmatic and interesting historical figures. She had to suffer many mistreatments at the hands of her husband and his lovers, but then she became quite ruthless and bloodthirsty to gain her revenge. She is definitely not an easy woman to portray, but I think Hilda Lewis did a really good job with her characterization. She does not present Isabella as an innocent victim, but instead shows how, because of the many injustices she has to suffer, she loses her best qualities and becomes as selfish and as cruel as her enemies. Lewis's Isabella is more like a villain than a heroine, and this is why I understood and liked her so much. There are some parts where it is difficult to feel pity for her, but I still thought she was very realistic and interesting.
Edward II and Mortimer are complex characters as well. They are reprehensible individuals, but not entirely negative (but, probably, Mortimer is the worst of the two).
While good on characterization, the novel has its weakest point in the plot. I liked how Lewis focused on Isabella's political abilities, showing how much the queen was involved in the government of the country and how skillful she was. However, the book sometimes feels way too long. There are many slow and sometimes repetitive parts, which felt quite unnecessary to me. Luckily, the plot also has some memorable scenes, first of all the final one between Isabella and her son.
While not perfect, I do recommend Harlot Queen to readers interested in the figure of Isabella of France, and who do not mind slower plots.
Isabella of France is, in my opinion, one of the most enigmatic and interesting historical figures. She had to suffer many mistreatments at the hands of her husband and his lovers, but then she became quite ruthless and bloodthirsty to gain her revenge. She is definitely not an easy woman to portray, but I think Hilda Lewis did a really good job with her characterization. She does not present Isabella as an innocent victim, but instead shows how, because of the many injustices she has to suffer, she loses her best qualities and becomes as selfish and as cruel as her enemies. Lewis's Isabella is more like a villain than a heroine, and this is why I understood and liked her so much. There are some parts where it is difficult to feel pity for her, but I still thought she was very realistic and interesting.
Edward II and Mortimer are complex characters as well. They are reprehensible individuals, but not entirely negative (but, probably, Mortimer is the worst of the two).
While good on characterization, the novel has its weakest point in the plot. I liked how Lewis focused on Isabella's political abilities, showing how much the queen was involved in the government of the country and how skillful she was. However, the book sometimes feels way too long. There are many slow and sometimes repetitive parts, which felt quite unnecessary to me. Luckily, the plot also has some memorable scenes, first of all the final one between Isabella and her son.
While not perfect, I do recommend Harlot Queen to readers interested in the figure of Isabella of France, and who do not mind slower plots.
August 6, 2017
I've always been fascinated with Isabella of France, sometimes known as the She-Wolf. The Isabella here was every inch the ruthless queen, yet it's hard to not feel sorry for her considering her husband Edward II's shabby treatment of her. Still, she lost a great deal of sympathy once Mortimer entered the scene. Talk about heroine hijacking on an epic scale. However, her behavior does make sense.
What made this an interesting read was there were no real heroes or villains (save Mortimer and the Despensers). Edward II was a man who should have never been king. Interestingly, his homosexuality was treated as a matter of course, not a secret. His real problem was his need to be loved, which first Piers Gaveston then Hugh Despenser, took great advantage of. And Isabella wanted to be a proper queen yet was usurped by her husband's lovers. She was not about to surrender her place so easily.
Seriously, Isabella could give Cersei Lannister a run for the money.
What made this an interesting read was there were no real heroes or villains (save Mortimer and the Despensers). Edward II was a man who should have never been king. Interestingly, his homosexuality was treated as a matter of course, not a secret. His real problem was his need to be loved, which first Piers Gaveston then Hugh Despenser, took great advantage of. And Isabella wanted to be a proper queen yet was usurped by her husband's lovers. She was not about to surrender her place so easily.
Seriously, Isabella could give Cersei Lannister a run for the money.
August 2, 2012
Lewis' portrayal of Isabella was probably the most ruthless of all the fiction I've read on this subject, but I just loved it. As bloodthirsty as Isabella became over time, you still couldn't help but have empathy for her. It was made very plain she was seeking revenge for the indignities brought from Gaveston and then the Despensers. The author demonstrated great character development - you really see the gradual shift from a child eager to love and please to a woman grown bitter, scorned by her husband and his lover. It is easy to see why Isabella fell under Mortimer's spell and how she would not be able to see herself as a pawn for his rise to power . I really love all the little twists and turns Lewis threw in - won't spoil it for you, but the last chapter is just fantastic. I had no idea this was written in 1970 and the author died four years later. I had just discovered Hilda Lewis and cannot wait to read her other works. She is a very talented writer, and historically accurate in her research.
August 11, 2015
Let me state for the record that this book is nowhere near as exciting as the title would suggest.
With that out of the way, it's an interesting account of the life and times of Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II. The author *really* wants us to know that Isabella was very hard done to by Edward - his "favourites" or rather, his lovers (who were male, so you can imagine the scandal at the time) usurped Isabella's place as wife, queen and mother repeatedly. This appears to have turned her into a rather twisted individual (apparently - if true I don't blame her one whit) who fell in love with a power-seeking lord and eventually deposed and possibly murdered Edward II and his fancy pieces, putting her son Edward III on the throne. The twist in the tale is that Edward III, once grown, was having none of it, executed the lover and shut mummy up in a nunnery.
The whole thing makes me throw up my hands and sigh "monarchy", even more so than old six-bits Henry does. Makes you embarrassed to be still in one.
The book has quite a dated style and really drags in the middle, so you need to be fairly dogged with it. It's not really sure if it wants to be fiction or fact. I'd like to see someone like Phillippa Gregory have a go at this tale as it'd be more entertaining.
With that out of the way, it's an interesting account of the life and times of Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II. The author *really* wants us to know that Isabella was very hard done to by Edward - his "favourites" or rather, his lovers (who were male, so you can imagine the scandal at the time) usurped Isabella's place as wife, queen and mother repeatedly. This appears to have turned her into a rather twisted individual (apparently - if true I don't blame her one whit) who fell in love with a power-seeking lord and eventually deposed and possibly murdered Edward II and his fancy pieces, putting her son Edward III on the throne. The twist in the tale is that Edward III, once grown, was having none of it, executed the lover and shut mummy up in a nunnery.
The whole thing makes me throw up my hands and sigh "monarchy", even more so than old six-bits Henry does. Makes you embarrassed to be still in one.
The book has quite a dated style and really drags in the middle, so you need to be fairly dogged with it. It's not really sure if it wants to be fiction or fact. I'd like to see someone like Phillippa Gregory have a go at this tale as it'd be more entertaining.
February 25, 2013
Not knowing much about this time period, I went in pretty blind except for a vague recollection that something bad was going to happen to everyone – which turned out to be right.
Because it covers the entire life of Queen Isabella, it’s understandable that it drags at points. My interest throughout was a series of hills and valleys – sometimes I was riveted to the page, others I was boredly skimming through list of lords as they endlessly whined.
September 13, 2018
I always enjoy a good fiction story based on real life events. This one did not let me down. It is the story of Isabelle of Castile and Edward II. She was mad for him when they were betrothed, but my how things change. The author stuck to the story I have always read in regards to Edward and Isabelle's life.....until the end. Aw, for that you need to read the book. It is a great telling of the she-wolf and her place in English history.
February 6, 2017
Poor Edward II.
Neglected his queen. Cause if his sexuality and she rams a hot poker in his bum.
Neglected his queen. Cause if his sexuality and she rams a hot poker in his bum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2017
Loved it. This has given me new genre to exhaust.. historical romance here I come.
June 23, 2017
The "Harlot Queen" of the title (which is, one might argue, overstating things a little) is Isabella the Fair, wife of Edward II and generally remembered for, fed up with her indifferent husband and the blatant favouritism he displayed towards his male lovers, taking a lover of her own (one Roger Mortimer, an equally unpleasant and power-hungry character whom she broke out of prison), essentially invading her own country, deposing her husband, having him thrown into prison and quite probably murdered. I've read a number of takes on the story of Edward II and Isabella, both fiction and non-fiction, and they all have one thing in common: No matter how their characters and actions are depicted, I always find myself sympathizing a lot more with Edward than with his vicious, arrogant bitch of a wife. This book was no exception despite the fact that it rather seemed that Hilda Lewis went out of her way to portray all of the characters, excepting perhaps only Philippa and to a lesser extent Edward III (who are the generally acknowledged goody two shoes of the whole tale), as exceedingly unlikable. In addition, the story just drags in places and however interested I am in the subject matter, I found this to be a frequently rather frustrating read.
June 11, 2017
I love historical fiction but I really struggled with Harlot Queen and was only able to read one chapter at a time. Disappointingly, I found it slower than the slowest snail in a slow snail competition; I positively crawled through it and felt like I deserved a medal for getting to the end.
The story revolves around Isabella of France who at 9 years old was betrothed to Edward II of England. She crosses the channel with dreams of love and finds a man who has no interest in her. It sadly reminded me of Charles and Diana as Edward had already fallen in love, with Piers Gaveston. After so many rejections from her husband, Isabella realises that she has something she can exploit: power as the Queen of England. We follow her journey as she gathers her allies and sees off her enemies, and finally finds love.
Drier than a cracker with no cheese, only read this if you have a keen interest in Edward II otherwise you will lose the will to live. I did find the second half of the book more interesting as Isabella's son, Edward III, comes to the throne in suspicious circumstances, but unfortunately this isn't a book I would recommend.
The story revolves around Isabella of France who at 9 years old was betrothed to Edward II of England. She crosses the channel with dreams of love and finds a man who has no interest in her. It sadly reminded me of Charles and Diana as Edward had already fallen in love, with Piers Gaveston. After so many rejections from her husband, Isabella realises that she has something she can exploit: power as the Queen of England. We follow her journey as she gathers her allies and sees off her enemies, and finally finds love.
Drier than a cracker with no cheese, only read this if you have a keen interest in Edward II otherwise you will lose the will to live. I did find the second half of the book more interesting as Isabella's son, Edward III, comes to the throne in suspicious circumstances, but unfortunately this isn't a book I would recommend.
July 14, 2021
Well-written story based on accurate historical data. I didn’t know I would be reading about a timeline of England when around Bruce of Scotland raged against England. Not surprisingly, however, you start to realize the plot of Hollywood movie “Braveheart” is historically fictitious. Very-touching story unfolded in the novel within historical events. Good description of each characters, all in all worth reading novel
May 20, 2019
A rather eye-opening read. I had no idea until reading this book about the rumors swirling around Edward II. Another reviewer mentioned having empathy for Isabel, and I agree. Warning: this book will make the Isabel in Braveheart unbelievable.
October 17, 2017
couldn't be bothered finishing this
June 9, 2020
Good story but strange writing style.
October 26, 2020
the writing didn't make me interested in the characters
January 11, 2025
She was known as the “She Wolf” - her royal husband too willing to indulge his carnal desires to rule the country. Allison Weir’s book is much better
February 22, 2013
c1970. This book certainly portrays a different side to Isabella of France. I found that there was, at times, a strange cadence to some of the paragraphs. I can't say I enjoyed the read that much but it is certainly not the normal saccharine fare. But what he didn't understand - and doesn'y understand - is that people laugh only when the needle pricks others; when it pricks themselves it isn't so funny.
August 20, 2012
This book started off very well indeed, but it got a bit dull about halfway through and never really recovered the initial level of excitement. I'm glad that I read it, though, because it was an intriguing analysis of Isabella's character. The style of the writing was consistent, and it had clearly been well researched.
September 15, 2012
This book started off interesting and exciting but started o seriously drag from about half way. Whilst the events described were different, they felt the same and I began to find it repetitious. I love historical novels and I knew nothing about Isabella but the book could have been half the length and still adequately told the story.
September 3, 2012
I really enjoyed the first part of the book, I thought it was very well written, unfortunately once she got rid of the first fancyman I felt the book started to drag. Which was a shame, it sort of picked up near the end but not enought to redeem itself.
January 16, 2009
Книгата е интересна. Заслужава си парите - като качество е много добре изпипана!
October 3, 2011
Got about 1/2 way through and kinda lost interest - returned to the library without finishing. Another time, maybe in the summer for a beach read.
December 25, 2012
Found it a bit heavy-going. Fascinating story but somehow never got into the characters. Still, finished it & might read another one of hers someday
December 28, 2014
A really enjoyable story about Isabella of France and her marriage to Edward II. I couldn't put the book down and really likes the storyline.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews