I, Christine

by Marcia Maxwell

“Sprightly and sparkling…dramatic incidents abound…a lively rendering of a life and mind that inspires.” In the year of grace 1396, Christine de Pizan is a young Parisian woman living in a tower overlooking the Seine, but hers is no fairy story. Since her beloved husband’s death, she struggles daily to support her aged mother and two small children. Seeking to ease her broken heart, Christine begins to write poetry in a delicate blend of form and emotion that provides a much-needed outlet for her loneliness and sorrow.

In time, Christine begins reading her verses at court, attracting the interest of powerful nobles who become valued—and generous—patrons. She’s buoyed by her success until she learns that, as the only woman poet at court, she has also attracted the jealous attention of the men she has displaced.

Having finally gained confidence and financial stability, Christine takes up her pen in defense of women and as an advocate for peace even as malevolent forces threaten her and the kingdom’s very survival—but will it be enough? Can one woman, armed only with a pen and her wits, step into the breach and turn the tide?

“…Internal struggles with grief and self-doubt, external conflicts against societal expectations, and dangerous court intrigues…” and brimming with meticulously researched detail that brings the fourteenth century to dazzling life, fans of Coirle Mooney and Elizabeth Chadwick will appreciate I, Christine: the incredible true story of the first woman in France to earn her living as an author.

Genres: Historical Fiction

445 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2023

About the author

Born and raised in the Midwest, Marcia Maxwell discovered a passion for history while working on her Ph.D. dissertation. An edition of a 14th century manuscript in Anglo-Norman French, it became the genesis of her first novel, The Rogue Queen. Then, while visiting her family one summer she learned that her grandfather’s WWI letters had survived. Using paleographic skills honed in editing the medieval manuscript she transcribed and edited the letters only to find that they had been heavily censored. Undaunted, she researched the Great War, the Army Medical Department, and gathered her father’s oral version of his father’s adventures, for Granddad had shared them with no one else. Her second novel, For Two Cents, I’ll Go With You is based on his true story.

Reviews

[Laura Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her worldbuilding brought Christina de Pizan to life, the first woman to make a living as an author. But yet, she was caught in french intrigue as well! A great read

[J. S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written account of a fascinating historical figure

I have to admit that, before reading this book, I had no clue who Christine de Pizan was. This made the reading experience both highly enjoyable and extremely educational. The novel comes across as extremely well researched, while (necessarily for such a distantly passed figure) elegantly embellished with narrative flourishes that bring the story together very well indeed. Christine is portrayed as a brave and trailblazing female leader at a time when such things were unheard of. The story highlights Christine's literary talents and political acumen convincingly as she navigated the treacherous world of being an educated woman in a man's world - while demonstrating how dangerous such a life can be. I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy historical fiction such as the Wolf Hall series by Mantel. If I were to give it one criticism (and this is mainly a taste thing I think) I think it could have been longer. At times, the narrative skips months or years in chapters giving a slightly discombobulating feel to some of the storytelling. At a guess, I think this may be because the historical records themselves have huge gaps - given how long ago we are talking about. Perhaps the author could have dealt with this using a different literary technique to deal with the passage of time. I am probably splitting hairs on an overall triumphant effort. Well done Marcia Maxwell.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story of Feminism, Loyalty, and Literary Power

This is a story of willpower, determination, feminism, and unwavering loyalty—to her family and to her craft as a writer. Against the odds and the will of many powerful men, she dares to write of love, tragedy, and even political truths in her poetry. Her art, and her close relationship with the religious leaders and the queen, stir intense jealousy among the men of the court.

This novel is historical fiction woven so seamlessly with real events that it’s the perfect combination of education and enjoyment. I hadn’t heard of this remarkable woman before, but I’m so glad I took the time to read about her. She stands out as one of the earliest feminist writers and a true pioneer in women’s literature something I had no idea about before reading this.

The storytelling is vivid and immersive, evoking strong emotions through masterful descriptions and narrative depth. It’s a mix between Kristin Hannah’s emotional depth and Bridgerton's court intrigue with a powerful dose of truth.

I really enjoyed the amount of emotions, vivid scenes and the fact mixed with fiction. I would recommend this to all who want that.

[A. Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Sprightly and sparkling…dramatic incidents abound…a lively rendering of a life and mind that inspires.”

I, Christine is a vivid and heartfelt portrayal of Christine de Pizan, capturing both her inner world and the turbulent era she lived through. The book opens in 1396 with a tone that balances melancholy and quiet strength, as Christine—widowed and burdened with the care of her family—discovers poetry as both solace and survival. The progression from private grief to public acclaim feels authentic and compelling, particularly as the narrative intertwines personal struggle with larger societal and political tensions.

What makes the story shine is its meticulous historical detail and emotional resonance. The court scenes are alive with intrigue, and the moments when Christine must face jealousy and hostility for daring to be a woman of words carry real weight. The exploration of her internal doubts alongside her growing courage creates a strong emotional core.

The pacing in some parts leans more toward the reflective, which may feel slow for readers craving constant action, but this quieter tempo suits the subject matter. It’s not just about events—it’s about the birth of a voice that would echo through history.

For fans of richly drawn historical fiction and strong female figures, I, Christine is a moving tribute to a groundbreaking woman who wielded her pen as both shield and sword.

[O'Shan Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction without fluff. When I began, I admit the time period was not what I was in the mood for, and it took me a minute to take myself to a land and time far, far from today. But it was the in-depth research demonstrated in the compelling delivery of this story woven masterfully by this author that kept me intrigued and engaged.

This author meticulously paints a clear, vivid picture of the life and times when women had no value or voice without a husband or father leading the way for them.

Although I would have liked a bit more to tug at my heartstrings, I was still drawn to Christine and her courage overcoming the obstacles before her… those seen and unseen. Her creative and crafty way she moved mountains was encouraging to follow her journey.

This books is deserving of the awarded accolades.

[Pamela Jo Mason · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christine is having a difficult time after the death of her husband. The attorney won't help settle her husband's estate because she can't pay him. She can't pay anyone else for that matter because she is essentially poor, and barely hanging on to her home, taking care of her mother and two children. But, Christine is smart, and she gets a little bit of a hand up working as a copier of books. When the man who hired her realizes that Christine is a poetess, he urges her to read her writings to the nobles at court. This helps Christine bring more money into her family, feeding them better, and the ability to buy things to replace all of the items she had to sell to stay afloat. But, being in the public eye with her prose, means getting attention from people she would rather not; men who are interested in her in ways that she is not interested in, women who are jealous of her, and bitter people who don't know why Christine thinks she's so good (even though she is). It's a novel about a woman in a clearly male-dominated world just doing her best for herself and her family. For me, it was slow moving, dragged out longer than it needed, and it took me quite a few times of going back to finish it.

Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Jean C Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, I found it repetitive and a little slow.