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Courtesan
Amid the disapproving gossip of the Court, a royal romance defies all obstacles.
The Court of François I is full of lust, intrigue, and bawdy bon temps—a different world from the quiet country life Diane de Poitiers led with her elderly husband. Now a widow, the elegant Diane is called back to Court, where the King’s obvious interest marks her as an enemy to the King’s favourite, Anne d’Heilly. The Court is soon electrified by rumors of their confrontations. As Anne calls on her most venomous tricks to drive Diane away, Diane finds an ally in the one member of Court with no allegiance to the King’s mistress: his teenage second son, Henri.
Neglected by his father and disliked by his brothers, Prince Henri expects little from his life. But as his friendship with Diane deepens into infatuation and then a romance that scandalizes the Court, the Prince begins to discover hope for a future with Diane. But fate and his father have other plans for Henri—including a political marriage with Catherine de Medici. Despite daunting obstacles, Henri’s devotion to Diane never wanes; their passion becomes one of the most legendary romances in the history of France.
Also available as an eBook
From the Trade Paperback edition.
The Court of François I is full of lust, intrigue, and bawdy bon temps—a different world from the quiet country life Diane de Poitiers led with her elderly husband. Now a widow, the elegant Diane is called back to Court, where the King’s obvious interest marks her as an enemy to the King’s favourite, Anne d’Heilly. The Court is soon electrified by rumors of their confrontations. As Anne calls on her most venomous tricks to drive Diane away, Diane finds an ally in the one member of Court with no allegiance to the King’s mistress: his teenage second son, Henri.
Neglected by his father and disliked by his brothers, Prince Henri expects little from his life. But as his friendship with Diane deepens into infatuation and then a romance that scandalizes the Court, the Prince begins to discover hope for a future with Diane. But fate and his father have other plans for Henri—including a political marriage with Catherine de Medici. Despite daunting obstacles, Henri’s devotion to Diane never wanes; their passion becomes one of the most legendary romances in the history of France.
Also available as an eBook
From the Trade Paperback edition.
565 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 1, 1993
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About the author
Diane Haeger
19 books332 followersDiane Haeger is the bestselling author of fifteen published novels, including Courtesan, The Ruby Ring and My Dearest Cecilia. Her work, to date, has been translated into 18 different languages and has been featured in the LA Times and Harper's Bazaar Magazine. She loves telling real stories from history. She lives in California with her husband and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
June 29, 2011
This is my all time favorite book (tied with Gone with the Wind)
here's a review I wrote years ago
In the France of olde, Diane de Poitiers returns to the court of Francois I after an informal exile of five years. The two were involved in a scandalous relationship then, and though he'd like to start it up again, she wants to begin anew. She is thirtyone, beautiful, and clever. She is also strong, putting up a brave front when she is shunned, criticized, and then poisoned. Just when she's ready to pack it in, Henri de Valois walks in, and her life is forever changed.
After years in captivity by the King of Spain, the young prince returns to his father's court. He holds a strong grudge against his father, trusts no one, and cannot be "handled." Not quite a man, Henri finds himself with responsibilities to his country. He eventually finds himself responsible for defending the life of a woman nearly twice his age - one Diane de Poitiers. Their relationship will continue throughout his entire life.
Henri and Diane meet as friends initially, then meet and meet, always as friends, until, one day, passion sparks in a kiss. Diane knows it is wrong to have an intimate relationship with someone nearly half her age, but she feels the pull of her soul to his. The love they share is unique. Eventually Henri finds himself married to another woman and the ruler of his country. But he wants Diane by his side. And, Henri must have a legal heir. Although Diane is still shunned at court, she chooses to remain at his side.
Through highs and lows, Henri and Diane's love remains. This is not puppy love or infatuation - this is the once in a lifetime kind of love read about in fairytales, and it is this relationship I have always loved since first reading Courtesan. You will be entralled from start to finish about this romance between a King and "the other woman." The author provides vivid details both of country life and life at court. Because this is based on a true story, the history comes alive. There are laughter and tears found in this book, many, many tears.
Henri, the romantic king, overcome with love for his "uncrowned queen," is a wonderful hero. And Diane is the ever-youthful heroine. Diane and Henri. . . lovers forever. Courtesan will break your heart but will leave you with something to carry on.
-- Tricia
here's a review I wrote years ago
In the France of olde, Diane de Poitiers returns to the court of Francois I after an informal exile of five years. The two were involved in a scandalous relationship then, and though he'd like to start it up again, she wants to begin anew. She is thirtyone, beautiful, and clever. She is also strong, putting up a brave front when she is shunned, criticized, and then poisoned. Just when she's ready to pack it in, Henri de Valois walks in, and her life is forever changed.
After years in captivity by the King of Spain, the young prince returns to his father's court. He holds a strong grudge against his father, trusts no one, and cannot be "handled." Not quite a man, Henri finds himself with responsibilities to his country. He eventually finds himself responsible for defending the life of a woman nearly twice his age - one Diane de Poitiers. Their relationship will continue throughout his entire life.
Henri and Diane meet as friends initially, then meet and meet, always as friends, until, one day, passion sparks in a kiss. Diane knows it is wrong to have an intimate relationship with someone nearly half her age, but she feels the pull of her soul to his. The love they share is unique. Eventually Henri finds himself married to another woman and the ruler of his country. But he wants Diane by his side. And, Henri must have a legal heir. Although Diane is still shunned at court, she chooses to remain at his side.
Through highs and lows, Henri and Diane's love remains. This is not puppy love or infatuation - this is the once in a lifetime kind of love read about in fairytales, and it is this relationship I have always loved since first reading Courtesan. You will be entralled from start to finish about this romance between a King and "the other woman." The author provides vivid details both of country life and life at court. Because this is based on a true story, the history comes alive. There are laughter and tears found in this book, many, many tears.
Henri, the romantic king, overcome with love for his "uncrowned queen," is a wonderful hero. And Diane is the ever-youthful heroine. Diane and Henri. . . lovers forever. Courtesan will break your heart but will leave you with something to carry on.
-- Tricia
April 2, 2008
I am a historical fiction junkie - I particularly enjoy novels set in the Medieval and Rennaissance period. I have always been fascinated by Diane de Poitiers and made sure to visit Chenonceaux when I was in France. Thus, I was very excited to come across this novel.
This novel does a great job painting a picture of court life - particularly of the debauchery during the raine of Francois I. Diane Haeyer's characterization of Anne d'Heilly, Duchesse d'Etampes seems quite accurate compared to non-fiction I have read from the period. The author's descriptions of Catherine de Medici also seem faithful and rooted in fact (except for I do not think it is true that Diane de Poitiers wore the same dress as Catherine to Catherine's coronation). I also think that it is possible that Queen Catherine and Montmorency conspired to interest the King in Lady Fleming to unseat Catherine.
That said, these are my main issues:
(1) The author's thesis is that Diane de France is the child of Henri II and Diane de Poitiers, and not the child of another woman. The author's explanation for why Diane de Poitiers would pretend not to be the mother of Diane de France does not make sense. From what I know of the time, it was not uncommon for royal mistresses to have children and if anything, it seems that Diane's position would be strengthened by having a child with Henri at a time when Catherine de Medici was considered to be barren. I'm not saying that it is impossible that Diane de France is Diane and Henri's child (why name the child Diane, for example - it seems like Henri would be rubbing his liaison with Philippa Duca in Diane de Poitiers face in choosing that name) but I feel like a better reason is needed to take the minority position as to Diane de France's parentage.
(2) The author is overly sympathetic to Diane. She tries to paint her as this unassuming, not greedy person who did not ask for the power and riches that Henri lavished upon her. This does not seem true to me. After all, to be favourite was a coveted position. Furthermore, Henri and Diane were very cruel to Catherine de Medici.
(3) There is no evidence that Diane and Henri had a sexual relationship when Henri was 14 and Diane 33. And even if it was true, the author presents it as sweetly romantic, when really, it is disgusting. At the time, of course, girls at 14 were routinely married to men in their 30s or older (case in point, Elisabeth de Valois, who was married to Phillip II of Spain after the treaty of Cateau Cambresis) but it was not common for the reverse to be true. Further, if they really were involved at such a young age, it seems to undermine the author's depiction of Diane as not greedy for power or riches. Instead, the more likely conclusion is that Diane took advantage of Henri to forward her own personal interests.
Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed the novel and I would read another Diane Haeger book (as long as the title isn't embarassing! I read on my commute).
This novel does a great job painting a picture of court life - particularly of the debauchery during the raine of Francois I. Diane Haeyer's characterization of Anne d'Heilly, Duchesse d'Etampes seems quite accurate compared to non-fiction I have read from the period. The author's descriptions of Catherine de Medici also seem faithful and rooted in fact (except for I do not think it is true that Diane de Poitiers wore the same dress as Catherine to Catherine's coronation). I also think that it is possible that Queen Catherine and Montmorency conspired to interest the King in Lady Fleming to unseat Catherine.
That said, these are my main issues:
(1) The author's thesis is that Diane de France is the child of Henri II and Diane de Poitiers, and not the child of another woman. The author's explanation for why Diane de Poitiers would pretend not to be the mother of Diane de France does not make sense. From what I know of the time, it was not uncommon for royal mistresses to have children and if anything, it seems that Diane's position would be strengthened by having a child with Henri at a time when Catherine de Medici was considered to be barren. I'm not saying that it is impossible that Diane de France is Diane and Henri's child (why name the child Diane, for example - it seems like Henri would be rubbing his liaison with Philippa Duca in Diane de Poitiers face in choosing that name) but I feel like a better reason is needed to take the minority position as to Diane de France's parentage.
(2) The author is overly sympathetic to Diane. She tries to paint her as this unassuming, not greedy person who did not ask for the power and riches that Henri lavished upon her. This does not seem true to me. After all, to be favourite was a coveted position. Furthermore, Henri and Diane were very cruel to Catherine de Medici.
(3) There is no evidence that Diane and Henri had a sexual relationship when Henri was 14 and Diane 33. And even if it was true, the author presents it as sweetly romantic, when really, it is disgusting. At the time, of course, girls at 14 were routinely married to men in their 30s or older (case in point, Elisabeth de Valois, who was married to Phillip II of Spain after the treaty of Cateau Cambresis) but it was not common for the reverse to be true. Further, if they really were involved at such a young age, it seems to undermine the author's depiction of Diane as not greedy for power or riches. Instead, the more likely conclusion is that Diane took advantage of Henri to forward her own personal interests.
Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed the novel and I would read another Diane Haeger book (as long as the title isn't embarassing! I read on my commute).
May 31, 2018
4.5 stars - Incredible. I really loved it.
And just like that, I have my new favorite historical romance couple. Le sigh. If anyone else has any recommendations for books or movies surrounding Henri and Diane, I’d love to hear about them.
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Favorite Quote: There was nothing like the prospect of death, he thought, to make one appreciate the precious, transitory spark that is life.
First Sentence: In Dawn’s semidarkness, she stood ankle deep and motionless at the river’s edge, her tall silhouette blending with the bare white elms which braided through the cloudless winter sky over Beaumont-sur-Sarthe.
And just like that, I have my new favorite historical romance couple. Le sigh. If anyone else has any recommendations for books or movies surrounding Henri and Diane, I’d love to hear about them.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: There was nothing like the prospect of death, he thought, to make one appreciate the precious, transitory spark that is life.
First Sentence: In Dawn’s semidarkness, she stood ankle deep and motionless at the river’s edge, her tall silhouette blending with the bare white elms which braided through the cloudless winter sky over Beaumont-sur-Sarthe.
March 7, 2019
"comme je te manque... comme je t'adore"
Beautifully written, although I skipped the last 20 pages just to finish the book, not a grand ending, but well I did know the ending, that's the charm of historical novels.
I would describe Henri-Diane's love as codependency :D
I read somewhere that such a love is the result of modern life (as of the last 2000 years and not the prehistoric era), it's the lack of love and support from family and the society that drives people to call someone their own like an obsession, because that can help filling the void, which we can see how Henri had soooo many daddy issues
I was wondering about the amount of wine they were consuming, water was rare! :D Although I read somewhere that in those days water was mostly dirty and not good, so people would drink ale or wine instead.
I know I can't write a decent review. There are other reviews, there are spoilers, there is enough material for you to know the outline of the story, so I'm just writing blah :D
I heard about the series Reign, I even downloaded the first episode and I hoped it would be a good addition to the book, but OMG so many inaccuracies! Mery of Scots is not even a red-head, so I'm not gonna watch something that the producers didn't care about the simple facts, like Henri was 20 years younger than Diane or Catherine had dark hair, etc.. let alone that Diane had a son with Henri! pleaaaseeee, don't watch that.
Beautifully written, although I skipped the last 20 pages just to finish the book, not a grand ending, but well I did know the ending, that's the charm of historical novels.
I would describe Henri-Diane's love as codependency :D
I read somewhere that such a love is the result of modern life (as of the last 2000 years and not the prehistoric era), it's the lack of love and support from family and the society that drives people to call someone their own like an obsession, because that can help filling the void, which we can see how Henri had soooo many daddy issues
I was wondering about the amount of wine they were consuming, water was rare! :D Although I read somewhere that in those days water was mostly dirty and not good, so people would drink ale or wine instead.
I know I can't write a decent review. There are other reviews, there are spoilers, there is enough material for you to know the outline of the story, so I'm just writing blah :D
I heard about the series Reign, I even downloaded the first episode and I hoped it would be a good addition to the book, but OMG so many inaccuracies! Mery of Scots is not even a red-head, so I'm not gonna watch something that the producers didn't care about the simple facts, like Henri was 20 years younger than Diane or Catherine had dark hair, etc.. let alone that Diane had a son with Henri! pleaaaseeee, don't watch that.
July 3, 2010
This is one of the all time great love stories. This was the most moving book that I have read in a long time. I laughed, longed and cried! Catherine de Medici never had a chance. This story has everything romance, politics and history. Great book that I couldn't put down!
January 27, 2012
Rating / Grade: 2 stars / C-
Disclaimer: I am not a professional reviewer, nor was I solicited for this review. I purchased my copy of "Courtesan" at Sony (ebook store.) I read the entire novel at least 1 time prior to reviewing it.
Spoiler warning: I try to mark spoilers, but I don't always remember to do that.
"Courtesan" missed the boat on so many levels. The love story of Henri de Valois and Diane de Poitiers is pure fodder for a great "cougar" romance. I've always been curious about who Diane de Poitiers may have been, how she functionned in the French Court, and how she survived Catherine de Medici's jealousy. Unfortunately, this historical novel didn't engage me as well as it could have due to the author's chronic effort to consistently portray Diane de Poitiers only in the very best light. At all times. No matter what.
The beginning (first third or so of the book) is quite strong and intriguing, but Diane's character never goes anywhere. I've come to the conclusion the author (also named Diane) felt too much affinity with Diane and couldn't bring herself to write Diane as a flesh-and-blood woman with the traits neccessary for her to survive and thrive in the 16th C. French court.
Too much effort went into semi-apologetic explanation for Diane's romantic involvement with Henri in his mid-teens. Haeger plays it out as the two lovers being constantly thrown together and neither character possessing any other kind of emotional support system making them more emotionally dependent upon each other until it led to romantic attraction. The story also portrays Diane experiencing extreme guilt and personal conflict about her relationship with Henri, even after he succeeds his father and elevates Diane as his mistress. In fact, Diane never seemed truly at peace with her relationship with Henri until the novel's conclusion. After Henri has died. Go figure.
Diane also cried too much about "not wanting to be a courtesan." It got ridiculous and I don't believe for one minute the real Diane de Poitiers ever felt this way. She seemed chronically distressed about how strangers perceived her and perceived her relationship with the king. Like all Mary Sues, she tolerates unimaginable abuses from various villainous characters in the book and never fights back. But when she suspects Henri of imprisoning an ex-paramour of hers, she turns her back on Henri to punnish him.
The storytelling was a bit disjointed at times, but the overall writing quality is pretty average. I guess whether one likes this story or not depends on how many Mary Sue books one has read and whether one likes them.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional reviewer, nor was I solicited for this review. I purchased my copy of "Courtesan" at Sony (ebook store.) I read the entire novel at least 1 time prior to reviewing it.
Spoiler warning: I try to mark spoilers, but I don't always remember to do that.
"Courtesan" missed the boat on so many levels. The love story of Henri de Valois and Diane de Poitiers is pure fodder for a great "cougar" romance. I've always been curious about who Diane de Poitiers may have been, how she functionned in the French Court, and how she survived Catherine de Medici's jealousy. Unfortunately, this historical novel didn't engage me as well as it could have due to the author's chronic effort to consistently portray Diane de Poitiers only in the very best light. At all times. No matter what.
The beginning (first third or so of the book) is quite strong and intriguing, but Diane's character never goes anywhere. I've come to the conclusion the author (also named Diane) felt too much affinity with Diane and couldn't bring herself to write Diane as a flesh-and-blood woman with the traits neccessary for her to survive and thrive in the 16th C. French court.
Too much effort went into semi-apologetic explanation for Diane's romantic involvement with Henri in his mid-teens. Haeger plays it out as the two lovers being constantly thrown together and neither character possessing any other kind of emotional support system making them more emotionally dependent upon each other until it led to romantic attraction. The story also portrays Diane experiencing extreme guilt and personal conflict about her relationship with Henri, even after he succeeds his father and elevates Diane as his mistress. In fact, Diane never seemed truly at peace with her relationship with Henri until the novel's conclusion. After Henri has died. Go figure.
Diane also cried too much about "not wanting to be a courtesan." It got ridiculous and I don't believe for one minute the real Diane de Poitiers ever felt this way. She seemed chronically distressed about how strangers perceived her and perceived her relationship with the king. Like all Mary Sues, she tolerates unimaginable abuses from various villainous characters in the book and never fights back. But when she suspects Henri of imprisoning an ex-paramour of hers, she turns her back on Henri to punnish him.
The storytelling was a bit disjointed at times, but the overall writing quality is pretty average. I guess whether one likes this story or not depends on how many Mary Sue books one has read and whether one likes them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2012
I haven't read a lot of historical fiction mainly because the few books that I have read haven't really hit me where I want a book to hit me. Let me tell you, this book completely hit me. I wish that I would have had these sorts of books around when I was in high school for my history classes because they would have made a huge difference in the way I felt about history. Then I felt history was a wasted subject. It was in the past, move forward, etc. But now, maybe because I'm older, I find it extremely important and interesting but, this book brought it into a whole new light for me. I love, Love, LOVED it.
Okay, there was history in this book, but it wasn't boring. And there was romance and drama and villians and good guys and bad guys and it was all there. I cried at the end and I was more astounded to read that even though the events were fictionalized, the people were real except for ONE guy. ONE guy! It was incredible. I will be looking for more by this author and reading her next books with eager glee.
Okay, there was history in this book, but it wasn't boring. And there was romance and drama and villians and good guys and bad guys and it was all there. I cried at the end and I was more astounded to read that even though the events were fictionalized, the people were real except for ONE guy. ONE guy! It was incredible. I will be looking for more by this author and reading her next books with eager glee.
January 27, 2018
Printre puţinele romane de dragoste contemporane care mi-au plăcut, Curtezana prezintă legătura pasională dintre regele Hernic al II-lea şi amanta sa, Diana de Poitiers. Este o carte pe care fanii serialului Reign o vor devora, un volum de ficțiune istorică în care ajungem să-l cunoaştem pe acest tânăr rege, obligat din raţiuni politice să se însoare cu Caterina de Medici, o femeie rece şi geloasă, care îl împiedică să îşi declare în mod public adevăratele sentimente pentru Diana, în ciuda diferenţei de vârstă dintre ei.
Sau nu? Henric este încăpăţânat şi îndrăzneţ, iar scena încoronării este un moment deosebit de emoţionant, când regele se decide să își înfrunte dușmanii și poporul şi să renunţe la minciunile care i-au guvernat viaţa încă de mic copil.
Curtezana este un roman deosebit, pe care îl citeşti de plăcere şi din curiozitate, cu o singură bilă neagră: este ficțiune istorică. Dar adevărul se ascunde în legendele nescrise.
Sau nu? Henric este încăpăţânat şi îndrăzneţ, iar scena încoronării este un moment deosebit de emoţionant, când regele se decide să își înfrunte dușmanii și poporul şi să renunţe la minciunile care i-au guvernat viaţa încă de mic copil.
Curtezana este un roman deosebit, pe care îl citeşti de plăcere şi din curiozitate, cu o singură bilă neagră: este ficțiune istorică. Dar adevărul se ascunde în legendele nescrise.
June 14, 2018
It was a good retelling of the life of Diane de Poitiers ( from the beginning of her return to court to King Henri's death), but I find it lacks the necessary drama that a book of this length needs. Diane is too perfect, she has no faults, no selfish needs, no scheming. I find this unbelievable for a mistress of the French Court.
One thing that bothered me, as it always does, is the purposeful nature of the unflattering descriptions of her romantic rivals. Queen Catherine is constantly described as "fleshy" and there's even mention of Henri hearing her large legs move against her gown (while she is pregnant no less). I think it's fair to see that she is Diane's rival without making her supremely unattractive, especially while mentioning her weight. The same goes for Janet Stuart.
One thing that bothered me, as it always does, is the purposeful nature of the unflattering descriptions of her romantic rivals. Queen Catherine is constantly described as "fleshy" and there's even mention of Henri hearing her large legs move against her gown (while she is pregnant no less). I think it's fair to see that she is Diane's rival without making her supremely unattractive, especially while mentioning her weight. The same goes for Janet Stuart.
October 4, 2017
Diane de Poitiers este un personaj emblematic pentru istoria Franței. Ca amantă a regelui, ea are o influență mare asupra deciziilor lui, care se răsfrâng asupra țării. Cartea a fost ok, a avut atât detalii istorice, cât și dramă. Cred că a respectat realitatea destul de mult, mai ales că firul narativ și situația de la castel au fost aceleași ca și în Regina Diavolului. Probabil dacă nu aș fi citit înainte Regina Diavolului, aș fi apreciat și mai mult Curtezana. În Curtezana avem parte doar de varianta Dianei a poveștii și de sentimentele ei. Cred că a fost prea aspru judecată și cred că nimeni nu a vrut să vadă mai departe de eticheta care i s-a pus chiar de până să devină amanta regelui. Din romanul acesta am aflat că a fost o femeie extrem de puternică, frumoasă, inteligentă, corectă, onestă și bună la suflet. Cred că în alte circumstanțe ar fi fost o regină bună, însă cu siguranță Caterina de Medici a fost menită pentru locul de pe tron. Recomand romanul pentru cei care vor să o cunoască pe Diane, să afle și povestea ei. Eu zic că merită. 😊
March 22, 2024
Haeger's writing style in Courtesan seemed a bit antiquated, but it worked for the story. The novel read like it had an omniscient point of view, but in reality it was mostly head-hopping. Since this book was first published in 1993, and at the time head hopping was fairly common in novels, I'd say no harm, no foul. Haeger's writing was beautiful, in my opinion. Her descriptions were compelling, which I love, because it's a means for me to escape.
It's not a light read, but it's more of an in-depth look at the emotional conflict of the Courtesan (Diane) and the struggles she had in her life because of her love for Henri, the King of France. She'd cared for him as a boy, but he'd loved her as a young man. She was quite a bit older than he was when he'd first kissed her. She resisted for many reasons. One fact in particular really bothered her. He was a teenager and she was a grown woman with two adult daughters at the time their relationship became physical. But she was powerless to resist him due to his sincere, heartfelt love for her.
Henri adored her, but due to her age it wasn't a love affair that was easily accepted. Henri fantasized about making her his wife, but his father set him up for a political marriage that he could not refuse as his father was king. His devotion to Diane continued, but she could never be his queen. He was already married to Catherine de Medici and he resisted her in every way possible. Henri was never intended for the throne, but when his brother died shortly after becoming king (in the wake of King Francois's death), everything changed.
Having read the story of Catherine de Medici's life by C.W. Gortner several years ago, all told from his point of view, I found "Courtesan" even more intriguing since the primary point of view in Haeger's book is Diane de Poitiers, and she was the love rival to Catherine, the queen, who in Gortner's book was the primary point of view.
There were a lot of consistencies in their stories since they had to stick with the historical fact that Catherine gave Henri many heirs, but the stories were told from different perspectives. Haeger's book is a heartbreaking story, really, as Catherine doesn't capture her husband's heart even at the end of her husband's life. I found myself pondering what it would be like to live as Catherine and also to live as Diane. These types of conflicts always intrigue me so it takes me longer to read a book with deep characterization.
I thought about the characters so much while reading each novel. All in all, I enjoyed this book. I liked Gortner's writing style better since it is more contemporary writing with no head-hopping, but Haeger also has a beautiful writing style that I found enjoyable as well. Highly recommended for historical romance lovers.
It's not a light read, but it's more of an in-depth look at the emotional conflict of the Courtesan (Diane) and the struggles she had in her life because of her love for Henri, the King of France. She'd cared for him as a boy, but he'd loved her as a young man. She was quite a bit older than he was when he'd first kissed her. She resisted for many reasons. One fact in particular really bothered her. He was a teenager and she was a grown woman with two adult daughters at the time their relationship became physical. But she was powerless to resist him due to his sincere, heartfelt love for her.
Henri adored her, but due to her age it wasn't a love affair that was easily accepted. Henri fantasized about making her his wife, but his father set him up for a political marriage that he could not refuse as his father was king. His devotion to Diane continued, but she could never be his queen. He was already married to Catherine de Medici and he resisted her in every way possible. Henri was never intended for the throne, but when his brother died shortly after becoming king (in the wake of King Francois's death), everything changed.
Having read the story of Catherine de Medici's life by C.W. Gortner several years ago, all told from his point of view, I found "Courtesan" even more intriguing since the primary point of view in Haeger's book is Diane de Poitiers, and she was the love rival to Catherine, the queen, who in Gortner's book was the primary point of view.
There were a lot of consistencies in their stories since they had to stick with the historical fact that Catherine gave Henri many heirs, but the stories were told from different perspectives. Haeger's book is a heartbreaking story, really, as Catherine doesn't capture her husband's heart even at the end of her husband's life. I found myself pondering what it would be like to live as Catherine and also to live as Diane. These types of conflicts always intrigue me so it takes me longer to read a book with deep characterization.
I thought about the characters so much while reading each novel. All in all, I enjoyed this book. I liked Gortner's writing style better since it is more contemporary writing with no head-hopping, but Haeger also has a beautiful writing style that I found enjoyable as well. Highly recommended for historical romance lovers.
January 8, 2020
I've always known of the love story between Henri and Diane and I was happy to pick up a fictional tale of it. I love how it stayed true to history and how well it flowed through the tumultuous years between the couple doomed by all to fail. The author paints a beautiful picture of the French court and its characters. The little details she incorporates really bring the story to life, especially when she describes the clothes, the rooms, furniture and even small things like jewelry and goblets.
July 1, 2009
3 stars is a generous rating for this book. I really considered giving it a 2.
The Courtesan is about the lives of Henri II of France and his favourite Diane de Poiters. I found the depiction of the characters to be very one dimensional and cliche.
The predictability was practically tragic. Historical Fiction - more than any other genre, imo - depends on the finesse of the author. The reader KNOWS what's going to happen. It's history. The author has to write it so that the reader doesn't think to themself "well, duh" after every event. They have to give us motivations that we may not have thought of, relationships we wouldn't have guessed mattered, dialogue that changes how we view what happened. Haeger didn't do that. She was lazy. Everyone was either good or bad, beautiful or ugly.
The factual information I've read about Henri, Diane and Catherine de Medici is far more interesting than I ever would have guessed after reading this book. It has inspired me to read something better about them.
I did end up liking this book, though I'm not sure if it actually got better, or if I just got used to it. Either way, I didn't hate it.
The Courtesan is about the lives of Henri II of France and his favourite Diane de Poiters. I found the depiction of the characters to be very one dimensional and cliche.
The predictability was practically tragic. Historical Fiction - more than any other genre, imo - depends on the finesse of the author. The reader KNOWS what's going to happen. It's history. The author has to write it so that the reader doesn't think to themself "well, duh" after every event. They have to give us motivations that we may not have thought of, relationships we wouldn't have guessed mattered, dialogue that changes how we view what happened. Haeger didn't do that. She was lazy. Everyone was either good or bad, beautiful or ugly.
The factual information I've read about Henri, Diane and Catherine de Medici is far more interesting than I ever would have guessed after reading this book. It has inspired me to read something better about them.
I did end up liking this book, though I'm not sure if it actually got better, or if I just got used to it. Either way, I didn't hate it.
November 28, 2019
3.8 stars . The beginning was exited, telling the story of how the lovers met, how the friendship grows into great love, How older Diane tried to fight it , forget it , and how at the end the lovers find the way to be together despite all (the kind, his mistress, the plan for Henry's future, ). Is well written book, however got a bit slow when Henry becomes king, there are still few important things happening, but somehow i found it all very slow told. so I skipped few paragraphs. And again the end was very moving, which I liked too. Lots of historical facts, details and reasons surrounding the "true love" story, well written book.
December 14, 2019
This book is nothing but sex. People having sex. People wanting to have sex. People talking about sex. Thinking about sex. Promising sex. Threatening sex. Watching other people have sex. Remembering past sex. I was a hundred pages in and nothing was happening. Except sex. Once in awhile world events were mentioned but that lasted only a paragraph or two and it was back to the sex. And it wasn't even good sex, either.
Also, I was irked by the portrayal of Francis I. I'm not saying Francis was any kind of saint or anything, but he was a key power player in the Western world at this time and there was more to the man than the one-note character we get in this book.
Also, I was irked by the portrayal of Francis I. I'm not saying Francis was any kind of saint or anything, but he was a key power player in the Western world at this time and there was more to the man than the one-note character we get in this book.
August 2, 2024
IM SO CONFLICTED
I DONT KNOW HOW TO FEEL 😭😭
I KNOW IT WAS A DIFFERENT TIME BACK THEN BUT SOME PARTS WERE REALLY WEIRD
BUT I CRIED TWICE????
SO DONE
I DONT KNOW HOW TO FEEL 😭😭
I KNOW IT WAS A DIFFERENT TIME BACK THEN BUT SOME PARTS WERE REALLY WEIRD
BUT I CRIED TWICE????
SO DONE
May 30, 2017
To be clear, this is a work of fiction, a romance novel based on a real person, rather than an historical novel. Big Difference. Don't read this one for the history. Diane de Poitiers existed, and she was the mistress of the King of France. Some of the events from her life are represented in the book, and some are fabricated. Diane Haeger has done her research, and the book rings true-ish for the most part.
It's the story of the widow Diane, who is called to the court of Francis I, presumably to become a conquest of the king's.
All in all, it's an entertaining read, but reaches pretty far over historical record to bring the drama. I suppose if you didn't know anything about Diane de Poitiers before reading this novel, you might find it more interesting. I just became bored. Diane comes across as more a victim, a woman to whom things happen, rather than who she really seems to have been - an educated, strong woman who was not afraid to fight for what was hers and go after what she wanted.
It's the story of the widow Diane, who is called to the court of Francis I, presumably to become a conquest of the king's.
All in all, it's an entertaining read, but reaches pretty far over historical record to bring the drama. I suppose if you didn't know anything about Diane de Poitiers before reading this novel, you might find it more interesting. I just became bored. Diane comes across as more a victim, a woman to whom things happen, rather than who she really seems to have been - an educated, strong woman who was not afraid to fight for what was hers and go after what she wanted.
June 15, 2014
This book was kind of dull and portrayed Diane de Poitiers in a very annoying and frankly wimpy fashion.
I understand that the author was probably trying to portray Diane in a slightly more likeable, modern way. Diane de Poitiers is generally viewed as an honest, religious woman, but she was a 16th century woman. I really doubt, for example, that she was nervous being without Henri when she had to be around King Francois' catty mistress Anne. I also doubt she felt a lot of shame or guilt about being Henri's official mistress.
Diane de Poitiers was a powerful member of the nobility who managed to keep her independence after her husband died. I don't think she was a real cutthroat but she couldn't have been the doubtful, whiny woman that the author portrays.
Thanks to that it was very hard for me to get into the book. I started reading it then set it aside for over a month before deciding to power through it. I found the writing mediocre and a little too descriptive about the most mundane things.
The author states that only 2 plot twists she wrote were fiction. I'm skeptical. Catherine de Medici was depicted in a mostly stereotypical manner, as a matter of fact I found all the characters fairly stereotypical. This book read to me as more romance than historical fiction.
I understand that the author was probably trying to portray Diane in a slightly more likeable, modern way. Diane de Poitiers is generally viewed as an honest, religious woman, but she was a 16th century woman. I really doubt, for example, that she was nervous being without Henri when she had to be around King Francois' catty mistress Anne. I also doubt she felt a lot of shame or guilt about being Henri's official mistress.
Diane de Poitiers was a powerful member of the nobility who managed to keep her independence after her husband died. I don't think she was a real cutthroat but she couldn't have been the doubtful, whiny woman that the author portrays.
Thanks to that it was very hard for me to get into the book. I started reading it then set it aside for over a month before deciding to power through it. I found the writing mediocre and a little too descriptive about the most mundane things.
The author states that only 2 plot twists she wrote were fiction. I'm skeptical. Catherine de Medici was depicted in a mostly stereotypical manner, as a matter of fact I found all the characters fairly stereotypical. This book read to me as more romance than historical fiction.
June 8, 2017
This book is an absolute MUST-READ for anyone who enjoys the 16th century. While this is not a Tudor story, it does take place during the Tudor dynasty, although in France. It begins during King Francis I's reign, and the story covers the relationship between the King's son, Henri, and Diane de Poitiers, a widow who is significantly older than him. This relationship defies everyone's expectations, and it's amazing to see the steps Henri took to protect his love and assure her of his feelings for her no matter what. Though he had to marry Catherine de Medici for political reasons, his heart stayed with his friend and mistress, Diane, for the rest of his life. This book has every element that makes a good read - intense romance, betrayal, scandal, plotting, tender moments of sweetness and bitter, heartbreaking sadness. This is the first book that has made me cry in a long time. I completely fell in love with Henri while reading, and I guarantee you will too. This is definitely a book you should buy and read NOW. Diane Haeger is an absolute genius.
July 29, 2008
WOW. One word is all that's needed. Not for so many crazy things as much as the love king henri had for his mistress diane. It will make every woman melt, and ultimately long to be loved the way he loved her. This is my favorite book i have ever ever ever read. It's a true love story and one of the most famous france has ever known. Like most books it took a good 100 pages to get used to the authors writing style. I loved it so much that i looked into the history of the two lovers, and the famous chateau d'anet. Amazing. As you read you keep waiting for the love to fail, but true love never seizes. In the beginning of the book the author thanks her mother and husband for knowing that this was a story she was meant to tell, and she was right. I loved it so much, but most people i know say i'm too easy to entertain and i love everything i read so keep that in mind. But honestly... you'll quiver when reading this book.
April 5, 2011
A little slow at times, but I imagine a lifelong affair isn't something that is constantly rushed.
July 1, 2021
I am rating it 4 stars for the entertainment value. The book kept me interested the entire time. It's written as an epic love story between Henri II and Diane which I don't doubt they were. However, as others have commented the author has Diane painted as a saint and I find that hard to believe. Also Henri had other liaisons and only one was touched upon. I also would have liked to have had more of Queen Catherine in it.
January 24, 2020
Read after watching a documentary , it brought the court of France alive .
Incredible love story what a woman !
Incredible love story what a woman !
February 22, 2011
Courtesan / 1-4000-5174-6
This is not a bad book, but it does fall prey to a lot of flaws. Haeger's characters tend to all look and sound precisely the same, despite differences in age, temperament, upbringing, and social status. The characters are all very one-dimensional - the good people are always, unfailingly good; the bad ones are awful and spiteful, regardless of how kind they are treated. Haeger lacks the lighter touch of, say, Philippa Gregory, who manages in even her worst novels to still lend a sympathetic air to the wronged wife and an occasional claw, tooth, or nail to the sweet, patient mistress.
Although I cannot speak to the historic accuracy of this novel, it seems jarringly unlikely that this sweet-tempered, perfect mistress would never once be even a tiny bit jealous of her husband's necessary visits to his legal wife. There's a lot of Mary Sue-ism going on here, and it distracts from the narrative. I would have liked our mistress to show a little backbone, humanity, and gumption - even some private angst would have sufficed - rather than smile brainlessly, constantly, regardless of the hardships she endures. And, similarly, I would have liked our antagonist-wife to show something more three-dimensional than just pure hatred, rage, and frustration. While we're on the subject, the king is badly rendered as well, seeming to just be a cipher to react to both women.
The novel reads quickly enough and isn't technically bad, but the characters are bland and uninteresting and I was pleased when the novel was finally over.
~ Ana Mardoll
This is not a bad book, but it does fall prey to a lot of flaws. Haeger's characters tend to all look and sound precisely the same, despite differences in age, temperament, upbringing, and social status. The characters are all very one-dimensional - the good people are always, unfailingly good; the bad ones are awful and spiteful, regardless of how kind they are treated. Haeger lacks the lighter touch of, say, Philippa Gregory, who manages in even her worst novels to still lend a sympathetic air to the wronged wife and an occasional claw, tooth, or nail to the sweet, patient mistress.
Although I cannot speak to the historic accuracy of this novel, it seems jarringly unlikely that this sweet-tempered, perfect mistress would never once be even a tiny bit jealous of her husband's necessary visits to his legal wife. There's a lot of Mary Sue-ism going on here, and it distracts from the narrative. I would have liked our mistress to show a little backbone, humanity, and gumption - even some private angst would have sufficed - rather than smile brainlessly, constantly, regardless of the hardships she endures. And, similarly, I would have liked our antagonist-wife to show something more three-dimensional than just pure hatred, rage, and frustration. While we're on the subject, the king is badly rendered as well, seeming to just be a cipher to react to both women.
The novel reads quickly enough and isn't technically bad, but the characters are bland and uninteresting and I was pleased when the novel was finally over.
~ Ana Mardoll
March 22, 2016
I am not a fan of romance novels which is probably why I only give this two stars. I suppose this was a good attempt at filling in all the gaps of the true life partnership between France's Henry II and Diane de Poitiers. There are too many contrary views that she was a gold digger using him to achieve her own means for me to be caught up in this romantic version.
The author depicting Diane as a tease mare* to induce Henry to have sex with Catherine is pretty disgusting. I'm positive Henry knew his duty to sire legitimate heirs. The fact that he and Catherine had ten children leads me to the conclusion that he was not adverse to sleeping with her.
There is supposedly one attempt to poison Diane. I'm pretty sure that if Catherine wanted Diane dead that she would have found a way.
*A tease mare is placed usually behind a board and the covering stallion uses her for arousal to gain an erection without actually mounting her. When he is ready, he is then led to the desired mare to mount.
The author depicting Diane as a tease mare* to induce Henry to have sex with Catherine is pretty disgusting. I'm positive Henry knew his duty to sire legitimate heirs. The fact that he and Catherine had ten children leads me to the conclusion that he was not adverse to sleeping with her.
There is supposedly one attempt to poison Diane. I'm pretty sure that if Catherine wanted Diane dead that she would have found a way.
*A tease mare is placed usually behind a board and the covering stallion uses her for arousal to gain an erection without actually mounting her. When he is ready, he is then led to the desired mare to mount.
January 17, 2012
A very fascinating portrayal of the French court during the reigns of kings Francis I and Henri II. While I love historical fiction, I have never read a book set in France, nor had I ever heard of Diane de Poitiers, so this was a first for me. The love affair between her and Henri was both scandalous (because of their age difference) and fascinating. Oh, to be cherished and loved like she was!!
November 3, 2010
I loved this book. It was a great story told wonderfully.
November 11, 2021
În semiîntunericul zorilor, stătea cufundată până la glezne, nemişcată pe malul râului, silueta ei înaltă amestecându-se cu ulmii albi şi desfrunziţi care se întindeau sub cerul fără nori al iernii peste Beaumont-sur-Sarthe.
Aroma înţepătoare a fumului de lemne care se înălţa din coşurile caselor din sat se împletea cu cea de pământ umed şi străbătea aerul, în timp ce ea se lăsa, complet goală, în apa rece ca gheaţa. Simţea ace reci şi ascuţite, care îi făceau pielea ca de găină, însă pentru Diane disciplina era sfântă. Înaintă sfidătoare în curentul rapid. Ieşi într-un final la suprafaţă, cu apa scurgându-i-se din păr şi pe faţă şi cu pielea ca de alabastru strălucind de la pelicula subţire de apă pe care se reflecta lumina dimineţii. Un stol de gâşte zburară pe deasupra ei, fără să scoată însă vreun zgomot. În această stare de pace şi meditaţie, se îmbăie în linişte până când gândurile puseră din nou stăpânire pe ea, iar mintea începu să repete iarăşi aceeaşi teamă.
„E prea târziu… Acum nu mai poţi da înapoi… Ai ajuns prea departe…”
Pentru că mereu făcea baie la răsărit, Diane ajunse la han chiar când vizitiii regali încărcau în trăsura regelui prima dintre lăzile ei pline cu brocarturi. Şase dintre cei mai buni armăsari spanioli ai Maiestăţii Sale nechezau în timp ce două gărzi le puneau harnaşamentul de argint lucrat. Era nevoie de cel puţin patru animale ca să tragă vehiculul ciudat şi greoi. Diane se crispă la gândul unei noi călătorii lungi. „Preţul ospitalităţii regelui”, se gândi ea, apoi îşi îndreptă privirea în altă direcţie. În faţa ei, în curtea pietruită, două corcituri de câini se băteau pe o bucată de carne. Aceştia le atrăseseră atenţia vizitiilor în tunică de catifea, aşa că ea se putuse întoarce neobservată de la râu. Spuse o rugăciune în gând şi trecu pe lângă ei.
Îmbrăcată doar într-un halat subţire de batist, intră pe uşa lambrisată. Mirosul dulceag al vinului care se uscase pe mesele de stejar zgâriate o ameţea, însă se ţinu pe picioare până la scară. În umbrele aruncate de lumina lumânărilor auzea râsete, apoi sunetul şters al unor şoapte. O voce de bărbat; apoi una de femeie. Trecu rapid pe lângă ei, nu dorea să-i audă. Nu astăzi. Când, în sfârşit, ajunse în spaţiul intim al camerei ei, închise uşa şi se rezemă de ea, încercând să-şi recapete suflul. Lăsă halatul ud să cadă pe podea la picioarele ei pline de noroi şi îşi trecu mâinile prin părul blond şi ud. Oftă şi se lăsă pe cuvertura şifonată a patului. „Oare chiar era prea târziu să dea înapoi?”
Vizitiul regelui estimase greşit distanţa, iar această eroare îi obligase, în toiul nopţii, să se cazeze în singura cameră a singurului han care le ieşise în cale după kilometri întregi. În mijlocul cămăruţei se afla un cămin mare, murdar de funingine, cu o vatră de piatră tăiată în el. Lângă cămin se afla un pat cu draperii albastre şi vechi brodate. Pereţii aveau grinzi de lemn şi erau ornamentaţi cu pânze de păianjen. Pe singura fereastră închisă cu ivăr intra o rază de lumină, iar de afară se auzeau strigătele unei bătrâne care bătea cei doi câini.
Focul bolborosea şi trosnea. Aproape se stinsese. Diane simţea din nou acelaşi fior rece, care de data asta îi trecu prin tot corpul chiar când Charlotte intră în cameră, aducând cu ea un urcior mare cu pete albastre, plin cu apă. Îşi găsi stăpâna privind ca vrăjită ultimii tăciuni scânteietori ai focului, cu pielea aproape albastră de frig.
Aroma înţepătoare a fumului de lemne care se înălţa din coşurile caselor din sat se împletea cu cea de pământ umed şi străbătea aerul, în timp ce ea se lăsa, complet goală, în apa rece ca gheaţa. Simţea ace reci şi ascuţite, care îi făceau pielea ca de găină, însă pentru Diane disciplina era sfântă. Înaintă sfidătoare în curentul rapid. Ieşi într-un final la suprafaţă, cu apa scurgându-i-se din păr şi pe faţă şi cu pielea ca de alabastru strălucind de la pelicula subţire de apă pe care se reflecta lumina dimineţii. Un stol de gâşte zburară pe deasupra ei, fără să scoată însă vreun zgomot. În această stare de pace şi meditaţie, se îmbăie în linişte până când gândurile puseră din nou stăpânire pe ea, iar mintea începu să repete iarăşi aceeaşi teamă.
„E prea târziu… Acum nu mai poţi da înapoi… Ai ajuns prea departe…”
Pentru că mereu făcea baie la răsărit, Diane ajunse la han chiar când vizitiii regali încărcau în trăsura regelui prima dintre lăzile ei pline cu brocarturi. Şase dintre cei mai buni armăsari spanioli ai Maiestăţii Sale nechezau în timp ce două gărzi le puneau harnaşamentul de argint lucrat. Era nevoie de cel puţin patru animale ca să tragă vehiculul ciudat şi greoi. Diane se crispă la gândul unei noi călătorii lungi. „Preţul ospitalităţii regelui”, se gândi ea, apoi îşi îndreptă privirea în altă direcţie. În faţa ei, în curtea pietruită, două corcituri de câini se băteau pe o bucată de carne. Aceştia le atrăseseră atenţia vizitiilor în tunică de catifea, aşa că ea se putuse întoarce neobservată de la râu. Spuse o rugăciune în gând şi trecu pe lângă ei.
Îmbrăcată doar într-un halat subţire de batist, intră pe uşa lambrisată. Mirosul dulceag al vinului care se uscase pe mesele de stejar zgâriate o ameţea, însă se ţinu pe picioare până la scară. În umbrele aruncate de lumina lumânărilor auzea râsete, apoi sunetul şters al unor şoapte. O voce de bărbat; apoi una de femeie. Trecu rapid pe lângă ei, nu dorea să-i audă. Nu astăzi. Când, în sfârşit, ajunse în spaţiul intim al camerei ei, închise uşa şi se rezemă de ea, încercând să-şi recapete suflul. Lăsă halatul ud să cadă pe podea la picioarele ei pline de noroi şi îşi trecu mâinile prin părul blond şi ud. Oftă şi se lăsă pe cuvertura şifonată a patului. „Oare chiar era prea târziu să dea înapoi?”
Vizitiul regelui estimase greşit distanţa, iar această eroare îi obligase, în toiul nopţii, să se cazeze în singura cameră a singurului han care le ieşise în cale după kilometri întregi. În mijlocul cămăruţei se afla un cămin mare, murdar de funingine, cu o vatră de piatră tăiată în el. Lângă cămin se afla un pat cu draperii albastre şi vechi brodate. Pereţii aveau grinzi de lemn şi erau ornamentaţi cu pânze de păianjen. Pe singura fereastră închisă cu ivăr intra o rază de lumină, iar de afară se auzeau strigătele unei bătrâne care bătea cei doi câini.
Focul bolborosea şi trosnea. Aproape se stinsese. Diane simţea din nou acelaşi fior rece, care de data asta îi trecu prin tot corpul chiar când Charlotte intră în cameră, aducând cu ea un urcior mare cu pete albastre, plin cu apă. Îşi găsi stăpâna privind ca vrăjită ultimii tăciuni scânteietori ai focului, cu pielea aproape albastră de frig.
June 23, 2018
It was very interesting to read this book, because after this reading, i have now a different view about Daiane de Poitiers. At first, i saw her as a woman who knew how to use her power over a man and make him follow her wishes. Of course, i never saw Catherine De Medici as a good queen. For me she was indeed "La Serpent". But i was surprised to find out, that Daiane de Poitiers, was actually in love with Henri II. Both were really in love for each other, but circumstances couldn't allow their "official" union. Henri had a tortuous childhood past. He couldn't forgive his father, the King François I, for being sent to become a hostage, during four years in Spain, in exchange of his release. Henri found on Diane de Poitiers the support to get over his grudge against his father and the court. With Daiane by his side, Henri learned to change, but in any moment he could accept Catherine De Medici in his heart. But still Daiane, never kept Henri to follow his obligations as a King and was even a good person to his children. She definitely had a hard time at Court. Being older than Henri, she risked loosing everything because of him. Twenty-six years they were together. Isn't impossible to don't believe that it was a true love between them. But again, because of power, selfish acts, people paid for this. Catherine De Médici didn't have an easy childhood, too and being sent to marry a man who despised her, was another big reason to darken Catherine's heart and by that, became a ruthless Queen. At the end, she denied the pledges of Henri, to see his only love, before he died and also took everything from Diane. But she didn't get nothing from it. She was extremely evil, during her reign, she wasn't loved, and at her end, she still lost everything.
September 20, 2017
What a story. Going into this book, I was not familiar with the historic relationship between Diane and Henri, so I didn't know what the outcome would be. I think this made my reading more enjoyable and is what kept me wanting to read it to the end. I really liked several parts of this book, but I also think it was entirely too long, especially Book One. However, that wasn't the main thing that bothered me. I know this is based in history and ideas about age and sexual maturity were very different in the 16th c. but I was stilled grossed out by Diane's attraction to a young Henri. Another aspect that disappointed me was the way the author portrayed Diane in the best possible light the entire time. This made it more boring, I think. I wanted to be taken on an emotional ride. There could have been more conflict between the two lovers (and I'm betting there actually was in real life). Overall, though, I was entertained and that's what matters most. I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to recommend this book to anyone, but it wasn't a bad experience on the whole.
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