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Shadows of the Crown #11
Lady on the Coin
The story of the gay and spirited Frances Stuart, cousin of Charles the Second, has that strongest of all appeals - the appeal of true romance.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1963
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251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 7, 2014
A bit dry at times, and no real surprises here, but still a good read. This would be a good starting point for readers interested in learning more about Frances Stuart, but those familiar with the basic facts about her life won't find much new territory covered.
July 11, 2013
Fictionalised biography of Frances Stuart, distant cousin of Charles II who became famous as the only woman to resist his determined efforts to make her his mistress. Was Frances a brainless, frivolous, childlish beauty, or did this gaiety conceal a core of sense and judgement? This and other historical questions raised by Barnes’s novel may be debated, but I really enjoyed this book—when I read it at the age of 13, and then again this year when I finally decided to buy my own copy and determine whether it was as good as I remember. Seething with court intrigue, romance, and an attempt to do La Belle Stuart, Charles II, Catherine of Braganza, the Duke of Richmond, and their contemporaries real justice, this book is a lovely cozy read and a fascinating glimpse into the period. There's some understated sensuality and of course there’s some Puritan-kicking (eyeroll) but I enjoyed the history and the portrait of that fascinating woman Frances Stuart.
January 2, 2023
Barnes is recounting the story of Frances Stuart, the face on Charles II’s newly minted coins. Related to the Blantyre’s of Scotland, they were one of the few loyal to the Stuarts to the bitter end, following the Queen Mother Henrietta Marie into exile. Barnes thrusts you directly into the story. The tale opens on the high spirited yet pleasant 12-year-old dressed in rags and starving. Barnes does an admirable job capturing her pleasant temperament even in desperate times when there was little hope of the Restoration of the Crown. It’s amazing how much little Frances understood the politics of the period and how they affected each and every one of them. Rather surprising at a time when women were alleged to lack the intelligence to grasp such issues. As Barnes recreates Frances life we get poignant glimpses of the hardships the Stuarts and their retinue or what was left of it, faced escaping and in exile. This despite having wealthy relatives.
The history of this period is fascinating with its pageantry and intrigue. Barnes uses this brilliantly to her advantage eschewing unnecessary build-up of dramatics. She enables history make this tale exciting and riveting. Frances is an enthralling character which Barnes sensitively unfolds - Who was close to Frances at this time? Did she have detractors? How did the company of exiles cope during these dark times? Barnes answers these questions and more, braiding into the narrative the other characters in exile with Frances. Unfortunately, Barnes misses the opportunity to portray the lavish French Court apart from sparse details of its political intrigue. Could this possibly be a lack in her knowledge or did it merely not fit the narratives framework?
From a young age it was noted that Frances was blessed with extraordinary beauty. She merely wanted to have fun in life with no thought for her own progression. This is evident as Barnes follows Frances from childhood to Frances the teen at the English Court. There is an evocative portrayal of the very first time Frances still a child meets Prince Charles. The episode highlights her sweet nature.
Frances arrived in England to be one of the four maids of honour to the Queen Catherine of Braganza. The story shifts to give us a panoramic vista of the English Court under King Charles II with its pageantry and debauchery, his mistresses, the Queen Catherine of Braganza and the other courtiers especially, the King’s close friends and their political manoeuvring. As a female courtier Frances’s life was entwined with the Court. Readers can’t fail to notice how Barnes perceives small details and seamlessly weaves these into her biography which makes the book such an immersive read. The political intrigue of the court, the queen’s misfortunes and hurt are bared for the reader. Barnes however, seems to be biased towards the English monarch. As the narrative unfolds the pages keep turning.
Frances is noticed and liked by the entire English Court well nearly all, including the notorious womaniser King Charles II which puts her in jeopardy. Dubbed La Belle Stuart, even those who disliked or envied her noticed her. Though not lacking in wit and beauty she was ingenuous. This made her an easy target in Court intrigue despite being good at fencing with her admirers. Fortunately, their attempts to compromise her character were all near misses. Even when backed into a corner she is rescued at the eleventh hour. It’s wonderful how Barnes explores her problems at the English court and her subsequent happiness. Since childhood Frances had a dream that she longed to fulfil. But all too soon her happiness is cut short and Barnes is exploring her grief. This is the beauty of Barnes’s writing that she gives us an in depth yet vivid account of the period and her characters. She lets us feel their highs and their pathos and grief.
The Lady on the coin is the final and posthumous book by Barnes in the historical series Shadows of the Crown which follows the history of the English Crown. The entire series is written through stories of women who have a relationship to the Crown be it wife, mother, mistress or a courtier. This gives Barnes the opportunity to portray the English monarchs from a different perspective. In an age when women were treated as cattle to be bartered for the future of their families it is refreshing to read a book where they are the main protagonists and their thoughts and feelings discussed and given importance. One soon realises that despite how they may have been treated they did have a considerable knowledge of politics and influenced the monarch in their own way, though some of them chose to be tactfully silent i.e. politically correct with the times. Incidentally, Barnes has also written a novel on Catherine of Braganza.
The book is finished by Hebe Elsna also a historical novelist in her own right living in the same period as Campbell Barnes. There is no prologue or epilogue on the extent of Elsna’s intervention in completing this book. Thus I can’t comment on her impact on the narration. Having previously read some of Barnes novels I can add that she has done a dang good job in emulating Barnes work. Barnes wrote her numerous novels in the 40s and 50s and this is reflected in her writing style. This book first appeared in 1962. Nevertheless, the book is alluring and draws the readers into the story of La Belle Stuart.
Certainly a book to read.
The history of this period is fascinating with its pageantry and intrigue. Barnes uses this brilliantly to her advantage eschewing unnecessary build-up of dramatics. She enables history make this tale exciting and riveting. Frances is an enthralling character which Barnes sensitively unfolds - Who was close to Frances at this time? Did she have detractors? How did the company of exiles cope during these dark times? Barnes answers these questions and more, braiding into the narrative the other characters in exile with Frances. Unfortunately, Barnes misses the opportunity to portray the lavish French Court apart from sparse details of its political intrigue. Could this possibly be a lack in her knowledge or did it merely not fit the narratives framework?
From a young age it was noted that Frances was blessed with extraordinary beauty. She merely wanted to have fun in life with no thought for her own progression. This is evident as Barnes follows Frances from childhood to Frances the teen at the English Court. There is an evocative portrayal of the very first time Frances still a child meets Prince Charles. The episode highlights her sweet nature.
Frances arrived in England to be one of the four maids of honour to the Queen Catherine of Braganza. The story shifts to give us a panoramic vista of the English Court under King Charles II with its pageantry and debauchery, his mistresses, the Queen Catherine of Braganza and the other courtiers especially, the King’s close friends and their political manoeuvring. As a female courtier Frances’s life was entwined with the Court. Readers can’t fail to notice how Barnes perceives small details and seamlessly weaves these into her biography which makes the book such an immersive read. The political intrigue of the court, the queen’s misfortunes and hurt are bared for the reader. Barnes however, seems to be biased towards the English monarch. As the narrative unfolds the pages keep turning.
Frances is noticed and liked by the entire English Court well nearly all, including the notorious womaniser King Charles II which puts her in jeopardy. Dubbed La Belle Stuart, even those who disliked or envied her noticed her. Though not lacking in wit and beauty she was ingenuous. This made her an easy target in Court intrigue despite being good at fencing with her admirers. Fortunately, their attempts to compromise her character were all near misses. Even when backed into a corner she is rescued at the eleventh hour. It’s wonderful how Barnes explores her problems at the English court and her subsequent happiness. Since childhood Frances had a dream that she longed to fulfil. But all too soon her happiness is cut short and Barnes is exploring her grief. This is the beauty of Barnes’s writing that she gives us an in depth yet vivid account of the period and her characters. She lets us feel their highs and their pathos and grief.
The Lady on the coin is the final and posthumous book by Barnes in the historical series Shadows of the Crown which follows the history of the English Crown. The entire series is written through stories of women who have a relationship to the Crown be it wife, mother, mistress or a courtier. This gives Barnes the opportunity to portray the English monarchs from a different perspective. In an age when women were treated as cattle to be bartered for the future of their families it is refreshing to read a book where they are the main protagonists and their thoughts and feelings discussed and given importance. One soon realises that despite how they may have been treated they did have a considerable knowledge of politics and influenced the monarch in their own way, though some of them chose to be tactfully silent i.e. politically correct with the times. Incidentally, Barnes has also written a novel on Catherine of Braganza.
The book is finished by Hebe Elsna also a historical novelist in her own right living in the same period as Campbell Barnes. There is no prologue or epilogue on the extent of Elsna’s intervention in completing this book. Thus I can’t comment on her impact on the narration. Having previously read some of Barnes novels I can add that she has done a dang good job in emulating Barnes work. Barnes wrote her numerous novels in the 40s and 50s and this is reflected in her writing style. This book first appeared in 1962. Nevertheless, the book is alluring and draws the readers into the story of La Belle Stuart.
Certainly a book to read.
July 1, 2017
Dutch translaton of 'Lady on the Coin'. Nice book, translation not too old fashioned for modern days. But reading it right after 'With all my Heart' made it seem a bit redundant at times. The title also seems a bit off, as Frances role as Brittania is so small in the book. Nonetheless it's a good read. I would recommend this book, but not right before or after 'With all my Heart'
November 18, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
The first thirty percent of this book just dragged for me. It picked up and I enjoyed the remainder. I knew about Francis from other books but never had her marriage been part of the story. I especially enjoyed this. Don't give up with the beginning - stick with it.
The first thirty percent of this book just dragged for me. It picked up and I enjoyed the remainder. I knew about Francis from other books but never had her marriage been part of the story. I especially enjoyed this. Don't give up with the beginning - stick with it.
May 12, 2017
An enjoyable read, although it is very much a book of its' time (characters tell each other historical happenings etc, nowadays it's more popular to "show" what's going on). This is a very clean romance. Too clean for me! 😜
April 9, 2019
Good read. It is a little boring at certain times. It is predictable.
I would recommend it. It was a pretty good book.
I would recommend it. It was a pretty good book.
May 5, 2016
Frances Stuart, known as La Belle Stuart in her lifetime and as the model for Britannia appearing on British coins from the seventeenth century onward, is an appealing protagonist in this historical novel first published in 1963. While her struggle to resist the king's advances might seem slightly quaint to today's readers, her refusal to submit is nevertheless a great plot engine, as it adds tension to the rags-to-riches story of Frances' life. Although the writing isn't really worth four stars, I was so charmed by the passion and zest with which the author invites us to care about this largely forgotten woman's life as if it's the most significant figure of world history that I decided to be generous. A fun, light read!
I was given a NetGalley copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a NetGalley copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2016
An extraordinary story of a young lady who was not afraid to reject the king. She was asked to become the king's mistress.
Frances is part of the Queen's royal court. Women of this era we're nothing more than bargaining chips is the hope of gaining wealth, position and political gain.
Frances is a strong person. She stands for what she believes in. I love string women. She is a great example of strengths. This book has plenty of historic value. Very descriptive words on how things and places look. The characterization is phenomenal. I would definitely recommend this read. I enjoyed Lady on the Coin! . 5 Stars
Frances is part of the Queen's royal court. Women of this era we're nothing more than bargaining chips is the hope of gaining wealth, position and political gain.
Frances is a strong person. She stands for what she believes in. I love string women. She is a great example of strengths. This book has plenty of historic value. Very descriptive words on how things and places look. The characterization is phenomenal. I would definitely recommend this read. I enjoyed Lady on the Coin! . 5 Stars
January 21, 2012
Having read about Frances Stuart in many other books about Charles II, Catherine of Braganza, and Henrietta Maria, it was interesting reading a whole book in which she is the main character. A very sympathetic portrayal- but I'm not sure how realistic, as all other books I've read about her seem to indicate she WAS badly scarred by her smallpox attack, and her marriage was not as idyllic as represented here.
February 5, 2017
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.com. I've never read anything about Frances Stuart so this was a learning experience as well as a pleasure. She was a silly but strong woman who was pursued by a king but kept her pride and stayed strong to herself. The writing was well done and easy to read. This is a good historical fiction that follows history and makes the reader want to see what comes next. La Belle Stuart sounds like a fascinating woman in a troubling time. Very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews