Madame Serpent

Catherine de Medici #1

by Jean Plaidy

Sullen-eyed and broken-hearted, fourteen-year-old Catherine de' Medici arrives in Marseilles to marry Henry of Orleans, second son of the King of France. On the promise of a dowry fit for a king, Catherine has left her true love in Italy, forced into trading her future for a stake in the French crown.

Amid the glittering fêtes and banquets of the most immoral court in sixteenth-century Europe, the reluctant bride becomes a passionate but unwanted wife. Humiliated and unloved, Catherine spies on Henry and his lover, the infamous Diane de Poitiers. And, tortured by what she sees, Catherine becomes dangerously occupied by a ruthless ambition destined to make her the most despised woman in France: the dream that one day the French crown will be worn be a Medici heir...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, France, Fiction, 16th Century, Italy, Romance

405 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Eleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Sarah (Presto agitato) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I know this book isn't exactly serious literature. It's probably not fair to be nitpicky about historical accuracy.

But Italy was not a country in the 1500s. Not politically, not linguistically, and definitely not like this:

"Oh, our poor country, Sebastiano! Our poor suffering country! I know how you feel. You and I would die for our country." (pg. 118)

"Yes, Sebastiano," she said, "for the sake of your country you would gladly die a thousand deaths. . .your name would be remembered throughout Italy forever, with honor, my dear Count, with reverence. . .One day, Sebastiano, you will be called upon to do great deeds for our country." (pg. 118)

I'm not sure what geographic entity Catherine is referring to. Does she mean Florence? The Papal States? All of the incessantly warring city-states on the peninsula?

Oh well, it's not important. Except to poor Sebastiano, who meets an extremely unpleasant end, executed by being torn apart by four horses. It might have mattered to him to know his nationalism was misplaced.


Italy, 1494 (Image: Wikipedia)

[Matea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ah... There's nothing more romantic than a 9 year-old girl in love with her 19 year-old halfbrother, and a 14 year-old boy in love with a 32 year-old widow that his father has been trying to sleep with for 15 years.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is as much the story of Jeanne of Navarre as it is Catherine. It is a deeply romantic story of teenagers in love forced to acquiesce to marriages that further their families’ ambitions. It poses the personalities, passions and motives that may have formed the back story of St. Bartholomew’s Massacre.

In the introduction, Plaidy notes how her narrative on Catherine’s alleged poisonings fits the historical record: King Francis did die after drinking from a cup and it did pave the way for Catherine to rule through young Charles and ship would be rival, Mary, back to Scotland. Queen Jeanne of Navarre did die just after she signed the marriage contract pursued by Catherine.

The dialog is a bit stilted, but works great for Catherine. She speaks with a dispassionate formality that makes her diabolical plans sound like sweet reason.

Plaidy novels give an informed spin on the royals and are always satisfying. They represent an era of historical fiction that has been eclipsed by modern and less formal writing such as that of Gore Vidal and Margaret George.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plaidy has been called one of the great historical fiction writers of the 20th century, particularly in her focus of European history and the female players that shaped its development. In this, the first of a trilogy, Plaidy invites the readers into the world of Catherine de Medici. As with many young women of the time, she was a pawn on the chessboard of European peacemaking, where marriages helped not only strengthen alliances, but allowed monarchies to oversee larger pieces of the European pie. Stuck in her native Italy, de Medici is soon betrothed to the King of France's second son, Henry. Wary of this union, de Medici offers much resistance, but when the Pope is your suitor, there is little objection to be made. Heading to France, de Medici arrives where Henry and King Francis await her, only to discover that she is involved in a love triangle not of her own making. Henry is enamoured with another woman, said to be a sorceress of sorts, who has control over the prince and dictates his every move. After the heir to the French Throne is poisoned, all eyes turn to de Medici when the culprit is found to be an Italian. She professes no involvement, but is not forlorn at her advancement closer to the Throne. Now married to the Dauphin, the heir to the Throne, de Medici must worry about the next issue, being without children of her own. While she had a man with whom she was strongly enamoured, his death has led de Medici to turn her love towards her husband, who refuses to reciprocate. It is only when Henry shows her minimal affection to ensure she brings forth an heir that the Dauphine de Medici can rest easier. However, she has come to realise that no one will protect her other than herself. Dauphine de Medici's sentiments sour and she becomes bitter about her life, turning to scheming and plotting her own revenge, for herself and Italy. Plaidy explores some of Catherine de Medici's deep-seeded distrust in the French Court to fan the flames of evil buried deep inside her, vowing to right all the wrongs that have befallen her. A curious opening novel that introduces keen readers to the life of this most-cutthroat Italian princess.

I will be the first to admit that I love these period pieces that surround themselves with European monarchies. That said, I was impeded from becoming strongly connected to this story, for reasons I cannot fully understand. I cannot criticise Plaidy, as I am sure her success and admiration by millions cannot be false in comparison to my sole struggle. I felt the same way when reading another author who wrote in this same genre, also from the 1950s, so there may be something on which we can build. Could it, perhaps, be a lack of narrative connection or perhaps something less scandalous as I am used to in today's writers? That said, Plaidy successfully paints Catherine de Medici and those around her in brushstrokes that depict struggle, scandal, and the plight of European growth. I may, after a time, return to this series to see how de Medici fares in the second and third novels, though find myself in need of literary courage for that plunge. I admit, my rating of this book will not be as high as it might have been had I been more attached to the entire method, though I do counsel those who read this review to take my comments with a grain of proverbial salt.

Well done, Madam Plaidy, for your presentation. While it did not pull me in, many others have surely taken to you. For that, you have my respect, at least.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Cynthia Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was originally published in 1952 but has just been released in a quality paperback form. Two years ago I embarked on a serious read of historical fiction and non-fiction relating to the rise to power of the Tudor line in England. Catherine de Medici was Queen of France and her story touched on many of the same events. This is the first of a trilogy about her and gives excellent color to her early life in midst the political machinations of Rome and Florence, then to her loveless but prolific marriage to Henry II of France. She produces many children who will go on to thrones in other countries in the future.

Was she a poisoner? Was she a serpent? She definitely hides her intelligence until she has the opportunity to lead with strength when France is threatened and she is regent while the king is away. It is deliciously unclear. The political dances of the French court are as complex and diabolical as those of Italy.

A delightful read.

[Jessie Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, if not groundbreaking. Occasionally stilted and weighed down with expositionary dialogue, but nonetheless an engaging read and look at the life of one of France's most infamous Queens. Though Madame Serpent was definitely not the best Jean Plaidy novel I have ever read, I can say I enjoyed it - for the most part - and that it was worth the $10 for the ebook.

[DaveA · Rating 4 out of 5]

An historian friend of mine called Catherine de Medici a "formidable woman." Before I read this book, I knew almost nothing about her, but this book certainly doesn't portray her as a "formidable woman." It shows her more as a frail, meek, tormented woman who has been for the most part abandoned by her husband. The title is a total misnomer. It shouldn't be called "Madame Serpent" but rather "Madame puppy" or "Madame mouse." Additionally, the book ends shortly after the point where Mary Stewart (Mary Stuart, Mary Queen of Scots) becomes Queen of France. This is before all the "good parts" where Catherine indeed becomes "Madame Serpent." It's a good thing this is the first of three novels in a series about de Medici, although I think that it would have been MUCH better to combine the three books into a single title.

Still, I'm somewhat disappointed by the novel. While it is a novel and is entertaining, it ignores most of the history of the time. It barely mentions the de Guise's, the Habsburg–Valois (and other) war(s), the Huguenots (although, much of that occurred after this book ends it has its roots in the time period of this book), the Medici Pope Clement VII, nor the political intrigues of England, Scotland, Spain, France, Italy, and Holland.

I will see if this book was worth reading after I finish the other two in the series. So far, I definitely want to continue to complete the series.

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!} · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Not necessarily the best book ever written, but it was entertaining as fuck. Also trashy. Also crazy the more you read.

I was rooting for Catherine hardcore. She was a vicious she-devil but I could understand why. She was a pawn, but she used that to her advantage.



Also Anne, I wanted to hate, but she made such a good villain to Catherine.

Trigger Warning: Animal abuse and death.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up halfway through.

I don't really care about accuracy in my historical fiction (it is, after all, fiction) -- this book was unreadable for different reasons.

To distill the entire person of Catherine de Medici down to a jealousy and hatred of Diane de Poitiers is SUCH a disservice, and a boring one at that. The beginning of the book is interesting enough, but the middle is just pages of waxing on how much Catherine loves Henry and hates Diane. Yawn.

[Lígia Bellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine de' Medici was educated to never show her emotions or sentiments. Sadly, that was one of an important thing, to make her become a cruel woman. Since i study/read about St. Bartholomew's Day massacre and read and watched the movie "La Reine Margot", i never forget the fanatic catholic woman, connected to poisons and necromancy! I was surprised to know that a Queen, could be so evil! But, i know that everything happens because of something. And reading the book, i could learn that she had a sad past. When she was a child, Catherine was an orphan, imprisoned (because Medici were overthrown in Florence, so she was a hostage in convents) and also obliged to marry Henry II of France, by her uncle (the Pope Clement VII). The last thing was devastating for Catherine, because she was in love with Ipolito. But once, she met her husband, she fell in love with him, but never was loved back. Henry despised her and had an old woman, Daiane de Poitiers, as his mistress. Daiane was an ambitious person and manipulated Henry all the time! But once, she realized that Henry's chance to be on throne wasn't certain, because he didn't have heirs with Catherine, she sent him to Catherine's bed, afterall he had a duty to her. Besides this humiliation Catherine had to endure, Daiane also had power over Catherine's children, they didn't love their mother (only Henry and Margot loved Catherine). Diane was treated like she was the real Queen and also got the palace, Catherine loved and wanted for herself. Catherine had to endure so many humiliations and alone, because she didn't have friends. The court didn't trust her, specially because she was an italian. I think Catherine was the real evidence of what a woman, despised by her love, can become! Slowly and quietly, she suffered and with that her hate was getting stronger. So, on "Madame Serpent", Jean Plaidy bring the events on Catherine's life, since she was a child till the death of her beloved husband. Here she brings what makes Catherine, become such a evil woman on France's history. Excellent reading!

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This was...I'm not sure. I guess the book was good? It was almost at times a weird stream of consciousness where the paragraph would change suddenly to someone else and then switch back. Catherine would be annoying sometimes and unbearable. I want to read the other books to see if they get better but I'm not in a rush.

[Cher 'N Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - It was good.

Good enough that I plan to continue the trilogy.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: If you do not try very hard to please people, often you can please them more.

First Sentences: At Amboise the French court was en fete.

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this once I figured out the players. Not overly detailed as some historical fiction can be, easy to read and Jean Plaidy has made it simple to follow the French court.

[Mary-Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Billye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of King Henry 2 of France- 1547- who was the son of Frances 1st of France- a very strong figure who was a lover of many women. His son, Henry 2 was married to Catherine de Medici from Rome and a member of the Medici family of tradesmen with Lorenzo Medici of Florence- lover of art and very powerful. Henry, as a youth was enamored by a women 20 years older than him, Diane de Poitiers, who after he became king was his lover and controlled everything he did. she was very mean to Henry's wife, Catherine de Medici and when Henry died, Catherine de Medici took revenge on her. Diane de Poitiers was given the chateau of Chenecheau by Henry- the most beautiful chateau of the Loire ( we have been there). Catherine was thought to have paid someone to poison Henry's older brother, who was the Dauphine of France and would become king before Henry. He was playing tennis and became over heated and drank 2 cups of water given him by his cup bearer and he died with symptoms of poison. Henry 2 did not love Catherine but she loved him and she was jealous of his attentions to Diane. Catherine even had a hole dug in the floor of her floor so she could watch Diane and Henry making love below her. She wanted to poison Diane but realized she would be blamed for it. After Henry 2nd's death, his son Frances 2nd came to rule. He was married to Mary Queen of Scotts when he was 15 and she was 14. He was very much in love with Mary and would do anything she said. Mary was related to Diane of Poitiers and her uncles the Guises and they ruled Frances 2nd. the next book I am going to read is "The Italian Woman" by Jean Plaidy which goes into the influence Catherine de Medici had on her son Frances 2 and his 2 brothers who became kings of France after his death. My favorite historical fiction is these books by Jean Plaidy- there are almost 100 of them and I have read them all and keep rereading them. This is a wonderful way to learn about the history of France, England, and Spain. They are numbered in the front and should be read in order with William the conquerer - William 1st of England being the first book to read. They are more than marvelous.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Plaidy book and I enjoyed it. At first I thought it was dragging along, but once I remembered this was book one of the trilogy, it all made sense. This book re-imagines the events that eventually shaped Catherine de Medici into the woman she would become. Catherine went to France wide eyed and innocent and quickly became disillusioned. Although she loved her new father, Francis I, and his court, she never gained the courts full acceptance. Catherine was on excellent terms with the King, but his son, her husband, was another matter.

Poor Catherine absolutely loved and adored her husband Henry. Unfortunately, all of Henry's love went to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. She had Henry wrapped around her little finger, and Catherine could do nothing about it. But Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. In her own quiet way, Catherine agitates her enemies, in the shadows, no one is the wiser, until it is too late.

Plaidy's descriptions of court dress, and festivities are delightful. I can just imagine the jewel encrusted gowns and entertainments at the court. I can also feel Catherine's pain. What was most interesting to me, was the power women held in the French court. The Queen to a certain extent and most of all the mistresses. Men and women were considered equals, for the most part, not like the English courts I have read so much about. I don't know if this was a result of Francis I, or it was the norm. I'll have to research this.
All in all an enjoyable book and I look forward to book two.

[LibraryCin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is about Catherine de Medici. It starts when she is a little girl in Italy, and follows her through the time her husband, King Henry of France, dies. Catherine is in love with her husband, but has to suffer the humiliation of Henry preferring a woman much older, and merely tolerating his loving wife. Catherine has learned throughout her life how to hide her feelings and do her best to sway situations to her advantage. No one realizes how very clever she really is…

I didn’t know anything about Catherine before reading this book, so of course, now I must go find something nonfiction, so I can find out what is true and what isn’t. It took me a little bit of time to get into the book, and I almost gave it 3.75 stars because of that, but in the end I decided I liked it enough to give it the full 4 stars. This was my first Plaidy book, but it won’t be my last. Not only that, Madame Serpent is the first in the trilogy about Catherine, and I do plan to read the others.

[Martina Bahat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman o djetinjstvu prekinutom dogovorenim brakom, o životu na francuskom dvoru, izdajama, prevarama, spletkama i intrigama...Roman o ženi i njenoj borbi sa ljubavnicom svog supruga, borbi sa samom sobom i svojim demonima...
Na kraju romana ostane nam samo ogromno sažaljenje prema glavnoj junakinji, Katarini Medici, ženi koju su konstantna ponižavanja i neuzvraćena ljubav na kraju pretvorile u "Ženu Zmiju" - osobu koja ispod hladne vanjštine krije uzavrelu krv željnu osvete i moći...

[penelopewanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

No dust cover so I don't know which edition this would be. Hard cover anyway.
Interesting biography of Catherine de Medici's years married to Henry, King of France... but she's such an unpleasant person that it's not a very pleasant read. I felt sorry for her and kept wishing something would go her way, but at the same time she's so full of hatred.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siempre va a tener un lugar especial en mi corazón. La vida de Catalina realmente es frustrante y la autora logra introducirte como una de sus damas o la misma Catalina, provoca sentimientos confusos y te deja un sabor amargo en la boca, como ya es propio de los libros de la autora.

[Pame · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book!

[Doremili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dios, Como sufrí con Caty la pinche indiferencia de su esposo. Quería a Diana de Poirtiers muerta, la muy zorra se aprovecho de Enrique II desde niño. Pero este libro trata sobre el control de las emociones, y Catalina de Medicis supo comportarse tan bien en la corte, ¡Reina de Francia chingado!

Bueno ya me calmo, es que en serio tuve que auto espoilarme para saber que pasaba con Diana de Poirtiers, porque no podía con mi coraje.

Aquí vemos la vida de los Reyes de Francia Enrique II y Catalina de Medicis, su infancia y como los obligan a casarse, como Enrique empezó a odiar a su esposa y estar incomodo en su presencia, hasta que llegó a medio tolerarla, mientras la pobre Catalina se moría de amor por él, y la escritora te lo refleja, te hace sentir el dolor, los celos, el odio, la injusticia y la frustración de Catalina, pero la niña siempre fue inteligente, siempre se supo expresar en la corte y siempre supo manipular a otros silenciosamente y sin levantar sospechas. El libro termina con la Catalina Enamorada, la que cometía errores, la que solo quería que Enrique la amase, asesinada por la nueva Catalina Reina Madre y Regente de Francia dispuesta a llenar el vacío de su corazón con poder. Y dios quiero que lo logre.

[Sophia M A · Rating 1 out of 5]

I adore historical fiction (shout out to Sharon Penman, Alison Weir, Dorothy Dunnett, and most of all the dearly departed Hilary Mantel) and was initially very excited about this book...but a little less than halfway through I couldn't bear another word because it was so repetitive and dull, and the protagonist was two-dimensional at best. The same cycle of -heartache, revenge fantasy, demand poison from the apothecaries, allow them to talk her out of it, regain composure, get hopes up, heartache- repeated an *interminable* number of times in near-identical verbiage.

I literally told myself, "if the author repeats this pathetic and lazy narrative loop one more time I'm done", and within 5 minutes it happened, I stopped reading, and deleted the book from my Kindle.

Catherine De Medici was absolutely brilliant and fostered strong connections with many esteemed people throughout her life. Writing her as vapid, ignorant, and socially inept with no emotional complexity or passions of her own is bizarre and ahistorical, not to mention disrespectful to her memory. The author should have researched her life more, and included more of the rich and fascinating details that are fully available to anyone with a working WiFi connection.

[Helen Robare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read (I thought) all of Jean Plaidy's history books (as well as a good many she wrote as Victoria Holt) when I was a teenager. BUT somehow I missed this series. Perhaps it hadn't been published yet or I had graduated and did not have access to the high school library anymore. Who knows? Anyway, I have never read this series by this author.

Looking in the back shed among my dozens of boxes of books, I came across this book in hardcover form. I brought it into the apartment and began reading it. I was immediately hooked! I do not plan to watch the Serpent Queen series on cable or computer!

Note: the only thing I knew about Catherine De'Medici was that she was Mary Queen of Scot's mother-in-law and treated Mary like crap! So, I was surprised to read a different view of Catherine. I learned that the author believed there was a reason for Catherine's attitude. Now the author's reason may or may not be true but it IS a reason.

So, if you want to read about a Catherine De" Medici who had reasons for the way she acted at times, then I would suggest beginning this series of 3 books about the Monarch/Queen.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book. I haven't read much fact or fiction on the French Royal Family as I mostly prefer focusing on the English and Spanish monarchy. However, I could not put this one down.

This book is the first in the Medici trilogy and focuses on the early days of Catherine's life. It was really nice how the Author started with the young life of Henry II and Catherine de Medici, and how they felt about their marriage. Henry at 14 is handsome but does not take much interest in his Italian wife, instead he is besotted with Diane de Poitiers, a wealthy widow twenty years his senior. Catherine has traveled from her homeland of Italy, leaving behind the love of her life. However, upon meeting Henry she learns to love him even though the feeling is not mutual. Through out their marriage and reign Catherine will be competing with Diane for Henry's affection over a span of 26 years.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and the author has done brilliantly seeing things from different characters perspective through out the novel.

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is only my second Jean Plaidy novel. I liked the previous one, 'The King Mistress,' so I thought I'd try another. I had trouble getting into this one. The characters were just not resonating with me. And as the story progressed, I felt confused by the deep love and longing Catherine had for Henry. I even wondered if I'd accidentally skipped a chapter. It was never convincingly explained why she had such devotion to Henry. He gave her no reason to. It was an arranged marriage to a cold, distant, and reluctant young boy. The author gave no justification for her infatuation. So, without that validation, I felt the whole story was somewhat contrived.

Many interesting characters were introduced into the story who seemed like they would play a major role in her life. Some good. Some bad.. You became invested in her relationship with them, only to find later that Catherine hears they died off. Dispensed in a single sentence.

She also seemed to be having endless plans to bring Henry closer. But nothing actually happened. Whole chapters are devoted to her obsession with Henry. But absolutely nothing develops of them, or changes.

I really wanted to like this novel and hoped to find a new series to read. But I think I'll pass.

[Maria Puerta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nada de Romantica.

En la edición que tengo te lo venden como libro de Romantica y es más es una biografía novelada, si es verdad que dado los agentes externo y mi situación ahora no es que pudiera leerlo con mucha tranquilidad pero se puede leer.

Tambie tiene algunos fallos de edición como por ejemplo donde debería haber un espacio separando un evento de otro sale todo de corrido pero como he dicho ante se puede leer, y que tambie se te hace fácil si te gusta la historia por que si no.....

En todo caso ya hablando del personaje la verdad es que estoy a favor de ella y no os voy a decir por que porque no quiero spoilear a nadie, pero que a mis ojos no me parece mal que sea así con todo lo que me ha pasado.

[Stephanie Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need to make more shows/movies for her!!

This is an origin story!! A beloved little girl who is raised with a psychopath and little can be done to protect her because he is the favorite of the head of the family. Then she's ripped from her home and put into convents for years before finally being sent for by said patriarch. Then molded into the 'perfect' wife for a prince. And don't get me started on him!! Pretty much, she had to survive all the men who hold power in her life and think very little of her. Her husband took 10 years to get her pregnant because he was obsessed with his mistress, who was a much older woman. But now, it's finally her time!! She's not a villain, but just a person who does what she feels is necessary

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book the top rating because I couldn't put it down. This is the first book in a long while that I couldn't wait to get home from work, get dinner over with and get to my comfy reading spot to get to reading this book. It flowed and keeps you engaged the entire time. Now all I really knew about Catherine de Medici was from watching the TV show Reign and from snippets on YouTube so being this is historical fiction I take what I read with a grain of salt but it is wonderful reading. So excited to start the second of a three part series on her. Loved this book!

[Kath · Rating 2 out of 5]

This first chapter in the life of Catherine de Medici, from pampered daughter, to young bride and on to Queen Regent following the death of her husband, Henry II, sheds light on the machinations of the French court, the rivalries with England and Spain and the determination of Catherine to make her mark. Sadly, there is a lot of repetition regarding her relationship with her husband and his mistress and it never really captured my imagination but I might come back to Part 2 of the trilogy in due course.