Yet another entertaining story from Foley using her trademark multiple narrative that once again, moves between past and present events. This time, thYet another entertaining story from Foley using her trademark multiple narrative that once again, moves between past and present events. This time, the setting is in a Parisienne apartment complex, where all residents are hiding some sort of secret, both from those within and those without. It brings not one but two outsiders to bring fast held secrets to the fore - and with tragic consequences.
Knocked this one over in the space of a few hours as the format was familiar and the stroryline engaging.
* easy to read * informative though not dull or dry * covers the Capetian Dynasty well, including the women * well rFour stars for the following reasons:
* easy to read * informative though not dull or dry * covers the Capetian Dynasty well, including the women * well researched * additional notes, maps, family trees
Covering nearly over three centuries of French history and international politicking, Firnhaber-Baker does a remarkable job at presenting one of the pivotal dynasties in French history - the Capetians. This work has all the elements: religious fervor and upheaval, crusades,scandal, warfare, adultery, ambition, family drama, politicking - and on a magnificent grandiose scale.
Each monarch has their own dedicated chapter which covers off the pivotal moments of their reign, including each monarch's relationships with France's closest neighbours - England, Normandy, Flanders, Blois, Anjou, Valois - as France as we know it today, was still very much in its infancy and only really beginning to coalesce.
Recommended reading for those with an interest in French history and royal dynasties. ...more
The fictional account of the very short life of Louis, Count of Vermandois, son of King Louis XIV of France and his mistress, Louise de Valliere.
The sThe fictional account of the very short life of Louis, Count of Vermandois, son of King Louis XIV of France and his mistress, Louise de Valliere.
The synopsis covers it all really - Louis' short life from his birth to his ultimate sexual corruption by the Chevalier de Lorraine in revenge of some slight done unto him by the King, to his exile and death (1683).
At times, the narrative feels overly long and rambling, however, this is a fair reconstruction of Louis' young life. Those with an interest in French history and the court of the Sun King will find this enjoyable....more
It get five stars as it ticked all the boxes for me.
A biography about a man who was at the foreforont of European politics in the 13th century; a biogIt get five stars as it ticked all the boxes for me.
A biography about a man who was at the foreforont of European politics in the 13th century; a biography that provided additional information from what I had already read; a biography that provided a more balanced view; a biography that I would be happy to have on the shelves of my own library. Definitely one for those with an understanding of period and the major players, but also one for those students looking for that little bit more.
Brondarbit says of Wenlock that his "... career was long, complex and colourful as he engaged in military venture and political intrigue ..." BrondarbBrondarbit says of Wenlock that his "... career was long, complex and colourful as he engaged in military venture and political intrigue ..." Brondarbit's book is "... meant to reassess one of the more maligned aristocrats ... and present a more nuanced picture of his life .. to understand rather than to rehabilitate ...".
In "Soldier, Rebel, Traitor: John, Lord Wenlock and the Wars of the Roses", Brondarbit does his due diligence in bringing to the fore, the life of a man so remarkable, and yet unremarked. So unremarked he was that I could not find another single tome on the man - well, maybe one - "The Mystery of Lord Wenlock and His Glastonbury Treasure" by Adrian Fray (which I have not read). But no real biography with any substance. Brondarbit's book amply and ably fills that vacuum, and is one I would gladly find space for on my "Wars of the Roses" shelves of my personal library.
Merovingian France may not have been on everyone's radar but it had been on mine for quite a number of years - and I had written about both on a old wMerovingian France may not have been on everyone's radar but it had been on mine for quite a number of years - and I had written about both on a old webpage I created back in the late 1990s (now archived for posterity). And in particular, the incredible and oft times deadly rivalry between two women who managed to wield more power than their contemporaries.
Firstly we have Brunhilde/a, Queen and wife of Sigebert, King of Austrasia. A women of pedigree who - like her sister before her - was destined for a marriage of political consequence. And then secondly we have Fredegund/a, a slave-girl at the court of Neustria, who in this capacity came to the attention of Chilperic I, and who clawed her way to becoming his third wife - a position she had no intention of relinquishing.
The rivalry between not only these two women but also by the sons of Clothar I King of the Franks, upon the disintegration of his kingdom, would resonate through the generations to come, resulting in the death knell for the dynasty which came barely two centuries later.
Both women suffered the same fate in the end - to either be written out of the history books or the have their reputations so besmirched as to become the epitome of the fallen Eve or Jezebel reincarnate. And the fate of Brunhilde would not rear its ugly head under the Tudor Dynasty, when Henry VIII dispatched the aged Duchess of Salisbury in 1541.
Puhak brings all of her research together to provide the reader with an accessible account of the Merovingian period under these two women. Ample notes and sources will be much appreciated by those seeking to further enrich their own knowledge of the dynasty.
My first by this particular author and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed this French mystery.
Having expanded my reading to authors scattered faMy first by this particular author and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed this French mystery.
Having expanded my reading to authors scattered far and wide, writing about their own countries, and all with their own distinctive style, I was able to quite easily adapt to this author's style of writing. It would be imprudent of the reader to assume that all author's write the same - and much also comes down to the quality of the translation.
I was initially drawn to this particular tome as it put me in mind of Agatha Christie - which is no bad thing. The premise is quite simple - a woman is murdered on an overnight train travelling from Marseille to Paris; the suspects are narrowed down to those who shared the sleeping coach with her; the police investigate; a motive and killer are eventually revealed and the mystery is solved. Simple - maybe; interestingly formatted - very much so (see below).
This could fall under the auspices of a "police procedural" novel - as we follow Detective Pierre Grazziano (or "Grazzi" to use the nickname he is often referred by) and his offsider, Gaubert. Each of the passengers is duly investigated to check for connection or motive - and one by one they are .... eliminated. It seems that Grazzi is always that one step behind but eventually there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I really enjoyed the narrative and the format - each chapter heading was the berth number of each of the passengers. We get a real sense of their lives as Grazzi and Gaubert dig into their backgrounds, and discover more about the victim herself.
As I mentioned, I really did enjoy this and love expanding my reading beyond the standard UK and US offerings, exploring how other writers present similar mysteries on their own patch!
This is the first in the "Bruno" series - and funnily, I had two paperback copies of this book in my own personal library for some time, sitting unreaThis is the first in the "Bruno" series - and funnily, I had two paperback copies of this book in my own personal library for some time, sitting unread on a dusty shelf. I had read one of the later books, however, I do recommend reading this first if you are considering pursuing with this series.
As this is the first in the series, there is a lot of scene setting and getting a feel for the people, the setting and for Bruno. The story moves slowly but steadily forward before picking up speed towards the end.
This is the fourth in the Christine de Pizan mystery series, and as with other review, it is suggested to start this series at the beginning and read This is the fourth in the Christine de Pizan mystery series, and as with other review, it is suggested to start this series at the beginning and read in order to ensure continuity. In this outing Christine is travelling to the Prior of Poissy, ostensibly to see her daughter and to copy manuscripts, but also to investigate the murder of one of the nuns.
These mysteries are full of historical detail, including Christine's life as a single mother, raising her family whilst trying to earn a living, which she manages to do thanks to royal patronage.
I really enjoy the series of mysteries as they make a nice change from the usual English-centric historical fiction that has dominated the market for some time. For those who love a bit of French history mixed with a tinge of crime, sorcery, a notable female protagonist....more
I have a couple of Jim Bradbury's books already, so it was not hard for me to pick up this soon to be released new edition of his book, originally pubI have a couple of Jim Bradbury's books already, so it was not hard for me to pick up this soon to be released new edition of his book, originally published back in 1998.
I personally find his writing style to be clear and clean, the narrative consistent, whilst providing readers with a balanced understanding of events through the use of contemporary evidence. I would suggest that this would be a very good starting point for those just beginning their own journey into the Norman Conquest period - those of us who have read extensively on this subject may feel like they are experiencing deja vu, however, I believe a keen student will always read keenly on their chosen field - you never know what little nuggets may be thrown up.
Much of the social and political scene of both pre-Conquest Normandy and Anglo-Saxon England is covered off; the composition of both armies discussed; and the sources for the battle analysed before we reach a very detailed chapter on the battle itself. Bradbury follows up with a look at the aftermath and consequences of the Norman victory.
What the reader will appreciate is the inclusion of maps and diagrams, and the accompanying genealogical trees of the main familial lines under discussion.
A great starting point which covers things off succinctly, whilst leaving the reader with some great resources to follow up on for their own journey....more
What a journey through the underbelly of pre-Revolutionary France - political and religious intrigue; espionage; secret societies; rumblings of revoluWhat a journey through the underbelly of pre-Revolutionary France - political and religious intrigue; espionage; secret societies; rumblings of revolution; and a murder or two. The characters suitably human, odious, mysterious, enlightened; a good mix of both fiction and real personages. The storyline well plotted out and well researched - the stench of Paris and the luxury of Versailles suitable evident.
This is the first in a series - and I hope that the rest will be translated and re-published in due course.
Definitely worth the four stars - will definitely read this again. ...more
Two things attracted me to this book - the subject matter and the author, whose book on the Templars I had read in the past.
Medieval politics is a difTwo things attracted me to this book - the subject matter and the author, whose book on the Templars I had read in the past.
Medieval politics is a difficult path to navigate at the best of times. Throw in some papal discord, political and religious machinations, mysterious cabals, superstition, rumour and inuendo, and two political giants in Philip the Fair of France and Pope Boniface VIII, and you have the makings of a very good historical fiction thriller.
Frale is a noted historian and paleographer at the Vatican Secret Archives, and her previous works have been in the non-fiction genre and this is her first novel (as far as I am aware). The amount of research that has gone into this book is (at times, painfully) evident.
I would strongly suggest that having some interest in this particular period would be a good thing as there are a plethora of characters (real and fictional) that walk across the pages; some add to the story, others are not so critical, leaving me wondering if they were necessary in the first place (mayhap a short list of essential characters at the very start might be an idea). There are also a number of themes running through the narrative - some evident; others not so and these are not cleared up until towards the end. At times, the reader could be left wondering which narrative it is that they should be following and what should be discarded. Despite this being an area of interest for me, the dearth of information provided sometimes felt oppressive - at page 50 I felt like I was at page 500!
Once you get past all of this, the story itself it rather an interesting premise. I will most likely read this again.
Thoroughly enjoyable novel about the mystery surrounding the author of a book found in the Library for rejected manuscripts, which when published, becThoroughly enjoyable novel about the mystery surrounding the author of a book found in the Library for rejected manuscripts, which when published, becomes a sensation. It is a story of how this fame has affected not only those directly associated with the book, but also the town in which the book was discovered. It is also the story of a washed-up critic and his journey for a final piece of redemption by discovering the truth behind the facade.
Translated from the original French, this story flows across the pages, separated by neat little chapters and some highly amusing footnotes from the author. Well worth discovering and reading for your selves!...more
Bernard of Clairvaux was and is a complicated historical figure - a contradiction, an enigma, a politician, a saint; humble yet arrogant, proud, egotiBernard of Clairvaux was and is a complicated historical figure - a contradiction, an enigma, a politician, a saint; humble yet arrogant, proud, egotistical; passive yet domineering; retiring yet forthright and downright interfering.
McGuire tells us that he seeks " ... to find Bernard as a man, monk, abbot, political figure and central actor in Christian Europe ...". He successfully dispels some of the myths surrounding Bernard, whilst discussing the interpretation of the earlier sources and how they came to be adopted in later biographies. McGuire uses Bernard's own writings to "... cast light on the way Bernard understood himself and the world around him ...".
For me personally, I was interested in Bernard's involvement in the papal schism, the Crusades, and his dealings with the Knights Templar and King Roger II of Sicily. Despite repeated entreaties to return to his humble life within the Cistercian Order, Bernard still managed to insinuate himself upon the international political stage whenever the opportunity presented - in fact he comes across as being quite offended if he was not being consulted by princes, kings and popes! McGuire mentions that Bernard "... worked to define orthodox belief and at the same time responded for the most part generously to the churchmen and others who turned to him for counsel and assistance ..."
There is no doubting the global influence and magnetism of Bernard, and McGuire provides a readily accessible study of this great man - though with the following proviso - he sees "... no reason to whitewash Bernard to make him politically correct for our age ...". And rightly so, for Bernard was not of our age and we not of his.
Towards the end of the book McGuire takes our certain themes and expounds upon them - themes such as: sources used; prior biographies written; Second Crusade and the Knights Templar; Bernard's relationships with Peter Abelard, Stephen Harding (Abbot of Citeaux) and Peter the Venerable (Abbot of Cluny); his sermons.
For those wishing to learn more and add to their own studies of Bernard, McGuire's book is definitely one to read....more
This is another one of those books which has me conflicted. On the one hand, it is an engrossing tale of the reign of James II of England and the subsThis is another one of those books which has me conflicted. On the one hand, it is an engrossing tale of the reign of James II of England and the subsequent quest for the throne after he fled in the face of growing religious opposition and the invasion by invitation of William of Orange - "... the overriding issue that was to fracture both family and nation was religion ..". And for someone dipping their toes into this period, it is a highly useful and informative resource.
On the other it purports to be a look at the role of espionage during this particular period in English history - which leads to more conflict as I find this component to be somewhat overshadowed by the first (ie: the history).
As my reading "career" has progressed, I have surpassed the general histories and am looking for more niche subjects. I guess what I was hoping for was more on the espionage side of things rather than a history of the Jacobites for I think to pick up this tome based on title alone one already assumes some understanding of events. I wanted to know more about the methods - the modus operandi, the people involved, the problems they faced - a bit more along the lines of The Anatomy of a Spy: A History of Espionage and Betrayal wherein each chapter highlights a particular theme with examples given to illustrate.
The methods used by the Jacobites, French, Dutch and English were not dissimilar - some were more effective in the collection, collation and usage of intel gathered than others. For as Hugh Douglas, author of Jacobite Spy Wars: Moles, Rogues and Treachery notes, "... the final betrayal of the Stuart cause had not come about through a mistress's pillow talk: they had finally been shafted by one of their own ..."...more
I wasn't a fan. I did not like the writing style though can appreciate it was written in the 1930s. I felt no empathy with the character of Minette as I wasn't a fan. I did not like the writing style though can appreciate it was written in the 1930s. I felt no empathy with the character of Minette as represented here. I found the storyline hard to follow at times as other characters took centre stage. There is no clear timeline - for someone not au fait with this period, this would be very confusing. It is a highly romanticised account of this tragic Stuart Princess., which fell flat.
At the very start of the book the author claims although this is a novel, it's not "but something new". A great contradiction I could not find - and what was the actual point of this statement - I am still left wondering.
So glad there are much more current and up-to-date books covering Henrietta Stuart....more
This is the third in the series featuring Christine de Pisan, and I would suggest starting from the beginning with In the Presence of Evil and In the This is the third in the series featuring Christine de Pisan, and I would suggest starting from the beginning with In the Presence of Evil and In the Shadow of the Enemy and many of the characters in this instalment have their origins in the first two books, as does the historical background.
It is three years since the events in the previous books; the French court is still a hot bed of political intrigue, the King is still battling bouts of insanity, and witchcraft and sorcery are being touted as the causes for all that has befallen France.
Someone is out to blacken the name of Valentina Visconti, Duchess of Orleans, and it the Fools of the Duke, her husband, that provide both the impetus and clues that Christine will need to solve this mystery.
I am enjoying the series as the setting is medieval France and features Christine de Pisan. These would fall into the category of mystery; they are not particularly action driven though do provide us with an insider's view of the French Court. I am looking forward to the next in the series....more
The two stars is for tackling someone other than Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elizabeth I, or whoever is the current flavour of the month with hisNot for me.
The two stars is for tackling someone other than Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elizabeth I, or whoever is the current flavour of the month with historical fiction authors.
I am familiar with this period and the style of narrative just did not drawn me in and the characters left me flat. I could easily have left this unfinished but decided to persevere to the end.
For continuity purposes, I suggest reading the first two and the prequel, especially if new to this period and the characters....more
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