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There are currently 13 member reviews
for The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
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Marie A. (Warner, NH)
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
The trials and tribulations of Catherine de Medici "in her own words." An interesting, successful technique to present the reader with events in the life and times of a complex historical figure whose life story is permeated with sadness, betrayals, exaggerations and intrigue. Gortner's historical novel is well worth reading--well written, informative and enjoyable. His rendition could well encourage readers to compare his treatment and research of this historical figure with another of Catherine de Medici's biographers. In Gortner's words, "All stories have two sides, and Catherine's is no exception."
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Barbara R. (Fort Myers, FL)
Catherine DeMedici
Very enjoyable read. Well researched. I enjoyed learning how she managed to keep her family in charge of the French realm for so many years. If you enjoy history, intrigue and a little mayhem, You will enjoy this book.
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Cheryl D. (Angola, NY)
A violent, but fascinating era of history
I fully enjoyed a look at French history during this period of time. I have read much about the Tudors and Mary, Queen of Scots, but knew little about Catherine de Medici, the house of Guise or the Valois other than the mention of their names in other works. C. W. Gortner has taken a lot of convoluted relationships and handled them very well. The politics, the power struggles and the violence bring the book and this era alive.
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Amy H. (Benbrook, TX)
Positively Scandalous!
C.W. Gortner's historical novel of Catherine de Medici was wonderful! Interesting and fast-paced, this tale was a well-written piece of a fascinating character in history. Gortner does a phenomenal job of portraying a very complicated era in French history and making it interesting to the reader. Catherine does, eventually, become a lovable character, and I felt great empathy for each of her losses and failures...and there were many. I recommend to any who adore historical fiction. Well done!
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Joyce W. (Rochester, MN)
Intrigue and Politics in the 16th Century
C. W. Gortner crafted a believable historical novel of Catherine De Medici's life. He takes the reader behind the castle walls and weaves a web of jealousy and manipulation. It is a fascinating portrayal of marriage between royal families to create alliances between countries. From the bedroom to the board room, life is never dull.
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Theresa W. (Apollo Beach, FL)
Close, but no cigar!
Not knowing much about Catherine DeMedici I was anticipating a historical novel with a larger than life protagonist. The author's strength is his ability to give dimension and multiple layers to Catherine. He deftly intertwines historical facts to reveal a young girl who becomes a woman of strength and devotion. A woman who would do anything to protect her family and her adopted country France....including murder! Although, I enjoyed the book, it was not the page turner I was anticipating.
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