Wow.
That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. Emma Campion is an extremely talented storyteller. While I had heard of Joan of Kent, I didn't know the fascinating history she had. Granted, much of it must be assumed seeing as medieval women are somewhat of an enigma due to there not being a great deal written about them. The basics of the book are this; Joan of Kent is the cousin to and ward of King Edward III and his wife, Queen Philippa. Her father was labeled a traitor when she was a young girl and was executed for his crimes. Since then, her mother, brother and herself have been in the hands of the King and his Queen. Joan is destined for a politically advantageous marriage to help the King of England take France.
That is the start of all of Joan's troubles. You do feel for her because she is given no say and often she is used as a pawn in the game of royal matches. The King and Queen agree to at least two different matches for Joan--both of them bad (the first is a child molester and all around creep and the second is insanely jealous of Joan's relationship with the crown prince. He really shouldn't be since 'Ned' is a bit maddening in his obsession with Joan. He even killed her dog! Way to show the chick you love her.). In order to get away from the first suitor, Joan marries a knight who she loves and who loves her for herself. They keep it a secret at first and unfortunately, she is married off to the second suitor. The knight tries to get the King and the Pope to recognize their marriage to no avail at first. Meanwhile, the crown prince is still obsessed (perhaps moreso than ever) with Joan and seeks to have both of Joan's husbands killed. Does he succeed? Well, that is precisely why you need to read the book.
There's so much in there and while the narrative can be a little inconsistant at times, if you stick with it, you'll be glad you did.
I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. :)
That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. Emma Campion is an extremely talented storyteller. While I had heard of Joan of Kent, I didn't know the fascinating history she had. Granted, much of it must be assumed seeing as medieval women are somewhat of an enigma due to there not being a great deal written about them. The basics of the book are this; Joan of Kent is the cousin to and ward of King Edward III and his wife, Queen Philippa. Her father was labeled a traitor when she was a young girl and was executed for his crimes. Since then, her mother, brother and herself have been in the hands of the King and his Queen. Joan is destined for a politically advantageous marriage to help the King of England take France.
That is the start of all of Joan's troubles. You do feel for her because she is given no say and often she is used as a pawn in the game of royal matches. The King and Queen agree to at least two different matches for Joan--both of them bad (the first is a child molester and all around creep and the second is insanely jealous of Joan's relationship with the crown prince. He really shouldn't be since 'Ned' is a bit maddening in his obsession with Joan. He even killed her dog! Way to show the chick you love her.). In order to get away from the first suitor, Joan marries a knight who she loves and who loves her for herself. They keep it a secret at first and unfortunately, she is married off to the second suitor. The knight tries to get the King and the Pope to recognize their marriage to no avail at first. Meanwhile, the crown prince is still obsessed (perhaps moreso than ever) with Joan and seeks to have both of Joan's husbands killed. Does he succeed? Well, that is precisely why you need to read the book.
There's so much in there and while the narrative can be a little inconsistant at times, if you stick with it, you'll be glad you did.
I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. :)