Historical fiction, with a healthy dose of romance, “The Queen’s Lover” by Vanora Bennett is a story of 15th-century France and England, set during the Hundred Years War. It follows the life of Catherine de Valois, who became Queen of England and then Queen Mother of Henry VI. Although most readers will already be familiar with the story, Bennett keeps our attention with excellent writing and an ability to incorporate historical philosophy, events of the times and human foibles in a period piece that makes the most of the characters and historical settings. The settings are very well done, with images of Paris as a rather sad, decrepit city in the midst of chaos, and London with its realistic gray, gloomy aura.
The novel does a wonderful job of incorporating most elements of the British and French courts. While reading about interpersonal relationships, regal wardrobes and royal insanity, the reader is also introduced to the conniving politics, sad tribulations and outrageous scandals that are a fascinating part of all history. Personally, I love historical fiction; I consider it an entertaining and painless way to learn of the past and also a way to know more of other cultures and places. However, I don’t read many romance novels, as I have limited patience with lovers pining for each other over distance and time. As a result, a lot of the romance in this novel tested my patience; it often seemed like the proverbial dangling carrot, juicy and fulfilling, but just out of reach. In addition, while the history is factual for the most part, Catherine’s relationship with Owain Tudor, a Welsh pageboy who becomes important in the English court, is largely surmised.
The novel is a basic chronological narrative, primarily told from Catherine’s point of view. Based on the period when she is a teenager until her mid-twenties, she’s a sympathetic character, one who overcomes political adversity and significant personal challenges to presumably find happiness in her later years. In the story, she is influenced by such diverse characters and situations as Christine de Pizan (an early feminist writer of the time), Joan of Arc’s plight, and all the various relatives, from her parents in France to Henry’s brothers and political advisors in England. The political complexity of the times is clearly represented throughout the novel.
Vanora Bennett has been a journalist, with articles published in many prestigious publications and two non-fiction books. “The Queen’s Lover” is her third foray into novel writing; her fiction focuses on British royal history in the 15th & 16th centuries. All in all, the story was well told, intriguing, and certainly gave me incentive to read more historical fiction of the time. I would read another Vanora Bennett novel, but I would hope that the dramatic events and character developments take center stage a bit more than the romance.
Read Pamela Lear’s posts about Fifty Shades of Grey author, E.L. James, here, and World Book Night here, and her reviews of Fannie’s Last Supper here, and Lima Nights here.
This post originally appeared on my former blog, StyleSubstanceSoul.
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