Isabella and Edward's story has been told in a variety of ways and from many viewpoints but this one is my favorite.Since Isabella was a very young girl when she was married to Edward, Colin Falconer's understanding of the complexities of their relationship was right on target. Isabella had such resilience and resourcefulness that she actually held the kingdom together much longer than seemed possible. Far from being a she-devil, Isabella did truly have a "brave heart" and a determination to survive an impossible situation.
Isabella was a Princess of France and a Queen of England, married by her father Philip le Bel, to Edward II when she was twelve years old. Raised by parents who loved each other she expected to love, and hoped to be loved by, King Edward. Instead, her life was unimaginably out of control almost from the first moment, with few allies in this new land. Due to her beauty, political wisdom and intellect she was respected by both the nobility and the populace.
History, as well as the author, indicate that she was a faithful wife and a good mother to her four children, despite the indignities she had to endure. Indeed her son, Edward III, was an able ruler and a successful warrior for the fifty years of his reign. He raised twelve children and had a long and loving marriage to Philippa of Hainaut.
Isabella's downfall was when she eventually turned to Roger Mortimer for both emotional and political support after seventeen years of marriage to Edward.She sailed to France with her son, the Prince of Wales, to facilitate a peace treaty with her brother who was now King.They made plans and were successful at invading England but definitely lost the peace.
A fine and insightful treatment of this fascinating queen and the times she lived in.I recommend this engrossing and informative version of Edward II and Isabella's live to readers of royalty and medieval history alike. I received this book for the purposes of a review.
About the Author
Born in London, Colin first trialed as a professional football player in England, and was eventually brought to Australia. He went to Sydney and worked in TV and radio and freelanced for many of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines. He has published over twenty novels and his work has so far been translated into 23 languages.
He travels regularly to research his novels and his quest for authenticity has led him to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz.
His most recent novels are Silk Road, set in the 13th century, and Stigmata, set against the backdrop of the Albigensian Crusade in Southern France in 1209. He currently lives in Barcelona.
For more information please visit Colin Falconer's blog. You can also find him on Facebook or follow on Twitter.
Link to Tour Schedule: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/
Twitter Hashtag: #IsabellaTour
Born in London, Colin first trialed as a professional football player in England, and was eventually brought to Australia. He went to Sydney and worked in TV and radio and freelanced for many of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines. He has published over twenty novels and his work has so far been translated into 23 languages.
He travels regularly to research his novels and his quest for authenticity has led him to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz.
His most recent novels are Silk Road, set in the 13th century, and Stigmata, set against the backdrop of the Albigensian Crusade in Southern France in 1209. He currently lives in Barcelona.
For more information please visit Colin Falconer's blog. You can also find him on Facebook or follow on Twitter.
Link to Tour Schedule: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/
Twitter Hashtag: #IsabellaTour
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