Publisher's Weekly Review
It might seem foolhardy to dig into the treasure trove of English history and yank out one of its least illustrious characters for a revisionist makeover, yet Bennett (Figures in Silk) pulls it off in this dishy historical set against the violent backdrop of 15th-century England and France. The high drama of pitched battles, palace intrigue, and cutthroat politics are mere scene setters for the romance between timid French princess Catherine de Valois, wife of Henry V, and Welsh soldier-poet Owain Tudor. While the English begin their invasion of France, and France falls into civil war, Bennett describes the young Catherine growing up neglected and impoverished in the midst of royal family dysfunction-and seeing a way out through a marriage to England's Henry V, as "she wanted not to live on the edge of fear, with everything so sad and out of control." But it's exactly those hurdles that make Catherine's story so remarkable, and Bennett's retelling is so riven with tension-including a haunting portrait of Catherine's father, King Charles-that readers will be hard-pressed to put this down. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Everyone knows that medieval royals are hot. You need look no further than the best-selling novels of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir for proof of the popularity of this lucrative publishing phenomenon. While many are rushing to cash in on current market demand, few novels are as authentically rendered as this one. Displaying the same narrative flair and historical accuracy as she did in Figures in Silk (2009), Bennett spins the gripping tale of young Catherine de Valois, the fifteenth-century French princess sacrificed on the altar of national honor and political expediency. Hastily married off to King Henry V of England as a battle prize, she must learn to navigate the intricacies and intrigues of the English royal court after Henry's untimely death. Luckily, she has Owain Tudor, the Welsh-born controller of her household, to assist her in doing so. Especially unique and compelling is the story of Elizabeth's friendship with feminist poet Christine de Pizan. Historical fiction with enough heft to satisfy discriminating fans.--Flanagan, Margaret Copyright 2010 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Bennett (Figures in Silk) returns to medieval Europe with the story of French princess Catherine de Valois (1401-37). As the neglected youngest daughter of mad King Charles VI and the dissolute Queen Isabeau, Catherine endures a childhood filled with fear and upheaval. Her only stable influence comes from her tutor, the renowned poet and writer Christine de Pizan. It is through Christine that Catherine first meets Owain Tudor, a young man descended from the once powerful royal family of Wales. Raised in England after his family's capture and imprisonment, Owain now serves as a devoted page in Henry V's household. Catherine and Owain develop a deep friendship, one that will sustain her through her brief marriage to the English king in the wake of his victory at Agincourt, widowhood, and role as mother of an infant Henry VI, the future ruler of England and France. VERDICT Despite the suggestive title, readers searching for a steamy historical romance may have to look elsewhere. Instead, Bennett offers a compelling and occasionally solemn coming-of-age tale about a young woman who must navigate her conflicting roles as daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Highly recommended for all readers of historical fiction. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/15/09.]-Makiia Lucier, Moscow, ID (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
