Medicis Daughter

Happy Roast Chestnuts Day!  Have you ever roasted or eaten chestnuts?  I have to admit that I have not (remember I am an extremely picky eater).  This is the day to give them a try.  Or just sing the Christmas song about roasting chestnuts on an open fire (much easier). 

I just finished the historical novel Medicis Daughter by Sophie Perinot.  Medicis Daughter tells the story of Catherine de Medici’s daughter, Marguerite de Valois (aka Margot).  It is told from Margot’s perspective from the time she is a young girl through the days after her marriage (when she is nineteen) to her cousin, Henri, the King of Navarre.  We find out how she lived her life under her mother’s thumb (and her brother’s, King Charles who seemed to have mental issues).  We find out how she felt about the Protestants (Margot is Roman Catholic) and their fight with King Charles and how this affected her life.

I picked Medicis Daughter because I enjoy history, and I love the show Reign.  I thought it would be interesting to learn more about Margot.  Medicis Daughter is a very long, drawn out novel (I just never got into this book).  I found it to be very dry and dull (flat).  It did not make for enjoyable reading.  The story comes across more like a young adult novel in places (especially with Margot’s infatuation with Henri, Duc de Guise).  There are also French words, phrases, and sentences with no translation (which is frustrating).  The author did a very good job with the history.  She was pretty accurate except for a few areas (which she notes at the end of the book).   There are many characters (seems we were introduced to every person at court and anyone they met while traveling) in the book which can lead to a lot of confusion.  I have to confess that I gave up after a while trying to keep all of them straight.  I focused on the main characters (makes it easier).  I give Medicis Daughter 2.5 out of 5 stars. 

Sophie Perinot can be followed on Amazon to get updates on her latest books.  I received a complimentary copy of Medicis Daughter from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading Chocolat Chaud Murder by Harper Lin.  I am going to bake cookies this afternoon.  Have an enjoyable Monday and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader