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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I just finished reading this book and The Queen's Vow: A Novel Of Isabella Of Castile was a very well written book. When I started reading it, I was drawn into Isabel's life and I was absorbed. This is the very first book of it's kind for Isabel of Castilla. C.W Gortner brings to life what she was like, her hopes, her dreams and what it took to be the most powerful woman. I am not saying this book makes her a saint nor an evil woman but a woman, in a time when men ruled, who took her crown and along with her husband Fernando of Aragon have the country become Spain and leave a legacy for her family and her subjects.
I honestly think it was very interesting of the author to write the book as she is a very controversial figure because of her rule including but not limited to the Spanish Inquisition and how they allowed explorers to colonize the “new world.”
I honestly think it was very interesting of the author to write the book as she is a very controversial figure because of her rule including but not limited to the Spanish Inquisition and how they allowed explorers to colonize the “new world.”
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have read quite a few books on Queen Isabella, both fiction and nonfiction, but this one brought a beauty and realness to her story. I was immediately engrossed into Isabella's life and turmoil. So much happened in this book. Not only did this book dive into her early life, but it also went through her romance with Fernando, her fear of court and her half brother, and everything in between. The author didnt shy away from her faults and failures. It was extremely descriptive, but it wasn't boring. I wanted to continue reading forever. Isabella's story was about so much more than her successes. It deserved to be told in full.
Definitely an intriguing story. It had its moments that dragged but all in all it is a fantastic tale of Queen Isabella.
I always enjoy a good historical fiction, but this one took a few too many liberties for my taste. I liked the characterizations. But it felt long. I'm not sure how it could have tidied up the pacing. I'd recommend it, as Isabella is one of the most intriguing queens of Europe, but I wouldn't reread it.
An interesting, well researched "genre" historical centered upon a complex figure. Gortner does a good job with the history, I think, and I am particularly impressed by the way he doesn't shy away from the unsavory aspects of Isabel's legacy, namely the expulsion of the Jews and the new mandates she gave to the Holy Office of the Inquisition. But in the end she is a fascinating character, and the period of Spanish history she presided over was obviously pivotal. And Gortner's research brings to life the final years of the Reconquista, which I found informative and fascinating.
I like historical fiction. This was a good book about Isabella of Castile. She was the daughter of a second marriage and never expected to become queen. But she did and did it on her terms. Under her rule, the Spenish Inquisition took place, Christopher Columbus was given money to make his famed voyage and she united Spain when she married Ferdinand of Aragon. There were parts I did not understand because I am not good with politics but it was a good read.
This book was such a waste of time and I wish I could get a refund. So. Boring. Jesus.
Ispanya tarihi hakkinda en ufak bir fikrim yoktu daha önce. Hos, bu tarz kitaplarin saglam bir tarih bilgisi kazandirmayacagi asikar, ancak benim gibi tatilinde hem rahat seyler okuyayim hem de az bucuk genel kültür kazanayim diyorsaniz, harika bir yol bence tarihi kurgu (historical fiction) eserler okumak. Isabella'nin yasami ve kralice olarak hükmettigi yillar, icinde tezatliklar barindiran, kolay yorumlanamayacak bir dönemi kapsiyor. Hem ülkesi icin büyük siyasi kazanimlar elde etmis ve Ispanya birligini saglamis iyi bir yönetici ve diplomat, hem de engizisyon gibi korkunc bir mahkeme sistemini getirip, insanlara eziyet ettirmis, azinliklara yasam hakki tanimamis, karmasik bir kralice. Özellikle yahudiler ve müslümanlar büyük acilar cekmis onun döneminde.
Türkiye'de Remzi Kitabevi tarafindan yayinlanmis ve cevirisini Demet Altinyeleklioglu üstlenmis. Ceviri icin, mükemmel olmasa da basarili diyebilirim.
Türkiye'de Remzi Kitabevi tarafindan yayinlanmis ve cevirisini Demet Altinyeleklioglu üstlenmis. Ceviri icin, mükemmel olmasa da basarili diyebilirim.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book made me fascinated in Spain's history which has been woefully missing from my understanding of monarchies of the past.
I didn't like the depiction of other races and their representation of women. It felt a little 2 dimensional.
The writing had great flow though and while I was curious to know more about this fascinating historical figure, it wasn't suspenseful or making me crave to get back to reading.
It was good. period.
I didn't like the depiction of other races and their representation of women. It felt a little 2 dimensional.
The writing had great flow though and while I was curious to know more about this fascinating historical figure, it wasn't suspenseful or making me crave to get back to reading.
It was good. period.