Book description
The story of a great queen, a woman of enormous courage who made her
own rules, and a true survivor. This is the first in a series of early
medieval novels by Vanora Bennett, the author of Portrait of an Unknown Woman.
Catherine de Valois, daughter of the French king, is born in troubled
times. Brought up in a the stormy and unstable environment of the court,
her only friend is the remarkable poet and writer Christine de Pizan.
Catherine is married off to Henry V as part of a treaty honouring his
victory over France, and is destined to be a trophy wife. Terrified at
the idea of being married to a man who is at once a foreigner, an enemy
and a rough soldier, Catherine nevertheless does her duty. Within two
years she is widowed, and mother of the future King of England and
France - even though her brother has already claimed the French crown
for himself.
Caught between warring factions, Catherine finds support from Owain
Tudor, controller of her household - a dangerous support as rumours of
their relationship would jeopardise her right to keep her child.
To save her son, and herself, she must turn away from her love and all
that is familiar and safe to find another way forward. Praise for
Portrait of an Unknown Woman:
'Bennett's background detail is impeccable - part love story, part
thriller, all excellently imagined and written.' The Times
'There is plenty to admire and enjoy in Bennett's portrayal of a
society convulsed by radical change…Vanora Bennett is a writer to
watch.' Times Literary Supplement
'There is much to admire in this curate's egg of a novel.' Sunday Telegraph
'Distinguished…Romance, intrigue and art history are confidently
blended, and Holbein canvases are afforded starring roles.' Daily Mail
'If you want a classier-than-average romantic read, one contender is
this fine historical debut, a 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'-style tale.'
Sunday Times
'An atmospheric, passionate novel set against a backdrop of religious
and political upheaval.' Woman and Home Vanora Bennett is a journalist
and writer. She lived and worked in Russia for 7 years, writing for
Reuters and the LA Times. She has been a foreign correspondent and
feature writer and contributed to publications including The Times, the
LA Times, the Guardian, the Observer and the Evening Standard. She lives
in London with her husband and two sons. She has written two previous
novels: Portrait of an Unknown Woman and Queen of Silks. Her latest
novel, Blood Royal comes out in May 2009.
