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The Traitor's Wife
by Susan Higginbotham
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$14.99 |
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Paperback
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN13: 9781402217876
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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From the bedchamber to the battlefield, through treachery and fidelity, one woman is imprisoned by the secrets of the crown. It is an age where passion reigns and treachery runs as thick as blood. Young Eleanor has two men in her life: her uncle King Edward II, and her husband Hugh le Despenser, a mere knight but the newfound favorite of the king. She has no desire to meddle in royal affairs—she wishes for a serene, simple life with her family. But as political unrest sweeps the land, Eleanor, sharply intelligent yet blindly naïve, becomes the only woman each man can trust. Fiercely devoted to both her husband and her king, Eleanor holds the secret that could destroy all of England—and discovers the choices no woman should have to make. At its heart, The Traitor's Wife is a unique love story that every reader will connect with. Gold Medalist, historical / military fiction, 2008 Independent Publisher Book Awards • Includes bonus reading group guide *** PRAISE FOR THE TRAITOR'S WIFE: "Conveys emotions and relationships quite poignantly... entertaining historical fiction."
Kirkus Discoveries "Higginbotham's talents lie not only in her capacity for detailed genealogical research of the period, but also in her skill in bringing these historical figures to life with passion, a wonderful sense of humor, honor, and love."
Historical Novels Review Online "Higginbotham has stirred to life a girl who is naive and passionate, impulsive and loyal... an endearing, involving story, made so by the unconventional characters of Eleanor and Edward."
Reviewer's Choice "Higginbotham makes history come alive... The Traitor's Wife is a tale of intrigue, betrayal, loyalty, and passion."
BookPleasures "All the ingredients for a great tale: [love], treason, war, and murder. Couple this with Higginbotham's clear passion and knack for accuracy, and this book is a can't miss... this novel was a joy to read."
Read and Review "Higginbotham makes history come alive…The Traitor's Wife is a tale of intrigue, betrayal, loyalty, and passion."
Book Pleasures "Beautifully researched and incredibly captivating, The Traitor's Wife is a book you won't want to put down. Susan Higginbotham's vivid portrayal of life during Edward II's tumultuous reign makes for fascinating reading. Highly recommended!"
Michelle Moran, bestselling author of The Heretic Queen
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| OFF WITH THEIR HEADS... |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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This novel of fourteenth century England during the reigns of Edward II and Edward III is highly entertaining and well-researched. It tells the story of Eleanor de Clare, who was the granddaughter of King Edward I of England. She was close to her uncle, Edward II, who would go on to become the King of England upon his father's death. Eleanor would marry a knight by the name of Hugh Le Despenser, son of one of the most trusted advisors to King Edward I.
The novel follows Eleanor's development from a naive young girl to loyal wife, as well as confidant to her uncle, King Edward II. Through her eyes, the reader is drawn into the tumultuous fourteenth century with all of its political unrest and upheavals. With her uncle's ascension to the throne and his inordinate fondness for her husband, Eleanor sees her family's fortunes rise, as her husband gains ascendancy over other courtiers.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, as treachery, jealousy, and greed are in the air. Eleanor sees her family's prestige and fortune diminish with the ascendancy of her cousin, Edward III, to the throne of England. Suddenly, her husband is yesterday's news and on the run. Eleanor's only hope is that she will be able to weather the political storm that will soon wash over her and her family.
Those who enjoy historical fiction will like this eminently readable book. It is a well-written first novel and one that is sure to hold the reader's interest. It is rife with period detail and the colorful personages that made fourteenth century England one of the most interesting periods and places in history.
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| Awesome!! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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Great book, keeps you involved and it's very entertaining. I had a hard time putting it down. The names get a little confusing, but that's typical of the time period with everyone naming their kids the same thing all the time.
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| Another Great Read From This AUthor |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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I usually give a book 50 pages before I decide whether or not I will enjoy reading it. This book grabbed me on the first page. Generally I check the historical facts against a historical novel - and I have found that Susan Higginbotham's books follow the facts quite closely - with enough fiction to make the plot lines work seamlessly - making history 'real'! I can't wait for this author's next book to be released!
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| Five Star Historical Fiction Read!!! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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While much is known about Hugh le Despenser and his role in the downfall of King Edward II, history tends to overlook the woman behind the man. Susan Higginbotham takes this on in her novel of Eleanor le Despenser, The Traitor's Wife.
We meet Eleanor prior to her being married to Hugh, as a repayment of a debt owed by her father. Her uncle has just become King Edward II and Piers Gaveston is the "favorite" at this time, and he is returning from exile. Rumors of the nature of their true relationship run amouk through the court.
Eleanor, who is totally in love with Hugh, and completely blind to his flaws seems to be wearing rose-colored glasses as she flitters through her luxurious life, having baby after baby. And who can blame her really? What woman in love doesn't think her husband's perfect? But, while this naivete bothered me a little, her strength in character certainly made up for it. This poor woman went through a lot! After her sister's husband, Piers Gaveston, is slain Hugh becomes the new "favorite" and quickly rises to the height of power and wealth. And with that brings resentment from other powerful lords in the realm, especially when Hugh begins seizing lands left and right. Also, those pesky rumors of homosexuality between Hugh and Edward become all the talk.
Well, as most of you know, this is the beginning of the end for poor Eleanor and Hugh and here is where Eleanor's strength comes into play. What follows is nothing short of harrowing - the Queen Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimor have taken over the throne, King Edward II is imprisoned, her husband is executed, her girls are forced into a nunnery and she herself is imprisoned and taunted daily with details of Hugh's horrific death. As a testament to her resiliency, Eleanor does marry again and have more children before her death.
Ever since my passion for historical fiction began, I've been wanting to read this book, but it was too hard to come by. So, I've been waiting for this novel for about 4 years now and the wait was SO worth it! The Traitor's Wife is an un-put-downable, bring with you everywhere, brilliant historical fiction novel and will most likely be in my top 5 reads of 2009 list. King Edward, Piers and Hugh were very likable, regardless of their faults and I am very glad to have read their story. I really enjoyed getting to know the private Hugh, the husband, lover and father Hugh.
You must go out and get this book immediately!!!
Seriously.
What are you waiting for?
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| The Traitor's Wife |
| Customer Rating: 3 out of 5 |
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Susan Higginbotham's research shines through in this historical fiction novel, The Traitor's Wife, about the reign of King Edward II. Despite the large cast in this book and the multiple Edwards, Hughs, and Joans, readers will not have a hard time keeping track of the characters and even if they get stuck, there is a handy character breakdown in the front of the book. I don't know much about 14th Century England, but I do remember Robert the Bruce from Braveheart, who does make a few appearances in the novel.
King Edward II is thrust onto the throne despite his wild ways after his father's death, and his niece Eleanor becomes Isabella of France's lady-in-waiting, Edward's new bride and queen. Sweeping through battles, bedroom scenes, and the court, readers will get an inside look at the kingdom and the politics that dominated England in the 14th Century. After checking some historical information, quite of bit of Higginbotham's plot is based upon well known facts about King Edward II and his kingdom at the time.
This novel is told from Eleanor's point of view, which will quickly absorb the reader in the story and how the political uprisings impacted her family and her husband, Hugh Despenser the Younger.
Although there are several instances when Hugh, Eleanor's husband, disappears, readers are not likely to be convinced of his blind ambition, which emerges later in the novel. Oftentimes, Hugh seems not to care much for court or the politics of the age when he interacts with his father, and he fails to show himself at court early on in his marriage to Eleanor, which to many readers could signify his ambivalence to wealth and power. However, Hugh plays a central role in the novel, seeking greater power, land, and favor from King Edward II. Another drawback to the novel is the tendency for the prose to tell rather than show plot points. Overall, this novel is engaging and informative for readers interested in 14th Century England and the nation's struggles with Scotland and its political regime.
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