The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
by C. W. Gortner 
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Leaving her native Florence to marry Henry II of France, Catherine de Medici embarks on an unanticipated destiny of religious warfare, thwarted leadership, and psychologically charged royal machinations.Tags
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Caramellunacy Both stories revolve around the Huguenot wars/insurgency in France. While Confessions gives an interesting new take on an oft-maligned historical figure, The Nostradamus Papers includes a supernatural angle surrounding Henri of Navarre & the Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Confessions is adult historical fiction - Nostradamus is YA historical fantasy.
bsiemens This historical novel is about a strong, French woman during a period of civil unrest.
Member Reviews
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is a fantastic example of historical fiction. Lush backdrops, details so clear and precise that the images all but leap off the page, a notorious yet mysterious historical figure, a very tumultuous time period - these all combine perfectly to present Catherine's story as it has never before been told. While still fiction, Gortner does an amazing job of presenting her story with plausibility so that a reader is left questioning whether this were truly the way the events did happen and whether the history books have been wrong for so many years.
Presented in history books as a power-hungry, cold, cruel tyrant devoted to the dark arts, Gortner's Catherine is sympathetic and all-too-human. She show more understands too clearly the politics and intrigue that are a necessary part of living as among royalty and knows that her options are very, very limited. Catherine does nothing more than make any sacrifice necessary for the future of her children. Her intentions are clear and never waver, but the perception of those intentions, and consequently her actions, are what cause her to be viewed by royalty and peasants alike with suspicion and dread.
While focusing on Catherine's story, Gortner also presents life in France during the 16th Century in all its tumultous glory. Life was not easy for royalty and peasantry alike. Everyone had to watch their backs and concern themselves with being reported as a heretic. The constant battle between Catholics and Protestants is reminiscent of the Crusades and even today's more modern wars in which there is no such thing as compromise. It is unfortunate reminder that the more things change, the more things stay the same.
Another interesting aspect of the story is the stark picture of life at the royal court. One had to manuever through the adultery, intrigue, political backstabbing and all other manner of unsavory behavior while presenting to the public the ability to rise above all that. One could never let down one's guard or believe for a moment that one was safe from the political machinations, greed, and scramble for power that was normal for court life. It had to be an exhausting way of life, as Catherine learned at an early age. Life at court is not the life of privilege one might expect.
Gortner's realistic descriptions and attention to detail makes it very easy for a reader to imagine living in France while forcing the reader to decide whether Catherine's actions are justified. The first-person narrative lends an intimacy that also helps the reader truly feel almost communal with Catherine. The effect is a breathtaking blast to the past, one that is filled with enough intrigue and tension to keep any reader on the edge of his or her seat. The Confessions of Catherine de Medici brings history alive. show less
Presented in history books as a power-hungry, cold, cruel tyrant devoted to the dark arts, Gortner's Catherine is sympathetic and all-too-human. She show more understands too clearly the politics and intrigue that are a necessary part of living as among royalty and knows that her options are very, very limited. Catherine does nothing more than make any sacrifice necessary for the future of her children. Her intentions are clear and never waver, but the perception of those intentions, and consequently her actions, are what cause her to be viewed by royalty and peasants alike with suspicion and dread.
While focusing on Catherine's story, Gortner also presents life in France during the 16th Century in all its tumultous glory. Life was not easy for royalty and peasantry alike. Everyone had to watch their backs and concern themselves with being reported as a heretic. The constant battle between Catholics and Protestants is reminiscent of the Crusades and even today's more modern wars in which there is no such thing as compromise. It is unfortunate reminder that the more things change, the more things stay the same.
Another interesting aspect of the story is the stark picture of life at the royal court. One had to manuever through the adultery, intrigue, political backstabbing and all other manner of unsavory behavior while presenting to the public the ability to rise above all that. One could never let down one's guard or believe for a moment that one was safe from the political machinations, greed, and scramble for power that was normal for court life. It had to be an exhausting way of life, as Catherine learned at an early age. Life at court is not the life of privilege one might expect.
Gortner's realistic descriptions and attention to detail makes it very easy for a reader to imagine living in France while forcing the reader to decide whether Catherine's actions are justified. The first-person narrative lends an intimacy that also helps the reader truly feel almost communal with Catherine. The effect is a breathtaking blast to the past, one that is filled with enough intrigue and tension to keep any reader on the edge of his or her seat. The Confessions of Catherine de Medici brings history alive. show less
This is a solid work of historical fiction, one that (thankfully, IMO) leaves behind all the fascination about Catherine-the-necromancer and Catherine-the-poisoner to focus on Catherine de Medici, the politician and woman. To me, that's the most interesting part of the life of this intriguing individual. Born to Florence's ruling family but kept from her native city as a result of civil strife, Catherine is married off to the second son of the French king -- only to discover that her husband is infatuated with his much-older mistress and has little interest in a dumpy foreign girl from a merchant family background. That much is familiar territory to anyone who has read a biography or another novel about Catherine; what intrigued me was show more Gortner's compassionate/revisionist view of her as a queen.
After her husband's death at a relatively young age, Catherine must try to steer the country through turbulent times on behalf of her young sons; it is she who essentially reigned/ruled in 16th C. France at the time of the St. Bartholemew's Day Massacre of Paris's Protestant population. Rather than turning her into a caricature or the personification of evil, Gortner portrays her as an intelligent and independent woman who tries to steer an even course between the Guises and the Catholic League, and the most rabid Protestants.
I'm not entirely convinced by the love affair that Gortner imagines for Catherine, but it's an intriguing twist on the historical facts, and a bond between these two individuals in question of this kind (if not an actual affair) wouldn't have been out of character. He also does a great job of capturing the young Henri of Navarre, daughter of Catherine's self-declared enemy and yet an ally of sorts in Catherine's efforts to replace intolerance with pragmatism.
A welcome addition to the bookshelves of historical fiction fans; probably of little interest to anyone who isn't already drawn to the genre, however. I'm looking forward to Gortner's next novel, which will tackle the equally black-and-white character of Isabella of Castile. show less
After her husband's death at a relatively young age, Catherine must try to steer the country through turbulent times on behalf of her young sons; it is she who essentially reigned/ruled in 16th C. France at the time of the St. Bartholemew's Day Massacre of Paris's Protestant population. Rather than turning her into a caricature or the personification of evil, Gortner portrays her as an intelligent and independent woman who tries to steer an even course between the Guises and the Catholic League, and the most rabid Protestants.
I'm not entirely convinced by the love affair that Gortner imagines for Catherine, but it's an intriguing twist on the historical facts, and a bond between these two individuals in question of this kind (if not an actual affair) wouldn't have been out of character. He also does a great job of capturing the young Henri of Navarre, daughter of Catherine's self-declared enemy and yet an ally of sorts in Catherine's efforts to replace intolerance with pragmatism.
A welcome addition to the bookshelves of historical fiction fans; probably of little interest to anyone who isn't already drawn to the genre, however. I'm looking forward to Gortner's next novel, which will tackle the equally black-and-white character of Isabella of Castile. show less
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is an historical fictional account of one of France's most notorious Queens.
Catherine is a very loyal child, she understands her role in the political aspirations of her Medici family name. Even at a young age, she realizes that her destiny is one of greatness. Having the gift of 'sight', she becomes a very superstitious person, who sees signs and portents and dabbles in magical arts.
Her uncle, Pope Clement, has betrothed her to the King of France's second son, Henri d'Orleans. She has no love for this man, but her duty requires her to stand strong in faith and with much determination, she makes the best of her situation. Ingraining herself into France's culture, she emerges as a champion of the show more countries soil. Amidst strife, and massacres like the one of St. Bartholomew, she must find her way.
After several years of unsuccessfully producing an heir, Catherine becomes afraid for her future, however, King Francois I, has a special place in his heart for her, in another time, they may have been man and wife. He assures Catherine that she will produce him many fine grandchildren and Catherine is determined to fix her place in the royal family.
Prince Henri believes he has married beneath himself and for many years, successfully ignores his marriage duties. His long time mistress, Diane de Poirtiers, keeps him away from court, and no matter what Catherine does to entice her husband, she fails. Ordered by his father to perform his marital duties, he dispassionately rapes her. However, no heir was produced and the two struggle to remain faithful to their duties. When Diane realizes her only hope to remain mistress is to encourage Henri of impregnating Catherine, the two begin to successfully produce the heirs that France so desperately yearn for.
Catherine turns to magics to help her produce an heir and keep her husband coming to her bed, tired of court discussing her barreness. Whether they were successful or not, after eight years of non-production, Catherine goes on to birth six children. They are her life's passion and in her mother's undying love, she fails to see the jealousy and hidden innuendos amongst her own children. Diane continues to add strife to Catherine's life by having a hand in the raising of her children, sometimes adding fuel to the fire, discouraging Catherine's children from fully loving their mother.
Catherine de Medici is a woman of many mysteries and C. W. Gortner has given her a different portrayal, of the woman beneath the rumours. Beginning from when she is a child, we read her thoughts and positions as she grows into womanhood and as she ages with time we learn of another possibility behind what made Catherine motivate herself to do the things she did.
I truly enjoyed the book, the flow was excellent, the characters believable in their mannerisms and dialogues. I thought the passages descriptive and easily found myself envisioning the surroundings being described. I enjoyed C. W. Gortner's portrayal of Catherine, so much in history has her painted as an evil witch who poisoned those at her fancy, who controlled and manipulated everyone to her will, even when her judgements were lacking. Seeing her being portrayed as neither victim nor heroine but as a woman who has accepted what life has offered her and making the best of what is being presented to her.
I was equally impressed with the graphic nature of some scenes, the author doesn't coat the facts when it comes to histories account of situations involving the players mentioned throughout the books pages. The references to the historical data being shared was interesting to read, such as Nostradamus, the religious persecutions of the Huguenots happening in France at the time, or the hostilities between Catherine and her daughter.
Catherine de Medici becomes endearing to the reader through C. W. Gortner's portrayal. We learn that even though one wishes for the best outcomes, judgement and the machinations of those around you sometimes play a hand in even the best of plans. I found the story to be gripping, filled with mystery and magic and even though we know the outcome through history, I couldn't help turning the pages to see what happened next. show less
Catherine is a very loyal child, she understands her role in the political aspirations of her Medici family name. Even at a young age, she realizes that her destiny is one of greatness. Having the gift of 'sight', she becomes a very superstitious person, who sees signs and portents and dabbles in magical arts.
Her uncle, Pope Clement, has betrothed her to the King of France's second son, Henri d'Orleans. She has no love for this man, but her duty requires her to stand strong in faith and with much determination, she makes the best of her situation. Ingraining herself into France's culture, she emerges as a champion of the show more countries soil. Amidst strife, and massacres like the one of St. Bartholomew, she must find her way.
After several years of unsuccessfully producing an heir, Catherine becomes afraid for her future, however, King Francois I, has a special place in his heart for her, in another time, they may have been man and wife. He assures Catherine that she will produce him many fine grandchildren and Catherine is determined to fix her place in the royal family.
Prince Henri believes he has married beneath himself and for many years, successfully ignores his marriage duties. His long time mistress, Diane de Poirtiers, keeps him away from court, and no matter what Catherine does to entice her husband, she fails. Ordered by his father to perform his marital duties, he dispassionately rapes her. However, no heir was produced and the two struggle to remain faithful to their duties. When Diane realizes her only hope to remain mistress is to encourage Henri of impregnating Catherine, the two begin to successfully produce the heirs that France so desperately yearn for.
Catherine turns to magics to help her produce an heir and keep her husband coming to her bed, tired of court discussing her barreness. Whether they were successful or not, after eight years of non-production, Catherine goes on to birth six children. They are her life's passion and in her mother's undying love, she fails to see the jealousy and hidden innuendos amongst her own children. Diane continues to add strife to Catherine's life by having a hand in the raising of her children, sometimes adding fuel to the fire, discouraging Catherine's children from fully loving their mother.
Catherine de Medici is a woman of many mysteries and C. W. Gortner has given her a different portrayal, of the woman beneath the rumours. Beginning from when she is a child, we read her thoughts and positions as she grows into womanhood and as she ages with time we learn of another possibility behind what made Catherine motivate herself to do the things she did.
I truly enjoyed the book, the flow was excellent, the characters believable in their mannerisms and dialogues. I thought the passages descriptive and easily found myself envisioning the surroundings being described. I enjoyed C. W. Gortner's portrayal of Catherine, so much in history has her painted as an evil witch who poisoned those at her fancy, who controlled and manipulated everyone to her will, even when her judgements were lacking. Seeing her being portrayed as neither victim nor heroine but as a woman who has accepted what life has offered her and making the best of what is being presented to her.
I was equally impressed with the graphic nature of some scenes, the author doesn't coat the facts when it comes to histories account of situations involving the players mentioned throughout the books pages. The references to the historical data being shared was interesting to read, such as Nostradamus, the religious persecutions of the Huguenots happening in France at the time, or the hostilities between Catherine and her daughter.
Catherine de Medici becomes endearing to the reader through C. W. Gortner's portrayal. We learn that even though one wishes for the best outcomes, judgement and the machinations of those around you sometimes play a hand in even the best of plans. I found the story to be gripping, filled with mystery and magic and even though we know the outcome through history, I couldn't help turning the pages to see what happened next. show less
Catherine de' Medici was born in Italy in 1519 and at the age of just 14 was married off to the second son of Francis I of France, Henry, Duke of Orléans.
Catherine became Queen Consort in 1547, and C W Gortner writes about her life in this historical fiction novel: The Confessions of Catherine de Medici.
Catherine de' Medici has a reputation in history of being ambitious in her later years, and guilty of planning the massacre of St. Bartholomew in 1572, where somewhere between 5,000 - 30,000 Huguenots were killed in the streets of Paris.
In The Confessions of Catherine de Medici the reader hears from Catherine in the first person and is privy to an entirely new perspective of history as we know it. We see a young girl orphaned, a woman show more whose husband loves another, a mother who cares deeply about her children, a woman who strives for peace and who becomes Queen Mother to three French Kings.
Author C W Gortner succeeds in lifting the French Wars of Religion from the history books and bringing it to life through Catherine de' Medici's eyes in The Confessions of Catherine de Medici.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, with all of the blood, betrayal and lost opportunities that leave this reader wishing she could change the past. show less
Catherine became Queen Consort in 1547, and C W Gortner writes about her life in this historical fiction novel: The Confessions of Catherine de Medici.
Catherine de' Medici has a reputation in history of being ambitious in her later years, and guilty of planning the massacre of St. Bartholomew in 1572, where somewhere between 5,000 - 30,000 Huguenots were killed in the streets of Paris.
In The Confessions of Catherine de Medici the reader hears from Catherine in the first person and is privy to an entirely new perspective of history as we know it. We see a young girl orphaned, a woman show more whose husband loves another, a mother who cares deeply about her children, a woman who strives for peace and who becomes Queen Mother to three French Kings.
Author C W Gortner succeeds in lifting the French Wars of Religion from the history books and bringing it to life through Catherine de' Medici's eyes in The Confessions of Catherine de Medici.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, with all of the blood, betrayal and lost opportunities that leave this reader wishing she could change the past. show less
The only things I knew about Catherine de Medici were that she was Italian and that she had a reputation for being a ruthless murderess. I did not realize that she was a Queen in France, and Gortner explained her reputation away while keeping her from looking like a despot.
I love good historical fiction because it teaches me something, in the guise of an adventure story. This one takes place from 1529 to 1589, during the reign of Henry VIII of England and shortly thereafter, and I have often thought that would be one of the most dangerous times ever to have been a royal. I was reminded by this story that it would also have been a difficult time to be religious. While England was fighting over whether it would be Catholic or Protestant, show more France was struggling with the advent of Calvin and the Huguenots. In the center of this conflict sat Catherine de Medici, trying to hold the French throne for her sons and parceling out her daughters to various alliances.
No one could help feeling sorry for Catherine in her early life. She certainly developed a thicker skin than I ever could have. I cannot imagine seeing this kind of constant bloodshed and enduring the deaths of so many people you know or love, and still keeping your sanity, let alone your equilibrium.
When I read a Tudor book, I know the history so I can spot the inaccuracies or inventions. In this case, I do not know the history, so I cannot really speak to that. However, this did not have the feeling of being grossly inaccurate and the author does provide a list of scholarly works that contributed to his research and which he suggests reading for historical background. I would not hesitate to read other historical fiction by Mr. Gortner. show less
I love good historical fiction because it teaches me something, in the guise of an adventure story. This one takes place from 1529 to 1589, during the reign of Henry VIII of England and shortly thereafter, and I have often thought that would be one of the most dangerous times ever to have been a royal. I was reminded by this story that it would also have been a difficult time to be religious. While England was fighting over whether it would be Catholic or Protestant, show more France was struggling with the advent of Calvin and the Huguenots. In the center of this conflict sat Catherine de Medici, trying to hold the French throne for her sons and parceling out her daughters to various alliances.
No one could help feeling sorry for Catherine in her early life. She certainly developed a thicker skin than I ever could have. I cannot imagine seeing this kind of constant bloodshed and enduring the deaths of so many people you know or love, and still keeping your sanity, let alone your equilibrium.
When I read a Tudor book, I know the history so I can spot the inaccuracies or inventions. In this case, I do not know the history, so I cannot really speak to that. However, this did not have the feeling of being grossly inaccurate and the author does provide a list of scholarly works that contributed to his research and which he suggests reading for historical background. I would not hesitate to read other historical fiction by Mr. Gortner. show less
This was great historical fiction. I have read other books about Catherine de Medici where she has been portrayed as a ruthless queen, a witch and a murderess. However, Gortner gives a different perspective to this controversial woman. In this book Catherine is seen as being much more human and a deserving protagonist. Despite her difficult childhood the reader watches Catherine grow into a strong, caring woman who deeply loves her adopted country and her children, and who tries to make the right decisions for them despite the difficulties she has to face.
I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself admiring Catherine de Medici's courage, determination and devotion. Not only did Gortner bring Catherine alive he created a show more fabulous narrative depicting the era and the religious conflict that much of Europe was facing at this time. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author. show less
I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself admiring Catherine de Medici's courage, determination and devotion. Not only did Gortner bring Catherine alive he created a show more fabulous narrative depicting the era and the religious conflict that much of Europe was facing at this time. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author. show less
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici was fascinating to say the least, and extremely well written, much to my delight. The prose was almost lyrical at times. I was impressed with how much I learned about the historical queen and her family. The author made that era come alive without boring me with the many details that are needed to describe what took place in history. He really brings her trials and triumphs to life and did so in a way that made sense to me. I kept forgetting that the author was a man. He portrayed a woman's mindset so well in his description of Catherine's life and in her inner dialog. The queen regent's desire for peace was admirable, but her many compromises along the way caused nothing but further heartache. show more Being a regent in those days was a formidable task as so many lives depended on every decision made. Again, a fascinating and engrossing tale all around.
I've always found the time period in European history when religious persecution took place very intriguing. It seemed like there was an endless need for killing which flipped from one side to the other on a regular basis. It was a crazy generation to live in and a very bloody time as well. It's amazing that Europe survived it. The Protestant Reformation has always fascinated me because despite persecution in both directions it managed to survive and leave a legacy that exists to this day. The author did a great job at showing how complex the politics of the day were and how betrayal occurred on so many levels. I found it sad that Catherine believed her son Henri would be the one to keep the dynasty going only to discover that he would never have an heir for reasons she never saw coming. So many in her family died or were murdered. Again, quite sad. By book's end I felt like I understood a character in history that I knew very little about prior to reading this novel. I highly recommend it. show less
I've always found the time period in European history when religious persecution took place very intriguing. It seemed like there was an endless need for killing which flipped from one side to the other on a regular basis. It was a crazy generation to live in and a very bloody time as well. It's amazing that Europe survived it. The Protestant Reformation has always fascinated me because despite persecution in both directions it managed to survive and leave a legacy that exists to this day. The author did a great job at showing how complex the politics of the day were and how betrayal occurred on so many levels. I found it sad that Catherine believed her son Henri would be the one to keep the dynasty going only to discover that he would never have an heir for reasons she never saw coming. So many in her family died or were murdered. Again, quite sad. By book's end I felt like I understood a character in history that I knew very little about prior to reading this novel. I highly recommend it. show less
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C. W. Gortner was born and raised in Spain. He moved to the United States when he was a teen-ager. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco and a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing from the New College of California. He soon found his passion for writing and became an author of show more historical fiction. His titles include: The Last Queen, The Confessions of Catherine De Medici, The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile, Mademoiselle Chanel, and Marlene. He was named one of the top ten historical novelists by The Washington Independent Review of Books. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
C. W. Gortner is a LibraryThing Author, an author who lists their personal library on LibraryThing.
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
- Original publication date
- 2010-05-25
- People/Characters
- Catherine de Medici; Gaspard de Coligny; Diane de Poitiers, Duchess of Valentinois (1499-1566); François I, King of France; François II, King of France (1559-1560); Henri II, King of France (1519-1559) (show all 20); Henri III, King of France; Mary, Queen of Scots; Nostradamus; Henri VI, King of France (as Henry III King of Navarre); Marguerite de Valois (1553-1615); Henri de Guise, Duke of Guise; François-Hercule, Duke of Anjou and Alençon; Cosimo Ruggieri; Elisabeth de Valois; Claude de Valois, Duchess of Lorraine; François de Guise, Duke of Guise; Cardinal de Guise; Lucrezia; Anna Maria
- Important places
- Paris, France; Florence, Tuscany, Italy; Rome, Italy; Chateau de Chenonceau; Tuscany, Italy
- Important events
- Religious Wars of France (1562 | 1598); St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572)
- Related movies
- La reine Margot (1994 | IMDb)
- Epigraph
- Bottle! Whose mysterious deep does ten thousand secrets keep, With attentive ear I wait; Ease my mind and speak my fate. --Rabelais
- Dedication
- For Erik, who always reminds me there is more to life; and for Jennifer, who always makes me laugh
- First words
- I am not a sentimental woman.
- Quotations
- "If hope were a seed, I'd be mother to an entire nation."
"One day, that is exactly who you will be." - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)So it is.
- Publisher's editor
- Porter, Susanna; Quint, Jillian; Doore, Suzie
- Blurbers
- Gulland, Sandra; Penman, Sharon Kay; George, Margaret
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 574
- Popularity
- 51,109
- Reviews
- 48
- Rating
- (3.93)
- Languages
- 5 — English, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 22
- ASINs
- 4
