About this item
Highlights
- The truth is, not one of us is innocent.
- About the Author: C. W. Gortner holds an MFA in writing, with an emphasis on historical studies, from the New College of California.
- 432 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Historical
Description
About the Book
Includes a reader's guide and an excerpt from The last queen.Book Synopsis
The truth is, not one of us is innocent. We all have sins to confess. So reveals Catherine de Medici, the last legitimate descendant of her family's illustrious line. Expelled from her native Florence, Catherine is betrothed to Henri, son of François I of France. In an unfamiliar realm, Catherine strives to create a role for herself through her patronage of the famous clairvoyant Nostradamus and her own innate gift as a seer. But in her fortieth year, Catherine is widowed, left alone with six young children in a kingdom torn apart by the ambitions of a treacherous nobility. Relying on her tenacity, wit, and uncanny gift for compromise, Catherine seizes power, intent on securing the throne for her sons, unaware that if she is to save France, she may have to sacrifice her ideals, her reputation, and the secret of her embattled heart.
Review Quotes
"Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory fans will devour this."--Booklist
"The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is a dramatic, epic novel of an all-too-human woman whose strength and passion propelled her into the center of grand events. Meticulously-researched, this engrossing novel offers a fresh portrait of a queen who has too often been portrayed as a villain. Bravo Mr. Gortner!"--Sandra Gulland, author of The Josephine B Trilogy and Mistress of the Sun
"Remarkably thoughtful in its insight into an unapologetically ruthless queen."--Publishers Weekly
"A fresh, well-researched and powerful portrait."--RT Book Reviews "The notorious Catherine de Medici emerges as a flesh-and-blood woman in this masterful recounting of her life. C.W. Gortner has an uncanny ability to delve into the intense humanness of his characters."--Margaret George, author of The Autobiography of Henry VIII "Powerful and determined, Catherine de Medici strides across the treacherous glamour of 16th century France in this breathtaking novel . . . With an exquisite eye for detail and deep sensitivity, Gortner evokes a woman of immense personality and resolve, who never gave up on her children or country. You will not be able to put this book down!"--Michelle Moran, author of Nefertiti "An intriguing and provocative book about one of history's most controversial queens and the turbulent world of 16th century France."--Sharon Penman, author of The Devil's Brood
"Thrilling and original . . . a dramatic portrait of a brilliant queen and a realm divided by dissension."--Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude and Camille and Mozart's Sister
About the Author
C. W. Gortner holds an MFA in writing, with an emphasis on historical studies, from the New College of California. He is the internationally acclaimed and bestselling author of Mademoiselle Chanel, The Queen's Vow, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici, The Last Queen, The Vatican Princess, and Marlene, among other books. He divides his time between Northern California and Antigua, Guatemala. To learn more about his work and to schedule a book group chat with him, please visit his website.