Reading Discussion- the Wandering Prince (The Loves of Charles II)

Hi everyone!  I’m happy to inform you that Arleigh is slowly settling back to some sort of normalcy in her life- Thank God she and her family are doing well and are nicely settled in a temporary new home. Arleigh we’re all glad you’re doing fine!

So then, on with the blogging as usual…

Since some of us did participate in our monthly reading of The Wandering Prince (embarrassed to say…not me..)- we do have some Discussion Questions pertaining to the read.  Please join along if you’ve read this book last month or ever before that. We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions:)

Questions for The Wandering Prince (stand alone or included in omnibus The Loves of Charles II)

(taken from guideline questions in Plaidy’s omnibus)

1.      Henriette is introduced as a garrulous, opinionated, two-year-old political refugee masquerading as the son of a peasant.  That feisty personality does not reemerge until page 216, when Henriette exiles La Valliere in a vociferous fit of rage over the girl’s dalliance with Louis. In between these episodes, Henriette cuts a meek and tolerant figure, mild and forgiving even in the face of her husband’s flagrant indiscretions, her mother’s ruthless political ploys, and her lover’s repeated infidelities.  Is Henriette a wimp, or does she display control over her emotions? Either way, is, she likeable?

2.      The long suffering Henrietta Maria plays both the tragic figure and the villain throughout this novel. Do her constant harangues intensify-or offer comic relief from- the relentless tension of the story?  Do any of her wishes for her children come about?

Serious Alert and Giveaway Update

NOt the usual historical posts you're used to...

I just wanted to let our readers know that our Plaidy site will be temporartily suspended due to a devastating circumstance.

Arleigh's home has been seriously affected by the horrendous floods in Georgia. Her family has been evacuated from the place. So, in terms of giveaways, they may altogether be cancelled- all depending on the status of the books, as they may have been ruined.

Needless to say, that's the least of problems. Let's just hope that everything turns out fine for Arleigh and her family- that's the main concern. I will keep you posted as best I can within the limits of privacy.

Your thoughts and prayers are welcome.

-

Lucy

Another Book Review - And - GIVEAWAY for HF Bloggers Round Table Event!!!

http://enchantedbyjosephine.blogspot.com/2009/09/announcing-grand-historical-fiction.html


Goddess of The Green Room, by Jean Plaidy-Victoria Holt



Let me just start by saying that I’ve moved this book way up my list of favourite Plaidys. In fact, right now it stands as number 1.
Goddess of The Green Room is about the life of the famous 18th century actress, Dorothy Jordan and her eventual long-lasting relationship to George III’s third son, William.

As a very young girl, born and raised in Ireland, Dorothy started out her acting career in order to help support her family. Her father had left the family, and her mother, who was once a well-known actress, could no longer provide for them due to illness. Their only choice for survival was for Dorothy to find work and bring home the bread.

Fortunately, Dorothy had an amazing talent for comedy. She was blessed with a tiny and very swift body, which initially helped her attain roles which were written mainly for boys. Dorothy dressed up in ‘breeches’ or types of tights for these particular roles and this proved to be deliciously comical and enticing to watch. The audiences loved her and propelled her to the status of, much- in- demand- and adored celebrity.

However, Dorothy did not attain this high status easily. She worked incredibly hard and had to endure abuse, rejection, failed loves, a failed marriage, being the sole provider for numerous children and other family members (including the men in her life)…- and lastly, a royal yet, shaky love relationship that would in the end, vanish.

Although some would say that her role as mistress to William put her in the same category as courtesans or as one who claimed several lovers; In reality, Dorothy was a one-man woman throughout. She was loyal to love and never made any demands- nor was she ever a ‘kept’ woman. In terms of her relationship with William, Dorothy really made him wait. He courted her incessantly- and she consistently resisted. It was a very long and platonic courtship. Finally when she consented, the two went on to have a long and loving relationship that produced ten children; which Dorothy financially supported throughout.

What was most interesting in this delectable read was to find, weaved into the story, the unraveling lives of that colorful George III’s dynasty. Goddess of the Green Room combines all the bits of notable history involving the individual monarchs and other noteworthy figures of the times. For instance, we get a glimpse of George IV’s failed marriage to Caroline of Brunswick, his Maria, all of his glamour and obsessions, George III’s illness and disappointment with his sons, (we also discover why the famous ‘eh’ at the end of his sentences)- and there’s even a section with Perdita. We experience it all as the pieces of the puzzle come together perfectly.

Not only is this an engaging read, its brilliant storyline is inviting with historical accuracy and colorful characters. Goddess of the Green Room exceeded all my expectations. This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

Interesting Tid-bit: I was intrigued by Plaidy’s dedication at the beginning of the book:

‘For William’s and Dorothy’s Great-Granddaughter, HERBE ELSNA - With great admiration for her work, gratitude for her friendship and love for herself’

This inscription is what actually led my curiosity- and I just had to read the book.
Excellent!

And now, to wrap up the HF Bloggers Round Table Event...here's another Plaidy GIVEAWAY!!!

THE MIRACLE AT SAINT BRUNO'S, by Philippa Carr (Plaidy pseudoname)




How to Enter:

1 Chance…leave a comment and tell us which is your favorite Plaidy book.

2 Chances…Tweet, or post about this mentioning HFB Round Table Event.

3 Chances...Become a follower.

This giveaway is open to international and ends September 21st.

Good Luck!!

-

The Round Table Event & giveaway # 1

Plaidy’s Royal Intrigue is joining in on the excitement of the Historical Fiction Blogger Round Table Event!

In the wonderful spirit of historical fiction blogging and to be part of this great book blogging community, here at Jean Plaidy’s Royal Intrigue we’re joining in with our own giveaways, posts and reviews that we will be linking back to the HFB Round Table Event.

Without further ado, we present you today with Arleigh’s review of Revolt of the Eaglets.

**********************************************************



This novel begins exactly where The Plantagenet Prelude left off. The aftermath of Thomas a Becket’s murder was still plaguing Henry II, while Eleanor was planning to urge her sons into revolt. Kings die, sons die, Eleanor is imprisoned for many years, but still she lives and is the ripe old age of 67 when she is finally released from her prison.

This book expands upon Richard’s dukedom of Aquitaine, while his brothers Henry and Geoffrey scheme and intrigue endlessly and to their detriment. They just cannot take empty titles from their father. In a way, I felt sorry for Henry. He did love his sons and wanted very much for them to work for him and be on good terms, with himself and one another. He saw that together they could be all powerful and rule a great part of Europe. But he would not relinquish one piece of land – one castle – to any of them, except in name. He had the final word on the managing and holding of these possessions.

On the other hand, his fits were shameful and childish, he treated Eleanor horribly and he had a really scandalous relationship with a very young girl, a princess of France and his son Richard’s betrothed. He was a good ruler; a very smart statesman and never loath to look after his dominions. These were his strengths, but the previous attributes mentioned make it very hard to like him as a person. Near the end, when he is so very desperate for the love of his family, one does wish he had it easier. But, as Eleanor continually tells him: the fault is his own. He was selfish and thought of his own desires, not allowing Eleanor her freedom or their sons leave to govern their small territories.

This novel ends with Henry’s death, Eleanor’s freedom and John waiting in the wings. You get a very sickly feeling from John in this novel and I am sure we will read more of him in The Heart of the Lion and most assuredly in The Prince of Darkness. I look forward to continuing on with the Plantagenet saga!

**********************************************************

And to further our celebration, we are GIVING AWAY:



1 paperback copy of William's Wife by Jean Plaidy.

How to Enter:

1 Chance…leave a comment and tell us who your favorite Stuart monarch is.

2 Chances…Tweet, or post about this mentioning HFB Round Table Event.

3 Become a follower.

This giveaway is open to international and ends September 18th.

Day 4 Reading Group Discussion on The Plantagenet Prelude

Lucy asks:

7. Why do you think Eleanore and Henry treated Richard, their son, so differently.

Arleigh asks:

8. What is your opinion on Henry bringing 'Bastard Geoffrey' into the royal nursery?

Day 3 Reading Group Questons for The Plantagenet Prelude

Lucy asks:

5. Discuss the relationship with her uncle...What do you think was more controversial back then: The relationship being incestual- or that she was cheating on her husband?

Arleigh asks:

6. The Pope is more or less a statesman rather than a churchman. Discuss his various decisions related to Eleanor's divorce proceedings.

Day 2 Reading Group Questions on The Plantagenet Prelude

Lucy asks:

3. How did you feel about Louis? Was Eleanore right in treating him the way she did to build him up to be a strong king?

Arleigh asks:

4. Do you think Louis and Eleonore were right in going on crusade in the fashion that they did (i.e. brining ladies with expensive clothes and all the comforts they could carry)?