THE BOOK FAIR

The intricately woven, well-written and well-plotted tale of Catherine de Medici, who at fourteen-years old was betrothed to Henri, the son of Francois I, of France.  Though loved by her father-in-law, Catherine never found love with Henri, who loved his tutor, a woman several years older.  Catherine’s humiliation ended after she produced a male heir.

Six children and many years later, Henri died an, early, unexpected death.  Catherine seized reign and battled the intrigues and the machinations of her court, married her children to strengthen the realm of France, avoided wars, declared wars, struggled with the political and religious fervors between the Huguenots and the Catholics, including the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, all while balancing the ravenous powers of Spain and England.

Catherine fell in love with Gaspard de Coligny, the constable’s nephew, once in her father-in-law’s court, but later discovered he was a Huguenot, who could rise up against her.  As Queen and regent for her sons, Catherine battled the Guises, strict and intolerant Catholics, determined to undermine her rule, and that of her sons.

Catherine, at times, a most unlikeable Queen, lived up to her father-in-law’s early assessment.  The Queen Mother/ Queen Regent outlived four of her own children.  The House of Medici in France pleaded tolerance in a world of dangerous, chaotic, religious fervor.