Lewis' portrayal of Isabella was probably the most ruthless of all the fiction I've read on this subject, but I just loved it. As bloodthirsty as Isabella became over time, you still couldn't help but have empathy for her. It was made very plain she was seeking revenge for the indignities brought from Gaveston and then the Despensers. The author demonstrated great character development - you really see the gradual shift from a child eager to love and please to a woman grown bitter, scorned by her husband and his lover. It is easy to see why Isabella fell under Mortimer's spell and how she would not be able to see herself as a pawn for his rise to power . I really love all the little twists and turns Lewis threw in - won't spoil it for you, but the last chapter is just fantastic. I had no idea this was written in 1970 and the author died four years later. I had just discovered Hilda Lewis and cannot wait to read her other works. She is a very talented writer, and historically accurate in her research.
