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The Traitor's Wife: A Novel Of The Reign Of Edward II (2009)

The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II (2009)

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3.72 of 5 Votes: 1
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ISBN
1402217870 (ISBN13: 9781402217876)
Language
English
Publisher
sourcebooks landmark

About book The Traitor's Wife: A Novel Of The Reign Of Edward II (2009)

I was so eager to dig in and begin this book, especially with the endorsements of friends and a bit of help from the author herself (helping me to choose which book of hers to start with). I was beyond frustrated that it took me two months to read. Let me explain, it wasn't the fault of the book but life that got in the way. I tried to read a few pages here and there but you can’t do that with this book. You need, and want, to have time to spend with Eleanor de Clare, her family and their lives, even then you will want more. The people and writing demand your undivided attention, so I had to wait.Was it worth the wait to visit Edward II's court and the people he loved, his favorite niece Eleanor de Clare, Piers Gaveston and Hugh le Despenser, the Younger? Was it worth the wait to see all the machinations and manipulations for power, bed hopping, politics, imprisonment, coups, battles, piracy, even a three year pregnancy? Simply put, yes. We enter a world that existed about 700 years ago. Before you realize it, the 21st century has slipped away and there is suddenly no distinction between the present and past.Wedding of Edward II and IsabellaThis novel covers the years 1306 to 1337, primarily centered on Eleanor de Clare, granddaughter of Edward I, niece to Edward II, wife of Hugh le Despenser “the younger” and William la Zouche. In those 31 years, it was incredible what Eleanor lived through personally, never mind what happened around her. She’s a proper wife, but happy to explore the joys of her sexuality even if it means dealing with the religious guilt of doing so, she loves completely but is blind to her husband’s wrongdoings, she’s an heiress, a prisoner and a loving mother. "A thief, a spy and a whore. And yet when I was young I used to be regarded as quite priggish." Eleanor speaking of herself before her proctor.The author has this casual way of bluntly and quickly telling the reader what happened; the Battle of Bannock Burn or someone’s death, and then would follow this up by showing the reader how it all came to be. Painful and emotional events, like the capture and deaths of Edward II’s favorites, are handled first with shock, almost a brutal frankness, followed with a horror and sadness, and finally acceptance. "Don't, it'd be a pleasure to have one generation of Dispensers with their heads intact. Edward, don't get yourself caught up in an endless cycle of hate. It'll waste you." Eleanor’s eldest son Hugh to his brother Edward. Susan Higginbotham provides a character list, broken down by family and title, to help keep everyone straight during a time when naming children after the royal family or close relations was the norm. I admit I needed to refer to that list many times, otherwise all the surnames, first names and titles would be a jumbled mess. With the marriages and deaths, making everyone related a genealogical chart would look like a spiders web, which in many ways seems all too appropriate. I would have liked a map to help me keep track of the properties, royal progresses and events. I can see where these names and things may seem daunting for some but don’t let any of that discourage you.This is a book for adults with sexual situations that may not be comfortable for everyone, same sex, and one scene of familial relations. Even though these scenes are tastefully handled and sparingly used, I wanted to mention them for those sensitive to these or looking for a clean read."Everybody tells me how beautiful she is. I can see it. But beauty is like a tapestry. What hangs well in one room may simply not in another. Sometimes I wonder if she was not hung in the wrong room.” Edward II talking to Eleanor about Queen Isabella. When you finish this book, you will not want to leave these people and events behind. This was my first book about Edward II but it won’t be my last. There are so many I want to know more about, Queen Isabella, Zouche, Gaveston, Edward III and Eleanor’s eldest son Hugh. Fortunately, Higginbotham’s next book, Hugh and Bess carries on Hugh’s story and her web site has a nice list of historical fiction covering Edward II and his people. In her afterword, Susan explained the historically accurate aspects and explained her choice or direction for those events still debated today. I appreciate when an author goes to these lengths; it shows an appreciation for their reader.Sit back and get ready for a transformative experience. I hope you enjoy the journey and education as much as I did, just be prepared to never want to leave.

This book had so much promise.When I got this book I was flipping out with joy. I started it right away and didn't even put it down.Sadly.... I never finished it because when I reached page 400 I couldn't continue.I was really pissed because the beginning was great and so much shit happened that ruined the book.I was really confused. The author made everyone Eleanor magically fall in love with her. Seriously, even the gay ones! Like the author kept dropping hints about some kind of secret love between King Edward and Eleanor? Like when one of the maids told the royal family of Gaveston's abduction by the Black Dog of Arden. The maid was wondering why Eleanor was comforting and touching him in an intimate way when his wife was like ten feet away. Idk, like she would write how they acted so lovingly and intimately and that he would give her grand jewlery. It really confused me because Edward was with Gaveston....I was confused. Because the author practically made Edward II in love with Eleanor even though he was with Gaveston and Isabella.The thing that pissed me off was that everyone around Eleanor stated how smart and clever she was. But when push came to shove, she acted like a dumb shit. Eleanor also really annoying. She kept running back to Hugh when he didn't deserve it. Love can only go so far... I hate how the characters deemed Eleanor as "nontraditional". The only non graditional thing she did was when she was with Hugh (because he told her to it) and when she confronted the Edward of Lancaster.Eleanor wasn't the only shitty developed story. I really wanted to take a brass bucket and smash it against King Edward II's face. Holy shit, why is it so hard for him to act like a freaking KING!!! He literaly cried throughout the whole book. Don't even get me started on Hugh....The only character who was pleasantly developed was Queen Isabella. She's known has a heartless bitch and he characterization was spot on in the book.The book was also REALLY long. At page 200ish I had to force myself to try and finish the book. Seriously though, there were TOO many characters. The character index was like 5 pages long filled with characters. It was very confusing.I just "finished" the book and I'm so pissed at the book because it was such a let down. One day I'll finish the remaining 99 pages...There were some great things, though. The story line was honestly great. The historical references were great and the imagery was vivid and magical. I was really let down. So if you like subpar writing and a really annoying protagonist then read it.

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THOUGHTS WHILE READING:If I weren't reading this for book club, I would have stopped already. I wish that I had gotten this from the library rather than paying the $7.99 for the Kindle version because it was a total waste of money.From the very first chapter, I knew that this would be a difficult read for me. I am not a fan of Higginbotham's prose, her lack of description, or the characters. She writes in passive voice, which is something that I don't like seeing in fiction, or in any type of writing, really. The lack of description is really bothersome because she is writing about a period of time that no one living today can tell us about; instead, she should be providing description about the setting, costumes, customs, food, etc. It's just lazy research in my mind that she didn't include these details. On one page she mentions an instrument that I have never heard of before, and provides no description or context for it whatsoever. My Kindle's dictionary couldn't even tell me what it was. Fail!Writing historical fiction cannot be easy; there are only so many facts that are known. My historian friend provided me with some background on this family after researched them; she read this book as well, and felt a few things were off about it. I was shocked to learn from her how horrible Eleanor's husband, Hugh, really was. I actually *like* him and think he's a nice guy, but then I haven't gotten to the part where we learn otherwise. (currently have read 19%)FINAL VERDICT:I made it 80% of the way through, tried to finish the last bit of it before book club tonight, and decided to just screw it. The book wasn't getting any better, anyway! My advice? SKIP this one.
—Jennifer Jensen (Literally Jen)

Most people know the reign of Edward II to be filled with homosexual relationships, a “She-Wolf”, and a supposed murder with a red-hot spit. How much of this is true? Although we may never know precisely, Susan Higginbotham explores this topic in “The Traitor’s Wife” with the main viewpoint being of Hugh Despenser’s wife: Eleanor.Disappointingly, “The Traitor’s Wife” begins with a rather slow kick and pace. Although the novel is from the perspective of Eleanor le Despenser (nee de Clare); a myriad of characters and background is introduced too quickly, reducing the connection to Eleanor with the reader. Although there may have been an early pressing need to set the political scene; Higginbotham should have let the plot speak for itself. Furthermore, the initial portions of “The Traitor’s Wife” have identity issues meaning that they are inconsistent in format. One section is stylized like a scholarly work while then progressing into a fictional piece with the cycle repeating; which can cause issues with the flow. However, for those readers preferring strong historical accuracy and research (which I do); the meticulous research presented is interesting, satisfying, and accurate. Eleanor’s characterization in the early parts of “The Traitor’s Wife” is neither likable nor hated because she lacks development into either realm. She displayed no personal ambition (except for sex, perhaps) and was bland in her behavior. The other characters comprised more personality and multiple layers to their qualities. In fact, Higginbotham successfully elevated figures whom are usually portrayed in one stereotypical way (such as Piers Gaveston) to be composed of both positive and negative traits, providing a well-rounded glimpse with a more realistic viewpoint. As “The Traitor’s Wife” progresses, Higginbotham’s writing begins to find its niche which strengthens the plot, pace, and versatility of the characters. At this point, “The Traitor’s Wife” becomes much more readable. Although many historical fiction novels are more fiction than history, Higginbotham’s novel is pleasantly more history than fiction. The moments when Higginbotham does take historical liberties with facts or theories; they are creative, believable, and not overly conceived allowing the reader to truly “feel” the story. “The Traitor’s Wife” opens up the analysis of Hugh Despenser in a much more evolved manner than any other work, causing the reader to rethink preconceived notions. The second half of the novel also boosts Eleanor’s character as she finally begins to mature and develop, resulting in a story which is much more alive and vivid, with a quickened pace. Pleasingly, the novel feels authentic and never too modern.There were some eye-rolling moments in the second half such as artificial romantic (and masturbation) moments, allusions to future events (Shakespeare’s connection to Stratford on Avon), and Eleanor’s constant giggling even within her adult years. Personally, I found these to take away from the reading and break my bubble but this is me knit-picking. The last 100 pages of “The Traitor’s Wife” slightly drag and some of the events feel cyclical and repetitive. Despite my complaints, I did enjoy “The Traitor’s Wife”; especially in the second half. Higginbotham’s work is painstakingly researched, meaty, entertaining, and well conceived (albeit with some execution issues). Most importantly, it is quite accurate. “The Traitor’s Wife” is a good read for both history lovers and those new to the topic; while also providing a welcoming introduction to Higginbotham’s work. I do look forward to exploring her other works.
—Orsolya

In 'The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II' author Susan Higginbotham follows the life of Eleanor de Clare from the time she marries Hugh le Despenser in 1306 to her death in 1337. The years in between are full of challenges, which the title character rises to admirably. She is portrayed as a loyal, passionate woman who loves her husband, her children and her king. She will do whatever she can to protect them. Even when her efforts fail and she is faced with tremendous loss, she meets adversity with courage and faith.There are many characters in 'The Traitor's Wife,' most of them based on historical figures who were often named after royalty or relatives and therefore had many given names in common. This sometimes leads to confusion, but since Higginbotham had the foresight to include a character list and a disclaimer at the front of the book, it is easily cleared up.It is evident that a tremendous amount of research went into the writing of this novel, making the characters and events richer and deeper than if they came solely from the author's imagination. While reading this book, I found myself constantly reminded of the fact that these people were real. Higginbotham brings them back to life with all their foibles and shortcomings as well as their noble qualities. She makes history come alive and reacquaints us with a time with which we may or may not be familiar.I must admit I did not know much about Edward II or the people who made up his court in the 14th century, but my introduction to it through Higginbotham's novel has sparked my interest to find out more. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy the genre of historical fiction - I am able to be entertained while reading about characters and events that are based on fact. On this criterion, 'The Traitor's Wife' did not disappoint, although the prose became somewhat dry at times and I had the feeling of being overwhelmed by the facts rather than carried along by the emotion behind the events. The book is a fairly long one - almost 500 pages of small print- and although I am not usually daunted by lengthy tomes, I need the emotional connection to the characters to keep me turning the pages to the end. Besides the title character, I can honestly say I did not have this with any of the others; however my empathy for Eleanor and the situations she found herself in kept me reading to the conclusion.Ultimately, 'The Traitor's Wife' is a tale of intrigue, betrayal, loyalty and passion. It is worth the dry parts to get to the juicy tidbits about a woman who lived and loved 700 years ago.
—Simmonsmry

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