Book Review: The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner

released May 5, 2009

The Last Queen
by C.W. Gortner
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN-10: 0345501853
ISBN-13: 978-0345501851



The Last Queen is the story of Juana of Castile, the third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain.  It is a beautiful story. It is a tragic story. Juana is used as a pawn from the beginning of her life to the end.  Her mother rules with an iron fist, arranges her marriage and grooms Juana throughout her childhood for ruling.  Although Juana is not necessarily considered to be the direct successor she could be.  Oh, the drama! Oh the secrets and the lies and betrayals! 

Isabel of Castile had been a stranger to me for most of my life, but in that moment I understood her. We were joined as queen and successor, mother and daughter; by blood and suffering and strength.  It was a gift more precious than any crown she could bequeath. (p 202)

Mr. Gortner did a tremendous amount of research for this book.  The Court drama that continuously occurs in Flanders and Spain; the maneuverings Juana must complete in order to keep her position in the Court and sometimes just to even stay alive are incredible!

Her marriage is arranged to Philip of Flanders. And the sparks fly once they meet! Both are in their teens and the chemistry is magnetic.  Until Philip's obsession for power takes over and he begins to spread rumors of his wife's sanity, thereby ensuring his ability to take her throne. 

I wished I could pretend I didn't believe it. But I did believe it. It had been there, all the time: his arrogance and lust for power, his weakness and thwarted rage. He had played a treacherous game even as my mother lay dying, my father fought a bloody war in Naples and I struggled for my place in a world he'd torn apart. This was the man he was. This was the husband I was bound to. (p 203)

Juana's own father and son continue the farce, locking her in the Tower of Torsedillas for 55 years!  She stayed there until her death in 1555.  Some historians say that Juana of Castille suffered from schizophrenia while others say she suffered from abusive relatives who locked her away, taking everything and everyone away from her.

Mr. Gortner humanized Juana of Castille giving us insight into the life of a queen that seemingly time and the world forgot. Normally I do not read historical fiction but this book read like a fast-moving, intense drama. I loved it! Definitely 5 quills from me!

It is with tremendous thanks that I received The Last Queen from C.W. Gortner

for my honest review. In no way did it affect my opinion or review.