Reviewer: Amy Lignor
Title: The Countess and the King - A Novel of the Countess of Dorchester and King James II
Author: Susan Holloway Scott
Publisher: NAL
ISBN-13: 978-0-451-23115-4
Release Date: September 2010
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Fiction
Year/Setting: 1675/England
Overall Rating: 4.5
Sexual Content Rating: None/Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None/Mild
Violent Content Rating: None/Minimal
Susan's Website/Blog: www.susanhollowayscott.com
Dear Readers:
Talk about putting the right book in the right hands, guys and gals. As anyone knows who reads my reviews, I am a huge fan of historical fiction. And one of my absolute favorite facets in history was the time of the Royal Courts, and the Kings and Queens of the land – as well as all their loves, hates, and betrayals.
Katherine Sedley pretty much sticks her nose in the air and snubs the whole marriage idea. Instead, she becomes the love of King Charles II. Quickly she becomes one of the most loved people at the Court, as well as the risqué playhouses. She was truly a woman who wanted to have a carefree, fun-loving life, and did so, on the arm of the King. Unfortunately, King Charles dies and she is soon the confidante to King James II.
The true story of King James and Katherine Sedley is a truly remarkable one and one that has passed down through the generations. It is to be noted that Ms. Sedley became an integral part of English history. Katherine was the daughter of a complete rake and the playwright, Sir Charles Sedley. Although certainly not what people would call a gorgeous woman, Katherine was said to be among the wittiest ladies in the kingdom. And the author does a wonderful job of making her wit and charm the primary part of her character.
The twists and turns that happened in her life with King James II were monumental at times. Not only are we talking about a woman who was removed from her lodgings when James became King, but also her money (pension) was increased by the King as sort of an apology to her for not being able to see her once he was on the throne. Well…things didn’t stay that way, and soon James was meeting Katherine as much as possible, and even made her the Countess of Dorchester.
This fantastic story really delves into every aspect of Sedley’s life, and watching her turn from a carefree spirit into a woman who would go down in history as being one of the most infamous players during that time period, made it impossible to put this book down. Everything from political intrigue to shifting alliances, and a King who basically finds himself and his family immersed in a huge web of deceit, fills the pages of Ms. Scott’s novel.
I, personally, felt extremely upset for Katherine as she had to face the risks of treason, death, and exile to another country while she tried to make up her mind where her alliances were – with the King she cared for or the country she called home. She is such a strong, vibrant character that this historical novel truly becomes almost as quick as an adventure story, while keeping the high intelligence factor that skillfully described this time of heavy politics and religious upheaval.
This is a decadent and fast-paced story that any reader will absolutely love!
Until next time,
Amy
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