This story is about an amazing couple in the 14th century, who actually had a working 'Open Marriage' suchg that Queen Isabella even tolerated King Edwards II's homosexual activities with his male 'Favourates'. Things remained that way until te current favourite of the king, caled Pier Gaveston was killed. He was replaced by Hugh le Despencer the Younger and an intense homosexual affair developed bvetween the king and his chamberlain. After a time, Hugh le Despencer the Younger moved against Isabella by reducing her income markedly as well as taking her lands and other riches from her. Things came to a head when he also took her children from her and she went to France, raising a mercenary army and invaded England. she deposed her husband and installed her son as King Edward III.
Served Australian army, including war service in the Vietnam War in 1968 - 1969. Came home to public shunning of Vietnam Veterans and discrimination against Vietnam Veterans by potential employers. This resulted in the setting up of the first business, (contract fencing) because I could not get a job. In due course, I studied for Advanced Diploma of Egineering Technology, Associate Degree of Civil Engineering and I am now doing my Arts degree. It was during the study of the arts degree that I became interested in the history of Northern Europe and Germania during the times of Julius and Augustus Ceasar. This led to researching and writing of the second book entitled 'For the Love of Armin'. Currently studying Bachelor of Construction Management.
While this book is called Isabella Warrior Queen, I found it to be more of a history of the various King Edwards in the 1300s. It begins with Edward I, then moves onto Edward II. Edward II is bisexual, and his father, hoping to stop his son's homosexual activity, reaches out to France and asks for Princess Isabella to be betrothed to his son. They get married while she is only 13. She witnesses her husband's fondness for men, but after his lover is killed, they do consummate their marriage (when she is 16). Edward II takes up with another man, who wants Isabella gone. She overhears this and conspires (with her lover) to depose Edward II and install Edward III as king. The book follows some history, up to and including The Hundred Years War. It also addresses the establishment of the Order of the Garter, an order of chivalry.
Isabella Warrior Queen, Honestly, I felt as though I’d been transported to the 14th century whilst reading the pages and imagining the scenes that Kramer paints. Queen Isabella is the main protagonist, she’s a formidable woman who shows strength, courage, and intellect in the face of adversity. Her journey is a roller-coaster of emotions, from the arranged marriage to King Edward II at the age of 13 to the political scenes. Isabella's transformation, is empowering, she starts off being overshadowed by the men in her life and ends up being a force to be reckoned with, and that left a lasting impression with me. I tend to lose interested in history books that spew endless dates and uninspiring facts but this book is the complete opposite of that, telling a mesmerising story while still providing all the information. I would have learnt a lot more about history in school if the text books had been structured in this way. I really enjoyed this novel. It was well written, with well drawn characters and the gradual revelation of the facts meant that it held my attention and I wanted to read on. Altogether this was an engrossing read.
Isabella Warrior Queen by Michael G. Kramer is a fascinating read. The book focuses on King Edward II, Queen Isabella, their children and grandson, as well as the relationships between King Edward II’s male lovers. This book is historical fiction weaved with facts and you get an inside look into the marriage of King Edward II and Queen Isabella of France. The novel examines their open marriage and the impacts of this. We learn about the relationship between King Edward II and his male lover Pier Gaveston. Pier ended up being killed and the King moved onto a new male lover names Hugh le Despensencer. This relationship resulted in issues for the Queen. Hugh began making changes and reduced the Queen’s income and took away her children.
It was interesting to read how the Queen dealt with the changes that came with the King’s newer relationship. I thought the author did an excellent job with the character development of the Queen. Queen Isabella is a lesser-known Queen so it was interesting to learn more about her. The author writes in a way that helps us get to know Queen on an intimate level. We learn how she navigated the politics, her relationships, and power at the time. She is a strong, smart, and determined woman who was not willing to go down without a fight.
This was such an interesting read and very engaging. The writing style was good, and the author kept my attention throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
In Isabella Warrior Queen, Michael Kramer delves into the life and reign of the iconic Princess Isabella of France, navigating the nuanced waters of historical biographical writing with aplomb. Kramer brings to life the turbulent times of Isabella, her husband King Edward II, their children, and the complex societal and personal dynamics of their era. The tale unfolds with a sense of vividness and drama that is often reserved for fictional narratives, yet it remains grounded in extensive historical research and documentation.
Kramer's narration illuminates the character of Isabella, a woman who lived in an era of profound societal complexity and change. The reader gets to know Isabella not just as a princess, but as a woman who navigates the intersecting worlds of power, politics, and personal life. The dynamics of her relationships, particularly with her husband and his male favorites, are thoughtfully explored, lending the narrative a richness of human experience that transcends the grand stage of royalty and power.
Kramer, an experienced audiobook narrator and actor, brings his considerable narrative skill to this historical biography. His clear, intense reading breathes life into the historical figures and contexts, creating a riveting experience for the reader. However, some may find the book's background details repetitive, and the handling of complex historical subjects, like the dynamics of Islamic Spain, to be lacking in nuance123.
Nonetheless, "Isabella Warrior Queen" paints a compelling portrait of a woman who was a pivotal character in world history. It chronicles her rise to power, her leadership in the reconquest of the Iberian peninsula, her instrumental role in the exploration led by Columbus, and her significant impact on the politics of her time. It also gives due attention to Isabella's personal life, including her strategic marital arrangements for her children and the tragic tale of her daughter Juana3.
Kramer's book, while being feminist in its approach, is not overtly so; instead, it allows the facts of Isabella's life to articulate the feminist narrative. The book flows smoothly and engages the reader, even though it deals with complex historical events and subjects. It is an enjoyable read, and while it has some shortcomings, it offers a fresh perspective on a significant figure in history.
While "Isabella Warrior Queen" is not the best book I've read this year, it is a noteworthy addition to the genre of historical biography. Michael Kramer has crafted a work that is as engaging as it is informative, offering a nuanced portrayal of a powerful woman whose influence still echoes in history today. Readers with an interest in history, particularly in the lives of influential women, will find much to appreciate in this absorbing account of Queen Isabella's life and reign.
Michael Kramer, an Australian writer with a background in architecture and engineering, is not only a Vietnam War veteran, having served with the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) during 1968-69, but also a prolific author. From checking out reader impressions of Kramer's works, it's evident that he brings a unique perspective to historical events, both modern and ancient. Kramer shares, "This narrative delves into the life of a remarkable 14th-century couple who embraced an 'Open Marriage'. Queen Isabella was understanding of King Edward II's relationships with his male companions. However, the dynamics changed when Pier Gaveston, a close associate of the king, was replaced by Hugh le Despencer the Younger. As their relationship deepened, Despencer took drastic measures against Isabella, seizing her assets and even her children. This led Isabella to rally an army in France and challenge the English throne, eventually crowning her son, King Edward III." In this book, Kramer sheds light on lesser-known facets of Queen Isabella's life, emphasising her resilience and strategic prowess that mark her as a pivotal figure in European history. He also offers insights into the nuanced relationship between Isabella and King Edward II, providing a deeper understanding of LGBTQI narratives during the medieval era. With meticulous research, engaging prose, and a fresh perspective, Kramer's work is both an enlightening historical account and a compelling novel. A must-read for history enthusiasts like myself.
Anyone that’s read a Kramer book knows that he does his research and takes great care in putting details down. It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction. This book is no different. I have a cursory knowledge of King Edward (the second) and his family, but this book really got my interest in the topic going and opened my eyes to Isabella of France, his wife.
I was impressed with the Queen for many reasons throughout this book, but by far, the “…Proclamation at Wallingford” section. How she navigated so many political obstacles is impressive, but more than that? She denounced the Despensers (father and son) AND King Edward resulting in his loss of power.
She has a long history with many great accomplishments (including bridging the gaps with France and Scotland), but also a ferociousness that demanded respect.
A great book with fantastic research, if you love historical fiction laced with fact after fact, check this (and other Kramer) books out!
Isabella Warrior Queen by Michael Kramer is certainly a well-written book filled with fascinating history. In his in-depth exploration of Queen Isabella, Kramer delves into the often-overlooked facets of her life that mark her as one of the most important and significant women of the time. This biography goes beyond the norm as the author explores the nuance of not only Isabella's life but her husband's as well. Isabella had quite an intriguing dynamic with King Edward II. They seemingly had an "open" marriage. His relationships with men outside of marriage were scandalous and set the stage for plenty of drama not only for his marriage but for the march of history. This exceptional book has extensive research, great writing, and a true sense of what life was like then. You will love this book from page one until the end.
A clearly well-researched book, this historical fiction was captivating, and shines a light onto one of history’s lesser known queens. Isabella was a remarkable woman, but not one that comes to mind when you consider famous rulers through history. She was strong, smart, determined, and refused to be treated poorly simply because her marriage was a bit unconventional. Kramer does an excellent job of bringing her and the other major figures in this story to life, taking the reader back in time with vivid descriptions, and a captivating plot that makes it hard to stop reading once you start. If you’re looking for a fictional historical biography that’ll spark your interest in learning more about the real figures depicted, then I highly recommend this one!
An incredibly thorough look at not only the events of Queen Isabella’s life, but of all the history that led up to each event, and often the long-term consequences, as well. All presented coherently and within well-written, easily comprehensible prose that belies how complicated it all actually was. I expected an ethnocentric read, and instead had the entire world set before me within the pages of this book.
Not what I thought. It's a history book not fiction which is what it looked like on the summary. And although I've read my share of non-fiction, this one was really hard to get through.
Aspects of medieval history seldom addressed - an important and fascinating book!
Australian author Michael Kramer earned degrees in architecture and engineering, and is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having served with the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in the Vietnam War during 1968 and 1969, and has published nine novels - FULL CIRCLE FOR MICK, FOR THE LOVE OF ARMIN, NOW WHAT?!! (and the version, ANGLO-SAXON INVASION), A GRACIOUS ENEMY, A CASTLE OF DOOMSDAY, ARMINIUS AND THUSNELDA VERSUS ROME, A GRACIOUS ENEMY & AFTER THE WAR, and now ISABELLA WARRIOR QUEEN. Having read and enjoyed all of Michael Kramer’s books, it is with some assurance that this reader underlines the importance of his contribution to our understanding, appreciation, and respect for history - both recent and medieval.
As the author has stated – ‘This story is about an amazing couple in the 14th century, who actually had a working 'Open Marriage' such that Queen Isabella even tolerated King Edwards II's homosexual activities with his male 'Favourates'. Things remained that way until the current favourite of the king, called Pier Gaveston was killed. He was replaced by Hugh le Despencer the Younger and an intense homosexual affair developed between the king and his chamberlain. After a time, Hugh le Despencer the Younger moved against Isabella by reducing her income markedly as well as taking her lands and other riches from her. Things came to a head when he also took her children from her and she went to France, raising a mercenary army and invaded England. She deposed her husband and installed her son as King Edward III.’
Kramer focuses his fascinating examination of Queen Isabella on aspects of her history that rarely are included in her biographies - her attitudes and strategies that make her one of the most significant women of European history. Kramer invites enlightenment on the complete Isabella and her interaction with King Edward II and the poignant history of LGBTQI status in medieval Europe. Fine writing, well considered research, and a sense of immediacy make this a fine history book – and novel! Highly recommended
Merged review:
Aspects of medieval history seldom addressed - an important and fascinating book!
Australian author Michael Kramer earned degrees in architecture and engineering, and is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having served with the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in the Vietnam War during 1968 and 1969, and has published nine novels - FULL CIRCLE FOR MICK, FOR THE LOVE OF ARMIN, NOW WHAT?!! (and the version, ANGLO-SAXON INVASION), A GRACIOUS ENEMY, A CASTLE OF DOOMSDAY, ARMINIUS AND THUSNELDA VERSUS ROME, A GRACIOUS ENEMY & AFTER THE WAR, and now ISABELLA WARRIOR QUEEN. Having read and enjoyed all of Michael Kramer’s books, it is with some assurance that this reader underlines the importance of his contribution to our understanding, appreciation, and respect for history - both recent and medieval.
As the author has stated – ‘This story is about an amazing couple in the 14th century, who actually had a working 'Open Marriage' such that Queen Isabella even tolerated King Edwards II's homosexual activities with his male 'Favourates'. Things remained that way until the current favourite of the king, called Pier Gaveston was killed. He was replaced by Hugh le Despencer the Younger and an intense homosexual affair developed between the king and his chamberlain. After a time, Hugh le Despencer the Younger moved against Isabella by reducing her income markedly as well as taking her lands and other riches from her. Things came to a head when he also took her children from her and she went to France, raising a mercenary army and invaded England. She deposed her husband and installed her son as King Edward III.’
Kramer focuses his fascinating examination of Queen Isabella on aspects of her history that rarely are included in her biographies - her attitudes and strategies that make her one of the most significant women of European history. Kramer invites enlightenment on the complete Isabella and her interaction with King Edward II and the poignant history of LGBTQI status in medieval Europe. Fine writing, well considered research, and a sense of immediacy make this a fine history book – and novel! Highly recommended
For the longest time I was obsessed with the reign of king Henry and all his wives but recently I have found myself looking towards the reign of the Edwards more and more. So naturally queen Isabella would come into my purview and boy did she! I was so excited when ice seen that Michael Kramer had a book about the fabulous queen in to say I wasn’t disappointed is an understatement. I love his ability to write great narratives and even though nonfiction can be more exciting than fiction I think the fact that Mr. Kramer did his research and due diligence is obvious when reading this great book! I mean we learned everything from a short history of anti-homosexual conduct and we even found out who the mason was when rebuilding the York castle. I think Mr. Kramer always goes above and beyond and Isabella Warrior Queen is a great example of that we learned about their young betrothal marriage her fighting against the Scots with her husband and then her fighting against her husband and it’s all in this great book a book I totally enjoyed. Any fan of history, royalty or mid evil times will love this book and definitely want it in the library, I certainly did! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
Merged review:
what an awesome story! It’s all true!
For the longest time I was obsessed with the reign of king Henry and all his wives but recently I have found myself looking towards the reign of the Edwards more and more. So naturally queen Isabella would come into my purview and boy did she! I was so excited when ice seen that Michael Kramer had a book about the fabulous queen in to say I wasn’t disappointed is an understatement. I love his ability to write great narratives and even though nonfiction can be more exciting than fiction I think the fact that Mr. Kramer did his research and due diligence is obvious when reading this great book! I mean we learned everything from a short history of anti-homosexual conduct and we even found out who the mason was when rebuilding the York castle. I think Mr. Kramer always goes above and beyond and Isabella Warrior Queen is a great example of that we learned about their young betrothal marriage her fighting against the Scots with her husband and then her fighting against her husband and it’s all in this great book a book I totally enjoyed. Any fan of history, royalty or mid evil times will love this book and definitely want it in the library, I certainly did! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
This book takes you on an exciting journey through Queen Isabella's life. She's an important woman from the past, but many people don't know much about her. The author did a lot of careful research and writes in a way that's easy to enjoy, especially if you like history. One great thing about the book is how it looks deeply into Isabella's life and her relationship with King Edward II. Instead of just telling the usual stories, the author tells us more about how they were together. It turns out they had a different kind of marriage, which was scandalous back then. This makes the history even more interesting, especially if you like reading about royal people's personal lives.
You might like to check out more similar books here.