The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II in Q&A With Susan Higginbotham

Aug 20, 2008 Misfit rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This is a fascinating tale of treachery and intrigue, focusing on the life of Eleanor De Clare who married Hugh le Despenser. Hugh's ambitions embroil him in the life of Edward II of England and eventually lead to his downfall. As several reviewers have already summed up the story, I need not recap it again.

This is a complicated tale, with many characters with the same names so you do have to pay close attention, although the author does provide a list of characters at the front of the book. Th ...more

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Aug 21, 2009 Sara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Susan Higginbotham tells of the reign and aftermath of Edward the II in her steamy THE TRAITOR’S WIFE. The action is revealed mainly through the perspective of Eleanor le Despenser, Edward’s favorite niece and wife of the notorious traitor Hugh as suggested by the title. Higginbotham’s Eleanor is fiercely devoted and gracefully traverses the challenges of corruption, intrigue and betrayal that only the Royal Court can provide.

The novel is well researched, most of the main action being either ba ...more

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May 27, 2009 Carla Nayland added it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 26, 2012 Brenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

There are plenty in-depth reviews below for people to read. I will stick with saying that I really enjoyed this book. Being a huge fan of Anya Seton's "Katherine," I am fascinated with 14th century England. I have read historical accounts of the three Edwards, but a novel really helps to bring the history to life, even with the somewhat plodding first quarter to third of the book. If you are interested in medieval English history, read this book. You won't be sorry! ...more

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May 13, 2009 Robin rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, england, medieval

I was looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed. It really kept me engrossed and once I got into it, I couldn't put it down!

I had never thought much on Hugh Despenser beyond what seems to be common knowledge, that he was a "favorite" of Edward II and Queen Isabella hated him. Because of that, I've always disliked the man. However, after reading this story, I feel sorry for him and come out absolutely hating Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer. ...more

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