Customer Reviews

CHARLES The KING; First Edition Paperback; 1961 (An Historical Novel)

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Charles I became king of England shortly before his marriage to Henrietta Maria of France, when his father, James, died suddenly. This grandson of Mary Queen of Scots inherited her ability to love well, but not always wisely. His bride was very young and made little if any effort to fit in with her husband's stuffy English court. As a Catholic, Henrietta's marriage agreement permitted her discreet practice of her religion -- she flouted it at every opportunity, increasing her unpopularity. When Charles finally manages to tame his wife, their enduring romance begins, one of the truly greatest love matches in the sorry history of arranged Royal marriages. Torn apart by the threat of civil war and political unrest after many years of marriage, Henrietta Maria returns to her homeland desperate to raise money and recruit armies to aid her embattled husband, but her sister-in-law, then-Regent Anne of Austria, guided by her lover Cardinal Mazarin (Richileu's successor), has little choice but to refuse to fund a cause sane heads know is lost. Charles is executed before his wife can rally troops to help him.

This novel tells the tragic story of Charles I and his queen, Henrietta Maria.

As is the case with many historical novels from this period, the author "tells" more than "shows," but I don't mind that personally, so I found it to be an engrossing read. Charles, Henrietta Maria, and their friends and enemies are well realized, flawed characters, and the love story between the king and his queen is quite touching. I recommend it highly, especially to those interested in the English civil war and to those who prefer older historical fiction to modern historical fiction.