Customer Reviews

The Two Dianas

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First, get yourself a copy of a PF Collier edition of this book, it comes in 2 volumes. Second, sit down and enjoy! I thought I had read all of Dumas' books, but I was wrong. THis is a great historical romance taking place during the reign of Henry II in France. The two Dianas are Diana de Portier (Henry's mistress) and Diana de Castro (Henry's illegitimate daughter). THe first volume concentrates on the love of Diana de Castro and Gabriel Montgommery and all the trials and tribulations involved. There is a nice retelling of the Martin Guerre story and a very exciting depiction of the capture of Calais by the French under the command of the duke de Guise (the Balafre') and Gabriel. The second book focuses more on the Catholic/Protestant problems during the reign of Francis (who is married to Mary future queen of Scots) which continue (bloodily) under Charles IX. Catherine de Medici of course is also an important character. Its Dumas at his best, evil characters, noble soldiers, and people swept around by events they cannot control. I am so glad I found it, its vintage Dumas! Enjoy!

The story of Diana de Poitiers (mistress of Henry II) and her daughter, Diana de Castro. In this first volume, the battles of Saint-Quentin and the first battle of Calais are reported. Dumas as an unique way to write tremendous dialogues. It is curious how this book is not so well known.
At Dumas pere site ([...]...), we found the explanation this book was in fact written with four hands, Dumas and Paul Meurice. Both volumes are covered with plenty of historical facts, such as the French reconquest of Calais after more than 20 years under the English siege. Already, we start to know the true character of Catherine de Medicis and her role on history, especially after Henry II's death. The figure of Mary Stuart plays an important role on this drama. The figure of the famous Ambroise Pare, the famous French surgeon is also introduced as well as his audacious surgical techniques which were able to save the Duke de Guise's life during the battle of Calais.
Gabriel's fate was presented by Nostradamus, as it follows:

"En joute, en amour, cettuy touchera
Le front du roy,
Et cornes ou bien trou sanglant mettra
Au front du roy,
Mais le veuille ou non, toujours blessera
Le front du roy ;
Enfin, l'aimera, puis, las ! le tuera
Dame du roy."

The meetings between Gabriel and Henry II were terrifying one never knew which one will give the last word. The last sentence of this prophecy was only understood in the very end of this volume, it was in fact intriguing. However, the real facts occurred with Gabriel differed by the end provided by these authors. The sequel of The Two Dianas is Le Page du duc de Savoie.