Courtesan: A Novel [Paperback]

In spite of the fact that this book was the first novel of the queen of sappy historical romance novels this is a pretty good book. Historically, it's not totally accurate, but hey, it is fiction.

This is the story of a King of France, Henri, and his long time mistress, Diane. Now, when I say long time, I mean like almost 30 years long time. This kid was in love with this woman when she was governess. Did I mention the 16 year age difference? I had the misfortune to read a historical non-fiction book about their situation called "The Serpent and the Moon" which is written by a descendent of Diane, and of Henri's wife Catherine de Medici. I say misfortune because it was one boring book, but it did provide many historical facts. Such as, the relationship between Henry and Diane probably did not become sexual until he was almost twenty, not when he was 14 or 15 and she was 31 or 32, as in this book.

That's the major problem with this novel actually; it glorifies a relationship that really just reminded me of the whole Mary Kay Laterno scandal. So that part of the novel was fairly icky and a little creepy. The one thing I really dislikes about this book (aside from the sap) was that the first 100 pages are totally devoted to Diane lusting after almost pubescent boys because her marriage was loveless. I mean, get some control lady! He's your daughter's age! It makes much more sense that the sexual aspect of their relationship developed later on. If you want a good argument for that read "The Serpent and the Moon" but don't say I didn't warn you.

But other than that this is solid historical fiction that is, at times, quite mesmerizing. The relationships of those involved are often nowhere near as interesting as the politics and court life of the time, which is a welcome relief from the endless sappy speeches of Henri and Diane. Catherine is a fascinating, if always maligned character, and the backdrop of renaissance France is perfectly done. As a novel, this is definitely something I would read again. I really liked it for all its flaws, and it made me want to read more of Ms. Haeger's work, even though I didn't really like "The secret wife of King George IV" all that much. This is a far better, more developed novel with a setting and backdrop that is fascinating and puts you right in the thick of things.

If you can cut through the minimal sap and the marginal pedophilia in this book you'll probably love it. Four point five stars.

Not one to care about any royalty beyond the English throne or the Scottish clan chief, I was enthralled by the story of Diane de Poitiers and Henri II of France. Diane Haeger vividly brings to life a time frought with intrigue, treason, uncertainty, treachery - as well as love and hard-won happiness. Diane is an amazing woman and to have the devotion of a man like Henri, she must have been even more than history could say. Diane and Henri share a passion I sometimes believe only exists in books, and Ms. Haeger gives theirs heart-wrenching, awe-inspiring tangibility. I was impressed with her attention to detail and meticulous research - what I want to know is...what did she discover about these fascinating people, Diane and Henri, that she didn't share with her readers? Fabulous reading - what a treasure!

I am a historical fiction junkie - I particularly enjoy novels set in the Medieval and Rennaissance period. I have always been fascinated by Diane de Poitiers and made sure to visit Chenonceaux when I was in France. Thus, I was very excited to come across this novel.

This novel does a great job painting a picture of court life - particularly of the debauchery during the raine of Francois I. Diane Haeyer's characterization of Anne d'Heilly, Duchesse d'Etampes seems quite accurate compared to non-fiction I have read from the period. The author's descriptions of Catherine de Medici also seem faithful and rooted in fact (except for I do not think it is true that Diane de Poitiers wore the same dress as Catherine to Catherine's coronation). I also think that it is possible that Queen Catherine and Montmorency conspired to interest the King in Lady Fleming to unseat Catherine.

That said, these are my main issues:
(1) The author's thesis is that Diane de France is the child of Henri II and Diane de Poitiers, and not the child of another woman. The author's explanation for why Diane de Poitiers would pretend not to be the mother of Diane de France does not make sense. From what I know of the time, it was not uncommon for royal mistresses to have children and if anything, it seems that Diane's position would be strengthened by having a child with Henri at a time when Catherine de Medici was considered to be barren. I'm not saying that it is impossible that Diane de France is Diane and Henri's child (why name the child Diane, for example - it seems like Henri would be rubbing his liaison with Philippa Duca in Diane de Poitiers face in choosing that name) but I feel like a better reason is needed to take the minority position as to Diane de France's parentage.
(2) The author is overly sympathetic to Diane. She tries to paint her as this unassuming, not greedy person who did not ask for the power and riches that Henri lavished upon her. This does not seem true to me. After all, to be favourite was a coveted position. Furthermore, Henri and Diane were very cruel to Catherine de Medici.
(3) There is no evidence that Diane and Henri had a sexual relationship when Henri was 14 and Diane 33. And even if it was true, the author presents it as sweetly romantic, when really, it is disgusting. At the time, of course, girls at 14 were routinely married to men in their 30s or older (case in point, Elisabeth de Valois, who was married to Phillip II of Spain after the treaty of Cateau Cambresis) but it was not common for the reverse to be true. Further, if they really were involved at such a young age, it seems to undermine the author's depiction of Diane as not greedy for power or riches. Instead, the more likely conclusion is that Diane took advantage of Henri to forward her own personal interests.

Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed the novel and I would read another Diane Haeger book (as long as the title isn't embarassing! I read on my commute).

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