Reign of Madness
Aug 31, 2011
Author: Lynn Cullen
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Publication Date: August 4, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-399-15709-7
Do you like books about history and court intrigue? This is a great story to add to your collection if you do.
Juana de Castile has been in the history books forever as the Spanish Queen who went mad and was locked in the castle for 46 years. Her husband, Philippe of Hasburg arranged to become a powerful figure in Spain, though he was not supposed to be anything but her husband. Neither of these young people were supposed to rise to power as they were too far down any line of succession. But as we know, life spans were tricky 500 or so years ago!
Juana was a very intelligent girl with strong thoughts, but raised during a time when women, no matter their level of power, always deferred to the men in their life and the rules of court. Juana slowly had her entire life pulled away from her and lost all control.
The question that arises in this book is was she even insane, or was that merely a power play by her husband to become a ruler and get rid of the one last thing that could hold him back? The next question is, if this is true, why did Juana allow it to happen?
This book of historical intrigue is written from Juana’s point of view and really brings her to life, starting at the young age of 13, where she learns life is not as it appears ……..nor is it fair.
