Young Queens

Well-written non-fiction on Catherine de ‘Medici, a Queen consort and Queen Mother/Regent; her daughter Elisabeth de Valois, Queen Consort to Philip II of Spain, and Mary, Queen of Scotts, sovereign Queen, who grew up with Elisabeth as a “sister” to her after being engaged to Catherine's son, and Catherine as her mother figure. It explores the relationship of the three women, the differences they face do to their positions as sovereign queen, queen consort, or queen mother, and the small world of European royalty/marriage politics as well as the war of religion that influenced so much of what happened. Why is it we have to tear each other apart over religion? Always, the thing that should bring peace, love and understand instead breeds the opposite, as everyone thinks their way is the only way and any other way is wrong/heresy. So a person can tell themselves they are only doing what God wants, even “saving” the other person by killing “heretics.” It seems to never end.

A great look into the lives of three queens, who were all fated to unhappy lives.

This was an interest book overall, but would highly recommend this one to readers who are newer to history. Catherine de Medici, Elisabeth de Valois, and Mary, Queen of Scots were in a time when women could hardly wield power without a male counterpart (although Elizabeth I disproved that notion).

Interesting read, well laid out, and full of great information. I enjoyed this one!