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Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (Mon Histoire)

by Carolyn Meyer (Goodreads Author)

3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 · rating details · 2,630 ratings · 65 reviews

King Enrique of Spain sees his 14-year-old sister, Princess Isabel, as a pawn to be used to strengthen his rule over the kingdom. He tries to marry her off to any patron who would benefit his political cause. Luckily, Isabel manages to escape each unfavorable suitor, avert danger from warring forces in the land, and find the one man whom she actually wants to marry.

Hardcover, 202 pages

Published July 2000 by Scholastic

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The Royal Diaries

6th out of 20 books — 177 voters

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Teen Historical Novels

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Dec 13, 2012 Jinny (SkyInk.net) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kids-books, long-series, historical, spain

I was really interested in reading this book because I wanted to read more about royalty from Spain (or, rather, at the time, it was the kingdoms of Leon and Castile, Aragon, and Granada. Maybe some others too, but those are the ones I remember). All I knew about Isabel is that she is particularly famous for helping Christopher Columbus’ plans on traveling to the Americas. This is a middle school book, but perfect for my purpose of wanting an introduction to Isabel. Also, I adore the Royal Diari...more I was really interested in reading this book because I wanted to read more about royalty from Spain (or, rather, at the time, it was the kingdoms of Leon and Castile, Aragon, and Granada. Maybe some others too, but those are the ones I remember). All I knew about Isabel is that she is particularly famous for helping Christopher Columbus’ plans on traveling to the Americas. This is a middle school book, but perfect for my purpose of wanting an introduction to Isabel. Also, I adore the Royal Diaries series, lots of good middle school memories. I never read this one when I was a kid though, this is my first read through.

Isabel starts off as 13 or 14 years old in this book. Her father died a while back, and currently, the kingdom is split between her two brothers — Enrique, her older half-brother and Alfonso, her younger, full blooded brother. Isabel is caught in the middle between her warring brothers, but tries her best to stay neutral. She is currently staying with Enrique, who is keen to marry Isabel off to someone for political advantage. With some good luck, Isabel manages to avoid being wed off to some much older, ugly and cruel men. She hears about the Prince of Aragon, Fernando, the only royal who is actually around her age. She hears that he is handsome and kind. With her brother trying to push her into marriage, Isabel tries to convince him that she should marry Fernando. Her brother Enrique breaks promise after promise, however, and in the end, Isabel has to take matters into her own hands.

I feel that this is definitely one of the best Royal Diaries books I’ve read. Some of the other ones have pretty skimpy and weak plots, but this one on Isabel felt interesting, consistent and well done. Isabel is not merely a passive character in this story, describing events as they unfold — which is what I felt some of the other books in this series sometimes do. She is actually a true part of the story, and initiates events on her own. I had no previous knowledge as to the politics of the Spanish peninsula during this time period, so everything that happened was fresh and new to me. I suspect if you had actual knowledge about Isabel and her time period, it might not be as surprising and it might feel kind of predictable. I had no idea what to expect though, so it was all new and wonderful knowledge to me.

Isabel herself is portrayed as a religious young woman who tries to push for peace and harmony. She does not like her brothers fighting, as it splits the entire family up and means civil war in their kingdom. However, she is definitely not a passive little mouse. She wants to take her destiny into her own hands. She didn’t want to marry the old men Enrique wanted to set her up with, so she secretly pushed her own agenda (with some outside help, of course) to try to marry the Prince of Aragon. Pretty admirable in that time period, when women had to obey men, and Enrique was also king!

If you enjoy the Royal Diaries series, this is definitely a must-read! Well written, well plotted, and for those like me with no historical knowledge on Isabel, very fascinating!(less)

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Jan 09, 2013 Steph rated it 3 of 5 stars

One of the better ones that I have read. Checked the author, realized it was Carolyn Meyer and agreed with my findings. You may not, but I think she writes engagingly well for the younger audience.

Isabel of Castilla is the sister of two brothers that are both "crowned" King of lands that will become Spain. The diary covers the time from when she moves in with her younger brother to the day she meets her husband, King Ferdinand.

What I liked about the book was how Isabel questioned women ruling. I

...more

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Sep 27, 2009 Johnpemberton83 rated it 3 of 5 stars

The book Isabel Jewel of Castilla is about a princess that wants to find true love. Her brother the king wants her to marry this ugly guy that she doesn't want to marry. The kingdom is divided into two. One goes to Isabel's brother and the other kingdom goes to her other brother. In the story, Isabel runs away with one of the kings servants. She then finds out that the ugly guy dies. Her brother then tries to capture her but he fails. In the end she marries a guy named Fernando. She really like...more

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Sep 30, 2011 Madeline rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Historical fiction lovers!

Shelves: historical-fiction

Tomas de Torquemada (priest and confessor) gives Isabel, lesser-princess of Castilla, a book to record and meditate on every Deadly Sin she commits. She calls it her Book of Deadly Sins, though, soon enough, she uses it as her diary instead. Though Isabel promises to record the good things in her life, it seems only sadness and anger comes. Her frustrating half-brother King Enrique keeps trying to get her to marry people that would only benefit him! Queen Juana, Enrique's wife, keeps telling her...more

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May 18, 2011 Mena rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, historical-fiction

Although a big fan of this series, I never really became interested in this installment until after seeing the made-for-tv adaptation. Surely the tale of the infamous strong-willed mother of Catherine of Aragon must be just as exciting as the real woman?

I was disappointed.

The writing is okay, & it's nice to have a book about Isabel's childhood rather than her adulthood or the same old story about Columbus, but I found our 'heroine' to be dreadfully dull. I understand she (along with most of...more

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Feb 23, 2011 Ana Mardoll rated it 4 of 5 stars

Isabel, Jewel of Castilla / 0-439-07805-9

A solid addition to the Royal Diary series, Isabel deals with the young adulthood of the queen who would later become the patron of Christopher Columbus. The diary centers around the dilemmas that Isabel faces as she chooses which of her two brothers to support as king, and as she hopes to be married to someone who will not be completely repugnant to her. Isabel is forced to grapple with her conscience as she supports one of her brothers over the other in...more Isabel, Jewel of Castilla / 0-439-07805-9

A solid addition to the Royal Diary series, Isabel deals with the young adulthood of the queen who would later become the patron of Christopher Columbus. The diary centers around the dilemmas that Isabel faces as she chooses which of her two brothers to support as king, and as she hopes to be married to someone who will not be completely repugnant to her. Isabel is forced to grapple with her conscience as she supports one of her brothers over the other in the struggle for the crown, and she poignantly must face her mother's growing madness that prevents her from recognizing her own children. Isabel displays great strength of will as she maneuvers from a position of weakness to broker a marriage that will not shackle her to someone she hates and fears. Courageously, she defies her brother in order to marry the prince she hopes she can love - a bright young man her equal in age and wit - and this gamble of hers ensures her legacy.

This is one of the less quickly paced diaries, partly because Isabel must spend so much time virtually imprisoned by her brother, and yet the potentially exciting scenes of her fleeing for freedom and receiving her bridegroom in secret are passed over quickly and are never dealt on with the detail and attention they deserve. The author also chooses - rather cowardly, I feel - to almost completely dodge the issues which make Isabel most notorious, most notably the Spanish Inquisition, the reign of Torquemada, and the purge of the Jews from Spain. Some of this is hinted at - Isabel has a Jewish friend who has converted to Christianity, but whom she suspects is "forever tainted" simply because of her ancestry. And Isabel briefly is forced to switch confessors from the cruel Torquemada to a moderate, loving priest who admonishes Isabel to worry slightly less about her mortal sins and slightly more about "enjoying God's love".

However, despite these superficial touches, the elephant in the room is completely ignored, and this gives the novel a weird, slanted feel. We are told by the author, both in the novel and the epilogue, that Isabel is a good Christian and is only doing what she thought was God's doing. And yet this claim should be examined, not just taken at face value. Isabel is routinely rebellious against her older brother (and, therefore, against her king), she breaks vows regularly, both to her king and to God, and she almost always does exactly what she wants, without regard for the "holiness" of her actions.

This would work into a wonderful novel, if the author was deliberately underscoring the hypocrisy at work here in Isabel, but I do not think that is what we are seeing here. The author seems to have fallen into the trap of sympathizing too much with her subject and seems to believe that Isabel is guilty of no wrong. It is extremely jarring and disappointing to see, in the Epilogue, the Spanish Inquisition swept under the rug in a few meager sentences, with the benediction that Isabel thought she was doing the right thing. I do believe, however, that this novel can be a perfect staging point to discuss with children the hypocrisy of the Inquisition and the importance of religious freedom from tyranny. Thus, I feel that this book is a solid four star book, despite the sometimes soporific pacing, because the topic is interesting and well-researched and because the hypocrisy of Isabel shine brightly through these pages and provide a valuable lesson to those who would consider the implications.

~ Ana Mardoll(less)

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Aug 22, 2010 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 07, 2011 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-sale

When I was little, I loved the movie version of this book - all the fancy dresses and pretty head-pieces simply delighted me. Ever since then I wanted to read the book.

So, two weeks ago, I read the book. It was alright - the Catholic doctrines mixed with not-very-spectacular writing didn't keep my attention. I would, however, like to read more about Isabel; her participation in the Spanish Inquisition and Columbus' voyages intrigue me.

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Jun 11, 2010 Darby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: royal-diaries-dear-america-books, 5-star-books, best-books-ever

This book is about a young girl who's future is all chosen by her elder brother, King Enrique, decides who she will marry. Will the King's somewhat evil wife try to marry off ,Isabel, to her much older brother,King Afonso of Portugal or will she be aloud to marry her true love, King Fernado of the nebriong kindom of Aragon.Read to find out. Also in the back of the book a family tree of Isabel. This is a very good book.

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Sep 02, 2010 ♥ Marlene♥ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bookcrossing, fiction, released, young-adult

On Sunday, September 26, 2004 I wrote on bookcrossing:

Hi How are you? Right now I am reading this book.It is an easy read. I will update this journal and tell you my thoughts on this book.thanks.
Update: It is a nice way to let kids (and adults) learn something of there history in this modern and fashionable way ,the diaries) Easy read. Liked it.

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Jul 28, 2011 Victoria rated it 2 of 5 stars

It was altogher kind of slow paced. I could hardly keep track of the characters, and found it difficult to remember which castle she was in (even though the location was written right next to the date. I also found it hard to imagine anything, besides when she describes the clothes. Although, I always do love the historical note!

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Jun 10, 2013 Patricia rated it 4 of 5 stars

I will definitely be using this book in my teaching of elementary and middle-schoolers. What a great way to learn about this Queen of Spain when she was just a teenager, and to learn more about the history of Spain. I love historical novels, and this one didn't disappoint. I'm so glad Ceili recommended it to me.

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Apr 01, 2011 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Spain 1466. Royal Diaries: great series for young people. True story of the princess who married Ferdinand and created Spain. Helped Columbus but also initiated the Inquisition against the Jews and Moors. I want to read more of these beautiful little books.

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Dec 04, 2009 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful tale in the form of a diary by Isabel herself, Queen Isabel tells about her life before marriage to King Ferdinard and what hardships she went through. I admire how she wasn't afraid to tell what she was really thinking and didn't give up.

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Jul 29, 2011 Hannah rated it 3 of 5 stars

While I do not appreciate the sexual content in this book, I loved how Meyer weaved so much history into these journal entries. The story gives a good look into the daily life of Spanish royalty in the 1400s, including the Catholic religion, food, wares sold at fairs, diseases, and the political spectrum. I appreciated how many of Isabel's writings set the stage for her future role as the sender of Columbus and the starter of the Inquisition. Included in the book are pictures of the historical c...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Daphne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another great royal diaries book. This one is about Queen Isabella. She is the wife of King Ferdinand. Her daughter is the famed Catherine of Aragon, mother of Mary Tudor, A.K.A. Bloody Mary.

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May 15, 2010 Lucy Zheng added it

Isabel is locked by her brother in the castle when her brother wanted her to marry someone she don't like. Isabel hided. Finally she went to her mom and married Fanedo. I really like this book when she became a queen.

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Nov 17, 2011 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

amazing that this pious girl who grew up to send christopher columbus on his way, way responsible for the torture and death of thousands of Christians, Jews and Muslims

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Mar 23, 2013 Avalon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

I discovered in this book that keeping a list of sins is not conducive to a happy life. Although life is not always fun, Isabel had a uniquely difficult one.

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Dec 26, 2011 Patrice rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: america, historical-fiction, youth, series

This was a little stilted but it was interesting to get a look at the girl who would turn into the intolerant harpy who supported the Spanish Inquisition.

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Oct 23, 2011 Madeleine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fairytale

I like it a lot. The whole series is pretty good in covering the history. It was a little too religious at some points, but it was a good read.

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Jun 04, 2010 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was really good and what I found notable was the prejudice against the Jews that was a part of her life from early childhood, which would later lead to the Spanish Inquisition. It's sad to think after all she went through, she became a tyrant herself in relation to the Jewish people.

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Aug 03, 2011 Rebekah added it

Good book... I like how it's in diary form so you feel like you are experiencing the events with the Royal family.

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Mar 20, 2013 Katherine Humer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good look at that start of Isabel's life. Introdced her family and the long time rulers of Spain well as well as their beliefs and why decisions were made during their reign.

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Nov 17, 2011 Andrea Wall rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-books, historical-fiction, books-i-own

These books got my to love history.... I read all of them, and this one was jsut as good as the others.

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Feb 24, 2010 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this book years ago and really enjoyed it. I recommend it to all young girls who enjoy history.

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May 22, 2013 Cathryn rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book as I have liked any of the others, but none of these top the Dear America series.

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Aug 03, 2011 Rojo rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a really interesting story for me. I didn't really know much about her or who she was.

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Apr 21, 2013 Heather Cain rated it 5 of 5 stars

Love this story the most after all the drama she went through with her kingdom

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Apr 06, 2013 Mili Chizhik rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!!!!! I recommend this book and all of the books in the series

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About Carolyn Meyer

Carolyn Meyer is as versatile a writer as you will find. Along with historical fiction and realistic novels for young adults she has written nonfiction for young adults and books for younger readers on topics as diverse as the Amish, the Irish, Japanese, Yup'ik Eskimos, a rock band, rock tumbling, bread baking, and coconuts. And ten of her books have been chosen as Best Books for Young Adults by t...more

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Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (Mon Histoire)

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