From the bedchamber to the battlefield, through treachery and fidelity, one woman is imprisoned by the secrets of the crown.
It is an age whe... read full description
reviews
Dec 16, 2011
Dawn (& Ron)
rated it: 
I was so eager to dig in and begin this book, especially with the endorsements of friends and a bit of help from the author herself (helping me to choose which book of hers to start with). I was beyond frustrated that it took me two months to read. Let me explain, it wasn't the fault of the book but life that got in the way. I tried to read a few pages here and there but you can’t do that with this book. You need, and want, to have time to spend with Eleanor de Clare, her family and their lives
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6 comments
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(8 people liked it)
Jan 19, 2011
Monique
rated it: 
Wow...my first five star book of the year and it was a free, relatively unheard of book that I was introduced to through my Kindle..and I loved it, not only did it introduce a entire of host of characters in a new dynasty equally as fascinating as the Tudors but seamlessly told the tale of an extrodinary woman, her life,loves against the backdrop of thirteenth century England constantly at war with Scotland and itself..This book was longer and way more detailed than I expected and I thoroughly e
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0 comments
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(3 people liked it)
May 09, 2011
Steven
rated it: 
This is, as it were, the prequel to Higginbotham's book "Hugh and Bess." I rather prefer the latter, but this volume is also well written. At one level, it is the story of the marriage of Eleanor de Clare to Hugh le Despenser (the younger). Eleanor's uncle, Edward II, is also a key player as well as Edward's Queen--Isabella.
The dangers of the royal court are displayed, as well as the secrets of Edward II. One key line, the words of Hugh le Despenser to Eleanor (Page 38): " More...
The dangers of the royal court are displayed, as well as the secrets of Edward II. One key line, the words of Hugh le Despenser to Eleanor (Page 38): " More...
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(1 person liked it)
Mar 30, 2009
Cheryl
rated it:
Eleanor is the niece of King Edward the second. Eleanor gets married to the young and dashing High le Despenser. Hugh and Eleanor are very happy together. Eleanor has even more to be happy about when Queen Isabella appoints her as one of her ladies in waiting. As Eleanor spends more time in the presence of Kind Edward, she realizes that he is not the king she pictured him to be.
Eleanor and King Edward start to become very close. You could say almost to the point that if you saw them More...
Eleanor and King Edward start to become very close. You could say almost to the point that if you saw them More...
Feb 07, 2009
Simmonsmry
rated it:
In 'The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II' author Susan Higginbotham follows the life of Eleanor de Clare from the time she marries Hugh le Despenser in 1306 to her death in 1337. The years in between are full of challenges, which the title character rises to admirably. She is portrayed as a loyal, passionate woman who loves her husband, her children and her king. She will do whatever she can to protect them. Even when her efforts fail and she is faced with tremendous loss, she m
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(2 people liked it)
Oct 02, 2011
April
rated it: 
Free Kindle download. I must say, this book has been a very, very, very slow read for me. I think I started this months and months ago and have finally completed it. For the first half of this book, I could not for the life of me stay engaged. I found the vast number of characters, many of them with the same names (a genealogist's dream and nightmare both), to be somewhat confusing, and I had a hard time caring for any of them enough to keep reading. This is one of those books where I would make
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(1 person liked it)
Sep 17, 2011
Cynthia
rated it:
TRAITOR’S WIFE by Susan Higginbotham is the story of Eleanor de Clare, wife of Hugh le Despencer the Younger, and personal favorite to King Edward II during the latter years of his reign.
The author has done a wonderful job of creating such compelling characters. Like another reader, I stayed up until 3am because I wanted to know what was going to happen to Eleanor and Hugh!
This is an ambitious first novel, and Ms. Higginbotham set the bar high by choosing to tell the stor More...
The author has done a wonderful job of creating such compelling characters. Like another reader, I stayed up until 3am because I wanted to know what was going to happen to Eleanor and Hugh!
This is an ambitious first novel, and Ms. Higginbotham set the bar high by choosing to tell the stor More...
Aug 04, 2011
Amanda
rated it:
Newcomer Susan Higginbotham takes on the tumultuous British medieval era, where any man claiming to be king must spend his life fighting to keep his throne and at any moment anyone -even his own wife -can turn against him. The period is expertly explored through the eyes of Eleanor de la Clare, a wealthy earl's daughter who is married to Hugh le Dispenser, heir to one of the most power and influential families in the realm, as well as a close friend to King Edward II. Though Eleanor and Hugh are
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Mar 07, 2011
Yvonne
rated it: 
Perhaps I was prejudiced against this book from the beginning. Some history books are a good read because they read like a novel. This book was a terrible read because it reads like not very good history. It was long, tedious and difficult to follow. There were so many characters with similar names and titles that it was difficult to keep them straight. The middle section was full of so much gratuitous violence that decided to just skip to the end.
It is clear that the author did do More...
It is clear that the author did do More...
Jan 02, 2011
Jenny
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Aug 21, 2009
Sara
rated it:
Susan Higginbotham tells of the reign and aftermath of Edward the II in her steamy THE TRAITOR’S WIFE. The action is revealed mainly through the perspective of Eleanor le Despenser, Edward’s favorite niece and wife of the notorious traitor Hugh as suggested by the title. Higginbotham’s Eleanor is fiercely devoted and gracefully traverses the challenges of corruption, intrigue and betrayal that only the Royal Court can provide.
The novel is well researched, most of the main action More...
The novel is well researched, most of the main action More...
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(1 person liked it)
Apr 15, 2009
Serena
rated it:
Susan Higginbotham's research shines through in this historical fiction novel, The Traitor's Wife, about the reign of King Edward II. Despite the large cast in this book and the multiple Edwards, Hughs, and Joans, readers will not have a hard time keeping track of the characters and even if they get stuck, there is a handy character breakdown in the front of the book. I don't know much about 14th Century England, but I do remember Robert the Bruce from Braveheart, who does make a few appearances
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Apr 08, 2009
Michele
rated it:
I am very picky about historical fiction.
I like my historical fiction very, very well-researched. Don't mess with known history or rearrange timelines just to fit a plot. Don't over-modernize the dialogue. And above all, do NOT dumb it down just to appeal to a vapid audience.
Well, I am here to shout it from the rooftops that author Susan Higginbotham does none of the above. And she does is very, very well.
The Traitor's Wife recounts the reign of England's King More...
I like my historical fiction very, very well-researched. Don't mess with known history or rearrange timelines just to fit a plot. Don't over-modernize the dialogue. And above all, do NOT dumb it down just to appeal to a vapid audience.
Well, I am here to shout it from the rooftops that author Susan Higginbotham does none of the above. And she does is very, very well.
The Traitor's Wife recounts the reign of England's King More...
4 comments
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(2 people liked it)
Nov 07, 2010
Debbie
rated it:
The traitor's wife of the title is Eleanor le Despenser, wife of Hugh le Despenser, niece of King Edward II and grand-daughter of old King Edward I.
The story begins in 1306, when Eleanor, aged 13, marries Hugh le Despenser. It ends in 1337 with Eleanor's death. Over the course of those 31 years Eleanor is caught up with the fortunes of her uncle the King, as her husband Hugh becomes his trusted advisor and then his lover. As Edward's wife, Queen Isabella, plots against him with her l More...
The story begins in 1306, when Eleanor, aged 13, marries Hugh le Despenser. It ends in 1337 with Eleanor's death. Over the course of those 31 years Eleanor is caught up with the fortunes of her uncle the King, as her husband Hugh becomes his trusted advisor and then his lover. As Edward's wife, Queen Isabella, plots against him with her l More...
Jun 23, 2010
Cheryl
rated it:
Loved it, loved it, loved it! I'm so glad I finished it because I was getting absolutely no sleep and my husband has been grumbling about how he had been ignored over the past several days.
The story of Eleanor and Hugh le Despenser was magnificent. Full of real alive characters, humor, sadness, skullduggery, romance, and more political twists and turns than the Clinton/Bush administrations!
Anyone can read the book description so I'm not going to bother with a synopsis. It More...
The story of Eleanor and Hugh le Despenser was magnificent. Full of real alive characters, humor, sadness, skullduggery, romance, and more political twists and turns than the Clinton/Bush administrations!
Anyone can read the book description so I'm not going to bother with a synopsis. It More...
Feb 11, 2012
Christen
rated it:
I have mixed feelings about this book. My main problem is character portrayal. I know that we are supposed to sympathize with Eleanor and the Despensers, but I found nothing to like about them in spite of the author’s best efforts. Eleanor is weak, willfully blind to all of her husband’s and uncle’s many faults, and is portrayed as a dim bulb in all respects. I think the book would have really benefited from Eleanor being part of, or at least aware of, all the action and intrigue going on ar
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Oct 28, 2011
Betty
rated it:
In fourteenth-century England, young Eleanor de Clare, favorite niece of King Edward II, whose gay relationship causes much trouble in the kingdom, is delighted with her marriage to Hugh le Despenser and her appointment to Queen Isabella’s household as a lady-in-waiting.
It soon becomes apparent, however, that Eleanor’s beloved uncle is not the king the nobles of the land—or his queen—expected. Hugh’s unbridled ambition and his intimate relationship with Edward arouse widespread resentment, ev
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Dec 11, 2009
Tara
rated it:
It took me a while to finish, but I finally did. I like this author's style and most importantly, the way she writes about the most delicate of subjects.
For those not familiar with English royal history, this particular King Edward was gay. This novelized version of the time of his reign explores his two well known lovers and what happened to them. One of his lovers was the husband of his very own niece. It is this niece, Eleanor, that the story follows the most. She is a very l More...
For those not familiar with English royal history, this particular King Edward was gay. This novelized version of the time of his reign explores his two well known lovers and what happened to them. One of his lovers was the husband of his very own niece. It is this niece, Eleanor, that the story follows the most. She is a very l More...
Dec 03, 2011
Teri
rated it:
Wow. Well, I have to first admit that I've spent so much time reading about Tudor England and then the War of the Roses that I knew nothing about the Edwards. Did I get a breaking in. It was a bit slow going for me in the beginnning I have to admit. The description on Susan Higginbotham's website intrigued me..
"In fourteenth-century England, young Eleanor de Clare, favorite niece of King Edward II, is delighted with her marriage to Hugh le Despenser and her appointment to Queen I More...
"In fourteenth-century England, young Eleanor de Clare, favorite niece of King Edward II, is delighted with her marriage to Hugh le Despenser and her appointment to Queen I More...
Sep 09, 2009
Christy
rated it:
I ventured into uncharted territory picking up this book. I had never gone back this far in either fiction or non fiction. The farthest I ever went back beforehand was the 1600s. And I'm not very educated in English history before the 1800s, so I learned a lot. One of the things that is great about historical fiction, is that you end up wanting to learn more about the people and events you're reading about. That's what happened here, I learned about a period of history I wasn't educated in befor
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Jan 09, 2012
THOUGHTS WHILE READING:
If I weren't reading this for book club, I would have stopped already. I wish that I had gotten this from the library rather than paying the $7.99 for the Kindle version because it was a total waste of money.
From the very first chapter, I knew that this would be a difficult read for me. I am not a fan of Higginbotham's prose, her lack of description, or the characters. She writes in passive voice, which is something that I don't like seeing in ficti More...
If I weren't reading this for book club, I would have stopped already. I wish that I had gotten this from the library rather than paying the $7.99 for the Kindle version because it was a total waste of money.
From the very first chapter, I knew that this would be a difficult read for me. I am not a fan of Higginbotham's prose, her lack of description, or the characters. She writes in passive voice, which is something that I don't like seeing in ficti More...
Jan 12, 2011
Marti
rated it:
The Traitor's Wife started out okay and kind of logged down for a while, but then it gained in interest and I found myself racing to the end. I found the main character of Eleanor de la Clare a fascinating woman of the Middle Ages. She had 10 children, nine of which survived. She had two husbands. She was found guilty of treason and theft among others. Eleanor was the niece and cousin of two Kings of England. Her story was quite interesting. The constant bickering and fighting for power an
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Sep 19, 2010
Lori
rated it:
The Traitor's Wife: I am continuing my sojourn through medieval England and the reigns of the Angevin and Plantagenet kings with this excellently researched first novel that covers the troubled reign of Edward II through the first part of his son's (Edward III) reign. The story is told through the life of Eleanor le Despenser, daughter of the powerful Earl of Gloucester, Gilbert the Red, and the favorite niece of Edward II. Eleanor's life story hinges on the moment she marries Hugh le Despense
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Oct 17, 2011
Rio (Lynne)
rated it:
What a story! This covers the reign of Edward II through his niece Eleanor De Clare. She marries Hugh le Despenser, one of Edward's favorites and through greed becomes the traitor's wife. The debauchery, passion, arrogance, back stabbing and cruelty of these times kept me from putting this book down. Higginbotham moved me, made me tear up and even shocked me at times. Not something many authors can do. Those of us familiar with this time in history know how cruel it was, but the author's descrip
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Oct 30, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 17, 2009
Lori
rated it:
I passed this on the way to the checkout at Barnes and Noble -- why is it every good book lately has been that way?
Absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. I was captivated from word one, and can't believe this was the author's first book. I loved how she ended the book, with a perfect closure, and then continued with an Afterword that caught us up on the historical facts behind all the players as far as is known in actual history.
Loved, loved, loved. I can't t More...
Absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. I was captivated from word one, and can't believe this was the author's first book. I loved how she ended the book, with a perfect closure, and then continued with an Afterword that caught us up on the historical facts behind all the players as far as is known in actual history.
Loved, loved, loved. I can't t More...
Mar 07, 2010
Julie
rated it:
I am continuing my reading journey of the Plantagenets in medieval England. I had never read much about the Edward II reign, so bought this book specifically for that reason. I disliked the first half of the book so much that I would have stopped reading it if I hadn't wanted to know about the Isabella/Mortimer team which deposed Edward II. After Edward was imprisoned and the "Traitor" (Hugh Despencer the younger) was executed, the book improved dramatically with the continuing stor
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Apr 26, 2009
Carey
rated it:
Eleanor de Clare was a privileged young woman. Born into a titled family and the grand-daughter of Edward I, she was married at an early age to a young man with whom she fell madly in love, Hugh le Despenser.
In The Traitor's Wife, Susan Higginbotham tells the complex tale of the reign of King Edward II, through the eyes of Eleanor, his niece. Edward II has a very close, rumored to be intimate, relationship with a young knight, Piers Gaveston. Once Edward takes the throne, Pier's rise More...
In The Traitor's Wife, Susan Higginbotham tells the complex tale of the reign of King Edward II, through the eyes of Eleanor, his niece. Edward II has a very close, rumored to be intimate, relationship with a young knight, Piers Gaveston. Once Edward takes the throne, Pier's rise More...
Jul 01, 2011
Kiri
rated it:
This is a weak romance done in a historical setting. In my opinion it does NOT qualify as Historical Fiction. I've managed 236 pages of this [just over a 1/3rd of the book] and finally cannot stand to read another page. While it is known that I don't enjoy romance novels, I don't object to romance and etc within a storyline - especially if it highlights and rounds out the story / plot.
The main character is tepid, overly-naive, and deliberately ignorant of what is going on around More...
The main character is tepid, overly-naive, and deliberately ignorant of what is going on around More...
Jul 06, 2010
Gaile
rated it:
This book was somewhat difficult to get into at first because of the plethora of characters given the same name. An index of the names was in the front of the book which helped to keep me on track. The heroine lives at a time when men were hungry for power and once they got it, became greedy for more. Written in the time of Edward II Of England, a personality too gentle, thoughtful and careless of the jealousy shown to ward those he favored to be a strong leader in these violent times, he also h
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