Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Courtesan

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 780 ratings · 78 reviews

Amid the disapproving gossip of the Court, a royal romance defies all obstacles.

The Court of François I is full of lust, intrigue, and bawdy bon temps—a different world from the quiet country life Diane de Poitiers led with her elderly husband. Now a widow, the elegant Diane is called back to Court, where the King’s obvious interest marks her as an enemy to the King’s favo...more

Paperback, 576 pages

Published July 25th 2006 by Broadway Books (first published 1993)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Best Books About Mistresses

13th out of 199 books — 555 voters

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Historical Fiction - France

12th out of 100 books — 88 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,002)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jun 29, 2011 Tricia rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone who likes historical fiction

Shelves: books-i-d-recommend, books-i-own

This is my all time favorite book (tied with Gone with the Wind)
here's a review I wrote years ago

In the France of olde, Diane de Poitiers returns to the court of Francois I after an informal exile of five years. The two were involved in a scandalous relationship then, and though he'd like to start it up again, she wants to begin anew. She is thirtyone, beautiful, and clever. She is also strong, putting up a brave front when she is shunned, criticized, and then poisoned. Just when she's ready to...more This is my all time favorite book (tied with Gone with the Wind)
here's a review I wrote years ago

In the France of olde, Diane de Poitiers returns to the court of Francois I after an informal exile of five years. The two were involved in a scandalous relationship then, and though he'd like to start it up again, she wants to begin anew. She is thirtyone, beautiful, and clever. She is also strong, putting up a brave front when she is shunned, criticized, and then poisoned. Just when she's ready to pack it in, Henri de Valois walks in, and her life is forever changed.

After years in captivity by the King of Spain, the young prince returns to his father's court. He holds a strong grudge against his father, trusts no one, and cannot be "handled." Not quite a man, Henri finds himself with responsibilities to his country. He eventually finds himself responsible for defending the life of a woman nearly twice his age - one Diane de Poitiers. Their relationship will continue throughout his entire life.

Henri and Diane meet as friends initially, then meet and meet, always as friends, until, one day, passion sparks in a kiss. Diane knows it is wrong to have an intimate relationship with someone nearly half her age, but she feels the pull of her soul to his. The love they share is unique. Eventually Henri finds himself married to another woman and the ruler of his country. But he wants Diane by his side. And, Henri must have a legal heir. Although Diane is still shunned at court, she chooses to remain at his side.

Through highs and lows, Henri and Diane's love remains. This is not puppy love or infatuation - this is the once in a lifetime kind of love read about in fairytales, and it is this relationship I have always loved since first reading Courtesan. You will be entralled from start to finish about this romance between a King and "the other woman." The author provides vivid details both of country life and life at court. Because this is based on a true story, the history comes alive. There are laughter and tears found in this book, many, many tears.

Henri, the romantic king, overcome with love for his "uncrowned queen," is a wonderful hero. And Diane is the ever-youthful heroine. Diane and Henri. . . lovers forever. Courtesan will break your heart but will leave you with something to carry on.

-- Tricia

(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 27, 2012 Stephanie Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: tudor-book-challenge-2012

This book is an absolute MUST-READ for anyone who enjoys the 16th century. While this is not a Tudor story, it does take place during the Tudor dynasty, although in France. It begins during King Francis I's reign, and the story covers the relationship between the King's son, Henri, and Diane de Poitiers, a widow who is significantly older than him. This relationship defies everyone's expectations, and it's amazing to see the steps Henri took to protect his love and assure her of his feelings for...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 28, 2011 Mirah W rated it 5 of 5 stars

An incredible read...another look into the lives of the royal families and, I swear, this stuff is better than anything someone could just make up. 'Courtesan' is based on the real life love story of Diane de Poitiers and Prince Henri of France. It's amazing the lengths people who surround royalty will go to in order to gain power (through association or manipulation)....but through everything, Diane and Henri endured and remained true to one another. I wish I could see some of the chateaux and...more

like · see review

Jul 01, 2009 Mandy Moody rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, i-own

3 stars is a generous rating for this book. I really considered giving it a 2.
The Courtesan is about the lives of Henri II of France and his favourite Diane de Poiters. I found the depiction of the characters to be very one dimensional and cliche.
The predictability was practically tragic. Historical Fiction - more than any other genre, imo - depends on the finesse of the author. The reader KNOWS what's going to happen. It's history. The author has to write it so that the reader doesn't think to...more

like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, fiction

I haven't read a lot of historical fiction mainly because the few books that I have read haven't really hit me where I want a book to hit me. Let me tell you, this book completely hit me. I wish that I would have had these sorts of books around when I was in high school for my history classes because they would have made a huge difference in the way I felt about history. Then I felt history was a wasted subject. It was in the past, move forward, etc. But now, maybe because I'm older, I find it e...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 27, 2012 M A rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-historical, historical-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Rating / Grade: 2 stars / C-

Disclaimer: I am not a professional reviewer, nor was I solicited for this review. I purchased my copy of "Courtesan" at Sony (ebook store.) I read the entire novel at least 1 time prior to reviewing it.

Spoiler warning: I try to mark spoilers, but I don't always remember to do that.

"Courtesan" missed the boat on so many levels. The love story of Henri de Valois and Diane de Poitiers is pure fodder for a great "cougar" romance. I've always been curious about who Diane...more Rating / Grade: 2 stars / C-

Disclaimer: I am not a professional reviewer, nor was I solicited for this review. I purchased my copy of "Courtesan" at Sony (ebook store.) I read the entire novel at least 1 time prior to reviewing it.

Spoiler warning: I try to mark spoilers, but I don't always remember to do that.

"Courtesan" missed the boat on so many levels. The love story of Henri de Valois and Diane de Poitiers is pure fodder for a great "cougar" romance. I've always been curious about who Diane de Poitiers may have been, how she functionned in the French Court, and how she survived Catherine de Medici's jealousy. Unfortunately, this historical novel didn't engage me as well as it could have due to the author's chronic effort to consistently portray Diane de Poitiers only in the very best light. At all times. No matter what.

The beginning (first third or so of the book) is quite strong and intriguing, but Diane's character never goes anywhere. I've come to the conclusion the author (also named Diane) felt too much affinity with Diane and couldn't bring herself to write Diane as a flesh-and-blood woman with the traits neccessary for her to survive and thrive in the 16th C. French court.

Too much effort went into semi-apologetic explanation for Diane's romantic involvement with Henri in his mid-teens. Haeger plays it out as the two lovers being constantly thrown together and neither character possessing any other kind of emotional support system making them more emotionally dependent upon each other until it led to romantic attraction. The story also portrays Diane experiencing extreme guilt and personal conflict about her relationship with Henri, even after he succeeds his father and elevates Diane as his mistress. In fact, Diane never seemed truly at peace with her relationship with Henri until the novel's conclusion. After Henri has died. Go figure.

Diane also cried too much about "not wanting to be a courtesan." It got ridiculous and I don't believe for one minute the real Diane de Poitiers ever felt this way. She seemed chronically distressed about how strangers perceived her and perceived her relationship with the king. Like all Mary Sues, she tolerates unimaginable abuses from various villainous characters in the book and never fights back. But when she suspects Henri of imprisoning an ex-paramour of hers, she turns her back on Henri to punnish him.

The storytelling was a bit disjointed at times, but the overall writing quality is pretty average. I guess whether one likes this story or not depends on how many Mary Sue books one has read and whether one likes them. (less)

like · see review

Feb 22, 2011 Ana Mardoll rated it 3 of 5 stars

Courtesan / 1-4000-5174-6

This is not a bad book, but it does fall prey to a lot of flaws. Haeger's characters tend to all look and sound precisely the same, despite differences in age, temperament, upbringing, and social status. The characters are all very one-dimensional - the good people are always, unfailingly good; the bad ones are awful and spiteful, regardless of how kind they are treated. Haeger lacks the lighter touch of, say, Philippa Gregory, who manages in even her worst novels to sti...more

like · see review

Apr 02, 2008 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

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-...more 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). (less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 25, 2010 Pru rated it 5 of 5 stars

My first book by this author also, but not my last. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Had to go out on the internet to research Diane de Poitiers, the main character of this novel. From all previous novels I had read usually the mistress was not as nice as this one, in this book anyway, and of course Diane wasn't. The author had a liking for her obviously and tried to make her out as a caring mistress. But the facts of the novel were true and I liked that. I will read more from this author.

like · see review

Jul 29, 2008 Marisa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone.

WOW. One word is all that's needed. Not for so many crazy things as much as the love king henri had for his mistress diane. It will make every woman melt, and ultimately long to be loved the way he loved her. This is my favorite book i have ever ever ever read. It's a true love story and one of the most famous france has ever known. Like most books it took a good 100 pages to get used to the authors writing style. I loved it so much that i looked into the history of the two lovers, and the famou...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Briansmom rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

A very fascinating portrayal of the French court during the reigns of kings Francis I and Henri II. While I love historical fiction, I have never read a book set in France, nor had I ever heard of Diane de Poitiers, so this was a first for me. The love affair between her and Henri was both scandalous (because of their age difference) and fascinating. Oh, to be cherished and loved like she was!!

1 like · like · see review

Aug 19, 2011 Helen rated it 4 of 5 stars

A pretty good historical fiction about the life of the infamous Diane de Poitiers, the enigmatic long time mistress of king Henri II of France. I feel that a historical novel is successful if it is interesting enough to influence the reader to go out and read up on the subject, which is what this book did with me.

like · see review

Feb 11, 2013 Krista rated it 5 of 5 stars

Really amazing love story. I saw a review of this book that said the relationship between Henry II and Diane de Poitiers had been romanticised by the author, and others that said because she was so much older than he was, her hold on him had to be due to shrewd political acumen. I think the only explanation for over twenty-six years of complete devotion could only have been that they truly loved each other. Call me sappy; maybe I am. Was still quite a romance!

like · see review

Oct 14, 2011 Rosemary Prawdzik rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I picked up this book at a Goodwill store and couldn't put it down. The story was that good! It wasn't until the end and I read the author's notes that I realized the story was real - at least it was based mostly on historical fact. It certainly piqued my curiosity about Francois I and Henri II - to the point that I then read a biography (very dry)about Henri II. This book was also the inspiration for a long-awaited trip to France. I loved this book!

like · see review

Aug 31, 2009 Stacy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved it all the way through! Even though the age difference is a little weird, you find yourself rooting for Diane and Henri and their beautiful love affair. Haeger's depiction of the rowdy French court is satisfying and amusing. If you enjoy Tudor fiction, you'd enjoy The Courtesan.

like · see review

Jul 02, 2010 Rio (Lynne) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorites, french-historical-fiction

This is one of the all time great love stories. This was the most moving book that I have read in a long time. I laughed, longed and cried! Catherine de Medici never had a chance. This story has everything romance, politics and history. Great book that I couldn't put down!

1 like · like · see review

Jun 26, 2009 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: medici

I really enjoyed this book. Although I have read several reviews from pepole who disliked it, I really enjoyed it.
Whether I enjoy a book totally depends on whether I develop feelings for the characters. It doesn't matter if I love or hate them as long as I have feelings for them.
I took this on vacation with me and read it while on the plane. I'm so glad I didn't finish it there because at the end of this one I found myself sitting on the couch sobbing!
I'm not sure what of this is true, but it...more

like · see review

May 17, 2009 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite books of all time!! I love the story of Francis and Diane. I am usually not a love story fan but the devotion these two had was amazing. I also just love how the book was written. I immediatly went out and bought evey book by Diane Haegar when i finished.

like · see review

Feb 16, 2011 Gloriavirtutisumbra rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-old-and-new

As a fiction about the life of Diane de Poitiers, it is compelling, making her a character you as the reader come to love and admire as much as Henri the II did. Perhaps a little over the top with the rewriting of history - however I did enjoy it.

like · see review

Dec 27, 2012 Verna Seal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Just read The Devil's Queen which is about Catherine de Medici who was married to King Francis I. Diane de Poitiers was the King's mistriss and this book is from her perspective as his courtesan. Should be good! It was very good.

like · see review

Aug 01, 2008 Cara rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Someone simple-minded who just wants to read a cheesy romance in historical form

I love historical fiction and I've read many books like this but none were so badly written. Her sentences have no flow or rhythym, mostly because she uses too many words to describe things and doesn't let the story carry itself. She is constantly trying to include minor details, that, instead of creating more depth to the story, just make it more tedious. I was not surprised when I discovered that it was her first attempt at published writing, I hope that if I read another book of hers that the...more

like · see review

Sep 28, 2012 Eliza marked it as to-read

Can't wait to read it, just bought it the other day...I kind of love sad love stories so I have a feeling this one will make me cry out like a baby....

like · see review

May 18, 2011 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

In a strange twist of fate, I found this book the day after I watched the truly bad movie, Diane, about Diane de Poitiers. Read the book, forget the movie.

like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Greg Wolfson added it

a loose fictional account of a truly great lady. she is rendered idiot in this book to satisy the norms of historical romance. Very disappointing

like · see review

Jun 25, 2009 Delana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good historical fiction read...I've read lots about the English court so it was neat to hear the French side of things during the same time period.

like · see review

Apr 09, 2012 Mr Puddy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: history-fiction, country-france, mistress-concubine

History story is for free. Her life is interesting ( refer : http://celebheaven.freepowerboards.co... )
But her personality in this book couldn't make me believe she is real.
I confess I couldn't finish the book !

like · see review

Feb 14, 2009 Katie Pesznecker rated it 4 of 5 stars

Thoroughly entertaining novel about a fascinating woman from Europe's history. Diane is a strong, independent, passionate woman.

like · see review

Jul 13, 2011 Blaire added it · review of another edition

Read it once and when I lost it I thought I was going to read it over and over again but now I can't see myself reading it again.

like · see review

Mar 10, 2009 Veronica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Easy reading...when you want something juicy and not too hard to digest. Well-written and researched.

like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

What can I say... I loved it! Excellent romance with intrigue! Perfect period piece romance!

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 66 67 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
French historical fiction	5	16	Mar 05, 2012 05:47am

combine
Other Editions (6)

More editions...

Genres

Historical Fiction

118 users

Cultural > France

18 users

Romance

10 users

Romance > Historical Romance

8 users

Literature > 16th Century

5 users

History > European History

3 users

Adult Fiction

2 users

See top shelves...

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Courtesan

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Courtesan
avg rating	preview: Courtesan Goodreads rating: 3.89 (780 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80738.Courtesan?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320445023l/80738.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80738.Courtesan?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Courtesan by Diane Haeger[/url]

Courtesan

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (6)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Diane Haeger

Books by Diane Haeger

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Courtesan