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In Triumph's Wake: Royal Mothers, Tragic Daughters, and the Price They Paid for Glory
The powerful and moving story of three royal mothers whose quest for power led to the downfall of their daughters.
Queen Isabella of Castile, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, and Queen Victoria of England were respected and admired rulers whose legacies continue to be felt today. Their daughters—Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England; Queen Marie Antoinette of France; and Vicky, the Empress Frederick of Germany—are equally legendary for the tragedies that befell them, their roles in history surpassed by their triumphant mothers. In Triumph's Wake is the first book to bring together the poignant stories of these mothers and daughters in a single narrative.
Isabella of Castile forged a united Spain and presided over the discovery of the New World, Maria Theresa defeated her male rivals to claim the Imperial Crown, and Victoria presided over the British Empire. But, because of their ambition and political machinations, each mother pushed her daughter toward a marital alliance that resulted in disaster. Catherine of Aragon was cruelly abandoned by Henry VIII who cast her aside in search of a male heir and tore England away from the Pope. Marie Antoinette lost her head on the guillotine when France exploded into Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Vicky died grief-stricken, horrified at her inability to prevent her son, Kaiser Wilhelm, from setting Germany on a belligerent trajectory that eventually led to war.
Exhaustively researched and utterly compelling, In Triumph's Wake is the story of three unusually strong women and the devastating consequences their decisions had on the lives of their equally extraordinary daughters.
Queen Isabella of Castile, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, and Queen Victoria of England were respected and admired rulers whose legacies continue to be felt today. Their daughters—Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England; Queen Marie Antoinette of France; and Vicky, the Empress Frederick of Germany—are equally legendary for the tragedies that befell them, their roles in history surpassed by their triumphant mothers. In Triumph's Wake is the first book to bring together the poignant stories of these mothers and daughters in a single narrative.
Isabella of Castile forged a united Spain and presided over the discovery of the New World, Maria Theresa defeated her male rivals to claim the Imperial Crown, and Victoria presided over the British Empire. But, because of their ambition and political machinations, each mother pushed her daughter toward a marital alliance that resulted in disaster. Catherine of Aragon was cruelly abandoned by Henry VIII who cast her aside in search of a male heir and tore England away from the Pope. Marie Antoinette lost her head on the guillotine when France exploded into Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Vicky died grief-stricken, horrified at her inability to prevent her son, Kaiser Wilhelm, from setting Germany on a belligerent trajectory that eventually led to war.
Exhaustively researched and utterly compelling, In Triumph's Wake is the story of three unusually strong women and the devastating consequences their decisions had on the lives of their equally extraordinary daughters.
404 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 27, 2020
I did not like this book as well as I expected I would. It is the biography of three strong Queens/Empresses and their tragic daughters: (1)Queen Isabella of Castile/Catherine of Aragon (Queen of England); (2)Empress Maria Theresa of Austria/Queen Marie Antoinette of France: and (3)Queen Victoria of England and the Empire/Empress Frederick of Germany (Vicky). Each of these mothers, for political reasons, pushed their daughters into marital alliances that resulted in disaster. I think I was looking for some new insight into the subjects in this book but it was merely the same history with which we are all familiar. I didn't dislike the book, I just wasn't as engaged as I had hoped.
September 19, 2017
3.5ish stars for this well crafted book.
Gelardi did what I'd wished someone would do by weaving together the related stories of royal women throughout the years, and she did so with great success.
I think it's important to not allow stories to disconnect from one another, just as it's also important to make sure legacies are remembered without too much bias. One of this book's greatest merits was how it explored the strengths and shortcomings of all six women, both as individuals, and in their mother-daughter relationships.
Too often it seems that the daughters, especially, are reduced to superficial characters in history. People look at Katherine of Aragon (spelled Catherine in this book to acknowledge her roots as Catalina) and see just an old, religious lady who was an obstacle for Henry VIII and his great love for Anne Boleyn. At the same time, it's rare to find someone who knows much about Marie Antoinette beyond her love of fashion and beheading.
Thankfully, In Triumph's Wake gives both women, Vicky, and all three mothers their due. Isabella, Maria Theresa, and Victoria are all heralded as the warrior queens they were in their own ways (Isabella most literally, of course). Yet at the same time, none of these women were perfect, and Gelardi breathes a life into them that humanizes the queens, as well as further illuminates how their daughters were shaped and developed.
One aspect I quite enjoyed and thought was well handled was how the author would mention a previous queen in order to highlight a similarity or difference, but not unrealistically drag out the comparison for dramatic effect. For instance, Vicky's success at producing a long-living male heir where Katherine and Marie Antoinette struggled is important and shows how these stories work together. However, Gelardi did not then overplay this distinction or any others.
Overall, I thought this was an interestingly written, easy flowing, and properly researched book, which ties together the stories of six fascinating and important women, all of whom deserve the acknowledgment they're given here. I would caution readers experienced with some or all of these figures that certain parts may feel repetitive. Nonetheless, I think it's a worthwhile read that I definitely recommend.
The only reason I'm not giving it 4 stars is because I was never really enticed. That may be my own fault because I've already studied all of these women, except for Vicky, at great length in the past.
Gelardi did what I'd wished someone would do by weaving together the related stories of royal women throughout the years, and she did so with great success.
I think it's important to not allow stories to disconnect from one another, just as it's also important to make sure legacies are remembered without too much bias. One of this book's greatest merits was how it explored the strengths and shortcomings of all six women, both as individuals, and in their mother-daughter relationships.
Too often it seems that the daughters, especially, are reduced to superficial characters in history. People look at Katherine of Aragon (spelled Catherine in this book to acknowledge her roots as Catalina) and see just an old, religious lady who was an obstacle for Henry VIII and his great love for Anne Boleyn. At the same time, it's rare to find someone who knows much about Marie Antoinette beyond her love of fashion and beheading.
Thankfully, In Triumph's Wake gives both women, Vicky, and all three mothers their due. Isabella, Maria Theresa, and Victoria are all heralded as the warrior queens they were in their own ways (Isabella most literally, of course). Yet at the same time, none of these women were perfect, and Gelardi breathes a life into them that humanizes the queens, as well as further illuminates how their daughters were shaped and developed.
One aspect I quite enjoyed and thought was well handled was how the author would mention a previous queen in order to highlight a similarity or difference, but not unrealistically drag out the comparison for dramatic effect. For instance, Vicky's success at producing a long-living male heir where Katherine and Marie Antoinette struggled is important and shows how these stories work together. However, Gelardi did not then overplay this distinction or any others.
Overall, I thought this was an interestingly written, easy flowing, and properly researched book, which ties together the stories of six fascinating and important women, all of whom deserve the acknowledgment they're given here. I would caution readers experienced with some or all of these figures that certain parts may feel repetitive. Nonetheless, I think it's a worthwhile read that I definitely recommend.
The only reason I'm not giving it 4 stars is because I was never really enticed. That may be my own fault because I've already studied all of these women, except for Vicky, at great length in the past.
February 16, 2016
This is a very educational book, but the lack of personality got to me. I've learned more from historical fiction. I appreciate the accuracy, but I miss the fun in history.
January 7, 2020
After reading a few of Gelardi’s books by now, her writing sometimes reminds me of essays that I’ve had to write for school on a much larger scale-make your claim, support with evidence. That is clearly her MO here, as she seeks to draw together 6 historical figures who are at first glance quite different. I didn’t know a whole lot about most of the figures discussed and I enjoyed the ‘survey’ style formula of each-I’m excited to dive in deeper in other biographies specifically about each of them. I was really kind of amazed by Isabella of Castile, who I really didn’t know much about and my admiration for Empress Vicky was further deepened. Gelardi is right; both mothers and daughters deserve a place in the annals of history for both their achievements and impeccable character.
March 31, 2020
Review to follow
November 15, 2018
It's amazing how similar the lives of these women were. The three 'triumphant' queens are basically the same person. All three were fertile, devoted to their spouse, religious, not expected to inherit, had their education neglected, were exceptional at using their perceived innocence to manipulate the men around them into wanting to help and protect them which still appearing chaste, plump, as a child described as diplomatic and always acting correctly, and outlived their spouses by a lot.
Their daughters in turn were all very similar. Beautiful and expected to aid their mother's cause. They all married devoted men, even if in one case it didn't stay that way.
When discussing Isabella I thought it was so weird that if you stayed loyal to your family's Jewish faith you would be okay, at least at first. It was those who insincerely converted that were attacked at the beginning of the inquisition. Isabella tried for the inquisition to be logical so much that the upheaval of the reformation never came to Spain. It was terrible, but it did sort of work. I had not heard she wasn't okay with slavery or with war with other Christians. That's not how she's ever portrayed. Obviously slavery existed in lands Spain conquered, I always assumed she was okay with it. The bad bits of her life were skimmed over a little. I've read accounts of her husband's affairs, and the aftermath. It might have been interesting to explore what affect that would have on her daughter. With Catherine's devoted, pious mother- when Henry cheated did she begin to model her parents? It's so sad that it was Juana's reported behavior, not her cheating low life husband's that 'scandalized Europe'. I think if Isabella hadn't died all would have been okay for Catherine. Somehow I don't think her mother would have sat by as such nonsense happened to her daughter and faith.
Side note about Henry- there's such a big deal made about how Henry held to Leviticus 18:16, but did anybody show him the law about marrying your childless brother's widow to keep the inheritance? I'd just curious. Though, Henry had been so pro catholic, no way what happened was just about sex.
Then we got to Maria Theresa and Marie Antoinette. At first I was mad that Charles VI was unhappy to have a daughter, however years before she was born he made it possible for not only his future daughters, but also his brother's daughters, to be crowned. He solved the matter of succession before it became an issue. So then his disappointment could be the potential instability and legal battle, not about gender specifically. He was obsessed with his legacy.
I do wonder what makes these powerful women so tolerant of infidelity? And view their husbands as saints when they die?
It is sad how Marie Antoinette is always portrayed. It's so unfair in the face of her modesty. It seems the people just wanted her to be like every other French queen, silent. But that is not how she was raised. I do like that the author doesn't worry about the silly rumors, like with Axel.
I thought it was interesting how Joseph II was a good brother to Marie, not overly harsh or demanding of his much younger sister.
I liked this quote from Marie Therese: "As the lay about to die she made a list of her sins and said: (accusing herself) 'before God' of having waged 'war out of pride'."
Their daughters in turn were all very similar. Beautiful and expected to aid their mother's cause. They all married devoted men, even if in one case it didn't stay that way.
When discussing Isabella I thought it was so weird that if you stayed loyal to your family's Jewish faith you would be okay, at least at first. It was those who insincerely converted that were attacked at the beginning of the inquisition. Isabella tried for the inquisition to be logical so much that the upheaval of the reformation never came to Spain. It was terrible, but it did sort of work. I had not heard she wasn't okay with slavery or with war with other Christians. That's not how she's ever portrayed. Obviously slavery existed in lands Spain conquered, I always assumed she was okay with it. The bad bits of her life were skimmed over a little. I've read accounts of her husband's affairs, and the aftermath. It might have been interesting to explore what affect that would have on her daughter. With Catherine's devoted, pious mother- when Henry cheated did she begin to model her parents? It's so sad that it was Juana's reported behavior, not her cheating low life husband's that 'scandalized Europe'. I think if Isabella hadn't died all would have been okay for Catherine. Somehow I don't think her mother would have sat by as such nonsense happened to her daughter and faith.
Side note about Henry- there's such a big deal made about how Henry held to Leviticus 18:16, but did anybody show him the law about marrying your childless brother's widow to keep the inheritance? I'd just curious. Though, Henry had been so pro catholic, no way what happened was just about sex.
Then we got to Maria Theresa and Marie Antoinette. At first I was mad that Charles VI was unhappy to have a daughter, however years before she was born he made it possible for not only his future daughters, but also his brother's daughters, to be crowned. He solved the matter of succession before it became an issue. So then his disappointment could be the potential instability and legal battle, not about gender specifically. He was obsessed with his legacy.
I do wonder what makes these powerful women so tolerant of infidelity? And view their husbands as saints when they die?
It is sad how Marie Antoinette is always portrayed. It's so unfair in the face of her modesty. It seems the people just wanted her to be like every other French queen, silent. But that is not how she was raised. I do like that the author doesn't worry about the silly rumors, like with Axel.
I thought it was interesting how Joseph II was a good brother to Marie, not overly harsh or demanding of his much younger sister.
I liked this quote from Marie Therese: "As the lay about to die she made a list of her sins and said: (accusing herself) 'before God' of having waged 'war out of pride'."
June 22, 2020
I went into this book very excited to learn about some of the most infamous royal women in history. This book is divided into three parts: Queen Isabella of Castile and her daughter Catherine of Aragon (became first wife of Henry VIII of England), Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and her daughter Marie Antoinette (became Queen of France with marriage to Louis XVI), and Queen Victoria of England and her daughter Vicky (became Empress of Germany and Queen of Prussia with marriage to Frederick III).
This book was evidently well researched (and cited), but I felt as though the writing didn't translate the story effectively. It felt as though many sections were rushed with not much care given to the historical events presented, particularly those of Catherine of Aragon, Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria, and Vicky. It also seemed to be to not go into anything other than surface level discussion, with comparisons between rulers being left to "similar to X..." or "like Y..." statements and no further discussion. I think I would've preferred this to be three separate books, one for each family, so that a more in-depth historical analysis and discussion could've taken place. However, overall, it was a good read for quick surface level facts and I did learn a couple things about each royal family that I didn't know before.
This book was evidently well researched (and cited), but I felt as though the writing didn't translate the story effectively. It felt as though many sections were rushed with not much care given to the historical events presented, particularly those of Catherine of Aragon, Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria, and Vicky. It also seemed to be to not go into anything other than surface level discussion, with comparisons between rulers being left to "similar to X..." or "like Y..." statements and no further discussion. I think I would've preferred this to be three separate books, one for each family, so that a more in-depth historical analysis and discussion could've taken place. However, overall, it was a good read for quick surface level facts and I did learn a couple things about each royal family that I didn't know before.
April 30, 2024
I found this book very informative in the cases of Isabella of Castile, Empress Marie Theresa, and Empress Frederick as I've never read books about them. As for Catherine of Aragon, Marie Antoinette, and Queen Victoria, I read books discussing their history, but it never hurts to read more from a different point of view. The author's writing style was simple and straightforward and made you get easily engaged in the book.
However, I felt while reading that the author wasn't objective in her portrayal of Queen Isabella of Spain. She actually tried to give justification for the Inquisition by saying how it was actually mild in its punishment and only sent 25,000 people to their deaths, which she said is nothing when compared with the Witch trials. Really?? Like Really??? Also, the author showed her bias in her portrayal of Christians (good) and Muslims (bad), which is just typical yet still insulting.
True, I enjoyed reading the book, but I couldn't get past these points, which clouded my attitude while reading a bit.
However, I felt while reading that the author wasn't objective in her portrayal of Queen Isabella of Spain. She actually tried to give justification for the Inquisition by saying how it was actually mild in its punishment and only sent 25,000 people to their deaths, which she said is nothing when compared with the Witch trials. Really?? Like Really??? Also, the author showed her bias in her portrayal of Christians (good) and Muslims (bad), which is just typical yet still insulting.
True, I enjoyed reading the book, but I couldn't get past these points, which clouded my attitude while reading a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
This was an enjoyable read about three sets of mothers and daughters who sat on European thrones. Isabella of Castile and Catherine of Aragon are the first profiled. We read of Isabella's iconic reign and her daughter's equally iconic downfall as Queen of England. Next comes Maria Theresa of Austria and Marie Antoinette of France. Here again, we see a daughter's reign eclipsed by the brilliancy of her mother's. And finally, we see Queen Victoria of England and her daughter the Empress Frederick of Germany. Victoria's reign proved to be nothing short of monumental while her daughter's time on the throne is just a footnote in history. All told, the three daughters we read about never achieved the success that their mothers did.
Extremely interesting reading for anyone interested in European royal history.
Extremely interesting reading for anyone interested in European royal history.
June 29, 2017
This book gives exactly what it promises: A comparision between the stories of the three mothers and the three daughters. The book is sectioned into three parts: Isabella and Catherine, Maria Theresia and Marie Antoinette, and Victoria and Vicky.
I knew no details of any of their lifes - the one I was most familiar with beforehand was Catherine of Aragon, mostly because of her divorce that divided England - so this read was both informative and interesting. I suppose that someone who wants a more in-depth insight into their lifes will probably be disappointed though.
So, if you want to know a little bit more about any of those ladies and/or are interested in historical parallels, I suggest given this book a try.
I knew no details of any of their lifes - the one I was most familiar with beforehand was Catherine of Aragon, mostly because of her divorce that divided England - so this read was both informative and interesting. I suppose that someone who wants a more in-depth insight into their lifes will probably be disappointed though.
So, if you want to know a little bit more about any of those ladies and/or are interested in historical parallels, I suggest given this book a try.
May 1, 2021
There was really nothing too new for me here, but this book is well crafted around the stories of three successful European queens regnant and their three less successful daughters. The comparisons that can be made among Isabel of Castile, Maria Theresa of Austria, and Victoria of England are pretty apt, and the three women had more in common than they had differences. Their daughters are famous for their struggles, and their stories read like tragedies (admittedly, they all were) since all three less successful women were also strong and intelligent like their mothers. I enjoyed this book.
April 7, 2022
Six women - three mothers and three daughters - all Queens. But while the first three are celebrated for their achievements and triumphs, the latter stand for the tragedy of every possible kind. Julia P. Gelardi created a highly readable composite biography of these ladies, not at all exhaustive, but still managing to introduce them as people of their own minds and character. While I personally did not find much new information, this book would be an excellent introduction to the topic of any of these women and their times.
March 21, 2022
Pros :: Learned so much about Isabella of Castile, (married to Ferdinand of Aragon) their daughter, Catherine of Aragon for the Medieval and Renaissance time period; Empress Maria Theresa (married to Francis of Lorraine), and their daughter, Marie Antoinette for the Age of Enlightenment and for the Industrial Revolution —Queen Victoria (married to Prince Albert) and their daughter, Vicky (married to Fritz, Prince Fredrick).
“Catherine and Marie Antoinette had adopted to English and French ways, but not Vicky when it came to Prussia.” Page 325
Cons :: Nothing
Cover art :: 5 out of 5 (Wish we could see the models full face, however, even if it were a fictionalized version. )
“Catherine and Marie Antoinette had adopted to English and French ways, but not Vicky when it came to Prussia.” Page 325
Cons :: Nothing
Cover art :: 5 out of 5 (Wish we could see the models full face, however, even if it were a fictionalized version. )
September 11, 2022
It started out very slowly (I must admit that Queen Isabella is not one of my favourite people), but got much better as it went on.
I really feel sorry for these daughters of queens, none of whom had a completely wonderful life.
The author does make one mistake when she says that Queen Victoria is the longest reigning English monarch. That honour goes to Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years.
I really feel sorry for these daughters of queens, none of whom had a completely wonderful life.
The author does make one mistake when she says that Queen Victoria is the longest reigning English monarch. That honour goes to Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years.
August 5, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. It was very interesting and I learned more about Isabella of Castile and Maria Theresa of Austria, than I had done before. However, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have loved Gelardi’s other work. It felt rushed, probably because she was trying to fit in biographies of six major women. I think it may have worked better if she’d written it thematically, and drawn similarities that way? I would recommend nonetheless.
November 17, 2022
It covers much I'm already familiar with, but in its focus on the mother/daughter relationship, this book is a winner. Always happy to explore new ways to look at old topics, and this book does it in spades.
February 4, 2019
Fascinating look into the way that royal women were bought and sold into other royal households with little regard for their happiness or even well-being.
February 5, 2020
Well researched - I learned a lot. Just a bit too dry for my taste, I think historical fiction is more up my alley.
Want to read
November 19, 2020I learned of this book here: https://thepaperbprincess.wordpress.c...
November 22, 2021
Very well done book. I knew very little about Queen Victoria's daughter, Vicky. Her life was tragic and her death slow and painful. Very tragic indeed.
December 1, 2021
Only read the Isabella/Katherine section...
March 8, 2010
This book really disappointed me. I enjoyed Gelardi's first work (Born to Rule) and thought the idea of studying the relationships between three Queen regnants and their consort daughters who had tragedy in common was extremely interesting. However, the book has a serious lack of depth - not in research, but in the way the topic was discussed.
The first part of the book is dedicated to Queen Isabella 'La Católica' of Castille and her daughter Catherine of Aragon, the first of Henry VIII's six wives. I didn't know much about Isabella beforehand, so I thought her part was interesting and informative, but Catherine's was incredibly rushed and didn't add anything relevant to me, except that she had a strong religious belief like her mother, because the comparisons didn't go beyond that.
Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and Marie Antoinette of France's was the smallest - I did enjoy reading about Maria Theresa, but her daughter's share was completely unremarkable. There were some interesting moments when the author analyzed the letters between mother and daughter, but no further comparisons.
Queen Victoria's bio was sooo rushed. As well as Vicky's youth. But things picked up after Prince Albert died and their share was the best of the book. This relationship was actually explained and fully analyzed.
It wasn't a boring book - though it did read textbookish at times - but even as an introduction to these women's lives, it lacked focus. And the constant "like Isabella of Spain before her" or "a situation similar to Marie Antoinette's" were really annoying.
The first part of the book is dedicated to Queen Isabella 'La Católica' of Castille and her daughter Catherine of Aragon, the first of Henry VIII's six wives. I didn't know much about Isabella beforehand, so I thought her part was interesting and informative, but Catherine's was incredibly rushed and didn't add anything relevant to me, except that she had a strong religious belief like her mother, because the comparisons didn't go beyond that.
Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and Marie Antoinette of France's was the smallest - I did enjoy reading about Maria Theresa, but her daughter's share was completely unremarkable. There were some interesting moments when the author analyzed the letters between mother and daughter, but no further comparisons.
Queen Victoria's bio was sooo rushed. As well as Vicky's youth. But things picked up after Prince Albert died and their share was the best of the book. This relationship was actually explained and fully analyzed.
It wasn't a boring book - though it did read textbookish at times - but even as an introduction to these women's lives, it lacked focus. And the constant "like Isabella of Spain before her" or "a situation similar to Marie Antoinette's" were really annoying.
July 12, 2019
Clear interpretation of Catharine of Aragon, her mother, Queen Isabella, and father, King Ferdinand. I came to better understand and respect an already regarded lady, much abused of her rightful position.
Wish the author had expounded on the story of Marie Antoinette. Left much of the story without explanation. Would have welcomed insight to her husband's reign and details surrounding the reformation leading to their joint executions. Also, what became of the children following her demise? The book clearly enunciates their presence whilst Marie Antoinette was jailed then abruptly ends the story at her death.
My knowledge of Queen Victoria is already well established. I was somewhat familiar with the tragic relationship woes of the Princess Royal and later the Dowager Empress, (known by her family as Vicky), and her son, Wilhelm II.
I quite welcomed the history lesson concerning Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck and his greedy campaign for control of Denmark. My forbears emmigrated from Northern Schlesweig Holstein, once known as Denmark, then Prussia.
All in all, I highly recommend this volume. The understanding I have taken away is: for all the vigour, strength, devoutness, and wisdom shown by each of the three mothers, (Queen Isabella, Empress Maria Theresa, and Queen Victoria), none was able to pass on these qualities in the same depth to their daughters, meaning that subsequent generations would languish. A sad testament indeed.
Wish the author had expounded on the story of Marie Antoinette. Left much of the story without explanation. Would have welcomed insight to her husband's reign and details surrounding the reformation leading to their joint executions. Also, what became of the children following her demise? The book clearly enunciates their presence whilst Marie Antoinette was jailed then abruptly ends the story at her death.
My knowledge of Queen Victoria is already well established. I was somewhat familiar with the tragic relationship woes of the Princess Royal and later the Dowager Empress, (known by her family as Vicky), and her son, Wilhelm II.
I quite welcomed the history lesson concerning Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck and his greedy campaign for control of Denmark. My forbears emmigrated from Northern Schlesweig Holstein, once known as Denmark, then Prussia.
All in all, I highly recommend this volume. The understanding I have taken away is: for all the vigour, strength, devoutness, and wisdom shown by each of the three mothers, (Queen Isabella, Empress Maria Theresa, and Queen Victoria), none was able to pass on these qualities in the same depth to their daughters, meaning that subsequent generations would languish. A sad testament indeed.
August 5, 2016
I haven't read any nonfiction in awhile so I was ready for a light one. This really hit the spot. It tells the story of 3 pairs of mother and daughters (Isabella of Castile and Catherine of Aragon, Maria Theresa of Austria and Marie Antoinette of France; Victoria of England and Vicky of Prussia) and how their lives were similar yet different. If you want an in-depth study of the women involved, you probably want to read a biography of that lady. This book is sort of a quick dip in each of their stories, which I enjoyed. Sometimes with nonfiction, you just want to scream: "I don't care what kind of lace was used to make her dress for her 3 birthday party." Details were where they needed being and not overwhelming. I didn't really learn anything new. I was familiar with much of the stories. The surprises were Isabella'a and Maria Theresa's stories. The struggle for these 2 queen regnants to claim and keep their crowns were new insights and new material to the characters of the two. Recommend for any royal nerd like myself.
November 15, 2018
Okay, I confess I didn't learn much but this book would be an excellent introduction to these six women. The jacket cover had me ready for a full comparison between the mothers and daughters (Isabella of Castile and Catherine of Aragon; Maria Theresa of the Hapsburg Empire and Marie Antoinette; Queen Victoria and Vicky, Empress of Prussia) but it disappointed in that regard. The author gave short biographies on each of the women with casual mention of 'like her mother before her' or 'stubborn like her mother' type of comments. One area that I thought was dealt with much too long for the scope of the book was the Inquisition. It was a very important part of Isabella's rule but not two chapters worth in a book covering six biographical subjects.
As I learned with teaching, the gift was learning what not to teach more than what to teach because we always want to teach everything.
As I learned with teaching, the gift was learning what not to teach more than what to teach because we always want to teach everything.
April 6, 2013
I enjoyed this book a little lengthy and boorish at times. She could have shown us more how remarkable these women were instead of just telling us. She often just glossed over some of the most interesting part trying to fit to much into a small concise book. I would have loved it more if this book had just focused on Queen Isabella and her daughters. Juana la loca is just as interesting as Catherine of Aragon in my book. It was sad that the writer just breezed through her story, claiming that Catherine of Aragon is better know. It might be that Catherine of Aragon is better known here in the states, but in Spain Juana la loca is just as well know. A character study that just focused on Isabella, Juana, and Catherine would have made for a much better read.
October 6, 2009
It's not really a memoir, although there is plenty of biographical info included. Gelardi does an interesting job of comparing/contrasting the mother and daughter in each pair *and* comparing/contrasting the three pairs. There's a fair amount of analysis about why each woman was successful (or not).
It's striking that each mother was a highly successful Queen Regent, while each daughter suffered tragedy as a Queen Consort. I found the section about Marie Theresa & her daughter Marie Antoinette particularly striking, since I knew very little about them and this book changed my opinion of Marie Antoinette.
It's striking that each mother was a highly successful Queen Regent, while each daughter suffered tragedy as a Queen Consort. I found the section about Marie Theresa & her daughter Marie Antoinette particularly striking, since I knew very little about them and this book changed my opinion of Marie Antoinette.
Read
August 5, 2011A fabulous read about three strong female rulers and their daughters' role in history. I was struck by the similarities between Isabella of Spain, Marie Therese of Austria, and Victoria of England. All came to power as young women with very little preperation for the role, all were devout ladies who held strong convictions, and yet all ruled with dignity and respect. All made profound marks on the direction the world would move in during their life times. Intriquing that all three had daughters who would become so well-known and remembered throughout time for being connected to such infamous events such as King Henry's quest for a male heir, the French Revolution, and World War I.
August 11, 2011
A very interesting comparison of the lives of three famous, royal mothers and their daughters. I didn't learn much that I didn't already know in the cases of the first and second sets of royal mothers and daughters, but I did learn a fair bit about Victoria and Vicky. I'd known that Vicky's reign as empress was a brief one, but I never knew just how much she was despised by so many Germans during her lifetime, or that her son was a right bastard to her, especially in the aftermath of her husband's death.
An excellent take on the legacies of these six women.
An excellent take on the legacies of these six women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book about three reigning women and their famous daughters. I read the sample and bought the Ebook (at full price) and read it immediately. I don't have much to say beyond the title which says it all. The Mothers in this book achieved much glory and are still revered today. They each had daughters who could not live up to the mothers reputation and had tragic life/marriages. Catherine of Aragon and Marie Antoinette are the most famous today and Vicky (Empress Frederick) is famous to a lesser extent as the mother of Wilhelm I of Germany.
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