Isabella

The She-Wolf of France

By: Alison Weir

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Here is the first full-length biography of a much maligned but astonishingly colourful Queen of England.

In Newgate Street, in the city of London, stand the meagre ruins of Christ Church. On the same site once stood a royal mausoleum set to rival Westminster Abbey in the 14th century. Among the many crowned heads buried there was Isabella of France, Edward II's queen - one of the most notorious femme fatales in history. But how did she acquire her evil reputation? And is it justified? Alison Weir's engrossing biography sets out to put the record straight.

©2005 Alison Weir

Critic reviews

"Pierces the veil of history with scholarly precision....A serious rendering of a sensational life." (Irish Times)

Credit worthy

I was interested in the real story of Isabella and after listening to this book I have so much sympathy for her. It's just another example of society pointing to the worst aspects of women and ignoring the cause and the good qualities.

Very detailed historical account

Excellent historical detail and research to back up the information. Sometimes too detailed, but that's what you get when detailing history. Very well done.........kd

fantastic biography

a book full of fascinating details, all working together to bring the characters to life. i found the voice of the reader to be mature, calm, unobtrusive, and she held my attention without slipping into the kind of performance art so many readers offer. no stage theatrics here. it has been a very relaxing but stimulating experience. all biographies should be this wonderful.

awesome history

considering the time period, this is a wonderful history of the middle ages. I especially enjoyed the little details about the castles, clothing and so on. It also does a good job with a woman of dubious character, the author does a pretty good job with her though. Isabella was no saint and she wasn't made out to be such, but I do believe she makes a great case for how important this one woman was to the history of England and Europe. The seeds of the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses began with her and good ole' Mortimer. I'm pretty certain though that Edward the Second didn't end up in a monastic order. He didn't die per Lancastrian propaganda BUT I can't picture him in hermit garb either. Bottom line, this woman survived them all........

Excellent Book!

This was a captivating, well-researched and intelligently presented biography of the fascinating Isabella. Highly recommended to an intelligent, well-educated readership.

Fascinating piece of history!

Any additional comments?

This is a very good book, and is read brilliantly by Ms Lecat. I was hoping for a book as good as Katherine, and this one didn't quite make that mark, primarily because Ms Weir spent a bit too much time on some of the more mundane descriptions than I felt was warranted. Nonetheless, she certainly wrote a compelling book that provides ample argument for revisiting the harsh historical judgment so often associated with Isabella. Enjoy diving into this stormy period of English history!

Well researched!

I enjoyed Eleanor of Aquitaine, in novel form, much more but still found this book interesting. The narration was excellent. Isabella: The She-Wolf of France is full of dates and facts yet the author manages to make the story of this woman interesting. I appreciate that Alison Weir looks at history from a female point of view and redeems women who have been treated unfairly by historians.

Loved it.

I am really glad that I bought this book before reading the reviews -- because if I had not, I may not have. So it's important to remember that a review is always going to be subjective.

That said, I loved it and found it really, really interesting. And I happen to really like Alison Weir's voice and accent, which helped.

It's worth it to find out.

When audio really shows its worth!

Having recently had to make a very long car trip at short notice, I was very lucky to have Isabella on my Ipod. A great story, well read, beautifully enunciated, it was an excellent companion, and helped make my journey less tedious.

Wonderful story of a great Leader

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The much maligned Isabella is portrayed as a strong and loving Leader

Who was your favorite character and why?

Isabella

What does Lisette Lecat bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent performance

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

not at this time