For a Queen's Love: The Stories of the Royal Wives of Philip II (A Novel of the Tudors) Review

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For a Queen's Love: The Stories of the Royal Wives of Philip II (A Novel of the Tudors) ReviewJean Plaidy is unique among historical fiction writers. She is most interested in telling us of Philip's actions, and why he felt justified, or compelled, to take those actions. She is not a social historian - I never felt that I was living in the 16th-century, smelling the sweat of the workers, or eating a meal with the royal family. Rather, Jean Plaidy skillfully paints a portrait of a man of many faces, a very intriguing man. As a boy, Philip is never a child, but is always driven by a sense of duty and the need to behave as his father, Charles V, expects him to behave. At the age of 4, Philip attends a ceremony, "never for one instant letting any of them guess that he was weary and more than a little frightened." This is to be his credo for the rest of his life. Even when he is in love, Philip is a prince/king, unable to fully express his more tender emotions. The author, Jean Plaidy, has often been accused of a similiar reticence in writing of intimate moments. If you are looking for "hot" passages, you will be disappointed! As an example, when Philip is married to Mary Tudor, he feels pity for her, but no desire. When they are alone together for the first time, "he beseeched the saints, and the saints, it seemed to him, came to his aid. He thought of his father's words . . . to serve Spain and the Holy Inquisition."
The Inquisition - that word which has always inspired fear and loathing. As Philip was always a supporter of this heinous institution, Ms Plaidy has her work cut out for her. She has to effectively explain the reasons behind this mindset, and she does this through writing of the reactions of those people closest to Philip. Ruy Gomez da Silva, his closest companion, and his wife, Elizabeth(Isabella), are troubled by his fanatacism. Through their thoughts, and an explanation of Philip's own fears, this aspect of Philip is at least more understandable, if not praiseworthy. In fact, Ms Plaidy reaches the conclusion that many of Philip's most serious problems were caused by his intolerance. This book does not cover Philip's entire life, only going up to the death of his third wife, and the death of Don Carlos, his only son. In conclusion, an excellent character study of this very private man, forced to perform upon a very public stage.

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