By Cadic, Gheysens, Derenne and Barroux
Publisher: Cinebooks
ISBN: 978-1-905460-19-9
In this second volume of the life of Marguerite de Valois (Queen Margot), tensions between Catholics and Protestants continue, so Margot is pushed by her family into a marriage of convenience that is aimed at stabilising the situation and strengthening their own position. However, Margot is still in love with the Duke of Guise, and despite her almost powerless situation, struggles to assert her own desires. When an intervention by the pope fails, Margot appeals to her mother but is overwhelmed and overruled by her determination and the marriage goes ahead. Guise is then accused of attempted murder which acts as a catalyst in ramping up fears and prejudices to new heights. Rumour and hatred fuel the increasingly desperate plans of both sides which lead to the inevitable bloodbath in the form of the Saint Barthelemy massacres and a difficult choice for Margot.
Like the first volume this a richly detailed historical work, and well worth the cover price just for the education alone. It rattles along at such a pace that there's enough history here for two volumes. Although it deals with a bloody and terrible period in France, the mass murders in Paris are handled without over-playing the horror of the event. This is clearly a work the creators feel passionate about, and it's determination to portray the events honestly and correctly is both enlightening and inspiring.
And if you liked that: Volume 3 is available now
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