THE COUNTESS AND THE KING

Author: Susan Holloway Scott ISBN: 9780451231154 9/2010 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: NAL
Time Period: Restoration Era 1686

In the decadent court of King Charles II, Katherine Sedley was a lady who lived by her own rules and loved where she pleased. “I was still determined to make my gaudy mark on this gaudy royal court, and claim as much glory from it as any lady could. That was what I wished for myself, and in my head, I brushed aside all my father’s fussings of enemies and allies.” Katherine Sedley is born to wealth and privilege in seventeenth-century London, and her unconventional upbringing includes a mad mother who believes that she’s the queen and a father who is one of the most notorious libertines in Restoration England. She quickly becomes a favorite at the palace for her sly wit and daring, and soon attracts the attention of the married Duke of York, His Majesty’s brother. She snubs respectable marriage to become the duke’s mistress, but when her lover becomes King James II, she is suddenly cast into a tangle of political intrigue in which a wrong step can mean treason, exile, or death on the executioner’s block. As the risks rise, Katherine is forced to make the most perilous of choices: to remain loyal to the king—or to England.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

This year I’ve decided to venture out of my comfort zone and read some historical fiction. I always thought them a bit of too much history and not enough action, plot or romance. Since the plot is summarized by the blurb, let me jump in and tell you that this book has proven me wrong.

I wasn’t really familiar with this time period, having only read one book set in it a couple of years ago. I did see couple of movies, notably “The Libertine” with Johnny Depp.

I think it a great gift for an author to have when she makes you believe you’re a part of a story; makes you feel, taste, and smell the period as well as have you completely lost in this painting of life in England during this time period.

In giving such a vivid description, this book read and played out in my mind as a movie, or an even better description would be as if I were there next to Katherine. By the time the book ended, I felt like I lived and knew all the players personally. I was fascinated with every character she chose to introduce me to, and I was made to feel like I was hanging out with the King and his entourage!

What surprised me the most is how UN-boring it was. Ms. Holloway Scott’s writing and knowledge of the Restoration Era was superb. What I didn’t like is how Katherine and the author went out of their way in telling us that she was no beauty, but thanks to Google, I disagree. She was a very handsome and pretty woman. I don’t think that only her wit and charm would have been enough to keep someone like James II interested for over seven years.

Regardless of that, I am in awe of this author and highly recommend you read this fascinating story full of well rounded characters, historical accuracy, a rich and evocative setting, love and intrigue, as well as substance.

Melanie Friedman