Isabella: Braveheart of France

By: Colin Falconer

Narrated by: Anne Johnstonbrown

She was taught to obey. Now she has learned to rebel.

12-year-old Isabella, a French princess marries the King of England - only to discover he has a terrible secret. Ten long years later she is in utter despair - does she submit to a lifetime of solitude and a spiritual death - or seize her destiny and take the throne of England for herself?

Isabella is just twelve years old when she marries Edward II of England. For the young princess it is love at first sight - but Edward has a terrible secret that threatens to tear their marriage - and England apart.

Who is Piers Gaveston - and why is his presence in the king’s court about to plunge England into civil war?

The young queen believes in the love songs of the troubadours and her own exalted destiny - but she finds reality very different. As she grows to a woman in the deadly maelstrom of Edward’s court, she must decide between her husband, her children, even her life - and one breath-taking gamble that will change the course of history.

This is the story of Isabella, the only woman ever to invade England - and win.

In the tradition of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick, Isabella is thoroughly researched and fast paced, the little known story of the one invasion the English never talk about.

©2013 Colin Falconer (P)2014 Colin Falconer

A different take on the tale

So many times Isabella is portrayed as grasping and manipulative. The author finds a way to show that she only did what she had to do. The truth will never be known, but this does give the reader something to think about.

Neither novel nor narrative

The flow of the story Is in between a historical narrative— and a novel.... but assumes the role of neither— making for a dull novel — (or a more interesting and rather embellished narrative.)

interesting but slow in some parts

I enjoyed the book but at several points felt like it dragged. The story was well told but did not meet my expectations. under further consideration I am not sure if I would read it again.

Love This Book

What made the experience of listening to Isabella: Braveheart of France the most enjoyable?

The voice was soothing and the accents were recognizable but understandable

What other book might you compare Isabella: Braveheart of France to and why?

This is my first Audible Book

What about Anne Johnstonbrown’s performance did you like?

She had an excellent read style. Very talented reader.

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

ye at several occasions

Love it

Awesome story line. Enjoyed listening to the story as it unfolds. Great and written well

Good story, strange writing.

The story is in present tense. This makes it seem like it is happening as you read, which sounds like a good idea, but instead make it awkward to listen to.

Slow with hurried ending

Whereas we can only guess at the true nature of historical figures, it was a shame that Isabella was portrayed as a whiney, lovesick girl but perhaps for our time she was but not for her time. This was a struggle to get through and I was easily distracted while listening. Glad it was short.

Nice historical fiction

What was one of the most memorable moments of Isabella: Braveheart of France?

I liked the part towards the end where Isabella makes the decision to accept the role of emissary to France and then takes advantage of it to take charge of her own life by going against the king.

Have you listened to any of Anne Johnstonbrown’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I hadn't heard anything by Anne Johnstonbrown before but I liked her performance. She had a pleasant voice and put just the right amount of emotional emphasis into it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Unless it's an exceptionally engaging story, I find it hard to listen for that long, haha. But it was a decent story and I probably could have done it if I didn't have other things I had to do.

Any additional comments?

I didn't care for the way that it was written all in the present tense, but that's more of a personal preference. I might have bought a different book if I had known this, though.

I don't know anything about the real Isabella of France that the book was based on, so I can't judge how true to life this story may or may not have been, but it was a believable story.

Terrible narrator

The French accents were almost a mockery, and the men’s voices sound-
Ed very strange, sometimes croaky.

Child Bride married at 12 rises to save England.

Isabella was born daughter of a French King. She became the English Queen at the age of 12. This is the story of their marriage. Edward did not want to be king and had terrible choice in friends. The characters are live people from the past. Royalty life and loyalty is very complicated and much treachery existed. An interesting historical novel.