Philip II, Mary Tudor – and other women

Wives & Other Women, the third historical novel of Linda Carlino’s Hapsburg Trilogy, is the story of Philip II of Spain's wives and mistresses and his desperate need to provide a male heir in politically arranged marriages.

The action takes place in the second half of the 16th century, mainly in Spain, but also in England, Belgium and France.

It is set against a background of family turmoil, a court plagued by intrigue and treachery, the compulsive pursuit of other women, as Philip struggles under the continuing pressure of his royal responsibilities to God, to his country and, most importantly, to provide a suitable male heir.

His son by his very brief first marriage, Prince Don Carlos, was mentally and physically damaged, far from being a suitable male heir; an embarrassing and dangerous lunatic. In an uncontrollable rage he threatens to kill his father. Philip alleges treason, and has him arrested and imprisoned in solitary confinement. His death a few months later is very convenient, - and suspicious.

            Mary Tudor did not provide the needed heir and other wives gave him only daughters. Meanwhile one of his mistresses, the Princess of Eboli (Kate O'Brien's "That Lady"), does bear him a healthy baby boy, which only increases his frustration as this illegitimate son could never inherit the throne.

            Other major characters are Isabel de Valois (daughter of Catherine de Medici), Don Juan of Austria ("the last Christian Knight" who repulsed the Turks at Lepanto), Lady Jane Dormer, Queen Elizabeth I, Isabel of Portugal, Antonio Pérez, Ruiz Gomez, Duke of Feria, Anne of Austria, and Duke of Alba.

            The story will appeal to all lovers of historical fiction and women in particular will be interested in the lives of women at that time much of which still has relevance today.

Wives & Other Women has been bought by Portuguese publisher Editorial Presença and will be published worldwide in Portuguese in 2012.

            All of Linda Carlino’s books are available at Amazom.co.uk and Amazon.com.

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Reviews

Wives & Other Women is an excellent book: I started it last night and finished it this morning. I could not put it down. I was taken into an area of history I knew little about. And what a story! The nine chapters about Philip's time in England with Mary Tudor quite overwhelmed me. Without a doubt the best historical fiction I have ever read. I came away with an understanding of Mary's horrible predicament and a great sympathy for her. And the chapter about her phantom pregnancy was so emotional and heartrending I shall never forget it. But every part of the story was fascinating and made for a superb read: the unfortunate Prince Don Carlos; his third wife Isabel de Valois; his mistresses; the court intrigue - all of it fascinating and wonderfully told. (J. Fairlamb)

From the stunningly brilliant and fascinating early chapters about Philip s time in England with Mary Tudor to the closing suspense and terrify account of Philip s harrowing relationship with his lunatic son Prince Don Carlos I was completely swept along: I was barely conscious that I was reading and that time was flying by. Nearing the end I was regretting having to say farewell to the intriguing cast of characters, some of whom had become good friends.  This is a wonderful read, just what historical fiction should be: beautifully written, historically accurate and, most important, an engrossing and thrilling read. Bravo! (Alain Tomas).