THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI

Catherine de’ Medici, great granddaughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent, was born for greatness, and she fulfills her destiny as Queen of France, as well as regent and advisor for her three sons, each of whom later becomes king. Cassandra Campbell tells this fictionalized account of Catherine’s life with little embellishment in the dialogue or accents of those who surround Catherine. But it is Catherine’s story, and Campbell focuses her attention on the depth of Catherine’s character and her development from the Italian girl who arrived in France to marry the king’s second son. Campbell imbues her voice with determination and maturity as Catherine learns the ways of the court and its politics. Later, we hear harshness in Campbell’s tone as Catherine sees herself losing everything that reminds her of the girl she used to be. E.N. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2010]