The true tale of The Imprisoned Princess proves that the rich have always been different even in the late 1600s.
Indeed the poorer royals, born on both sides of the blanket, were as prone to affairs as the royals at the Court of Versailles. Some like Clara were even having babies by their lovers—with their husband’s complaisance. But few had the nerve to be the cuckolded wife’s lady-in-waiting. And none had the nerve to give birth to a son the same year as the wife and name her son the same name. Rather than ghetto twins, they are the first instance of castle twins.
The wife, Sophia, eighteen years older than Clara, turned her long-suffering eyes aside. Her husband, Ernest, was known for fleeting interests. Sophia, meanwhile, was attracted to the dashing and strikingly handsome Swede Count Phillip. Judging from the title, Sophia’s life did not improve from there.
With fully 15% of the book made up of references and endnotes, this is obviously a well-researched book. The author appears to genuinely like Sophia and wants her to get her wish of not being forgotten. But for general readers, like me, that are unfamiliar with non-French royalty of that time period, the sheer volume of names is a bit overwhelming. Therefore, I will give The Imprisoned Princess 3 stars for American readers. Be aware it will be higher for you if you are British or a history buff.
Thanks to Pen and Sword, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.