In fourthteenth-century England, young Eleanor de Clare, favorite niece of King Edward II, is delighted with her marriage to Hugh le Despenser and her appointment to Queen Isabella's household as a lady-in-waiting. It soon becomes apparent, however, that Eleanor's beloved uncle is not the king the nobles of the land- or his queen- expected.

The Traitor’s Wife

Susan Higginbotham
iUniverse (2005)
ISBN 9780595359592
Reviewed by Sondra Fowler for Reader Views (6/06)


“The Traitor’s wife” is the story of Eleanor de Clare, the Granddaughter of King Edward I. The story starts with Eleanor as a young teen married to Hugh le Despenser. The match makes both Eleanor and Hugh very happy but happiness is not enough for Hugh.  He pushes and fights to gain more until he manages his own destruction.  Eleanor lives through the reigns of Edward II, her beloved uncle, and Edward III, her cousin.  She is tossed about by the machinations and jealousies of others in a way that can only be done by queens, kings and consorts.  Through all of this her only desire is to live in peace with her children and Hugh.

I admit that it was confusing for a while telling all the Edwards, Hughs, Joans and Isabelles apart but the story, despite the plethora of Eleanor’s, was riveting. It had intrigue, schemes and romance. I felt every hurt and injustice that was inflicted upon Eleanor and her family. Isabella, Queen of Edward II was a true villain. She was self absorbed, greedy and hateful. I wanted Eleanor to be happy. I wanted Queen Isabella to die a horrible death. Unfortunately, Isabella lived to be an old woman.

The bones of this story came from historical fact and documentation making the characters all the more real to me.  As with most historical fiction it inspires me to learn more of the time period.  I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the medieval time period.