It is the middle of 17th century England, under King Charles
II rule. But this is not a story about only this king, but
rather of his married mistress of two decades nicknamed the
Royal Harlot. She is Barbara, Countess of Castlemaine,
Duchess of Cleveland. Barbara was married at eighteen and
became Charles' mistress soon after. She makes no excuses
for her behavior, especially not to her first husband, Roger
whose first daughter is actually Charles's and every child
she has after that. She doesn't even mind when he separates
from her because of his disgust. Between Charles and Barbara
they have six children who they all love dearly. Even though
both have other lovers throughout their interesting
relationship, Charles would always come back to Barbara, for
she is the woman of his heart. Barbara on the other hand
does care deeply for her king but all too soon, she becomes
power and money hungry. She knows as a woman, she doesn't
have enough freedom and Charles is the key to her happiness.
But as with most tumultuous love affairs, this one was bound
to end but has endured as one of histories most exceptional
love stories.
Susan Holloway Scott's ROYAL HARLOT is a bawdy and sexually
charged tale told from Barbara's first person point of view.
Barbara talks about her life starting when she comes to
London to live with her mother at fifteen and right into her
thirties as she finally decides to end her affair with
Charles. Barbara is a very honest and forthright character.
This is a woman who enjoys sex and adores men. She is no
wilting flower and even though Charles can not marry her,
they are the perfect partners both in and out of the
bedroom. I found myself not caring much for Barbara, but her
voice is so real and kept my interest about her life and
that of King Charles's court. Even though this is not a
straight biography, but rather more of a fictional tale, I
found myself lost in the people and the world that was 17th
century England. Scott gives the reader a great deal of
information and some shocking conversations that I wasn't
even expecting. Most surprisingly, this was a very sexy
read. There are very descriptive love making scenes between
Barbara and Charles that also include her other lovers and
even the suggestion that Barbara may have also enjoyed
female companionship. These scenes will most definitely make
you gasp. I found myself doing the same. But ultimately,
ROYAL HARLOT is a wonderful and well written tale that has
undertones of feminism and the love a woman has for a man
and of course her children.
London, 1660: Ready to throw off a generation of Puritan
rule, all England rejoices when Charles Stuart returns to
reclaim the throne. Among those welcoming him is young
Barbara Villiers Palmer, a breathtaking Royalist beauty
whose sensuality and clever wit instantly captivate the
handsome, jaded king. Though each is promised to another,
Barbara soon becomes Charles's mistress and closest friend,
and the uncrowned queen of his bawdy Restoration court.
Rewarded with titles, land, and jewels, she is the most
envied and desired woman in England--and the most powerful.
But the role of royal mistress is a precarious one, and
Barbara's enemies and rivals are everywhere in the palace.
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