Thy Mother Is A Lioness
Pictured above from left to right: Catherine de Medici, Marguerite Valois, Caterina Sforza and Maria Salviati
“What is thy mother? A lioness: She lay down among the lions, she nourished her whelp among young lions.” Ezekiel 19-2
1561. Europe is a house of cards, shaken by a religious upheaval that threatens to topple the existing structures of power entirely. France, long a force of strength in the known world, has lost two kings in as many years. Holding the country together by a thread is Catherine de Medici, Queen Regent of France—a despised Italian whose enemies at court think of her as only a pawn. But at the game of statecraft, Catherine is a more cunning player than her political rivals know, and she finds a willing pupil in her youngest daughter, Marguerite. To Marguerite, Catherine must pass on her legacy—the knowledge of how to wield power as a woman in a man’s world.
To teach her lessons, Catherine draws on her own family history, weaving together the stories of two very different women, Caterina Sforza and Maria Salviati, to show how both overt and subtle methods—fire and shadow—can be used to overpower the plans of men and change history. Traveling from Italian fortresses under siege and the dungeons of the Vatican to the blooming Florentine countryside and France’s sumptuous palaces, Thy Mother Is a Lioness explores the rich history of a family whose matriarchs redefined female power for generations.
What readers are saying
“This is an impressively rigorous portrait of a profoundly fascinating woman, imagined with great dramatic power. Catherine emerges as a kind of Machiavellian savant, a marvel of cold prudence, and it is thrilling to see the gradual evolution of Marguerite, a daughter born into both privilege and peril. . . . This is a deeply engrossing work, and a portion of its immersive quality might even be the result of the demands it makes upon the reader. For those in search of a fascinating historical novel—one which challenges as it entertains—this is an excellent choice. A scrupulously mounted portrayal of a captivating time.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Catherine de Medici’s story is a testament to the power of patience, cunning, and political acumen. The novel features lead female characters who are daring, intelligent, and symbols of power. If you enjoy historical fiction with leading female characters, you'll find this book very interesting. Not only will you be wowed by the brilliance and courage of these women, but their tactical way of ruling will impress you too.” —Manhattan Book Review, Star Rating: 5 / 5
“Sam’s book captures your attention with its lyrical language and immersive descriptions, drawing you into its pages. Its strong female characters are quite fascinating and inspiring, reminding us never to underestimate the feminine charm and strength.” —Los Angeles Book Review
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