A good read well read!

Gioconda Belli provides a most enjoyable way to get a view of a bit of the history of Spain, and Europe more widely at the turn of the 16th century, through the story of Juana la Loca, and the very bleak environment created by the Reyes Catholicos, her parents and her arbitrary and grandiose, but beautiful, husband. Her own children show themselves to be just as bad as soon as power is within reach. The language is direct and simple enough for a student of Spanish such as myself to enjoy, but even with that linguistic handicap, it is evident that it is well written. The narrator Adriana Sananes is also excellent -- clear, well-modulated voice with a good characterisation achieved through moderating tone and pitch. At nearly 13 hours this is quite long, but I would happily listen to her for another book or more. I bought this book for its subject before discovering what a distinguished author I was reading - It is well-worth looking her up in Wikipedia: a fascinating and brave career, and from the book a delightfully warm personality. On the downside, I was never quite convinced by the 20th century story which provides the frame, but even that was thought provoking. In summary, thoroughly recommended, but not a masterwork to bowl you over.

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