Margaret, Queen of Navarre was actually a very interesting person in her own way. She lived during the reformation in France (her brother at one point being King of France). While devoutly protestant, she converser with people from different groups and were considered a protector of all. She married twice, the second time to the King of Navarre, who was almost 20 years younger than her. She was very upset due to his cheating, and tried her best to make him stop. In a lot of ways she reminded me of a French Hera (from Greek/Roman mythology). A brilliant, warm woman, protector of all, unless you cross her in which case she will smite you down. Given her popularity and clout it is impossible to know how she changed the course of history (and I’m not thinking about the fact that she is the grandmother of Henry IV).
This, madam, is what makes me speak without fear
The Heptameron are inspired by the Decameron by Boccaccio. A hand full of noble people are stuck in a small town and tell each other stories to pass the time. The stories are apparently based on real events, and in my edition, there is a detail description of who is who. I didn’t really bother with that. If you think stuff like that is fun, good for you. It’s just not my cup of tea.
I do struggle with a lot of the books from this era due to the way it portrays women, or rather abuses women. I don’t mind women characters that are mean, but I don’t care for the whole rape them until they fall in love with you stick. Then again this is French Hera, you don’t find this here.
You do find stories that talk about women who are mean and cruel, but you also find stories about love, and lust and greed and betrayal and all that good stuff. She also manages to create some-what characters in the people in the framing device. Not deep stuff, but clearly characters.
If you enjoy The Decameron I will highly recommend this. Not all stories are gems (as is always the case with collections like these), but it is not a waste of time. 
Lesser-known gems 
I hadn’t heard of this one but as I love The Decameron I’ll have to add it to my list. Is there a good variety of stories?
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Most of the stories are focused on interactions of people, and there aren’t any big action stories and things like that. But I thought there was a good variety, I never felt like I was reading the same story twice, even if it doesn’t get as raunchy as Decameron. It’s more in the subtext. XD
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Are we going to get a YouTube video out of this one?
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Did you have anything special in mind or were you just wondering?
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Not specifically. I just miss the videos.
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That just made my month. I’ve really missed making them. I moved two months ago to start a new job and have struggled to find time and space. But they are coming soon. 😀 Their too much fun to make to not figure out a way to do it.
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Congrats on the new job! Obviously work comes first, but if you find a few spare minutes, I won’t complain.
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If nothing else I’ll just find a way of mixing the two XD That kind of gives me an idea for a video actually…
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Still waiting for new blogs/videos! I know, you’re probably busy.
If you get the chance, you should get a Facebook page for Lesser Known Gems. It’s easier to get the word out that way.
Jeff
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New blog posted today. Sorry for the delay. I started a new job this summer and it has taken a lot of my time. New video comming in about two weeks (when my new computer is fixed) 😀 Good idea about a FB. I’ll look into it as soon as I get my computer back.
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This about sums it up:
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Are you being silly? XD
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A little bit, but it’s always exciting when something long-awaited finally arrives. I’ve been waiting years for the next Dresden Files novel. I downloaded an audiobook of The Petticoat Commando. I have a long commute, so I’ll give it a shot.
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I’ll love to hear what you think when you’re done. I haven’t read Dresden Files. They look awsome, but I’m worried now that you’ve said you’ve been waiting for years. I’m not as good at waiting as you seem to be. Would you say it’s worth the risk?
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They are goofy fun. He’s on book 16 now, and he usually has one out each year. This is the first time he has let it drag on for so long. I usually don’t like fantasy, but Jim Butcher is a bit like Terry Pratchett. He tells a good story, but he also has fun with it.
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Oh. I did like a good Terry Pratchett story… What is the age level of the book? Would you say he gears about Pratchett with YA, or does he gear a bit older?
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The stories are adult, but the writing level is about 14 years old. The author said he does this so the words don’t get in the way of the story. I think it’s because he’s not Proust. Whatever the reason, there’s none of the wordplay that Pratchett did so well.
Sorry, but it feels weird recommending something so low-brow to a literature blogger. I hope it doesn’t corrupt you.
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I do love that. The Author: I’m going to write a story using words, but I don’t want the words to get in the way of the story, not getting that as a written text the words are the story. XD And where is the fun of chatting about books if we can’t be corrupted from time to time? 😉
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