Young Isabella before her marriage to Fernando. This is her struggle with her half-brother Enrique for the throne. He continually tries to marry her off to his advantage, but her disgust (at the suitors he proposes) pushes her towards rebellion. She wants to marry Ferninand of Aragon. The diary is suggested by her confessor, the future Grand Inquisitor Torquemada, so she can reflect on her sins. It ends with the two young royals married and ruling a united Spain. The rest of her history--the reconquest of Spain from the Muslims, the expulsion of the Jews, the horrors of the auto da fe, the discovery of the New World is all in the epilogue. The diary focuses on her escapes from her half-brother which means a lot of going back and forth between cities, quite boring actually. Overall, not a very impressive book. ( )

I don't know why, buy I just couldn't connect to Isabel. It was a good story line and I did enjoy the book, I Just couldn't connect with the main character. I would still recommend the book though, just keep in mind it is for younger readers. 3.5 out of 5 stars. ( )

Fictional journal of Isabel as she struggles to make her own choices in the political world of 15th century Spain. ( )

On Sunday, September 26, 2004 I wrote on bookcrossing:

Hi How are you? Right now I am reading this book.It is an easy read. I will update this journal and tell you my thoughts on this book.thanks.
Update: It is a nice way to let kids (and adults) learn something of there history in this modern and fashionable way ,the diaries) Easy read. Liked it. ( )

I absolutely love the entire Royal Diaries series. They are all incredibly brilliant. MY favorite are Jahanara, Eleanor and Lady of Ch'iao Kuo. They're a great way to learn history. ( )