Alexandre Dumas, the master storyteller behind The Three Musketeers, turns his attention to a real-life 14th-century drama in Joan of Naples. This book is part of his 'Celebrated Crimes' series, where he digs into the messy, scandalous side of history.

The Story

The book follows Joan I, who becomes Queen of Naples as a teenager after a series of family tragedies. She's immediately thrust into a viper's nest. Her kingdom is broke, the Pope is watching from nearby Avignon, and powerful men—from her Hungarian relatives to local barons—are plotting to take her crown. The plot revolves around her struggle to hold onto power through strategic marriages, political maneuvering, and sheer force of will, all while navigating accusations, invasions, and personal betrayals that threaten to destroy her and her realm.

Why You Should Read It

Dumas makes history feel urgent and alive. Joan isn't a statue; she's a complex, flawed character trying to steer a ship through a hurricane. You see her make brilliant moves and terrible mistakes. The tension comes from wondering not if disaster will strike, but from which direction. It's less about dates and battles, and more about the psychology of power and the intense pressure on a woman who had to be twice as clever as any man in the room to keep her head, literally and figuratively.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for readers who find some history books too dry. If you enjoy political intrigue, complex female characters, and stories where the throne room is as dangerous as any battlefield, you'll love this. It's historical drama at its most entertaining—a gripping, fast-paced story about one of history's most fascinating and underestimated queens. Just be prepared to lose an afternoon to it.