In her introduction, Ms. McRobbie discusses the current little-girl obsession with princesses; fairy-tale weddings, tiaras, and all things pink. However, the Disney idea of a princess finding her true love and living happily ever after has very little basis in reality. Real princesses were and are real women with all the strengths and failings of the rest of us. Depending on the time and culture they lived in, some were able to rule, others were used as pawns between rulers - married off to the most convenient husband.
Princesses... is divided into seven parts: Warriors, Usurpers, Schemers, Survivors, Partiers, Floozies, and Madwomen. Within these sections, Ms. McRobbie introduces us to over 50 real princesses. One princess left her royal upbringing to become a pirate then went back home, married, and had children to carry on the royal line. Another went to war with her toddler son strapped to her back. Others literally slaughtered their way to power, sparing no one who might threaten their claim to the throne. Still others pretended to be, and convinced the world that they were, princesses when they had no claim to the title whatsoever.
Most intriguing to me were the women who tried to take control of their own destinies. Sometimes they succeeded, but more often they failed. The chapter on Justa Grata Honoria begins with her brother, Roman Emperor Valentinian III, trying to marry her off. Rather than go quietly, she sat down and wrote a letter asking for help. The letter was addressed to Attila the Hun! Unfortunately, her scheme didn't work and she was married anyway, but she sure made life interesting for her brother for a while.
I have a couple more stories to read, then I'll be putting it back on the shelves for check out. The stories are short and easy to read. Give it a try and tell me what you think!
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