The Story

This isn't a novel, but the story it uncovers feels like one. It's about Juana, born in 1462 to the King of Castile. She was the rightful heir. But when her father died, her uncle and aunt—Isabella and Ferdinand, the famous Catholic Monarchs—stepped in. They claimed Juana wasn't really the king's daughter, giving her the awful nickname 'la Beltraneja.' What followed was a war, a forced marriage, and Juana being shut away in a convent for almost 50 years while Isabella took the throne. Pimentel tracks every twist, from the backroom deals to the battles, showing how a kingdom was stolen from a teenage girl.

Why You Should Read It

Pimentel writes with the energy of a detective. He's piecing together a case from 400-year-old letters and treaties, and you're right there with him. The best part is how he makes you see Juana not just as a pawn, but as a real person caught in an impossible situation. You feel the weight of those convent years. It also makes you question the "official" history we're taught. Isabella is a legendary figure, but this book shows the ruthless politics and personal betrayal that built her legend.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves historical true crime or complex family sagas. You don't need to be a scholar of Spanish history; Pimentel explains the context as he goes. It's for readers who enjoy seeing history's 'losers' get their story told, and for anyone who's ever wondered about the real people behind the dry dates and royal titles. A fascinating, human look at how power works—and who gets crushed by it.