Alberto Pimentel's 'Rainha sem reino' shines a light on a fascinating and often overlooked corner of history: 15th-century Portugal through the life of Princess Juana, known as 'la Beltraneja.'

The Story

The book centers on Princess Juana, the daughter of King Henry IV of Castile. From the moment she was born, her right to the throne was questioned, with rumors swirling that she wasn't the king's true heir. After her father's death, her claim was fiercely contested by her aunt, Isabella (who would become Isabella I of Castile). What follows is a brutal struggle for power. Juana is used as a political pawn in marriages and treaties, her entire life defined by a crown she would never wear. The conflict pulls in kingdoms across the Iberian Peninsula, shaping the future of Spain and Portugal.

Why You Should Read It

Pimentel does something special here. He doesn't just list dates and battles. He makes you feel for Juana. You get a real sense of her powerlessness and the immense pressure she lived under. The book is packed with larger-than-life characters—ambitious nobles, scheming relatives, and determined monarchs. It shows how personal family drama can change the course of nations. Reading it, you're constantly wondering, 'What if things had gone differently for her?'

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical biography or political drama. It's perfect for history buffs looking for a story beyond the usual English or French narratives, and for fans of shows like The White Princess or Game of Thrones who want the real, complex history behind the fiction. Pimentel writes with a clear passion for the subject, making a distant century feel immediate and deeply human.