Forget the dry history books. Leonora Christina’s memoir drops you straight into the 17th century, but it feels like you’re reading a letter from a friend in a very, very bad situation. The story is straightforward, yet unbelievable. Born in 1621 as the favorite daughter of King Christian IV of Denmark, Leonora lived a life of incredible privilege. She married Corfitz Ulfeldt, a powerful nobleman who eventually became the king’s treasurer. But politics is a dangerous game. After her father died, the new king saw Ulfeldt as a threat. Accused of treason, Leonora’s husband fled the country. Leonora herself was arrested in 1663.

The Story

And then, the unthinkable: 22 years in prison. Not in a tower, but in a dark, damp cell in Copenhagen's Blue Tower. No sentence, no trial, just indefinite isolation. This book is what she did with that time. Using whatever paper she could find, she secretly wrote her life story. She relives her glittering youth at court, the thrilling and terrifying escape attempts with her husband, and the crushing reality of her captivity. The heart of the story isn't the plot of kings and wars happening outside her walls—it's the internal battle. It's about a woman confronting utter powerlessness and finding a way to win by simply refusing to be erased.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because Leonora’s voice is a shock. She’s not a saintly victim. She’s proud, sarcastic, deeply religious, and brutally honest. She describes her jailers with sharp detail and finds dark humor in her plight. Her writing makes you feel the chill of the stone floor and the weight of endless, identical days. But more than that, it shows the raw mechanics of resilience. When everything external is stripped away—title, wealth, freedom, even light—what’s left? For Leonora, it was her intellect, her memories, and her pen. This book is the proof that she survived.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves true stories of extraordinary people. It’s for readers who enjoyed The Diary of Anne Frank or Man’s Search for Meaning, but want a pre-modern, royal perspective. It’s also a great fit for fans of historical fiction who want to read the real thing. You don’t need to be a scholar of Danish history; Leonora explains her world as she goes. Just be ready for a gripping, intimate, and unforgettable conversation with a woman who looked into the abyss of a dungeon and wrote her way out.