Elizabeth I: The Novel

Not nearly as good as Margaret George's earlier books. I loved "Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles," The Autobiography of Henry the Eighth," "Cleopatra," etc. but this book just didn't keep my interest. I didn't bother to finish it.

I received this book within the timeline set when ordering. I am a huge fan of this author and ordered the hardcover copy. It was packaged very well and arrived in pristine condition. It is a jewel in my collection. Thank you very much for your conscience handling of this product.

I seldom stop reading a book before I'm finished, but I made an exception for this one. I've loved all of Ms George's previous novels, but I hesitated to buy this one as I've read so much about Elizabeth I. I waited until the Kindle price dropped to $9.99 and even that was $9.00 too much. Here is a synopsis of the entire book: Elizabeth awakes, is dressed by her women, she eats, she rides, she dances, she flirts, she's jealous of prettier and younger women, she goes to sleep. BORING! I will be reluctant to purchase Ms George's next book.

Article first published as Book Review: Elizabeth I by Margaret George on Blogcritics.

Be awed by the presence of Elizabeth Tudor, the woman behind the sovereign, as you explore the humanity of the indomitable Virgin Queen of England through the pages of Elizabeth I. Margaret George's meticulously researched first person account of the last thirty years of the queen's life is an enthralling breath of fresh air. Biographies of Elizabeth I abound. George gives the Tudor-loving world a unique novel, written in both in Elizabeth's voice and also that of her childhood nemesis, Lettice Knollys.

What was Queen Elizabeth I really like? The novel opens in 1588 when Elizabeth Tudor faces her greatest challenge, the Spanish Armada. Written with a consistently regal tone, the book gives us a mirror into the humanity of Elizabeth, the woman. Yet, the author masterfully incorporates the thoughts, actions and attitudes illuminating the greatness of The Virgin Queen who ruled England for forty-five years. Glimpses into the brilliance and machinations of Shakespeare, Francis Bacon and Sir Walter Raleigh abound. Skillfully woven into the book are both the human and regal facets of the queen who "ruled as much from the heart as from the head."

We see the regent's success and love for her people. Queen Elizabeth's ability to stand for long periods of time seems a metaphor for her triumph as regent. She manages uprisings in Ireland and continued assaults from Spain. She masterfully chooses advisors for her privy council perfectly suited to their jobs. In a nation beset with famine, the queen imbues calm. In an attempt to keep the plague under control, Elizabeth closes theaters and concerts and sends provisions to survivors. We view her humbly conduct an intimate ceremony of kissing and washing the feet of her subjects on Maundy Thursday (modeled after Jesus Christ doing the same for his disciples) while giving each twenty shillings and gifts of food.

No sovereign rules without frustrations. Queen Elizabeth's include controlling the sulking, deceitful Earl of Essex, stepson of her beloved Leicester. She sees her navy successfully avert an attack from the Spanish Armada, only to learn that no needed booty was seized. She juggles insufficient resources to provide food for the needy after three years of failed harvests. To provide her beloved kingdom with funds, she must decide which jewels to pawn. As she approaches the age of seventy, she persists in dodging the matter of her successor, not out of a lack of responsibility but because she wanted to settle it in her own way. Other problems continue: Ireland, Spain, stiff-necked Puritans, and prejudiced Catholics. She watches her most trusted advisors in the Privy Council die off one by one.

The novel brilliantly sheds light on Elizabeth's humanity without losing any reverence for her scepter. Called a stingy penny-pincher, the queen wore elaborate gowns and owned the finest collection of jewels in Europe. Why? Perception is reality. Her brave show encouraged the nation she pulled out of poverty. Particularly touching scenes depict her feeding broth and reading the Bible to beloved advisors Walsingham and Burghley on their deathbeds. She gallops on horseback across the fields to be alone and endures hot flashes. Not wanting a reminder of her age, she forbids any celebration of her sixtieth birthday. Her favorite pastime--translating philosophy from the Latin.

Queen Elizabeth's voice is bracketed with that of her cousin, Lettice Knollys, traditionally seen as an ambitious, oft-married hussy and social climber. We see the human side of Lettice as she grieves her son's deaths and grimly accepts the dwindling of her attractiveness due to aging. Her character provides an interesting perception of the queen. She calls Elizabeth cantankerous and meddlesome, but calmly advises her son Essex on subtle ways to regain the regent's favor.

The beautiful book cover is dominated by red roses, symbols of the Tudor dynasty. The cover design features a portrait of Elizabeth, resplendent in the pearls that symbolize royalty. The characteristic elaborate "Z" from her signature is worked into the book's title, Elizabeth I .A shaded image of a young courtier, perhaps that of Robert of Devereux, Earl of Essex, appears to defer to the queen or to intrude into her thoughts.

At age ten, while living in Israel, author Margaret George ran out of books to read and began writing novels to amuse herself. Now, a premier historical novelist, known for her intense and impeccable research, she writes England's most famous queen during the last years of her reign to life. One need only read the Afterword to her book with numerous citations to sources consulted to respect George's dedication to research. Most interesting is her humble thanks to the queen in her Acknowledgements. "...the spirit of Elizabeth...hovered over the book as it was taking shape and whispered her guidance."
A listing of the cast of characters with descriptions of their relationship to the queen would be a helpful addition to this novel. The writing is meticulous, if not at times, a bit too detailed.

No author, to this reviewer's knowledge, has attempted a work of fiction that gives us such a microscope into the humanity of the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I.

I thank Goodreads.com and Penguin Group USA provided the advance review copy. The opinions expressed are unbiased and wholly those of the reviewer.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

Anyone who gives this book a high rating knows nothing of Elizabeth I's earlier life! That is the first problem with this book; M.G. should have started with Elizabeth's early life, how she gained the throne, and then the years up to 1588; this might have been better as a "Volume II." Even the author must have realized that there was a dearth of interesting events, so she through in all the unnecessary chapters by Letitia (mother of Devereux/Essex) - boring!!! Further, if you have read multiple accounts of Elizabeth's earlier life, it is LAUGHABLE that she was the unsullied virgin that Margaret George makes her to be. She may, by this point, have been celibate but definitely NOT a virgin.
I have read all of Margaret George's books and was horribly disappointed by this one! Compared to her fabulous first, "Henry the VIII", this is not worth the time it takes to read it! No one could give this a 5 star who knows Tudor history!

Margaret George delivers her fictionalized account of Elizabeth Tudor's waning years with the same clarity and attention to historical detail as her Autobiography of Henry VIII, her novel grounded in fact, a character study that fleshes out the Virgin Queen in all her splendor and her vanity. Beginning with Philip of Spain's imminent threat by sea in 1588 ("The great size of the Armada, meant to ensure a safe passage, can be its very undoing."), a pivotal battle in Elizabeth's long reign, to the queen's infamous relationship with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, the queen in middle age is as formidable as in her youth, painfully conscious of the price of ruling England on her own. George beautifully illustrates the tender, if often fractious commitment between Elizabeth and Leicester, the queen literally bereft when Dudley dies, then Francis Walsingham, old friends and counselors falling away from the ship of state, claimed one by one by mortality.

It is no surprise, then, when Elizabeth is increasingly enchanted by the volatile Essex. And though popular fiction makes much of the passion between Elizabeth and Essex, George reveals the deeper and more ambitious tensions of a young man without vision and an excess of pride, Dudley's devotion sadly lacking in an arrogant earl who fancies himself Elizabeth's equal: "Essex was eager to gallop off to glory, but he had no destination." Lettice Knollys, Elizabeth's cousin and Essex's mother, provides the Devereux perspective. A woman long given to enjoying the amour of younger men, especially since Leicester's death- a marriage that earns Elizabeth's enduring enmity- Lettice wallows in her own self-obsession, nurturing her son's hopes and providing a breeding ground for his ultimate betrayal. While the story of Elizabeth and Essex is familiar, George brings to it a depth that reveals Elizabeth's internal conflicts, Lettice's dangerous games and Devereux's intemperate ambitions: "It is within my grasp, all I want. Why should I stop now?"

The cast of characters is fully realized, Francis Walsingham, William Cecil, the charming rogue and foil to Essex's machinations, Sir Walter Raleigh, the rapier wit of William Shakespeare and the loyalty of Francis Bacon, who begins with Essex but offers his services entirely to the queen. The real story centers on an ageing Elizabeth and the opportunistic Essex, a man whose instincts deliver him into the queen's orbit, but whose ambitions destroy: "The queen will never be safe as long as I live." The anguish of loneliness may dominate Elizabeth's private thoughts, but never usurp her dedication to England. Fickle, foolish perhaps, but Elizabeth Tudor is a stellar character in the history of England. Facing a painful contretemps with a young man who will not ask for mercy, Elizabeth, while tormented by duty, will never place her personal needs before those of her country: "I do not wish to live longer than my life can serve my people." As anticipated, George once again contributes an essential volume to an impressive body of work, the world of the 16th century England brimming with the hubris and magnificence of Elizabeth's Tudor court. Luan Gaines/2011.

This book had an interesting way of grabbing you from the very beginning. I am joyed the way it was written and the story of two powerful women. Even though it is fictionit is based on historical facts as much as possible. Very interesting insight into the life of Elizabeth at during the time of the Spanish Armada.

I chose to listen to the unabridged audiobook of this newest Margaret George historical fiction novel about the latter half of the reign of Elizabeth I and it was, perhaps, not the best choice. Although the narrator did a fine job, the novel is so buried in every conceivable historical detail that it bogs down the story. If one was reading the actual novel, it would have been possible to better "skim" when needed (such as the 20 minute descriptions of some obscure courtiers funeral, of which there are many). By the time the mundane details are laid out, one forgets where we actually were in the storyline.

But there are some very, very good things about this novel, chief amongst them the alternating first person POVs between Elizabeth I and her romantic rival and cousin, Lettice Knollys. Lettice, of course, married Elizabeth's favorite courtier, Robert Dudley and was mother to Robert Devereux, who Elizabeth would later have executed for treason.

The entire novel focuses on Elizabeth's later years, during which Robert Devereux rose in her favor and then later sunk into rebellion. These moments of the novel are the most compelling, along with the fictional relationship between Lettice and Shakespeare himself.

I do recommend the novel (especially for you Elizabeth fans out there!), but I recommend in the paper version. I think you'll get much more enjoyment out of it than with the audio version.

This is a very lushly detailed book. It starts not long before the first Spanish Armada sets sail and arrives in 1588, and ends in 1603. The crux of the story is Queen Elizabeth and the Earl of Essex. He was a very mercurial person, much like Elizabeth herself. The tale follows their various interactions over the years, and is told from both Elizabeth's point of view, and that of Lettice Knollys, the Earl's mother.

This book does a good job of getting you into the head of Elizabeth, and giving you an up close and personal look at being a ruler. You're with Elizabeth as she handles affairs of state, writes letters, attends plays, takes walks, goes on Progress and pawns her jewelry to help keep the country afloat. You're also there as she deals with the Earl in all of his forms; sending him on missions to help save England, putting up with his tantrums, and eventually quelling his rebellion. Elizabeth is brought vividly to life, and so is her reign.

This book has a lot of loss in it. Elizabeth is not young, nor are many of those who surround her. One by one, her beloved councillor's and trusted advisors are dying off. This causes Elizabeth to question her own mortality, as she learns to deal with the effects of her own aging, all the while doing her best to disguise it from those around her.

This story also includes William Shakespeare, who is a paramour of Lettice's. Much attention is given to his many works, their effects on the people, and the times.

Much is made of the rivalry between Lettice and Elizabeth. Both women reflect on it over the years, and eventually they come to meet and make their peace. Lettice tries to be fair in her estimation of the queen, and often counsels her son to tread carefully in both his speech and actions.

I liked the way this was written. Although it is long, it's an easy and quick read. The way Elizabeth is portrayed is fair and balanced. I like that it's told in the first person point of view. I can picture her truly saying certain things that were written. This book does not disappoint.

This is an absolute masterpiece of around 660 pages. How one can write a book that lengthy and retain every nuance of what we do know to be Elizabeth's character is beyond me, especially when the known details are so sketchy. I confess to almost putting it down and giving up in the first few chapters, but I persevered and was rewarded. This is English historical fiction at its best I found myself laughing quite a few times, as Elizabeth was portrayed just as we think she would have responded to a situation. I admire her even more now than I did before and can see how monarchs who succeeded her paled in comparison. Well done!

Wonderfully textured and totally captivating from the first paragraph right to the very end. This was a masterpiece that I never wanted it to end.
As with Margaret George's other books, this one also does not disappoint. It is captivating, exciting, thrilling, witty and every other type of emotion you can possibly add to it. It grabs you from the first page and carries you along to the end where you are so very saddened to see the last page when you have to relinquish your adventure with these full, well-rounded characters you have come to know. Margaret George is one of my all-time favorite authors. Her stories are wonderful and her style is easy and beautiful. Her chapters are short and that's what keeps you reading and reading until, surprisingly, twelve hours have just passed without a notice. "Elizabeth I" is magnificent and will be enjoyed by anyone interested in the Tudors and/or British royalty, history, etc. Brava, Ms. George. And, by the way, what's next??? :)

Elizabeth I: A Novel is a part fictional, part historical epic detailing one of England's favourite Monarch's.

With much skill, Margaret George, explains the life of Queen Elizabeth during the final 20 years of her reign and her life. Told from two different viewpoints, Elizabeth herself and Elizabeth's younger look-a-like cousin, Lettice Knollys, the story explains to the reader how Elizabeth could have been. Few accounts of her personal life are remembered or recorded and much is left to the imagination of the reader however, we are shown a side of Elizabeth that allows us to view her insights, her character and those around her who helped shaped one of Britains's greatest royal persona's.

Portraying her as the virginal queen who is wedded to her subjects, we are given an in depth look at Elizabeth's inner turmoils concerning, her age, her fight with Spain and Ireland and those in her court who would wish to usurp her as well as those who remain steadfast and loyal to her cause.

We learn of her friendships to such historical people as Robert Dudley, John Dee, Grace O'Malley, Francis Drake, Walter Raleigh, Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare and the people that she loved and adored. We watch as she determines to remain ageless while noticing those around her since childhood are dying. We feel her struggle to remain true to her faith, her people and the code she has set for herself. As well, we learn of Elizabeth's humanity, the inner thoughts that only oneself knows, and the actions that propelled her to do the things she did in the last remaining years of her life.

I quite enjoyed Elizabeth I, when I first received it, I was thinking, another book about Elizabeth the first, blah blah blah. I was surprized to see the human soul of Elizabeth unfold upon the pages. From Margaret George's point of view, she was a dynamite of a lady, witty, sharp and determined. The inner thoughts of Elizabeth and about Elizabeth was refreshing and I felt she really captured Elizabeth's essence almost perfectly. However, I was disappointed that more of Elizabeth's character flaws weren't incorporated into the story, such as her tantrums and her flip flopping of ideas and strategies, for that is something about Elizabeth that is renowned, there were hints of it throughout the story, but for the most part, Elizabeth is shown in a positvie, human and yes, virginal light.

I really came to dislike Robert Deveraux, the queen's pet and favourite and felt sorry for her cousin, Lettice, whose only fault that I could see was that she married Elizabeth's "love", Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. I would recommend this for any historical buffs, especially royal ones, you won't be disappointed in seeing the inner machinations of who the person whom Elizabeth may have become. It's a long read, sometimes a bit dry in places, but for the most part you will see a side of Elizabeth that must be shared.

This is a fictional treatment of the later part of the reign of Elizabeth I, told through parallel narratives of Elizabeth I and Lettice Knollys. These two cousins have a highly charged personal relationship. Their narratives paint a rich and nuanced portrait of the two women and their times.

Lettice is the granddaughter of Mary Bolyen, sister to Elizabeth's mother. Lettice flirted with, and later married, Robert Dudley, Elizabeth's favorite and perhaps the great love of her life. Lettice's son by her first marriage is a perennial thorn in Elizabeth's side, eventually leading a failed and famous revolt against the Queen.

Unauthorized marriages never set well with Elizabeth, and Lettice's to Dudley was poisonous. Lettice was banned from court. Upon the death of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Lettice pinned her hopes for her family on her son by her first marriage, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex. The Queen indulged the young Robert, perhaps as the stepson of her beloved, perhaps because he was handsome, perhaps because he was her cousin, and he famously turned on her. Essex is portrayed as ambitious, callow and in deeply over his head.

While the focus is on Lettice and her family there are some of the usual characters of Elizabethan England, the Cecils (father and son), Sir Walter Raleigh, James of Scotland (off stage as is Sir Francis Drake) and Francis Bacon. One person, conspicuously absent from most Tudor biographies and fiction (other than his "Richard II" production before the Essex Revolt), William Shakespeare, is featured in an interesting way.

As a reader of Tudor England, I hadn't pondered this... how Elizabeth might have felt about the mother of Essex/wife of Leicester and how this mother/wife might have felt about Elizabeth. Author, Margaret George, must have merged her being into Elizabeth (how would she think, react, feel?), then Lettice (again, think, react, feel?) and then back again for a sustained period of time to create these incredible portraits.

This novel compares well to the author's earlier work, the The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers which is outstanding for its humor and adherence to history. This work on Elizabeth is a character study, and starts more slowly. It is not a page turner until the reader gets his/her bearings. The content doesn't lend itself to that to the ribald humor and irony of Henry's book, but it has its share of humor and irony. It has considerably more nuance and is a must read for Tudor fans.

Elizabeth I lived a perilous life until she became queen at the age of 25; her mother beheaded, she herself alternately declared a bastard and heir to the throne of England; imprisoned in The Tower and one hiccup away from execution. THEN she reigned as Queen for 45 years. So most biographies and historical novels focus on the "exciting" early years of Elizabeth's life and reign, when the issue of "would she or wouldn't she?" marry Robert Dudley was a HUGE burning question. Then when they get to the end of her reign and life, the rest of her life and reign kind of gets rushed through, because, well, at this point, people are TIRED, and she's an old lady, what more is there to say?

As it turns out, a lot. In this novel, it's the early life that gets rushed through and glossed over, the novel starting with the advance of the Spanish Armada (which generally gets contracted into THE Spanish Armada, but in fact the threat from the Spanish did not evaporate with the defeat (mostly by nature) of the Armada in 1588. Two more Armadas were sent in 1596 and 1597.

This novel explores (fictitiously) the strange emotional connection between Elizabeth and Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex (and son of Elizabeth's cousin and rival, Lettice Knollys). Historically, it seems that sometimes Elizabeth regarded Essex at times as a romantic suitor, and at other times almost as a surrogate son. While some of the actions here (and all the internal thoughts) are fictitious, the actions correspond to what I've read elsewhere of Elizabeth.

I enjoyed the portrayal of Elizabeth as a woman as well as Queen, trying to hide her hot flashes and to discern, who loved HER, and who professed to love her for what she could give him (or her). Alternate chapters were written from the POV of Lettice Knollys - I am not sure her (fictional) affair with William Shakespeare was necessary, though it was a novel way to work him into the plot.

All in all, a wonderfully textured and unique look at the period of Elizabeth's life and reign that is normally skimmed over.

Wonderfully textured and totally captivating from the first paragraph right to the very end. This was a masterpiece that I never wanted it to end.
As with Margaret George's other books, this one also does not disappoint. It is captivating, exciting, thrilling, witty and every other type of emotion you can possibly add to it. It grabs you from the first page and carries you along to the end where you are so very saddened to see the last page when you have to relinquish your adventure with these full, well-rounded characters you have come to know. Margaret George is one of my all-time favorite authors. Her stories are wonderful and her style is easy and beautiful. Her chapters are short and that's what keeps you reading and reading until, surprisingly, twelve hours have just passed without a notice. "Elizabeth I" is magnificent and will be enjoyed by anyone interested in the Tudors and/or British royalty, history, etc. Brava, Ms. George. And, by the way, what's next??? :)

This book had an interesting way of grabbing you from the very beginning. I am joyed the way it was written and the story of two powerful women. Even though it is fictionit is based on historical facts as much as possible. Very interesting insight into the life of Elizabeth at during the time of the Spanish Armada.

Elizabeth I: A Novel is a part fictional, part historical epic detailing one of England's favourite Monarch's.

With much skill, Margaret George, explains the life of Queen Elizabeth during the final 20 years of her reign and her life. Told from two different viewpoints, Elizabeth herself and Elizabeth's younger look-a-like cousin, Lettice Knollys, the story explains to the reader how Elizabeth could have been. Few accounts of her personal life are remembered or recorded and much is left to the imagination of the reader however, we are shown a side of Elizabeth that allows us to view her insights, her character and those around her who helped shaped one of Britains's greatest royal persona's.

Portraying her as the virginal queen who is wedded to her subjects, we are given an in depth look at Elizabeth's inner turmoils concerning, her age, her fight with Spain and Ireland and those in her court who would wish to usurp her as well as those who remain steadfast and loyal to her cause.

We learn of her friendships to such historical people as Robert Dudley, John Dee, Grace O'Malley, Francis Drake, Walter Raleigh, Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare and the people that she loved and adored. We watch as she determines to remain ageless while noticing those around her since childhood are dying. We feel her struggle to remain true to her faith, her people and the code she has set for herself. As well, we learn of Elizabeth's humanity, the inner thoughts that only oneself knows, and the actions that propelled her to do the things she did in the last remaining years of her life.

I quite enjoyed Elizabeth I, when I first received it, I was thinking, another book about Elizabeth the first, blah blah blah. I was surprized to see the human soul of Elizabeth unfold upon the pages. From Margaret George's point of view, she was a dynamite of a lady, witty, sharp and determined. The inner thoughts of Elizabeth and about Elizabeth was refreshing and I felt she really captured Elizabeth's essence almost perfectly. However, I was disappointed that more of Elizabeth's character flaws weren't incorporated into the story, such as her tantrums and her flip flopping of ideas and strategies, for that is something about Elizabeth that is renowned, there were hints of it throughout the story, but for the most part, Elizabeth is shown in a positvie, human and yes, virginal light.

I really came to dislike Robert Deveraux, the queen's pet and favourite and felt sorry for her cousin, Lettice, whose only fault that I could see was that she married Elizabeth's "love", Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. I would recommend this for any historical buffs, especially royal ones, you won't be disappointed in seeing the inner machinations of who the person whom Elizabeth may have become. It's a long read, sometimes a bit dry in places, but for the most part you will see a side of Elizabeth that must be shared.

This is a fictional treatment of the later part of the reign of Elizabeth I, told through parallel narratives of Elizabeth I and Lettice Knollys. These two cousins have a highly charged personal relationship. Their narratives paint a rich and nuanced portrait of the two women and their times.

Lettice is the granddaughter of Mary Bolyen, sister to Elizabeth's mother. Lettice flirted with, and later married, Robert Dudley, Elizabeth's favorite and perhaps the great love of her life. Lettice's son by her first marriage is a perennial thorn in Elizabeth's side, eventually leading a failed and famous revolt against the Queen.

Unauthorized marriages never set well with Elizabeth, and Lettice's to Dudley was poisonous. Lettice was banned from court. Upon the death of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Lettice pinned her hopes for her family on her son by her first marriage, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex. The Queen indulged the young Robert, perhaps as the stepson of her beloved, perhaps because he was handsome, perhaps because he was her cousin, and he famously turned on her. Essex is portrayed as ambitious, callow and in deeply over his head.

While the focus is on Lettice and her family there are some of the usual characters of Elizabethan England, the Cecils (father and son), Sir Walter Raleigh, James of Scotland (off stage as is Sir Francis Drake) and Francis Bacon. One person, conspicuously absent from most Tudor biographies and fiction (other than his "Richard II" production before the Essex Revolt), William Shakespeare, is featured in an interesting way.

As a reader of Tudor England, I hadn't pondered this... how Elizabeth might have felt about the mother of Essex/wife of Leicester and how this mother/wife might have felt about Elizabeth. Author, Margaret George, must have merged her being into Elizabeth (how would she think, react, feel?), then Lettice (again, think, react, feel?) and then back again for a sustained period of time to create these incredible portraits.

This novel compares well to the author's earlier work, the The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers which is outstanding for its humor and adherence to history. This work on Elizabeth is a character study, and starts more slowly. It is not a page turner until the reader gets his/her bearings. The content doesn't lend itself to that to the ribald humor and irony of Henry's book, but it has its share of humor and irony. It has considerably more nuance and is a must read for Tudor fans.

Elizabeth I lived a perilous life until she became queen at the age of 25; her mother beheaded, she herself alternately declared a bastard and heir to the throne of England; imprisoned in The Tower and one hiccup away from execution. THEN she reigned as Queen for 45 years. So most biographies and historical novels focus on the "exciting" early years of Elizabeth's life and reign, when the issue of "would she or wouldn't she?" marry Robert Dudley was a HUGE burning question. Then when they get to the end of her reign and life, the rest of her life and reign kind of gets rushed through, because, well, at this point, people are TIRED, and she's an old lady, what more is there to say?

As it turns out, a lot. In this novel, it's the early life that gets rushed through and glossed over, the novel starting with the advance of the Spanish Armada (which generally gets contracted into THE Spanish Armada, but in fact the threat from the Spanish did not evaporate with the defeat (mostly by nature) of the Armada in 1588. Two more Armadas were sent in 1596 and 1597.

This novel explores (fictitiously) the strange emotional connection between Elizabeth and Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex (and son of Elizabeth's cousin and rival, Lettice Knollys). Historically, it seems that sometimes Elizabeth regarded Essex at times as a romantic suitor, and at other times almost as a surrogate son. While some of the actions here (and all the internal thoughts) are fictitious, the actions correspond to what I've read elsewhere of Elizabeth.

I enjoyed the portrayal of Elizabeth as a woman as well as Queen, trying to hide her hot flashes and to discern, who loved HER, and who professed to love her for what she could give him (or her). Alternate chapters were written from the POV of Lettice Knollys - I am not sure her (fictional) affair with William Shakespeare was necessary, though it was a novel way to work him into the plot.

All in all, a wonderfully textured and unique look at the period of Elizabeth's life and reign that is normally skimmed over.

This book portrays Elizabeth I from 1588 (when she was in her 50's and just before the legendary Spanish Armada debacle) until her death in March of 1603. It is a truly wonderful book written from the viewpoint of Elizabeth I with some insertions from the viewpoint of her cousin Lettice Knolleys who is almost a mirror-image of Elizabeth (although younger by 10 years). Elizabeth I was "Virgin Queen". Her cousin was married three times and the mother of three living children). Letitia married Elizabeth I's erstwhile lover (in name only), Robert Dudley, and it was a deed that Elizabeth could never forgive her for. After I finished the book I felt as though I knew these wonderful and strong women. Ms. George does a remarkable job of depicting their characters. We see Elizabeth as the brilliant monarch who still was uncertain of herself in so many ways in her personal life. We are introduced to so many historical figures like Sir Walter Raleigh, William Shakespeare, Sir Francis Drake, and so many others too numerous to mention. I just can't get over how Ms. George manages to bring these people and this era to life! This book is a remarkable achievement, and I feel honoured that I was entrusted to review this book before it's initial release. I highly recommend it

Engaging, absorbing, meticulously researched and exquisitely detailed, Margaret George's Elizabeth I is her most powerful novel to date. And that's saying something as George ain't a slouch in the historical fiction genre.

Unlike most historical fiction novels, even many of George's previous works, Elizabeth I doesn't start at her birth and move forward from there. Instead the book begins in 1588, during Pope Sixtus V's call to the Catholic faithful to aid in the deposition of "that wicked queen of England, the pretender" Queen Elizabeth. By this time, Bess has occupied the throne for thirty years and has faced many a threat to her crown, both from within and without the realm. Now she must deal with the greatest threat of all, the famed Spanish Armada which, armed with the Pope's blessing, sails towards England's shores with invasion and conquest as its goals. What follows is an intimate look at Elizabeth's life as she navigates this and other crises during the last fifteen years of her reign, detailing both her political machinations as well as the lesser-known moments of her private life.

However, this is not just a novel about Elizabeth. This is also the story of, some might say, the second-most influential woman of the day, Lettice Knollys, cousin to Elizabeth and her greatest rival. Lettice, also flame-haired and strong-willed, married Robert Dudley, Elizabeth's great love, and was mother to Robert Devereux, Elizabeth's greatest headache. In alternating chapters, we see these two women as they both deal with the drama Devereux brings to their lives and the consequences of his actions. Along the way, we are given windows into the private lives of some of the most prominent playwrites, poets, adventurers and courtiers of Elizabeth's era.

Although George has taken a few liberties with timing and the placement of personages, which she dutifully notes in her afterword, her faithfulness to historical accuracy is impressive, yet never dry or tinged with an academic monotone. Elizabeth and her court come to life; they are living, breathing people, not dissimilar from you or I in their desires or feelings. George immerses you in the time period, to where you can hear the rustle and hissing of silken dresses as Elizabeth strides the halls of Whitehall, feel the sting of a chill drizzle as she rides out upon the grounds of Greenwich Park, hear the rambunctious music fueling the unfettered Twelfth Night celebrations. Though much of Elizabeth's life is unknown, especially her private interactions with her close confidants and advisors, George presents those scenes so realistically, it's hard to believe those conversations didn't take place exactly as she describes. Elizabeth, both as a woman and as a ruler, was an enigmatic figure, a woman of contradictions in her behavior and quixotic in her moods. No one in her court ever really knew her, which was just as she liked it, but which makes her all the more alluring and frustrating to later generations. However, George has done a superb job of making a window into Elizabeth's soul, even as Elizabeth, so she famously said, would not do unto others, presenting a fresh, clear-eyed perspective on this complex woman.

This is not a summer-at-the-beach read, unless you're a speed reader. This is a novel to be relished, to mosey through, to read in small snippets so you can absorb all the detail.

"Elizabeth I: A Novel" is a lush book, filled with fabulous details and intrigue from the Elizabethan court and the life of a young woman who was born into a responsibility which challenge she was expected to rise.

Ms George's use of dialog and description draw us easily into her story. It's as if we are the proverbial "little birds" sitting on the shoulders of her characters, seeing and hearing all the private and mysterious secrets of Elizabeth, Lettice, her Deliahish cousin, and her beloved men think and do. Robert Dudley, Elizabeth's life-long love tugs at our hearts while we feel her longing and heartbreak over his loyalties, desires and, then betrayals.

With the experience and exceptional qualities of a seasoned author, Ms George writes a book that is reader friendly, completely enchanting and absorbing and historically acurate where important. I had a very difficult time putting away ELIZABETH I even to go to sleep.

A daunting book by any standards, with roughly 670 pages, this volume is thick and heavy. I happen to love that kind of book, personally. I find books of this ilk by tried and true authors ones I buy by sight...knowing it will be a reading experience and not just a quick hit. I could wax very art history and english lit. on the symbolism and beauty of the cover jacket of ELIZABETH, but I'll spare you. Just to look at the title on the jacket gives a tidbit of insight into the fine research of Ms George since it tells of the "z" as the Queen signed her own name.

"Elizabeth I.." is a story that is so beautifully and historically captured that anyone who reads historical romance will be wise to read it to find the difference between formula novels and the real thing. There is a concerted difference between literature of this sort and that written for the light, supermarket stacks. The romance found in this book is rich and complex.

I highly recommend Ms George's book because of its story that is easily understood, its flow of storyline, its portrayal of characters in a generation of heroes, fabulous courts and masters such as Shakespeare; and finally, for its easy and understandable link between Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake, and the fantastic battles that helped place England as the greatest nation of its time.

I have generally read Margaret George's books in the Summer because I wanted time to savor them. It's a good time now to read this one.

5 stars...go get this volume for your library!

Deborah/The Bookish Dame

I have read and enjoyed all of Margaret Georges' novels, and this one was no exception. The rich period detail, history, and fully-fleshed out characters are transporting. I find myself living in her books and being sad when I have to come out of them. Her work is not for the faint of heart; these babies are epic and are more concerned with the story than the plot.

I thought George created a believable portrait of Elizabeth by giving us the opposing viewpoint of Lettice Knollys. Their differing characters and experiences give us insight into the humanity of everyone involved, and I found myself enjoying the narratives equally. The transition from the Tudor court presented in the Autobiography of Henry VIII to the Elizabethan court was seamless. We see the ancestors of the Henry VIII era in a world that is on the brink of major change. I found the portrayal of Will and his works wonderful; it made me think of him as a man for the first time.

One reviewer said this had to be written by an older woman, and Elizabeths' constant reflections on her age and mortality made me wonder if a bit of George was peeking through in this novel. Just a feeling I had. This book does just kind of jump in presuming we have a working knowledge of Elizabeths earlier years (which most of us do). It took me a minute to adjust to jumping right in, but as a literary device I think it works. And while I loved that this was about the latter years of her reign, I found myself aching for George to tell us the first half of the story. To read her tale of Elizabeths' childhood, the imprisonments, Mary, Leicester...

If you are a Margaret George fan, or generally love a meaty epic novel rich in detail and meticulously researched, I highly recommend this book.

When I read on Margaret George's website that she was writing a book about the later years of Elizabeth I, I was almost dying in anticipation. As soon as it hit book shelves I bought it and dove right in. I think Margaret George is the best historical fiction writer out there (at least when it comes to real historical figures), and this one did not disappoint.

George brings the Virgin Queen to life and I really felt like I was walking through the halls of Whitehall with her, and there when she was going through her triumphs, tragedies and temper tantrums. I also loved how the author referred to King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth's parents, and how often she may have thought of them, even using their past actions to either influence her decisions or not. My favorite scene of the book is when Elizabeth is at Hever Castle (her mother's family castle) with her two closest cousins, trying to imagine it when her mother was young.

Supposedly George's next book is going to be about Boudicca, and I will wait another five long years or so to read that. I highly recommend Margaret George's book. She is a queen in her own right when it comes to historical fiction. Read them all!

I have read everything I can find regarding this particular monarch. The wonderful thing about this book is that it focuses on the end of Elizabeth's life, a time in which other authors have not shown much interest. What happened to Elizabeth I after the love of her life died? You will find that her life after Dudley was just as exciting and fascinating as all that had come before, not a post-Dudley dud in any way. Another great feature of this novel is that the reader has two narrators: Elizabeth and one of her greatest rivals, her cousin Lettice Knollys. It was insightful to see events through both of their eyes, particularly the life of Lord Essex, a crazy and charismatic courtier--probably more crazy than charismatic. I loved this book, but I did not feel that this author captured Elizabeth's real voice as well as one of her predecesors. I still think that this novel is essential reading if you are a true fan of Elizabeth I. Margaret George's knowledge, research and writing abilities never disappoint.

Elizabeth I wasn't the first Queen of England. Her sister, Mary I, is probably given that distinction, legitimately. There was, of course Jane Grey, Queen for all of nine days, and Matilda, daughter of Henry I. But Elizabeth I holds the first place in the hearts of Englishmen, especially those of her time.

She was the first successful Queen of England. The others had their detractors, issues and ultimately so many problems that people either deposed them, Matilda and Jane(who died on the scaffold.) Or they simply couldn't stand them and their death wasn't really weighing heavily on too many English hearts (Mary I)

Elizabeth's reign was a long and glorious one filled with advances in literature, exploration, politics and other things. But her reign wasn't without its trials. Trying to keep the throne of England strong, putting off marriage and remaining a virgin when the country begged her for an heir, being Protestant in a time when there were very few powerful Protestant nations, rebellion, intrigue and of course Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles.

This book has its ups and downs, like any other. It starts right before the famous Spanish Armada and ends with her death in 1603. This is unusual for George, who normally goes over a person's life from beginning to end. Therefore it was weird to start right in the middle, or really, right at the tale end of Elizabeth's life. Maybe it was because she had such a long and varied life that the book would have become too long. Possibly over 1,000 pages and really a tough book to get through. Whatever her reasons are, you start in the middle.

I had problems with this book. I felt like it was a bit boring and not as dynamic as her previous novels. I sailed through it to sure, but it wasn't anything special to me like her previous novels. I didn't find anything new or ground breaking. I felt like I was reading an ordinary novel.

Some people may have felt like the chapters with Lettice were unnecessary, but I felt the opposite. I felt like they fleshed the story out. I don't think I could take a book of this nature devoted solely to court life, when Lettice's son, Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex was so central to the story. You'd have missed out on a lot.

However, Robert got in my last nerves and what Elizabeth saw in him only she and God knows. He was petulant, childish and just very annoying. Like that friend you let tag along trying to be nice, even though everyone else has rejected them. And with good reason. She ended up having to put him in his place in the end.

I did like that George chose to end it with Lettice and not Elizabeth. It brought a perfect finality to the end.

The life of Queen Elizabeth Tudor has become a popular subject for writers, as she's a heroine possessing unique strengths, undeniably important in world events. Elizabeth remains a modern idol who deserves to be honored and examined.

Margaret George's account gives an up-close-and-personal view of Elizabeth's inner life and private circle: at court, in parliament, and as commander-in-chief of the world's greatest empire. She backs the novel with painstaking research and presents Elizabeth's reign from differing points of view: that of Elizabeth herself --- a commanding and convincing perspective on its own --- alternating with a much-altered view of one of her subjects, her first cousin, Lettice. Amorous and adulterous, Lettice is a noblewoman who is also Elizabeth's look-alike, engaged in a foolish lovesick competition between herself and the queen. In claiming the affections of Robert Dudley, Lettice has made herself an enemy to the most powerful woman in England.

Elizabeth's story begins shortly after Lettice makes her move, and Dudley seals his future in marrying the queen's cousin in secret, all while proclaiming his love for Elizabeth but knowing she's a woman he can never have. The Queen hasn't forgotten his betrayal, though has forgiven Dudley while condemning her cousin. We all know the story of the virgin ruler who wished to be a lover but refused to give up primary rule. Thus the book begins at a natural point, with Elizabeth's life decided, Mary of Scots executed, and the new Queen refusing foreign suitors and proclaiming herself "married to England." Elizabeth's proclamations should not imply that love and desire have deserted her; she simply refuses to subjugate her people. The once-frightened girl she was has held onto her crown and is as secure as she ever will be. But she has enemies at home and abroad: spies, subjects and monarchs who intend to dethrone her.

With the aid of trusted advisors such as Francis Walsingham and Baron William Burghley, Elizabeth legitimizes her status only to face decades of war, even while personally despising conflict. King Phillip remains determined to dethrone her and to claim England as a Catholic realm, receiving the full support of Pope Sixtus on behalf of Catholic Spain. The greatest battle in English history will be fought and won because of Elizabeth's strategizing and relying on her judgment, and the Queen's wisdom proves her to be the penultimate military commander. It seems ironic that the battle and war will be what earns Elizabeth loyalty as, thus far, the English have only been relieved to be freed of the sovereignty of tyrants.

Many challenges come that bring Elizabeth the undying respect of her people. She plays a personal role in securing England's greatest victory in history, riding out --- sword in hand, fully armored on a white horse --- to show her dedication to supporting her troops. England's naval engagement with the Spanish armada is considered the greatest military victory England ever faced. But there are others to come while England's armies are still outnumbered by Spain's. Elizabeth's sentimental gestures become memories people will not forget, events that help to save her crown in future years.

Margaret George's history spans the Queen's entire adult lifetime, beginning shortly after she first takes the throne and covering all the ensuing years until her death, through many wars and rebellions. All of the most famous and well-known characters within films and other novels play parts here too, but there are others who I had never heard of before.

One interesting figure is Grace O'Malley --- an Irish pirate known as "The Sea Queen of Connaught" --- an aging woman near to Elizabeth's own advancing age who becomes clan commander in her Irish homeland during the long campaign between English and Irish troops. Letitia is another unfamiliar character who makes a very interesting figure in this story, offering some surprising and previously unheard perspectives about Elizabeth both as a queen and as a person, through the eyes of a common subject. By the end, Letitia's point of view becomes as illuminating as Elizabeth's. Overall, ELIZABETH I is historical fiction I'm sure you will not want to miss, especially for anyone who enjoys European history and can appreciate a wonderful heroine.

--- Reviewed by Melanie Smith

Liked this book very, very much....loved it, I guess, though I did think it started a bit slow for some reason. As I read on, it became more and more compelling. I am a Tudor history buff and occasionally like reading historical fiction, and Margaret George has some real winners. One can see here that Elizabeth was absolutely her father's daughter; somewhere she stated, "I may have the frail body of a woman, but I've the stomach and heart of a king!" A very devoted monarch, "married" to her country and people.

This is an interesting treatment of some of Elizabeth's relationships in her later years, including that with Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex; Sir Walter Raleigh; Sir Francis Bacon; and her closest advisor in later years, Robert Cecil, son of William Cecil, Lord Burghley. This depiction of Elizabeth and Essex is a little different than I've seen; here the queen seems fond and hopeful of Devereaux more like a son or nephew or other young relative than as a romantic interest -- dissenting from other treatments of the relationship that I've seen. Fascinatingly, this story is presented from two viewpoints -- Queen Elizabeth's, and Lettice Knollys' -- Lettice being the widow of Robert Dudley, one of the queen's closest confidants earlier in her reign, and some say the love of her life, and the mother of Devereaux/Essex. Through Lettice we have a glimpse of Elizabeth from the "other side" if you will -- perhaps how she appeared to many at court and those in the nobility and gentry.

In any case, we can admire and empathize with her majesty, her ladies, her advisors, courtiers, and subjects as they live through some harrowing times. A terrific read for anyone loving British history and the fictional literature stemming from it. And, if you just love Margaret George, don't miss this!

I love Margaret George's works. Not everyone will enjoy her new "Elizabeth I" as the plot covers so many years and the intrigues against the crown are ongoing every minute of every day, and each is presented in detail.

I liked the way George brought in some Shakespeare, taking a chance at naming the "dark lady" of the sonnets and the love triangle Shakespeare brings out in the sonnets. His plays are also the subject of some debate at the royal household, especially Richard II, with his abdication of the throne at a time when Elizabeth is highly unpopular. George takes some chances with the character of Lettice, a lascivious older woman and cousin to the queen who beds a number of luminaries from court. Sir Walter Raleigh, Essex, the Spanish Armada--she covers them all in moments with Elizabeth.

Besides war and court politics, there are beautiful passages of English springs and summers, quiet times among the women of admiring jewels and wardrobes and reassuring one another, memories of Elizabeth's father, Henry.

The rambling plot makes the book a good one to read a chapter and then something else, for the thrill of an outcome is already known.

Good history, good book. LONG book. Fun stuff for me.

The cover artist, Jaya Miccli, is to be especially commended for this beautiful book jacket featuring Elizabeth, Leicester, and the red roses of Lancaster.

Elizabeth I was a daughter of Henry VIII who most famously had the Scots' Queen, Mary, her cousin, beheaded. Yuk! I read Margaret George's Mary Queen of Scots many years ago, and loved how she wrote. She carefully studies the life and history of the persons she writes about and vividly depicts their personas. Although, largely because of my Scottish ancestry, I disliked Queen Elizabeth I, I fell in love with her upon reading this one by the same author. Her Henry VIII is also very good and again, after reading that book, looked to him differently than when I was in school and reading about all those wives he had executed. He was really a complex, intelligent character and not diabolical. I wonder about his daughter "Bloody Mary" who was the Catholic Queen who had even many, many more persons executed at the stake, surpassing her father who at least limited his executions mostly to his wives.

Elizabeth I was a protestant queen, one who was concerned about the protestants in the Netherlands and Northern Ireland and other parts of Europe. She was imprisoned by her own sister, the Catholic queen Bloody Mary, Mary Tudor, when she was a child. This particular book starts after the death of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587 but immediately before the first attack of the Spanish Armada and Sir Francis Drake's famous victory at the battle of Gravelines. The year was 1588. Before the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the citizens of England were understandably greatly frightened. The dreaded Spanish invaded the New World in 1492 all for G-d, gold, and glory, hardly new testament principles, in the midst of the infamous Spanish Inquisition. (The Spanish were notoriously cruel in the new world too, and many of the methods of torture that native American Indians used, such as scalping, were learned under Spanish tutelage.)

The Elizabethan age was incredibly rich in culture and science. In this book, William Shakespeare is a paramour of Letitia Dudley the widow of Robert Dudley whom Queen Elizabeth truly loved and would have married. The story of Queen Elisabeth I is fascinating. She presided over England during an important time period while the new world was still being settled and colonies were established and while the religious wars between Catholics and Protestants were still not settled. In this story, Sir Walter Raleigh makes an appearance and presents the Queen with a gift of New World Tortoises which settle in her gardens. Queen Elizabeth also had a lot of unsettling things happen within her own realm too and involving Lettice Dudley's son who brazenly and foolishly rebelled against her.

I was surprised in reading this book that Queen Elizabeth was very slow but sure in making important judgements, particularly difficult ones, such as the execution of her Scottish cousin, or the ones covered in this story. Margaret George describes her as incredibly lenient but drew the line when it came to matters compromising her sovereignty; she describes them as matters that "touched her scepter". I'm sure I will have a more enlightened and thorough view of the times in rereading her Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles.

The author, Margaret George, likes to take on subjects which may not be well documented or riddled with questionable, fictional accounts; Margaret George's Mary Magdalene has countless biblical source material but most people believe a lot of superstitious untruths about her, and Helen of Troy may or may not have been a historical, actual person despite Homer's works. The trouble with writing a biography of Queen Elizabeth I was that she left precious little primary source material in writing such as letters or diaries etc. During Queen Elizabeth's reign, England's renowned intelligence service made its first appearance which is today known as MI5. It was during this turbulent time period that the British found it expedient to hold their tongues and open wide their ears and eyes and extend that network to troubled areas. So it was a truly fascinating time and she was the very last of the Tudor line of kings and queens. Margaret George timed the publication of this work, if not intentionally, to coincide with Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The current royal family in Great Britain are direct descendants of King James I, Mary Queen of Scots' son and thence descendants of the Stuarts in Scotland. They are also related to Henry VIII and Elizabeth I because as Stuarts, they are also direct descendants of Owen Tudor the patriarch of the Tudor dynasty.

I wish to dedicate this review to another great Queen, Queen Elizabeth II. I now understand why she graciously picked this name. Of course, her mother's name was Elizabeth but so too was England's greatest queen.

LONG MAY SHE REIGN

Loved this and especially love her Books dealing with the British Royalty...she always gives a very different perspective on them and these books are ones I never lend but do buy for others!!I look forward to her next and sure hope it is coming soon.

Liked this book very, very much....loved it, I guess, though I did think it started a bit slow for some reason. As I read on, it became more and more compelling. I am a Tudor history buff and occasionally like reading historical fiction, and Margaret George has some real winners. One can see here that Elizabeth was absolutely her father's daughter; somewhere she stated, "I may have the frail body of a woman, but I've the stomach and heart of a king!" A very devoted monarch, "married" to her country and people.

This is an interesting treatment of some of Elizabeth's relationships in her later years, including that with Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex; Sir Walter Raleigh; Sir Francis Bacon; and her closest advisor in later years, Robert Cecil, son of William Cecil, Lord Burghley. This depiction of Elizabeth and Essex is a little different than I've seen; here the queen seems fond and hopeful of Devereaux more like a son or nephew or other young relative than as a romantic interest -- dissenting from other treatments of the relationship that I've seen. Fascinatingly, this story is presented from two viewpoints -- Queen Elizabeth's, and Lettice Knollys' -- Lettice being the widow of Robert Dudley, one of the queen's closest confidants earlier in her reign, and some say the love of her life, and the mother of Devereaux/Essex. Through Lettice we have a glimpse of Elizabeth from the "other side" if you will -- perhaps how she appeared to many at court and those in the nobility and gentry.

In any case, we can admire and empathize with her majesty, her ladies, her advisors, courtiers, and subjects as they live through some harrowing times. A terrific read for anyone loving British history and the fictional literature stemming from it. And, if you just love Margaret George, don't miss this!

I love historical fiction, but this book is a drag.

The author is very versed in history, but all through the
book one gets the impression that she took every painstriking
detail, and put it into a quote by her characters.

Tediously boring is the result.

When you have someone of the caliber of Anya Seton ("Katherine")with which
to compare the dry dialogue of Margaret George....then you can't help
but be sorely disappointed in Margaret Geroge's "Elizabeth I."

Having read many favourable reviews of this book I was very disappointed - though not completely surprised. The dialogue and behaviour of the various characters is ludicrously anachronistic. It appears to be written by someone who has no true knowledge of the period (well that appears to apply to most readers too, judging by the reviews here) and the results are shallow and simply not believable. If you want to read a real historical novel, try Mary renault, Jean Plaidy, Patrick O'Brian, or many others, whose knowledge of the period of which they write is profound and detailed.

I recently started to listen to it. Very interesting. When I bought it, I thought it was going to be about the entire life of queen Elizabeth, so far is only 30 years in her throne. Still is very interesting, the politics, the war history, the choice of gown based on what she wanted to convey. The reader voice and accent is very pleasant, is like Im listening to the queen her self, sounds a little like Cate Blanchet in Elizabeth.

Having read many favourable reviews of this book I was very disappointed - though not completely surprised. The dialogue and behaviour of the various characters is ludicrously anachronistic. It appears to be written by someone who has no true knowledge of the period (well that appears to apply to most readers too, judging by the reviews here) and the results are shallow and simply not believable. If you want to read a real historical novel, try Mary renault, Jean Plaidy, Patrick O'Brian, or many others, whose knowledge of the period of which they write is profound and detailed.