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Gregory told a great story. Loved the vivid descriptions and the way she wraps you into her characters. However, I was unhappy with her depiction of young Queen Elizabeth. She seemed daft, vapid and loose. Maybe I'm wrong, but it strikes me that a young queen who faced as much adversity as she did would be a stronger, more steadfast a character. The Elizabeth in this book was all about appearances and her crown caring little to nothing of her people or her country. Overall, the author is very imaginative. I love the author in general and I'll read more of her books to see what happens next.
The first thing you should know is that Philippa Gregory is my favorite author. That being said, this is not her best work. Eliabeth is this amazing historical figure who is incredibly interesting to study, yet I somehow found this book to be boring in places. I was easily distracted and it took me forever to get through. The ending was the redeeming part. It is extremely dramatic and more how I feel Gregory's writing normally is. My advice: read something else by Gregory first. The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen's Fool, or The Constant Princess would be great ones as they are in the Tudor series along with this one. Then squish this one in the middle somewhere so you love her enough to forgive her in this book.
Portrays a great Queen as an unintelligent, neurotic whore, more interested in sex than England. Every book I have every read, portrayed a woman whose country was the most important to her. Facts are not always true, like Elizabeth ordering Amy's death. Everything is supposition. Amy's clothes when they found her on her bed where the servants had moved her. Would never count as evidence since the body was moved. Dudley's treatment of Elizabeth after they were betrothed by the priest. Elizabeth would never allow anyone to give orders but herself. I was disappointed with the story. Still love Greggory's novels, but didn't like this one.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I am a big fan of Philippa Gregory's writing and have read this entire series featuring tudor England. I do not want to ruin any part of the book for anyone and so the only comment I will make is that in the end I felt betrayed I was not pleased with the factual ending! As a whole this was by far the best in the series I love the courtship of Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth it is so exciting to me. The ending of the book left me bothered for days! Although maybe I am just a sap!
I read this book several years ago and as many of Gregory's books that my library had on the shelf. I enjoyed the story line. I like the way the author uses real history from the Elizabeth I time to write these books. Gregory's writing makes history so much more interesting!