Reviews

Queen's Own Fool: A Novel of Mary Queen of Scots by Robert Harris, Jane Yolen

plattin's review against another edition

3.0

This is a young adult novel telling the story of le Jardiniere, the fool of Mary Queen of Scots. Le Jardiniere was a real person, but virtually nothing is known about her, save her position and name. Yolen and Harris have created an Italian girl of unusual candor and humor to fill this role. Yolen is a veteran YA writer and I would recommend pretty much anything by her. Fool begins in France where may was also queen by virtue of marriage, it follows Mary and her entourage through political intrigue to Scotland and eventually through Mary's imprisonment in the tower. I would recommend this to any of your students who might be interested in the time period. The language is pretty easy, but the book itself is not low level, so it would especially be appropriate for a struggling reader interested in historical fiction.

misslupinelady's review

dark emotional informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

nae1226's review

2.0

Just okay YA Queen Elizabeth setting. Tthe narrator is a young girl who is the Queen's Fool. Jane Yolen a co-author.

amyripley's review

Just randomly remembered this book I read as an 11 year old. Maybe I'll read it again someday.

lemon_drop's review

3.0

Fictionalized account of the turbulent young adulthood/queenship of Mary, queen of Scots as seen through the eyes of a peasant girl turned jester.

Good for those who like Ann Rinaldi or Carolyn Meyer; strong historical women rock!

psam17's review

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

A light teenage historical fiction read 

flyingsails's review

5.0

I found this book a couple years ago, and have reread it probably once a year since. It is so good; it's almost a history of Mary I, but 'tis so much it's own original story, too, that it's never dull. I love the characters and remember them very well.

ninetreats's review

3.0

Interesting retelling of the a portion of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. The plot bogged down a bit in the middle and didn't hold my interest. But worth reading if you have any interest in this period of Scottish history.

librarianmel's review

4.0

I enjoyed this book, even though it made me feel reaaaaally old. I remember reading Jane Yolen books when I was still in school, and now I'm an old lady.

I enjoy historical fiction about the Tudor era, so Mary Queen of Scots factors in there, but not as a main character.

This book is told in one POV, that of a young traveling performer, who joins Mary's court when she was still queen of France.

holtfan's review

3.0

Though slightly unrealistic when it comes to actual facts, the book is entertaining and a worthy read, especially if you prefer fiction.