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A review by dreamawakebooks
The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory
5.0
1568. The Virgin Queen Elizabeth I has ruled England for ten years, but refuses to name a successor, despite the rival claims that threaten her kingdom.
Bess of Hardwick, the new Countess of Shrewsbury, has secured her future with her fourth marriage to George Talbot. Ambitious and shrewd, Bess anticipates royal favour when she and the Earl are asked to give sanctuary to the fugitive Mary Queen of Scots.
But the Scottish queen rails against house arrest in a desolate castle and plots to regain her throne. The castle becomes the epicentre of intrigue against Elizabeth, the Earl blinded by admiration for the other queen. Even Bess’s own loyalty is thrown into question. If Elizabeth's spymaster William Cecil links the Talbots to the growing conspiracy to free Mary, they will all face the Tower…
'The Other Queen' is yet another brilliant novel by one of the masters of Historical Fiction. I have long been a fan of Gregory, and am re-reading her novels. The Other Queen is one of my personal favourites, if only because, following Henry Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots holds most sway with me. A beautiful, yet evil siren. Strong, self assured and cunning - her only downfall was underestimating the virgin queen and her loyal subjects.
As usual, Gregory has certainly done her research into the life and times of Mary, Bess and George, and her interpretation of their intertwining stories makes for engaging reading.
Well written, well presented and well researched.
Recommended for any fans of historical fiction.
Bess of Hardwick, the new Countess of Shrewsbury, has secured her future with her fourth marriage to George Talbot. Ambitious and shrewd, Bess anticipates royal favour when she and the Earl are asked to give sanctuary to the fugitive Mary Queen of Scots.
But the Scottish queen rails against house arrest in a desolate castle and plots to regain her throne. The castle becomes the epicentre of intrigue against Elizabeth, the Earl blinded by admiration for the other queen. Even Bess’s own loyalty is thrown into question. If Elizabeth's spymaster William Cecil links the Talbots to the growing conspiracy to free Mary, they will all face the Tower…
'The Other Queen' is yet another brilliant novel by one of the masters of Historical Fiction. I have long been a fan of Gregory, and am re-reading her novels. The Other Queen is one of my personal favourites, if only because, following Henry Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots holds most sway with me. A beautiful, yet evil siren. Strong, self assured and cunning - her only downfall was underestimating the virgin queen and her loyal subjects.
As usual, Gregory has certainly done her research into the life and times of Mary, Bess and George, and her interpretation of their intertwining stories makes for engaging reading.
Well written, well presented and well researched.
Recommended for any fans of historical fiction.