A review by ms_aprilvincent
Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer
3.0
I'm a big fan of Elizabeth I; she is a woman to look up to: intelligent, diplomatic, and independent, she led her nation at a time when women were thought to have few (if any) redeeming qualities, and she excelled at it to boot. Best of all, she did it without subjugating herself to a man. She is a feminist icon, and I love her.
Told from Elizabeth's point of view, the book deals with the period between Henry VIII's death and Elizabeth's ascension to the throne. By necessity, most of the dialogue, as well as Elizabeth's thoughts, are purely speculation, but they do correspond to documented events; Meyer didn't deviate from history or invent plot points, and she didn't need to: the actual history is enough.
Unfortunately, because it IS fairly straightforward and does not introduce a lot of melodramatic posturing, the book will probably appeal only to anglophiles, royals watchers, and history buffs (read: NERDS) like me. But that's the intended audience, anyway, so ... mission accomplished.
Told from Elizabeth's point of view, the book deals with the period between Henry VIII's death and Elizabeth's ascension to the throne. By necessity, most of the dialogue, as well as Elizabeth's thoughts, are purely speculation, but they do correspond to documented events; Meyer didn't deviate from history or invent plot points, and she didn't need to: the actual history is enough.
Unfortunately, because it IS fairly straightforward and does not introduce a lot of melodramatic posturing, the book will probably appeal only to anglophiles, royals watchers, and history buffs (read: NERDS) like me. But that's the intended audience, anyway, so ... mission accomplished.