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A review by beccaannekent
Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The third and final instalment of the Tudor Rose trilogy brings us to Mary I. If I’m entirely honest, probably one of my least liked Tudor Monarchs, as her short 5 years on the throne was always shortened to Lady Jane Grey / Philip of Spain / Tragic non-pregnancies / Death.
It was enjoyable to read a more detailed viewpoint of her childhood and how much her father’s actions would have affected her (obviously as a fictional take, but nonetheless interesting). However, one area of this book that could have been improved is also her childhood years. It did seem to drag, however this may have been my own personal issue as I did want to get to the adult Mary, and her problems with her siblings and personal life.
History is generally written by the victors, and of course these were also men. So Mary has never been written favourably. “Bloody Mary” is seen within this book, signing many documents for the punishment of heretics. Despite this, Alison Weir’s choice to name the book “Queen of Sorrows” certainly feels more apt. A princess, then a bastard and then a Queen, there were not many enjoyable times in Mary’s life and even though this book is a work of fiction, it certainly has made me critique Mary much less and empathise much more.
It was enjoyable to read a more detailed viewpoint of her childhood and how much her father’s actions would have affected her (obviously as a fictional take, but nonetheless interesting). However, one area of this book that could have been improved is also her childhood years. It did seem to drag, however this may have been my own personal issue as I did want to get to the adult Mary, and her problems with her siblings and personal life.
History is generally written by the victors, and of course these were also men. So Mary has never been written favourably. “Bloody Mary” is seen within this book, signing many documents for the punishment of heretics. Despite this, Alison Weir’s choice to name the book “Queen of Sorrows” certainly feels more apt. A princess, then a bastard and then a Queen, there were not many enjoyable times in Mary’s life and even though this book is a work of fiction, it certainly has made me critique Mary much less and empathise much more.