Title: Elizabeth I
Author: Margaret George
Publisher: Viking
Publication Date: April 5, 2011
Hardcover: 688 pages
ISBN: 978-0670022533
Genre: Historical Fiction
New York Times bestselling author Margaret George captures history’s most enthralling queen-as she confronts rivals to her throne and to her heart.
One of today’s premier historical novelists, Margaret George dazzles here as she tackles her most difficult subject yet: the legendary Elizabeth Tudor, queen of enigma-the Virgin Queen who had many suitors, the victor of the Armada who hated war; the gorgeously attired, jewel- bedecked woman who pinched pennies. England’s greatest monarch has baffled and intrigued the world for centuries. But what was she really like?
In this novel, her flame-haired, lookalike cousin, Lettice Knollys, thinks she knows all too well. Elizabeth’s rival for the love of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and mother to the Earl of Essex, the mercurial nobleman who challenged Elizabeth’s throne, Lettice had been intertwined with Elizabeth since childhood. This is a story of two women of fierce intellect and desire, one trying to protect her country, and throne, the other trying to regain power and position for her family and each vying to convince the reader of her own private vision of the truth about Elizabeth’s character. Their gripping drama is acted out at the height of the flowering of the Elizabethan age. Shakespeare, Marlowe, Dudley, Raleigh, Drake-all of them swirl through these pages as they swirled through the court and on the high seas.
This is a magnificent, stay-up-all-night page-turner that is George’s finest and most compelling novel and one that is sure to please readers of Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, and Hilary Mantel.
My Review:
Margaret George is known for her exceptional historical novels and Elizabeth I is by no means an exception, rather, I believe this is one of her best works to date. In this captivating novel about one of the most extraordinary females in history, George captivates and transports readers to the time of the house of Tudor. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of information and documentation on the reign of Elizabeth I and while there have been many books speculating about the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Margaret George has pieced together, from painstakingly detailed research, an historical fiction novel that gives a realistic view into the life of Elizabeth, while still taking creative license. This is a long book, yet is fast and an intriguing read on Elizabeth’s life. The book itself begins in 1588 and chronicles the last 15 years of Elizabeth’s life and reign, which she is known to have maintained for a remarkable 30 years. Told in alternating voices, George uses Elizabeth’s and her grand niece, Lettice Knollys’ perspectives to make this work of historical fiction come to life. It is exceedingly brilliant how George chooses to begin her book with the last fifteen years of Elizabeth’s reign, beginning in 1588 where England is at war with Spain and then Ireland, through times of famine and the plague, history is recalled and brought to life once again. Elizabeth ruled until she died in 1603 and George takes the readers through this marvelous ruler’s life, struggles with aging, seeing her trusted advisors pass away and yet Queen Elizabeth I carries out her duties with strength, perseverance, and profound humanity. I recommend Elizabeth I to all readers who enjoy history and historical fiction as George has crafted a masterpiece on Queen Elizabeth I.
Margaret George is the author of the bestselling Autobiography of Henry VIII; Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles; The Memoirs of Cleopatra; and Mary, Called Magdalene.
For more information about author Margaret George or her books, please visit her website.
Margaret George’s ELIZABETH I VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR MAY ’11 began on May 2 and ends on May 27, 2011. Visit here during the month of March to find out more about this great book and talented author!
I received a complimentary ARC of Elizabeth I by Margaret George from Pump Up Your Book Promotion as part of the tour. Receiving a copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
I generally don’t care to read about royalty, for some reason, but my mom loves it. I’ll have to tell her about this book.
It is very long (which I enjoy) and very well written with a lot of research. Do let your mum know, it is an exceptional book.
Thanks for the great review of Elizabeth I. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I love long books too. You can tell Margaret really knows her stuff.
Elizabeth I was even more wonderful than I had dared hoped.
This sounds like a good read. The Tudors were an interesting bunch.
Ann
I really enjoyed this version as it begins 30 years into Elizabeth I’s reign.
Oops I meant its own but the iPhone ‘corrected’ it .
No worries.
I meant to add I enjoyed reading about the last years of Elizabeth’s reign, so much was going on, she is one person in history I think I would have liked to been able to meet.
I enjoy reading and watching anything about Elizabeth so this book would be one I know I would enjoy reading.
Staci, Elizabeth I is fantastic, I really enjoyed learning more detail about the later part of her life and reign.
Thanks again for posting the review of ELIZABETH I. My earlier comment was sent from an iPhone that kept ‘correcting’ my attempt to write ‘its’ when I said ‘it deserves its own book.’ In any case, I’m glad you liked the book, and thanks for all the other positive comments from your readers. I really appreciate it.
Margaret George
You are most welcome.
I’ve read so much about the Tudors that I was going to pass on this one. But, after reading your review, I’m going to add it my tbr list!
Wonderful! It was an exceptional book.
Thank you for reviewing ELIZABETH I. I am glad you liked it and liked the idea of only doing the last years of her life. So much happened then it needed it’s own book.
Thank you for stopping by and thank you for writing such wonderfully captivating and enlightening books, keep up the wonderful writing.