The Lady Elizabeth: A Novel
This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in Tudor England. I have read many books about Henry the VIII and his wives, about Queen Mary and especially Queen Elizabeth I. There are not many that detail the timeframe of Lady Elizabeth from when her mother, Anne Boleyn, was beheaded (age three) through to her own coronation as queen (age 25). This book, The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir, does that while also describing Henry’s next four wives and his own death. Ms. Weir also includes details about the reign of King Edward (Elizabeth’s half-brother) and Queen Mary (Elizabeth’s half-sister). It provides insight into why Elizabeth chose never to marry and why she was called “The Virgin Queen.”
The book is written as a novel and it is a juicy page turner. It flows well and never seems to read like a biography. The facts are historically correct, but it is Weir’s wonderful story-telling that provides insight into how historical events affected this young girl. Elizabeth goes through all the emotional upheaval that teens go through today plus she must deal with why her own father decided to behead her mother, why her stepsister sometimes detests her, why her younger stepbrother will become the rightful first heir to the throne of England, and why so many men want to be her husband! As a 14-year-old who is considered to be of marriageable age, she has her first crush and is physically attracted to her stepmother’s new husband. What a scandal! I won’t tell you what happens there!
How does Elizabeth escape the gallows—not just once, but two times—and go on to become the most influential ruler that England ever had? (Keep in mind that it was very easy for the opinions of others to stain one’s reputation and then, consequently, one could be accused of committing treason.) Suffice it to say that she was extremely intelligent and politically correct for her own time. It is very insightful to learn the strategies she used to remain seen as an “unblemished” member of the court and finally as Queen of England—all before her 25th birthday! Once you read about why Elizabeth chose to remain unmarried (according to Weir), you will never interpret The Virgin Queen label the same way.
