Alison Weir’s novel of the early life of Elizabeth I, before her rise to the throne is a captivating account of the childhood of the most fascinating British queen in all of history. The Lady Elizabeth is a fictionalized novel deeply rooted in historical fact, rich in historic detail with strong, well-defined characters that kept me enthralled, avidly turning the pages until the book was finished. I am now left wanting more: more Elizabeth I and more Alison Weir!
Beginning from age three, when her mother, the famous usurper of King Henry VIII’s affections Anne Boleyn, is executed, the novel traces Elizabeth’s life through various stepmothers, the birth of her younger brother Edward VI, Henry’s death and both Edward’s and elder sister Mary’s ascension to the throne of England. It traces political intrigues at court that threaten Elizabeth’s very existence and throughout these events, we witness the forming of Elizabeth’s character, as she famously forms opinions about marriage and the role of women in society. It makes for fascinating reading.
Alison Weir is to be commended for bringing history to life in an enjoyable novel that reads with delight and is a breath of fresh air from the usual stodgy biography.
Till next time, happy reading!
L :)
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