From #1 New York Times bestselling author and “queen of royal fiction” (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory—a dazzling new novel about the intriguing, romantic, and maddening Mary, Queen of Scots.Fleeing violent rebellions in Scotland, Mary looks to Queen Elizabeth of England for sanctuary. Though promised protection, Mary, perceived as a serious threat to the English crown, is soon imprisoned by her … crown, is soon imprisoned by her former friend as a “guest” in the house of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and his indomitable wife, Bess of Hardwick. The newly married couple welcomes the condemned queen into their home, certain that serving as her hosts and jailers will bring them an advantage in the cutthroat world of the Elizabethan court.
To their horror, they grow to realize that the task will bankrupt their estate and lose them what little favor they’ve managed to gain as their home becomes the epicenter of intrigue and rebellion against Queen Elizabeth. And Mary is not as hopeless as she appears, manipulating the earl and spinning her own web of treachery and deceit, as she sharpens her weapons to reclaim her Scottish throne—and to take over Queen Elizabeth’s of England.
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The flyleaf says: “Biographers often neglect the captive years of Mary, Queen of Scots …” Perhaps because it was so boring? Back and forth from one holding to another and back again. How expensive this all is. Who is going to pay for it? Let’s sneak out a letter.
The only bit of excitement in the 430+ pages occurs when the North revolts, but that becomes a let-down too.
I couldn’t like any of the three main characters: Bess was a shrew, Mary manipulative, and George a fool.
This was probably my least favorite of Ms. Gregory’s books.
Rating:
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Other Queen is the fifteenth and last book in the Plantagenet and Tudor series. I can’t believe the series is over! This installment tells us the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, and how she struggles to regain her throne and Kingdom. But her cousin Queen Elizabeth is like a huge barrier between her and her goal. Elizabeth and her advisor Cecil force Mary to live under the guard of Bess of Hardwick and her husband George. What Bess did not expect was her husband falling in love with Mary. There is lots of drama and lots of conflicts.
The book is narrated from three points of view. And such narration will help the reader to understand the characters’ emotions, challenges, and obstacles they were facing. This is another book in which I completely dislike Elizabeth. I really need to read more about her to confirm the awful attributes that Philippa Gregory has given her. She is insecure, jealous, and wicked. She reminds me of her father. Philippa Gregory didn’t portray her in a positive way so I really need to read more about her to know how much I like or dislike her. As for the three main characters, I’m a bit conflicted about how I feel about them. Some of their decisions I can’t approve and other decisions were acceptable considering the circumstances they were living in, especially with Elizabeth and her servants bullying them all the time.
This was another entertaining book from the author. Unfortunately, this is the last book of her royal historical fiction. Somehow I’m glad I’ve read this series. It is worth it a lot. Not just for the entertainment factor but also for gaining historical knowledge. Yes, there were a few books that were weaker than the rest but I wouldn’t call them bad. The majority of the books were excellent. If you are interested to read about royal historical personalities, I think this series will not disappoint you. It has all the ingredients necessary to make it a worthwhile ride.
Tediously long but sometimes history is that way.
Absolutely loved it! The characters and the setting just enthralls me! Great story and I love her fictional historical stories.
I love Phillipa Gregory’s writing and have read many of her books. The Other Queen does not disappoint.
I always enjoy Philippa’s historical novels.
It helps to have read other biographical books before reading any of this series. Do not accept all of this as fact. The books are good though and I have read every one.
Always excellent writing and wonderful characters. She brings this period to life!
I love every book she writes!