 | ||||||||
| I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles |
I am not at all sure what I expected when I chose Rosalind Miles book of Queen Elizabeth over "The Virgin's Lover" by Philippa Gregory. I read "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The Queen's Fool" by Gregory. I was ready to move on to Queen Elizabeth and after reading a few reviews chose Miles depiction of the Virgin Queen. I was not expecting what I got.
I like reading a book quickly. Finishing within a week. "I, Elizabeth" book me about 15 days to read. I whined, complained and put the book down many times sighing. But I always picked it back up again and continued to read.
Rosalind Miles is known for her research and authentic descriptions of the era in which she is writing. From her website: "Rosalind Miles is the award-winning author of 23 books of fiction and non-fiction, including history, criticism and social commentary. Her historical novels featuring celebrated queens of the British Isles have been internationally acclaimed, most notably I, Elizabeth, the story of Queen Elizabeth I, recreating the life and times of the Tudor Queen." Read more about this talented writer HERE.
Miles has written from Queen Elizabeth's voice and divides the book into five parts. I never got the feeling that this author was trying to "suger-coat" the Queen's life. It seemed very real, very true - even though it is historical fiction. From reading other information about this Queen, I get the impression that this book is very true to form.
If history is not your interest and all you are looking for is the story - this probably isn't the book for you. Miles presented all that the Queen lived through - the wars, the men, the loves, the history of the time. She took 600+ pages to give us this story of Queen Elizabeth and many times it seemed dull. But it doesn't stay dull. A very captivating piece of history.
It was fascinating to see that even a Queen is haunted by statements made by her Father. She constantly questioned whether or not she was a bastard - and this insecurity came from him.
Her love affair with England cannot be doubted. Also her love of men and the need for attention from men cannot be doubted! But in all affairs her loyalty to England always wins.
Not an easy book to read but I'm glad I read it. - and stuck with it.
Miles has written from Queen Elizabeth's voice and divides the book into five parts. I never got the feeling that this author was trying to "suger-coat" the Queen's life. It seemed very real, very true - even though it is historical fiction. From reading other information about this Queen, I get the impression that this book is very true to form.
If history is not your interest and all you are looking for is the story - this probably isn't the book for you. Miles presented all that the Queen lived through - the wars, the men, the loves, the history of the time. She took 600+ pages to give us this story of Queen Elizabeth and many times it seemed dull. But it doesn't stay dull. A very captivating piece of history.
It was fascinating to see that even a Queen is haunted by statements made by her Father. She constantly questioned whether or not she was a bastard - and this insecurity came from him.
Her love affair with England cannot be doubted. Also her love of men and the need for attention from men cannot be doubted! But in all affairs her loyalty to England always wins.
Not an easy book to read but I'm glad I read it. - and stuck with it.
I give "I, Elizabeth"
****
No comments:
Post a Comment