You know when you pick up a book by Margaret George that you’re in for a great novel that weaves fact with fiction and leaves you feeling immensely satisfied. Her newest novel, Elizabeth I, is a wonderful and in-depth journey into the life of this queen and what her life might have been like back in the late 1500’s. This is not a novel to be read in a day or even two (it’s almost 700 pages) – Margaret George’s novels are meant to be savored and absorbed slowly.
The Tudor period is my favorite to read about. I’m not sure why; maybe it’s because the first book I read was, in fact, Margaret George’s, The Autobiography of Henry VIII, and from then on I was hooked. I was especially interested to read more about Elizabeth I as she was the daughter of Henry VIII and the infamous Anne Boleyn, who are two of my favorites from history. I was not disappointed in this novel as it taught me so much more about Elizabeth I and the type of woman and queen she was. I’ll admit that with as long as the novel is, it is slow going at times, but there was never a moment that I was bored. I found it fascinating to read.
This novel takes place over the queen’s later years and what I really enjoyed and am kind of surprised by is that it is narrated by both Elizabeth and her cousin Lettice. Normally I would not like that. If I’m reading a novel about Elizabeth then that’s what I want to read but the way that the author wove the parts of Lettice and her son, the Earl of Essex, into the story was so well done that it all just fell perfectly together. Of course I developed a liking towards Lettice which didn’t hurt either and really looked forward to the parts of the book narrated by her and would certainly like to learn more about her in the future.
The way that Margaret George has portrayed Elizabeth in this novel had me liking her. Yes she could be indecisive at times, especially about the Earl of Essex, but it showed her in a real light. She was a queen but she was also a woman who found herself aging and noticing the effects finally of it on her body. She was no longer the young, strong woman and yet she couldn’t let anyone at court see her failing in any way. To do that was to give up your power because there was always someone ready in the wings to pounce. I found myself really admiring her. She was a woman in a man’s world and she bore up well under it all. She lived to do her best for her people and for those closest to her, she would do anything.
The novel is very detailed in it’s historical facts as all George’s novels are. Some novels like this are boring but not Margaret George’s. She manages to weave her fictional side in with the factual in such a way that you don’t feel like you’re in a history class, yet at the same time you come away knowing you’ve just learned a lot about an important time in history. I can’t even imagine the amount of time it took to research this novel but it shows in every last page. You find yourself absolutely absorbed in the court happenings, the parties, the politics, the wars, and the very real lives of the people who existed alongside the queen.
Elizabeth I is yet another beautifully written novel by Margaret George that invites us into the life of one of England’s favorite Monarch’s. It’s a must read for all those historical fiction fans who love a story well told, well researched, and those who want to learn more about the Tudors or just want to read a different perspective on Elizabeth’s life.
I read Elizabeth I by Margaret George for her book tour with Pump Up Your Book. You can check out other tour stops as well to see what others thought of the novel. Be sure to pop in and visit Margaret George’s website and follow her on Facebook as well. Elizabeth I by Margaret George can be purchased here in the US and here in Canada.
© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
My copy of Elizabeth I by Margaret George was received for review from Pump Up Your Book and the Publisher.
Sounds good, but for some reason I do not care for Elizabeth books. I know the story by now
Sounds like a great read.
I am the just regaining my interest in The Tudor period after reading the fab The Tudor Secret by Christopher Gortner.
carol
Nice review, Dar. Having read two of MG's previous books I know she writes a good story. This is on my list.
I've never read any of this author's books but she has been on my TBR list for awhile now. This sounds like a really interesting read and something that I would enjoy when I'm in the mood for historical fiction. Great review!
Your review indicates that this is the kind of historical fiction I love — you feel like you are learning, and yet you don't feel like you are reading a text book 🙂
I have been interested in the Tudors ever since seeing PBS The Six Wives of Henry VIII which was on TV many many years ago.
Great review 🙂
For some reason, I struggle to get into the Tudor period. Maybe I just haven't read the right book. I'm sure my mother would love this!
I also fell in love with the Tudor period after reading The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George! It was such a great book and got me all fired up about the Tudors. I recently bought this book as well, and am hoping to get the chance to read it soon. I think I have almost all of George's books at this point. Lovely review, Dar! I am glad that you enjoyed it so much!
I really should read books from this period. I enjoy movies set in this time period. I can only imagine all the research that goes into a Tudor period book. Life sure was much different then and I find that fascinating.
Yea you finally finished (hands clapping) George totally immerses the reader in her stories. Beautiful review Darlene.
Thanks for the great review of Margaret's latest. I loved this one too. It's funny that I never read books from this era until C.W. Gortner became my client. He's how I got in touch with Margaret. They both write great books.
@ Blodeuedd: My understanding is that Margaret focused on a period of Elizabeth's life that isn't usually written about. Now, I don't know a lot of what's out there because I didn't begin reading Tudor era fiction until a few years ago, but from her interviews, I get the feeling that most writers focus on how she became queen or the early years of her reign. This might be something different for you.
Thanks again. Hope you all enjoy the weekend.
Cheryl
Hello Darlene–
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing "Elizabeth I" and being so enthusiastic about it. I really appreciate your having me and my work as your guest. Margaret George
I'm so glad this one is so good. It really did sound like something I would devour and George usually writes such great books but you never know.
This is on TBR for someday — it looks so nice and meaty and I've heard such great things about it — glad you enjoyed it!
I've never read this author before but I will now for sure!! I can't keep all of my royals straight to save my life!!