Helpful Score: 10
I really wanted to love this book, as I so thoroughly enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl. But this story was SO boring and repetitive.
I got really tired of hearing about how Mary was regal and untouchable, and George was honorable (but a fool), and Bess brought herself up from nothing and loved nothing more than her houses and land. Over and over, the same things. Yawn.
The plot was boring. Nothing ever really happened. A lot of planning, but no results. Back and forth from house to house. I didn't feel a need to keep reading - it was far from compelling. I realize this story is based on real events, so maybe this just wasn't the best subject for Ms. Gregory to write a novel about.
I forced myself to keep reading, but found my mind drifting off several times, because I wasn't engaged in the story.
A disappointing read.
I read the Advanced Reader's Edition for this review.
I got really tired of hearing about how Mary was regal and untouchable, and George was honorable (but a fool), and Bess brought herself up from nothing and loved nothing more than her houses and land. Over and over, the same things. Yawn.
The plot was boring. Nothing ever really happened. A lot of planning, but no results. Back and forth from house to house. I didn't feel a need to keep reading - it was far from compelling. I realize this story is based on real events, so maybe this just wasn't the best subject for Ms. Gregory to write a novel about.
I forced myself to keep reading, but found my mind drifting off several times, because I wasn't engaged in the story.
A disappointing read.
I read the Advanced Reader's Edition for this review.
Helpful Score: 10
I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory and was very disappointed in this book. She did a lot of repeating words by characters and I found it hard to concentrate. Also she kept referring to Queen Mary as young but when she died Mary was 44 according to Wikipedia. But her style of writing is what kept me reading it to the very end and I will still anticipate her next novel.
Helpful Score: 7
I have loved every book of Gregory's, other than the Wideacre trilogy, so much. This however, was dull, boring, and totally failed to capture my attention. Her other books flowed, and carried you along for the ride while showing you the castles, clothing, and the day to day activities that the royals indulged in. There was romance and the books were compelling. You absolutely could not put them down. Again, not a trait of this book.
The story of Mary Queen of Scots while in the care of Bess of Hardwick and her husband, George. Told in three voices (Mary, Bess and George) the trio shuffles from house to house, b*tching and moaning about the same old stuff for 400+ pages. Recommended for diehard Gregory fans only.
Helpful Score: 5
Gregory once again gives a new perspective on Tudor England. This time she focuses on the captivity of Mary, Queen of Scots. The story is told in a similar style to The Boleyn Inheritance, alternately from the perspective of Mary and the two people charged to house her George and Bess Talbot. The thing that makes this novel great is that although the three characters are vastly different in their upbringing, beliefs and actions, the reader is able to sympathize with all three as well as see their faults. The reader really understands how turbulent is must have been to live in England during this time period. You didn't know day to day where your loyalties were or even your own religion and nobody could be trusted. It makes corruption in politics today seem very tame!
Helpful Score: 3
I am a great fan of Philippa Gregory, but this is not her best effort. I liked the book, the familiar story of Mary Queen of Sccots told from the viewpoint of the family who was entrusted by Elizabeth to keep her confined and under guard. I read it through but it took me 2 weeks to finish it because it didn't demand my interest. Genny
Despite my love for Phillipa Gregory's work, this book left me disappointed and hoping for better writing in the future. Firstly, I had a problem with the way she chose to write it. It's written in a sequence of journal entries/letters. The only people that contribute are: Queen Mary, George Talbot (Earl of Shrewsbury) and his wife, Bess of Hardwick. Due this format, I found it difficult at times to follow. I also have to admit, it took me a while to get accustomed to the style, hence able to enjoy the book. Secondly, the end of the book seems rushed. There could have been as much attention placed on Queen Mary's years after trial as there had been during her time being held at the various Shrewsbury residences. If I had to read it again, I would, but, that's me, I'm trying to understand as much as I can about this particular queen. However, were I not seeking information about this historical figure I would prefer Gregory's other books: "The Other Boylen Girl," "The Constant Princess," or "The Queen's Fool." The one compliment I will pay Gregory is this, she did an excellent job conveying the dynamics of the relationship between The Queen's and George Talbot.
Helpful Score: 2
Well, I have been reading lots of Philippa Gregory over the past year, and have discovered a different Queen Elizabeth than I thought I knew. I am realizing that she got more credit than she was due in revisionist history in her old age and following her death. I am also getting the distinct impression that Philippa Gregory really does not like her at all. Revisionist history or no, could she really be this weak and easilly led by Cecil and be considered anything other than a failure by history?
I think I have really gotten a much better view of many historical figures through her books that give a better idea of who they really are, not just the legend. I find the treatment of Mary Queen of Scots very interesting. Great twist on her relationship with Bothwell that supports the rape allegation while explaining her documented affection and reliance on Bothwell.
It is apparent as little as the author likes Elizabeth, she has a great deal of sympathy for Mary. The Shrewsberrys were a real revelation though. I never gave much thought to Mary's jailers, but their story is fascinating. The Earl sympathetic and enchanted by Mary, the Countess a devotee of the protestant faith and supporter of Cecil more hostile. Their story is probably the best of the bunch.
I think I have really gotten a much better view of many historical figures through her books that give a better idea of who they really are, not just the legend. I find the treatment of Mary Queen of Scots very interesting. Great twist on her relationship with Bothwell that supports the rape allegation while explaining her documented affection and reliance on Bothwell.
It is apparent as little as the author likes Elizabeth, she has a great deal of sympathy for Mary. The Shrewsberrys were a real revelation though. I never gave much thought to Mary's jailers, but their story is fascinating. The Earl sympathetic and enchanted by Mary, the Countess a devotee of the protestant faith and supporter of Cecil more hostile. Their story is probably the best of the bunch.
Helpful Score: 2
If you have enjoyed Gregory's other books from this period, you will enjoy this one, too. I found myself having to look up the history, as I was so swept up in the narrative I almost expected a change in fate. Sadly, the ending still came. Not necessarily a book I'll read over again, but still enjoyable read. I like the way that Gregory humanizes historical figures.
Helpful Score: 2
I would only recommend this book to other Philippa Gregory fans. It is not one of her better works but I love reading about characters from different books and what happens to them even if they are not the main characters. This book dragged a bit and it always seemed like it was leading up to something big and then just skipped to the end. If readers remember their history they will know what is going to happen anyway but its who the author gets us their which is what I usually like about Gregory books. This one was OK. I do love how she writes each chapter from a different character point of view. That makes it a much more entertaining read.
Helpful Score: 1
Slow in some parts, so I wasn't sure if I was going to finish it. But wow, I'm glad I continued, it got very exciting. I didn't know much at all about Mary Queen of Scots when I read this, and I found her to be a fascinating character.
I personally like it when 3 people tell the story (like in "The Boleyn Inheritance") - it's so interesting to see three different perspectives on one situation. I've read The Other Boleyn Girl, The Boleyn Inheritance, and the Other Queen (7 points of view between all of them) and I don't think I've found any 2 characters to be anything alike. That shows how good of a writer Ms. Gregory is, to have her characters all be so vastly different in their perspective.
I personally like it when 3 people tell the story (like in "The Boleyn Inheritance") - it's so interesting to see three different perspectives on one situation. I've read The Other Boleyn Girl, The Boleyn Inheritance, and the Other Queen (7 points of view between all of them) and I don't think I've found any 2 characters to be anything alike. That shows how good of a writer Ms. Gregory is, to have her characters all be so vastly different in their perspective.
Helpful Score: 1
Book kept me going and gave an interesting view of the throught processes of the day.
Helpful Score: 1
I am tired of Mary Queen of Scots. I picked up this book thinking it was another queen, and I'm glad I did. Mary is presented as an active seeker of freedom, somewhat different than previous stories. She is contrasted with someone I had not heard of--her jailer's wife, a sort of businesswoman. I had read that the Earl and Countess Talbot were strict with Mary and kept her poor, but he spent his fortune on Mary and wept at her beheading. It is interesting for the contrast and for the very small part played by Elizabeth I and a large part played by Cecil, Lord Burleigh and the many spies. There was a great rising in Northern England to free Mary and reinstate Catholicism--you never hear about this. The Spanish Armada originally was meant to free Mary, but missed the opportunity. She had many friends and a talent for conspiracy--not the foolish woman with no sense I had read about. Just a novel, but based on much research. Well worth the read. The book is repetitive in the first chapters. A good companion read is Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens, By: Jane Dunn
Helpful Score: 1
As much as I loved the others in this series, this one fell flat for me, it was boring and to be honest, I couldn't make it through it. What a shame that the series didn't continue with the thrills and excitement of those before it.
Helpful Score: 1
Another wonderful book by Philippa Gregory. Not at all as intriguing as The Other Boleyn Girl... but still kept my full attention. Had no idea Mary Queen of Scots had so much disruption in her life. Cannot beat Ms. Gregory's storytelling style.
Helpful Score: 1
Overall, I liked this book, I did not love it. This book was very difficult for me to actually get into. I considered putting the book down several times and starting a different book entirely. After about the first 100 pages, the story seemed to get more interesting, although the style of writing did not change that I noticed. Its possible at that point I started to relate or understand the characters more. I liked the book, I did not love it.
Enjoyable historical read.
Quite historically based, this "fictional biography" focuses on the captivity years in England as Mary, Queen of Scots awaits her return to the throne of Scotland. As a "guest" of the Earl and Countess of Shrewsbury, Mary 'holds court' while a prisoner of Queen Elizabeth.
Mary is the next true heir for the crown in England so the pressure is on for the aging Queen E to 'wed and bed' quickly so as to produce a male heir. But Mary hopes for Elizabeth's downfall so that she, followed by her son James, may take the throne.
Plus the religious underpinnings continue since Elizabeth has accepted the Protestant religion and destains the Catholics whom her father started booting out when the Pope wouldn't dissolve his marriage to Queen Catherine so that he could take Ann Boleyn as his legal wife. Mary quietly practices her Catholic faith in hand with much of the north of England whose churchs, abbeys and convents have been converted into the private property of favored members of the peerage.
Gregory addresses several controversies historians continue to discuss and backs her version with extensive research. She provides a lengthy bibliography at the end of the book.
The book is presented as some of Gregory's others.....each chapter rotates being "spoken" by one of the 3 main characters: Queen Mary, the Earl, and Bess who is the Countess of Shrewsbury though only married a year when Mary arrives and steals the Earl's heart.
Mary is the next true heir for the crown in England so the pressure is on for the aging Queen E to 'wed and bed' quickly so as to produce a male heir. But Mary hopes for Elizabeth's downfall so that she, followed by her son James, may take the throne.
Plus the religious underpinnings continue since Elizabeth has accepted the Protestant religion and destains the Catholics whom her father started booting out when the Pope wouldn't dissolve his marriage to Queen Catherine so that he could take Ann Boleyn as his legal wife. Mary quietly practices her Catholic faith in hand with much of the north of England whose churchs, abbeys and convents have been converted into the private property of favored members of the peerage.
Gregory addresses several controversies historians continue to discuss and backs her version with extensive research. She provides a lengthy bibliography at the end of the book.
The book is presented as some of Gregory's others.....each chapter rotates being "spoken" by one of the 3 main characters: Queen Mary, the Earl, and Bess who is the Countess of Shrewsbury though only married a year when Mary arrives and steals the Earl's heart.
i was disappointed. there was lots of repetition, moved slowly. but, i read it all and rather liked it for about the last 4 chapters.
As in"The Other Boleyn Girl", Philippa Gregory's attention to detail has captured perfectly the essence of Queen Elizabeth's England. The story follows the years of Queen Mary of Scots imprisonment at the home of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and his wife, Bess of Hardwick. You'll witness Mary's courageous and cunning attempts to escape, and her ability to entrance any man who sees her. She comes between George and Bess to the unltimate doom of their marriage. This story is full of lies, treachery and treason during the most terrible years of Elizabeth's reign.
This book would have used half as many pages if not for the constant, repetitious lamentations of the characters. It really grew tiresome. I pushed myself to finish, simply because the subject interested me. I am a fan of Gregory's novels, but this ranks low on my list.
I just finished reading The Other Queen and it was just as good as I hoped it would be! After hearing a class on Henry VIII taught by a friend of mine, I became quite interested in the Tudor age in England. I've read all the books in chronological order and am so glad that I did. The Constant Princess had been sent to me by my sister, and I had left it unread on a shelf for at least a year not realizing the subject matter of the book. Once I started, I was hooked!
This book is 433 pages and I read it in a week, which is fast for me. I love being able to visualize what it was like in a different time. Gregory conjures up vivid images that makes it easy for me to imagine the difficulties of that era.
This book is 433 pages and I read it in a week, which is fast for me. I love being able to visualize what it was like in a different time. Gregory conjures up vivid images that makes it easy for me to imagine the difficulties of that era.
I really like Phillipa Gregory's writing, but this book took me a long time to get through. It did not grab me and keep my attention like her other books. Each chapter is written from one of three character's point of view. Each is labeled with the person's name, location, and year...quite too much to keep track.
I did not find this book as engaging as other novels by Philippa Gregory. I think it was that the story was told from the perspective of three different characters and it was constantly shifting from one to another. I never felt connected to any of the main characters. However, I did learn a lot more about Mary, Queen of Scots and why Elizabeth I felt that Mary had to die. A good book, but not a great book.
