The Other Queen - Philippa Gregory (The Other Queen - Philippa Gregory)

Member Name: kitten_y2k

Product:	The Other Queen - Philippa Gregory
Date:	20/05/09 (3 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well written.

Disadvantages: Bit long.

I am an enormous Phillipa Gregory fan and having read all of her historical novels I was waiting for this one to be published for some time.

It is the first book she has released in a while that isn't written directly about one of the Tudor Monarchs (although it features Elizabeth the first, the primary focus is on Mary Queen of Scots) so although I love the authors writing style I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as previous books.

The book focuses on the triangle between Mary Queen of Scots, Her "jailer" George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and his new wife Bess of Hardwick. George and Bess have only just been married when Mary's appearance in England causes Elizabeth to ask them to offer Mary 'sanctuary' which in truth is imprisoning her until Elizabeth makes a decision as to what to do with her.

The book is written in the voices of the three main characters Bess, George and Mary and tells the story from their three very different viewpoints.

It shows Mary continuously plotting to escape, Bess plotting against George to try to protect her wealth, George falling in love with Mary and Elizabeth plotting against everyone.

It is brilliantly written if not a bit predictable but easy to say if you already know what the outcome will be!

Admittedly I didn't enjoy it as much as I have done with her previous books - I felt that it was a bit stretched out but I guess that was necessary to do justice to the story.

I bought it in hardback for £18.99 but it is available from Amazon for £9.93 or paperback for £3.86. Personally I think hardback is easier to read but obviously more expensive. Hardback books also keep better.

A good book but potentially a bit boring if the history doesn't interest you.

Summary: Worth a read