The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots by Carolly Erickson

Author: Carolly Erickson
Publish Date: 9/14/2010
Website: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6597.Carolly_Erickson
ISBN: 9780312652739
List Price: $11.90
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Jacket Synopsis:

Queen of Scotland at six days of age, married as a young girl to the invalid young king of France, Mary took the reins of the unruly kingdom of Scotland as a young widow and fought to keep her throne. A second marriage to her handsome but dissolute cousin Lord Darnley ended in murder and scandal, while a third to the dashing Lord Bothwell, the love of her life, gave her joy but widened the scandal and surrounded her with enduring ill repute.

Unable to rise above the violence and disorder that swirled around her, Mary escaped to England—only to find herself a prisoner of her ruthless, merciless cousin Queen Elizabeth.

Here, in a riveting first-person account, is the enchanting woman whose name still evokes excitement and compassion—and whose death under the headsman’s axe still draws forth our sorrow.

My Comments:
I thought this was a great historical read from the perspective that Mary, Queen of Scots, is always portrayed as a conniving and plotting evil Queen of the North and that her only ambition is to take over the English throne. This book paints a completely different picture of a girl to a woman who is always fighting for her right to survive and to take her noble right of royal blood the throne of Scotland. She only wants the throne of England to solidify her childrens's future. The secret birth of her daughter and continued secrecy to protect her life is quite a different take on the picture that is always painted about Mary. I really like Carolly Erickson's writing style. The rhythm and meeter make the reading easily absorbed and an exciting read!

Elizabeth: Virgin Queen by Philippa Jones

Title: Elizabeth: Virgin Queen
Author: Philippa Jones
Publish Date: 12/30/2011
Website: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2865193.Philippa_Jones
ISBN:  9781847735157
List Price: $1.99
My Rating: 5 out of 5

Jacket Synopsis:

“Gloriana,” “Faerie Queen,” “Queen Bess” are just some of the names given to Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. But the name for which she is perhaps most remembered, and which best explains why Elizabeth was the last of the Tudor monarchs, was the “Virgin Queen.”

But how appropriate is that image? Were Elizabeth’s suitors and favorites really just innocent intrigues? Or were they much more than that?

And, are the rumors of Elizabeth’s illegitimate children true?

My Comments:

I love the historical genre. As a fan of Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy, I picked this book up at a real bargain and thought it would be a nice read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a fast read but very thought provoking. I thought it was a well researched account of Queen Elizabeth's life, her consorts, her favorites, and a great analysis of the hypothetical notion that she had an illegitimate child or children.

I think that author's writing flows logically and smooth writing style. As I read, I could envision Elizabeth in her Privy room with her consorts and courtiers, feel her trials and tribulations, as well as, her struggle to be the Master of her Rule, but desiring and seek the friendship, love, and compassion that every person wants. This was a great addition in knowledge and insight to my experiences with the Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy books. Happy Reading!