I've read a lot of books about Elizabeth I, both history and fiction, and I think this is the best historical novel I ever read about her.
Legacy won both Britain's Georgette Heyer Historical Novel Prize and the Betty Trask Prize for a first novel, and deservedly so. Kay's story is highly readable and presents Elizabeth I as multi-talented, politically shrewd, enigmatic, emotionally stunted, and conflicted.
The deaths of her mother and stepmother, Catherine Howard, combined with the erratic and often abusive treatment she received as a child from her father who was sometimes loving, sometimes distant, sometimes threatening and never predictable are presented by Kay as the reason for Elizabeth's conflicted relationships with the three men she loved most in her life.
Robert Dudley, undoubtedly Elizabeth's strongest relationship, is introduced early in the novel as one of her nursery playmates. He continues to be her most trusted friend throughout the dangerous period between the death of her father and the death of her older sister, Queen Mary. Kay depicts Dudley as a multi-faceted character who truly loved the Queen and was frustrated by her refusal to marry him.
I won't spoil the novel for you by giving away the last chapter, but I found it quite moving, albeit fanciful.
Fans of historical fiction, particularly of the Tudor period, will enjoy Legacy.
Note: This review is also posted at my book blog, QG's Book Reviews.
Note: This review is also posted at my book blog, QG's Book Reviews.
4 comments:
Thanks! Just sent the Kindle version to a friend for Christmas, now that Amazon has added gifting Kindle editions. Now, Christmas shopping really is almost done.
Elaine
Norman, OK
Usually I agree with you, QG, but I found this to be more a romance novel than historical fiction. Found myself fuming over the historical inaccuracies and just called it quits on this one.
Anonymous--
The book does have its romance novel moments, I have to agree. I think I forgave them because I was reading it during a very stressful time when I was really needing some escapist fare.
Still, I really enjoyed the novel over all and found the inaccuracies no more than I would expect in fiction.
The literal bodice-ripping scene set the stage for my discontent, I think! But I agree it was well written - making it valuable reading for stressful/trying times. That's when I often (re)turn to Agatha Christie... Even when I know the story already, there's something about her pace and writing that is soothing. And it's about the only time I can read Jeeves and Wooster stories! Hoping life is becoming more peaceful now.
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