The Lady Elizabeth: A Novel

This novel about the life of Queen Elizabeth I before she was crowned queen is a daring, somewhat gossipy tell-all based (mostly) on historical facts. Author Alison Weir is first and foremost a nonfiction writer, who is an expert on Tudor England. So the book, while historical fiction, is based on fact--except for one event in Lady Elizabeth's life that is based on gossip. And it's a doozy! If it's true--and even Weir has significant doubts due to primarily circumstantial evidence--it totally changes the image of Elizabeth, widely considered one of England's greatest queens, if not THE greatest.But what is fact is her tragic childhood, losing her mother, Anne Boleyn, when Elizabeth was just 2-1/2, her relationship with her volatile father, King Henry VIII, the declaration of her bastard status, and a horrendous adolescence/young adulthood when her sister, Queen Mary, kept her either under house arrest or locked up in the infamous Tower of London for fear her baby sister would steal the throne from her.This is a bawdy, as well as horrific, tale of politics, religion, palace intrigue, ever-present danger (real and imagined) and sex that is captivating and compelling to read. It's a history lesson based on the personalities of the time that is well worth it!

I understand that this is fiction, but I could not get over how the majority of Henry VIII's dialogue was bellowing and/or grunting.And no, I do not think that Elizabeth would be so bold as to ask her father outright about her mother being "Framed"/murdered - that is directly challenging the will and authority of her father. I think she would ask people around her but not yell it in his face.And her being smug/condescending about Thomas Seymour? WTF. Her especially being even more smug and plotting against Mary - nope nope nope nope. Elizabeth was 20 years old when Mary ascended the throne. Mary was 37. I do not think she plotted against Mary (I think she knew of the plots) because she knew that there was a very limited window when it came to Mary producing an heir and she probably would not. Ergo, if she kept her head down, she would become queen by default.This book was decently written, but the plot was just ridiculous. I understand it's a different era of writing female characters, but it was Philippa "Let me repeat all of the misogynistic rumors about powerful women as though they're true and call this undiscovered history" Gregory levels of BAD.

Elizabeth the First, England's most famous queen, was attractive, brilliant, shrewd, flirtatious, and charismatic. Yet she remained single at a time when it was vital for a woman to be married- and for a monarch to provide an heir to the throne. This absorbing novel, which takes Elizabeth from early childhood to the day she becomes queen, explores the possible reasons why this ruler chose to remain "The Virgin Queen." Ms Weir weaves her story around basic historical facts: Elizabeth had a father who was alternately kindly and cruel. She saw him execute two wives and discard one-and she had two stepmothers die in childbirth. She saw her sister become a dreaded tyrant after an unloving marriage. Thus, according to Ms Weir,the young Elizabeth associated marriage with sorrow, pain, and death. The combination of fact, theory and a very good story line makes for a very credible rendition of Elizabeth's childhood and youth. However, even though Ms Weir stuck to the facts and wove her tale around them, she included one incident that is pure conjecture. I will not reveal this incident- read the book and make your own conclusions!

This was an extremely interesting. Make a me want to read more,about the Tutors and EliZabeth in particular. I could hardly put it down. Related rumors of the time. Showed how,close she came to death when her sister was queen. When England thought women were no good in leadership positions, it seems that their best leaders have been women, both queens and prime minister's.There is intrigue of the reformation, the desire for heirs, and the purely political marriages. Speaks if the horrors if the inquisition and it was brought to England with Philip of Spain when he married Mary. Extremely informative novel. Author speaks to rumors that can't be proved and tells how she handled some historical situations and,also so.e violations but seems to be close to historic truth. Was well written and the reader lives with Elizabeth from her early years until she gains the throne. I highly recommend it.

I’ve read many, many books about the Tudors. I love historical fiction because you can imagine almost anything. Most books I’ve read make young Elizabeth into somewhat of an evil person, or one of low morals. This book was a joy to read bc she is given to be human, of a kind heart and strong. The author also notes Elizabeth’s fine mind and excellent education. I’ve always wondered about her relationship with her sister, Mary, and this book addresses that throughout. Excellent book, well-written, well-researched. Time to read the sequel!

There's quite a bit of conjecture in this book, and it delves so nicely with "the Marriage Game" by the same author that one has to remember that the most scandalous parts of the book are purely speculation This highly respected author would have had strong reasons for writing what she did, but others most certainly don't agree with her idea of the relationship between Thomas Seymour and Elizabeth I.Having said that, it's a fun read and it's always good to pick up details that are rooted in fact, as well as one possible back story. It's written well and if I "bought" the idea of an early affair or relationship between the two characters mentioned here I would have given it five starts.

Having read Lady Jane grey the Nine Day Queen I rushed to read this book and what a super read. I did not think the the relations with Thomas Seymour very hard to believe in fact saw this scenario as a very good reason for Elizabeth never to let a man ever take away her power with marriage and become a reason to forever protect herself. Alison Weir has such a wonderful ability to bring history to life I was also googling images of people and places that this booked mentioned as it inspired me to find out more. Ordered another of Alison's books I want to read about Elizabeth's reign through Alison Weirs writing.

Alison Weir has written an accurate fast paced book full of historical detail. A far more accurate account without the added fictitious detail of a Philipa Gregory novel. Both authors are a joy to read but you can tell Weir is here to tell the absolute truth and has meticulously researched her subject , with a sympathetic edge to all her writing .

Unexpectedly really liked this, I came across it by accident and having read so many books set during this era I wasn’t expecting much. However, the tale of Elizabeth growing up and her relationships with Henry, Mary, Edward and so on seemed a refreshing change and kept me wanting more. Obviously there must be some artistic license and the very young Elizabeth, her thoughts and behaviour, seems a little unbelievably at times but overall a really enjoyable read.

This is the first Alison Weir book I've read, purchased on a friend's strong recommendation - who knows I love historical fiction. I think this is a superb book! I found myself engrossed in this story from start to finish. It's very well written, with astounding attention to detail; with a clever plot twist which makes one think. It is also quite a fast paced book, but doesn't lose the listener's attention.I feel I must mention the reader, Actress Emma Fielding - whose voice was a perfect fit for this novel.This may be my first Alison Weir book, but it won't be my last! I received  Innocent Traitor , as a present recently, which I am looking forward to reading Innocent Traitor

I read this book immediately after Alison Weir's fictionalised novel about Lady Jane Gray. On reflection I think I should have waited a bit longer before plunging straight into this one which is set at virtually the identical time. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as "Innocent Traitor" which fascinated me but it was a story well told and based, the author states, on factual research - albeit told with some poetic licence. All the characters are well drawn and one comes to know them well. There is one very controversial episode where the author has allowed her imagination to run perhaps too far but taken as a whole it paints a vivid and at times quite terrifying picture of life at the Tudor court.