Chronicles of the life of the legendary Elizabeth Tudor, the Virgin Queen, are many. She has been captured not only in print but also for films and television, yet we venture to say that never has she been presented in such a meticulous, diligently researched profile as this by Margaret George. Noted for her historical fiction George gives us an Elizabeth seen through the monarch’s own eyes and by other historical figures the author brings to vivid life.
George opens her novel in 1588 when Elizabeth faces a major challenge - the invasion of the Spanish Armada. While the Queen’s thoughts and actions are for England, her cousin and enemy the beautiful Lettice Knollys ponders only how her son might benefit. Lettice lusts after power and position, evidently stopping at nothing to achieve her goals. The portraits of the two very different women are riveting as are those of the legendary figures who were also a part of this time - Shakespeare, Francis Bacon, Walter Raleigh.
Never has history been so fascinating as revealed through George’s pen - Elizabeth, an enduring enigma, is now seen in her strength, power, humility, and perhaps predominantly in her love of country. As has been said, “she was a queen who ruled as much from the heart as from the head.” We find her kissing and washing the feet of her subjects on Maunday Thursday, giving each of the poor 20 shillings and food. We see a Queen wearing magnificent gowns, and owning the finest collection of jewels in Europe stand tall as she tries to pull her country out of poverty.
ELIZABETH I is historical fiction at its finest thanks to the estimable talents of Margaret George.
Highly recommended.
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