The Queen's Pleasure

Sep 02, 2012 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, worth-every-minute

I am still a fairly new devotee of historical fiction and have read a few books centered in the Tudor era but this is the first book devoted to Queen Elizabeth I and, more especially, Amy Robsart Dudley, a figure much lesser known and written about in history.

The Queen's Pleasure is really Amy's story, told from her point of view as a young maiden desperately in love with the dashing Robert Dudley, transitioning to a blushing bride and then an unwanted and unloved wife, callously tossed aside f...more I am still a fairly new devotee of historical fiction and have read a few books centered in the Tudor era but this is the first book devoted to Queen Elizabeth I and, more especially, Amy Robsart Dudley, a figure much lesser known and written about in history.

The Queen's Pleasure is really Amy's story, told from her point of view as a young maiden desperately in love with the dashing Robert Dudley, transitioning to a blushing bride and then an unwanted and unloved wife, callously tossed aside for ambition. I loved Amy as presented in the book as much as I was frustrated with her - - although my frustration stems from Robert Dudley's shoddy treatment of her. It was very powerful to see through my reader's eyes the slow tearing down of a sweet, beguiling young girl, made into a fearful and suspicious woman who trusted no one. Even knowing her fate, I still hoped against hope that she would find happiness and the freedom she so richly deserved.

Sections of the book are also devoted to Elizabeth I and I must admit that in the first chapter or so, outside the beginning of the book, I didn't like Elizabeth and thought her to be as cold and cunning as Robert Dudley himself. However, further chapters showed a more humane and caring woman, a woman desperate to serve her country and learn from her mother's demise. I found Elizabeth to be a bundle of contradictions - - guilt-ridden over her affair with Robert Dudley, but selfish enough to sustain the illicit relationship; claiming to love Robert while admitting that he was a scheming liar who betrayed his wife and, most horribly of all, that he may very well have murdered her or had her murdered. Those contradictions made her a fascinating character, a steely, strong-willed woman who felt she could never marry just a man as she was already married to England.

Amy and Elizabeth were really two sides of a similar, if not the same, coin. Both were devoted in their own way to Robert Dudley, victims of his ambition. Both wanted nothing more than to be perfect in their expected roles - - Amy as Lady Dudley, Robert's wife and Elizabeth as a ruler to surpass her father. Both these women, as well as all others showcased in The Queen's Pleasure, are so vividly portrayed that I came away from this book feeling as though I had an inside track to Amy's thoughts and author Brandy Purdy took me to sixteenth century England as surely as if I had stepped into a time machine.

The writing is inviting, intense and flawless, rich with the flavor of English country life as well as court life. The political machinations, the tragedy to befall the Dudley family and the mystery surrounding Amy's death were weaved to captivating detail and the end result is a mesmerizing work of historical fiction that puts Brandy Purdy on my "must read" list.

I would not hesitate to highly recommend The Queen's Pleasure. It is what historical fiction should be.

©Psychotic State Book Reviews, 2012(less)

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Jul 01, 2012 Rachel rated it 1 of 5 stars

* I received this book as part of a Goodreads "First Reads" giveaway. *

Well, first of all, I didn't realize the type of genre this book was. Had I known, I wouldn't have entered to win. I love historical fiction, however, this book was more like fiction loosely based on some fact with a big helping of lots of writing about the sex lives of the characters in question. I quit reading about a third of the way through the book after feeling rather disappointed.

I did appreciate that Purdy began the b...more

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May 28, 2012 Meg - A Bookish Affair rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, fiction, historical-fiction

4.5 stars. I love, love, love reading just about anything about Queen Elizabeth I. She was strong and powerful and very unique. Oh, and she was a redhead and this redheaded reader loves fellow redheads ;) If you know anything about Queen Elizabeth I, you might know that she was Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's daughter. You might know that her nickname was "The Virgin Queen." Or you might know that she had a long time lover named Robert Dudley. This book mostly focuses on Robert Dudley, told from th...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Queen's Pleasure explores the romance between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, primarily through the eyes of Amy Dudley, Robert's wife. Not only did Amy stand between Robert and Elizabeth, but between Robert and his ambition. The novel opens with Amy's discussion of her marriage to Robert, which quickly became a loveless shell when the once love-lorn Robert realizes that marrying the lowly Amy only hurt his ambition. Then, after Elizabeth takes the throne, Robert seems a way to further that am...more The Queen's Pleasure explores the romance between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, primarily through the eyes of Amy Dudley, Robert's wife. Not only did Amy stand between Robert and Elizabeth, but between Robert and his ambition. The novel opens with Amy's discussion of her marriage to Robert, which quickly became a loveless shell when the once love-lorn Robert realizes that marrying the lowly Amy only hurt his ambition. Then, after Elizabeth takes the throne, Robert seems a way to further that ambition despite Amy. However, it doesn't take long for jealousy to blossom, and for Elizabeth to see Amy as a threat and rival for Robert's heart.

Brandy Purdy captures the unique voices of two women brought together by the love of one man, and the heated rivalry that ensues, filled with politics and covered in raw ambition. I was particularly intrigued by Amy's sections, since I've never seen another book tell the same story through Amy's eyes. This helped to put a unique perspective on the subject and help me understand her situation better, as more of a victim of Robert's ambitions and unexpected recipient of Elizabeth's dislike. It was particularly interesting to see the depiction of Amy and Robert's relationship pre-Elizabeth, as it was certainly rout with issues (and sometimes outright abuse).

Characters aside, I had some trouble reading parts of this book. First, I felt like there were several things that should have been taken out completely (this book is over 500 pages and, at times, it goes really slowly), especially before Elizabeth appears on the scene. Second, I found it hard to get fully invested in Purdy's style. This is mostly personal preference, but the severe lack of dialog, long and wordy sentences, and frequent time skips made it hard for me to keep my brain completely focused on the story, and I found my thoughts wandering.

This book is just right for fans of historical romance and who enjoyed Purdy's previous novels, but it was a little difficult for me to fully enjoy. I wouldn't rush out and buy it, but I'd certainly suggest it to friends looking for a good historical romance.(less)

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Aug 14, 2012 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm a huge fan of historical novels, especially those set in the Tudor era, but after reading The Tudor Wife/Venegance Is Mine by Emily Purdy (one of the worst books I've ever read) I didn't expect to enjoy this. I was looking for some new reading material and picked this up for about £3 in my local Tesco, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

The novel's blurb lead me to believe that the story was about the relationship between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, but it actually focuses more...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

I was fortunate enough to be able to read and review an earlier published book written by Brandy Purdy, The Tudor Throne. When I was asked to participate in the Virtual Book Tour for The Queen's Pleasure, I didn't hesitate to accept, and I wasn't disappointed!

Ms. Purdy writes with a painstaking attention to detail. I was able to easily envision the scenes, even to feel like I was there. The only drawback to this is that on occasion there was so much detail that it tended to make the story drag a...more I was fortunate enough to be able to read and review an earlier published book written by Brandy Purdy, The Tudor Throne. When I was asked to participate in the Virtual Book Tour for The Queen's Pleasure, I didn't hesitate to accept, and I wasn't disappointed!

Ms. Purdy writes with a painstaking attention to detail. I was able to easily envision the scenes, even to feel like I was there. The only drawback to this is that on occasion there was so much detail that it tended to make the story drag a bit.

For me, the first few chapters were slow reading. I believe I felt the same about The Tudor Throne. The prologue was great, it heightened my interest in the story and I couldn't wait to plunge into the 16th century. Then there were several chapters with Amy Robsart Dudley narrating that didn't keep up with the pace set by the prologue. The character spent a lot of time contemplating nature, death, and many other things instead of getting on with the story. I know it was meant to help us get to know her, an obscure but real person from history, but I felt I got to know her best through the telling of the events of her life and how she reacted to them.

Another issue slowing down the story's pace is Ms. Purdy's writing style. She writes extremely long sentences that can be quite hard to follow. The story might be better served by breaking those up into smaller, more concise lines.

However, if you find it slow going at first as I did, keep reading. The action picks up and the story takes off. I couldn't put the book down, I had to find out what Robert Dudley was going to do next. If you're like me, and hadn't heard of Amy Robsart Dudley, don't do any googling to find out about her, let The Queen's Pleasure tell you. Ms. Purdy gives us an ending for this gravely wronged woman that is both achingly beautiful and tearfully tragic.

The Queen's Pleasure is another jewel in Brandy Purdy's crown. She takes on the unenviable task of breathing life into history's noted and notorious. (less)

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Jul 28, 2012 Sarah Wagner rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: england, historical-fiction

*I received this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.*

I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised by this book, but instead I found it rather disappointing. Overall, I felt like the writing was poor, the characters unlikeable, and the plot rather thin. The seed of this novel lies in the history of Robert Dudley and the mysterious death of his first wife, Amy. The Tudors are always popular subjects of historical fiction, but this particular work has little to recommend it. Amy comes off as weak...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Kathleen Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Queen's Pleasure is the fictional account of a real person, Amy Robisart. Born in Norfolk, the heiress of farmer Sir John Robsart of Syderstone. She married Robert Dudley just before she turned 18, and they were both young and in love. Amy is best known for her untimely death of suspicious circumstances.
Lady Jane Grey became Queen and after her rule of a fortnight as England's queen, Robert Dudley was sentenced to death and imprisoned in the Tower of London. At the same time Princess Elizab...more The Queen's Pleasure is the fictional account of a real person, Amy Robisart. Born in Norfolk, the heiress of farmer Sir John Robsart of Syderstone. She married Robert Dudley just before she turned 18, and they were both young and in love. Amy is best known for her untimely death of suspicious circumstances.
Lady Jane Grey became Queen and after her rule of a fortnight as England's queen, Robert Dudley was sentenced to death and imprisoned in the Tower of London. At the same time Princess Elizabeth, lifelong friend of Robert Dudley,was also imprisoned in the tower. Robert is eventually freed. With the accession of Elizabeth I to queen, she awarded Robert with the title, Master of the Horse, where he spent most of his time at court. Amy on the other hand was kept away from court which suited her fine at the time. This became increasingly hard on Amy and all she wanted was to spend time with her husband and start a family. Robert had high hopes on becoming King of England and did whatever he could to achieve that goal, including wooing Elizabeth I. As time goes by Amy becomes more and more despondent with the feeling that her husband no longer loves her and her rival is the Queen of England.
Amy becomes ill with breast cancer and after she dies,there were rumors that Robert wanted her dead and that he had hired someone to poison Amy so he could continue his pursuit of Elizabeth and England. Elizabeth has decided to that she will never marry, including Robert. There different theories as to the what really happened and we all know that Elizabeth I was England's Virgin Queen and that Robert Dudley died without achieving his goal of becoming King and had to live with the rumors that he caused his wife's death.
I found Amy to be a very tragic figure and Robert to be a cad of the lowest form. Brandy Purdy tells the story of Amy in an intimate and honest way that I found appealing although at times I felt like giving Amy a swift kick in the backside and for her to tell her husband that enough was enough. In Medieval times though, husbands were rarely faithful to their wives and the main reasons for marriage was for their lands, money and property. I did not much like Robert in this book but I felt that in the end his reward was not being able to obtain his goals.
As with all of Brandy's books, I enjoyed this one very much and highly recommend it to the lover of Tudor history. It is always nice to get a different point of view, even though it is fiction of course.
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Jun 24, 2012 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, historical-fiction

Was it murder or suicide or even an accident? Did Robert Dudley murder his 1st wife or order her murdered? Did Amy Robsart Dudley choose suicide as a release from the terrors of breast cancer and her torturous marriage to Robert Dudley? I chose this book to know more of the facts and to imagine the emotions had by Amy and Elizabeth the 1st.

Brandy Purdy’s “The Queen’s Pleasure” captured me in the beginning pages and did not let go until the end of the Epilogue. The Epilogue was my favorite part....more Was it murder or suicide or even an accident? Did Robert Dudley murder his 1st wife or order her murdered? Did Amy Robsart Dudley choose suicide as a release from the terrors of breast cancer and her torturous marriage to Robert Dudley? I chose this book to know more of the facts and to imagine the emotions had by Amy and Elizabeth the 1st.

Brandy Purdy’s “The Queen’s Pleasure” captured me in the beginning pages and did not let go until the end of the Epilogue. The Epilogue was my favorite part. My husband was in another room when I read it and he asked me if anything was wrong!

The story is told through the voices of Amy Robsart Dudley and Elizabeth 1st. Amy was Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester’s first wife. They came from very different backgrounds. He was the son of the Duke of Northumberland and Lady Jane Grey. His father has tried to secure the throne for his wife and failed. Robert was at first enchanted with Amy. Amy was from the country and loved nature very much. She didn’t care for jewels or furs or titles, she just wanted a happy life. Then Robert became enamored with Elizabeth 1st or did he?

I loved the idea of telling the story of Amy’s life through the voices of Amy and Elizabeth 1st and enjoyed the description, songs and poems employed in this story. After reading this book, I felt that I could easily understand Amy’s and Elizabeth’s feelings towards Robert Dudley. This book also gives you an inside to the ravages of breast cancer and the guesses at its treatment in the 1560s.

Did Robert Dudley truly love Elizabeth the 1st or was it the crown instead? Why Elizabeth 1st did chose England over any marriage? I believe this book answers those questions. What was the true Robert Dudley like? I hated him! You can read this book and see how you feel towards him.

I really loved this book; it flowed so easily for me and never got boring. I felt that I learned a lot about the relationships of the Amy, Robert Dudley and Elizabeth 1st, feel very fortunate to be living in these times when it comes to medicine. I confess that I have read some negative criticism that complains about the long sentences in this book but since that is the way that I write it felt very natural!

So I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in historical fiction. I am going to hold on to this book. I look forward to reading more historical fiction from Brandy Purdy.

I received this book from the author, Brandy Purdy but that in no way influenced my review.

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Mar 31, 2012 Mariely rated it 5 of 5 stars

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Jul 29, 2012 Gayle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: tudor-shelf

The cover of the book says it's "A Novel of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley". In my opinion, it's more of a novel of Elizabeth I and AMY Dudley. This book is far more about Amy Dudley, the much dusregarded wife of Robert Dudley. Little is written about her, but she was a significant factor in Robert's quest for the Crown of England.

In the beginning of this novel, the author jumped around in the time line.....something I do not like. But, after a few chapters she stuck to a chronological time line...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Nikki Bywater rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The scandalous love triangle between Queen Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley and his wife Amy, makes interesting reading in this fascinating novel by Emily Purdy.

Set from the time that Elizabeth is imprisoned in the Tower of London accused of conspiring to steal the throne, by her half-sister Queen Mary and where her affair with Robert is said to have begun, through to her early reign on the throne as Queen of England and Amy’s mysterious death. This is a truly brilliant portrait of a significant time...more

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Jul 07, 2012 V rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, 2012

I received this book as a part of the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

In Brandy Purdy's novel about the relationships of Robert Dudley with his wife, Amy, and Queen Elizabeth, the point of view alternates between the two women. While this provides a deep look into the characters, acquainting the reader with each woman's innermost thoughts, the two voices are quite similar -- both women seem to have the same voice. As the book progresses, having begun with Amy's death and then tracing the years th...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

While I enjoyed this book I was a bit baffeled when I started to read ... the front and back cover of the book implies this a book about Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth 1 ... the words on the front 'A novel of Elizabeth 1 and Robert Dudley'
The book, in reality, is a story about Elizabeth 1 and Amy Dudley as they are the two and only characters telling the story
and while they both shared Robert Dudley as a common love or tie ... the book was not really, in my opinon, about Robert

I enjoyed thi...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Amber (The Musings of ALMYBNENR) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-150-reading-challenge, 2012-historical-fiction-reading-cha, 2012-tudor-reading-challenge, arcs, historical

Rating: 4.5 stars

The Queen’s Pleasure is the long-suffering Amy Robsart Dudley’s story, the ill-treated and oft forgotten country heiress wife to the highly ambitious Lord Robert Dudley. When Amy, the squire’s daughter and Robert, a traitor’s son, first met, it was love at first sight. They quickly married despite the objections from both of their families, believing that their love and their dreams were all they needed. But even as Amy’s love remains steadfast, Robert’s ardor cools and he retur...more Rating: 4.5 stars

The Queen’s Pleasure is the long-suffering Amy Robsart Dudley’s story, the ill-treated and oft forgotten country heiress wife to the highly ambitious Lord Robert Dudley. When Amy, the squire’s daughter and Robert, a traitor’s son, first met, it was love at first sight. They quickly married despite the objections from both of their families, believing that their love and their dreams were all they needed. But even as Amy’s love remains steadfast, Robert’s ardor cools and he returns to Edward VI’s court only to be trapped in the Tower along with part of his family because of their involvement in keeping Mary Tudor from her throne after her brother’s death. Made into a scapegoat by those who would overthrow Mary, the Lady Elizabeth finds herself in the Tower with her old childhood friend she affectionately calls Robin and they become reacquainted.

Once Elizabeth ascends to the Tudor throne as queen, Robert works overtime to appeal to her womanly nature so he can put aside his wife, Amy, and wed a royal bride for her crown. When, two years into Queen Elizabeth’s reign, Amy Robsart Dudley is found dead at the bottom of a staircase, the suspicion is laid on Robert and the queen, for a death that still remains a mystery.

Brandy Purdy told the story of Amy Robsart’s relationship with Robert Dudley through both Amy and Elizabeth, in the first person. The Queen’s Pleasure began a few weeks after Amy’s death in a prologue from Elizabeth’s point-of-view before moving onto Amy herself on the morning of the day she died, as she reminisced about the last ten years of her life, beginning when she first met Lord Robert Dudley. From then on, a large chunk of the book is Amy’s and then it alternates between Amy and Elizabeth, to give the reader a view of Robert from another woman’s perspective who also loved him and to show what he was up to at court.

Purdy took the route of many historical fiction writers by painting the Dudley family as an overly ambitious and cruel bunch. I think I can safely say that they were definitely ambitious, but since I read another book that featured this family recently that colors them less harshly, I think I want to take a happy medium between those two portrayals as possibly the one most close to real life. But really, either way one looks at it, Robert Dudley really did become a nuisance with his incessant demands of Elizabeth and her throne and he was cruel enough to Amy by leaving her alone and wanting her out of the way so his own dreams could come true.

I believe The Queen’s Pleasure is the first historical fiction book I have read that really focused on Amy Robsart and her side of the story and that made this read refreshing and new, as well as heart-breaking. I thought Amy was a great and kind woman and I was really able to relate to her and her situation. It was the most human I have ever “seen” Amy before. In other books I have read, she was always in the periphery as a hindrance to Robert and Elizabeth, but Purdy has turned her into a real woman who was wrongfully rejected and whose lifelong dreams were stolen from her because of a self-absorbed man who never deserved her.

Although it was a bit lengthy, Brandy Purdy really was able to get into both Amy’s and Elizabeth’s minds and bring them to life and I really enjoyed and learned from reading Amy Robsart Dudley in a new light.
The Queen’s Pleasure is Brandy Purdy’s most riveting work yet!

Recommended for historical fiction and Tudor era lovers seventeen and older who have always wondered about Amy Robsart and the mysterious circumstances of her death. It is a must-read!

Read this review in its original format on The Musings of ALMYBNENR here.(less)

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Jul 10, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: not-owned, gr-lt-early-review

The first half of The Queen's Pleasure was very hard to get through, mostly because I wanted to punch every single person. Robert was a total jerk, Amy was a pushover, and Elizabeth was just selfish. The tone of the book really changed though about half way through the book, and I started to really enjoy it.
The book is told over a 10 year period from first person perspectives of both Queen Elizabeth and Amy Robsart Dudley, Wife of Robert Dudley. The writing itself was good, and the voice of each...more

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Sep 29, 2012 Shoshanah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was so excited when the author of this book reached out to me and asked if I'd want a copy to read. I really enjoyed her last book, The Tudor Throne, so I couldn't wait to read another by her. It's funny going back to that post and reading that I wanted to see Elizabeth's story continue, because basically this is that. I do think that if I read the two closer together I would have enjoyed this more, because while parts of the story did come back to me, it did take a while.

My biggest complaint...more I was so excited when the author of this book reached out to me and asked if I'd want a copy to read. I really enjoyed her last book, The Tudor Throne, so I couldn't wait to read another by her. It's funny going back to that post and reading that I wanted to see Elizabeth's story continue, because basically this is that. I do think that if I read the two closer together I would have enjoyed this more, because while parts of the story did come back to me, it did take a while.

My biggest complaint with this book is actually the way it was marketed. The front cover calls it "A Novel of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley." But it really is a story of Amy Dudley, the wife of Robert Dudley. Given who she is, Robert & Elizabeth are definitely significant players (in fact several chapters are even told from Elizabeth's point of view), but it really is Amy's story. Even the book's summary never mentions Amy by name, and she is only referred to in passing as Robert's wife. What is interesting is reading the summary of the UK version of this book (marketed as A Court Affair by Emily Purdy), because there you can actually tell who the story is about.

The book actually begins as the end of the story, and then goes back in time to fill in the details of what got everyone got that point. I'm not always a fan of that that approach, but since I knew what to expect from Amy's story (both from Philippa Gregory's The Virgin's Lover and Jean Plaidy's A Favorite of the Queen) it really worked for me.

I have read complaints about this book that it's not historically accurate, which I can see because it's told from Amy's point of view and we really have no idea what she's thinking. Except as you read you can't help but notice the historical details, based on fact, that are woven throughout. Purday doesn't make a point to call the out just to prove that it is based on truth, but if you look for them, there are a lot of historical accuracies within.

I really did enjoy this one, and do think Purdy has an interesting take on the Tudor reign. I can't wait to see what she has next, although in some ways I'd like to see her venture into more interesting territory instead of sticking with this family.

Disclosure: I was provided this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.(less)

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Aug 15, 2012 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: gift-from-author, historical-fiction, for-review

Brandy Purdy writes a story about Robert Dudley who meets Amy Robsart-a daughter of a squire-and falls in love with her. Despite his family’s misgivings of the match he soon marries her. Not long after, Robert's love for Amy fades and he wants to return to court. When Elizabeth becomes Queen of England, Robert’s ambition grows and so does his resentment towards his marriage to Amy. Roberts’s loyalties seem to move to whoever is in power at the moment and throughout the story he shows no quilt or...more Brandy Purdy writes a story about Robert Dudley who meets Amy Robsart-a daughter of a squire-and falls in love with her. Despite his family’s misgivings of the match he soon marries her. Not long after, Robert's love for Amy fades and he wants to return to court. When Elizabeth becomes Queen of England, Robert’s ambition grows and so does his resentment towards his marriage to Amy. Roberts’s loyalties seem to move to whoever is in power at the moment and throughout the story he shows no quilt or remorse for his actions. When Amy turns up dead, suspicion falls on Dudley and people question whether the Queen was involved.

This story focuses on Robert’s wife, Amy & Queen Elizabeth's point of view. Even though Roberts view is lacking, Purdy writes in great detail of Roberts emotional, physical and mental abuse to Amy and his constant demands of Elizabeth. Robert completely disgusted me and what sadden me the most was that he left Amy shut up in various manners across the countryside for long periods of time-alone- not caring for her well-being while he was at court living the royal life and misleading Elizabeth about his relationship he has with his wife.

The lack of dialog in the beginning of the story made it difficult to read and I felt parts of it was getting a little repetitive and could have been shortened. However, Purdy does a superb job exploring the mind of an abused wife.

In-spite of already knowing about Amy's mysterious death, it wasn't any easier reading about it again. The circumstances surrounding her death is still a mystery and we know very little about Amy and her marriage to Robert. Purdy gives us a clear and painful perspective of how it could have been for her. I applaud Purdy for strong character building and even though I was mentally exhausted after reading this story... it was a gripping & emotional read. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy reading about the Tudors and wanting to explore more of Amy's life.

3.5 Stars

Stephanie
Layered Pages

www.layeredpages.blogspot.com (less)

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Apr 16, 2013 Orsolya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: tudor-england, queens, mistresses-royalty, historical-fiction, elizabeth-i, library-2

Although the love affair between Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley is well-known; I generally find myself “rooting” for the underdog which in this case was Dudley’s ill-fated wife, Amy Robsart. Her death – whether from breast cancer, suicide, or murder—is one of my favorite unsolved mysteries. Brandy Purdy explores this love triangle in “The Queen’s Pleasure”.

The first 200 pages of “The Queen’s Pleasure” are told through Amy’s eyes alternating chapters between the day of her death and of her me...more Although the love affair between Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley is well-known; I generally find myself “rooting” for the underdog which in this case was Dudley’s ill-fated wife, Amy Robsart. Her death – whether from breast cancer, suicide, or murder—is one of my favorite unsolved mysteries. Brandy Purdy explores this love triangle in “The Queen’s Pleasure”.

The first 200 pages of “The Queen’s Pleasure” are told through Amy’s eyes alternating chapters between the day of her death and of her memories of her marriage to Robert. Although this back-and-forth can become tiresome; Amy truly comes alive which is refreshing due to the lack of books focusing on her viewpoint. Sadly, however, her characterization stresses her as a “country bumpkin” as though Purdy is trying to convince the reader that Amy wasn’t good enough for Robert.

In fact, “The Queen’s Pleasure” suffers wholly from stereotypes with none of the characters escaping the role they are expected to play: Robert is rude, crude, and ambitious while his brother Guildford is a spoiled mama’s boy as Elizabeth is emotionless and selfish (although her arc evolves). Although these typecast roles create ample drama within the novel; they are one-dimensional for the readers hoping to explore new sides to the figures.

From a historical context, “The Queen’s Pleasure” is rather accurate with facts while the historical liberties employed are believable and overall enrich the story. Although, there are fluffy sections which feel like a pathetic romance novel. Furthermore, Purdy has “slip-ups” in dialogue which are too modern or posed in a way which would never occur.

Purdy’s writing style is very figurative, literary, and illustrative; focusing more on thoughts and emotions versus dialogue. This creates a deeper and richer novel than expected with less fluff. On the contrary, there are many areas which feel forced and dragged out with allusions stretching pages with little movement or action resulting in the reader’s propensity to scan and not miss anything within the plot.

Another frustrating factor is the mention of buttercups and apples on EVERY page. Readers will come to hate buttercups! Purdy clearly added some of the events strictly for novelty (ghost monks, Robert and Amy having sex in front of his brothers in the tower, Amy masturbating in a public bath, voodoo-type wax dolls). These can be annoying, and again, perceived as “trying too hard”. Fortunately, these are infrequent and it feels as though Purdy was uncomfortable with them but felt she had to include them for popularity (they don’t add to the plot and could have been left out).

Naturally, “The Queen’s Pleasure” is much more dramatic as Elizabeth’s alternating chapters stir up the mix. The reader truly feels Amy’s pain and scorn and also Elizabeth’s need for control. The novel is certainly not for Robert fans, as the feelings of hatred toward him can’t be avoided. At the same time, Purdy is repetitive and makes Amy distasteful as each page is filled with numerous attempts to gain (failingly) Robert’s attention and love. This becomes tedious, predictable, and frustrating.

The conclusion of “The Queen’s Pleasure” was strong and then a let-down. Strong:Purdy, in a sense, combined all the theories surrounding Amy’s death which gave an unbiased demise and allows the reader to make his/her own conclusion. Furthermore, Purdy seamlessly interweaves Leicester’s Commonwealth into the tale, strengthening the novel as this document isn’t often explored resulting in a memorable ending. However, the epilogue (which was not necessary) weakens the ending, adds an unneeded twist to the entire novel, and results in a groan. I would suggest ignoring this section. Purdy does discuss some of the historical after notes in the post-script) (bringing to light the interesting figures of Thomas Blount and Dr. Walter Bayly).

The main feature and deciding factor whether one would enjoy the novel or not; is the lack of constant dialogue and banter with a more stream of consciousness approach. To some, “The Queen’s Pleasure” is thus a deeper novel while to others; it may be slow and sluggish. Overall though, I would recommend “The Queen’s Pleasure” to those seeking novels regarding Amy Robsart (as they aren’t abundant).
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Dec 21, 2012 Christie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: tudor-reading-challenge-2012, 16th-century, biographical-fiction, england, historical-fiction, mysteries, royalty

First sentence: "I told Kat to fetch a chair and be my dragon, to sit outside my bedchamber door and guard my lair after I was gone."

Amy Robsart and Robert Dudley were married after a whirlwind romance in their teens. Ten years later, Robert is infatuated with Elizabeth I and has hopes of being the king of England to her queen, there is only one small problem, he is still married to Amy although he has stopped seeing her as anything but a burden and an obstacle to his ambitions. Then one Septem...more First sentence: "I told Kat to fetch a chair and be my dragon, to sit outside my bedchamber door and guard my lair after I was gone."

Amy Robsart and Robert Dudley were married after a whirlwind romance in their teens. Ten years later, Robert is infatuated with Elizabeth I and has hopes of being the king of England to her queen, there is only one small problem, he is still married to Amy although he has stopped seeing her as anything but a burden and an obstacle to his ambitions. Then one September evening in 1560 Amy is found dead at the bottom of the stairs. Was it a tragic accident or murder? Brandy Purdy imagines not only what happened on that fateful day but also the lives of the main players in this drama leading up to the death.

I liked the book. I read Death and the Virgin Queen: Elizabeth I and the Dark Scandal That Rocked the Throne earlier this year and when I heard there was a fictional account of the events surrounding I decided to give it a try. The book is told from both Elizabeth's and Amy's point of view (why this is subtitled A Novel of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley I will never understand. It was more a story of Amy and Elizabeth and their experiences with Dudley) and both women have their own distinctive voice so it is easy to tell who is speaking when. I thought the author did a great job of bringing all the characters to life and unfolding the drama a little bit at a time. I liked the fact that even though I knew how the story ended there were still many twists and turns the author threw in there that kept me guessing.

There were a few things that grated on my nerves in this book. One was the fact that this book was in terrible need of editing. The author repeated herself so many times it started to seem like she just copied and pasted the same paragraphs multiple times throughout the book. There were many times I had to check and make sure my bookmark had not accidentally been moved it was that repetitive. Then there was the fact that the author did not make Dudley a desirable character at all. It was mentioned that both Amy and Elizabeth were head over heels in love with him but never tried to explain the attraction. I like to know what my characters see in their romantic interest and its annoying when the reader is supposed to just accept that this character is an attractive and wonderful when the author shows him as nothing but evil and self-serving. My biggest problem however was with the author's note at the end. I expect these author's notes in historical novels to give the real historical background of the story and things they might have embellished in the novel. In this book, the author's note was embellished itself. There were whole fictionalized conversations in the author's note as well as speculation and things that have absolutely no historical accuracy presented as fact. (Such as the "fact" that Lettice Knolly's first child was actually Robert Dudley's child not her first husband's. There were rumors and gossip at the time that this was true, but it should not be presented as an honest-to-god fact.)

The book was pretty good. I enjoyed the story and liked that it presented a part of the Elizabethan story that most people don't know about. I just wish there could have been some changes made. However, it is a good novel to read to learn more about the Amy Robsart/Robert Dudley/Elizabeth Tudor affair. (less)

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Jun 03, 2012 Holly P rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, tudor-england

"Ambition is so powerful a passion in the human breast, that however high we reach we are never satisfied.”- Niccolo Machiavelli

I can think of no other historical character that fits the above quote better than Robert Dudley and unfortunately it is his wife-Amy Robsart Dudley-who suffers the most because of it. What begins as a love match between the two quickly becomes an impediment for Robert who realizes his wife is not made for court life and she stands in the way of everything he hopes to g...more "Ambition is so powerful a passion in the human breast, that however high we reach we are never satisfied.”- Niccolo Machiavelli

I can think of no other historical character that fits the above quote better than Robert Dudley and unfortunately it is his wife-Amy Robsart Dudley-who suffers the most because of it. What begins as a love match between the two quickly becomes an impediment for Robert who realizes his wife is not made for court life and she stands in the way of everything he hopes to gain. The story is told via the dual narrative of Amy and her rival for Robert's affections-Queen Elizabeth I. Through Amy's eyes we see the love blossom between her and the young handsome Robert Dudley, the gradual gulf form between the couple as Robert's fortunes rise due to the ascension of his childhood friend Elizabeth to the throne, and the sordid turn their lives take as Robert tries to rid himself of his burdensome wife. Through Elizabeth's eyes we experience Robert's ambitions first hand as he does everything he can think of to please the Queen and convince her to marry him even though Elizabeth is often in doubt if his affection is genuine or if becoming king is all he really cares about.

Amy is often a character in the Tudor-verse that is put on the back burner when novelists tackle the story of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley. She is just the country wife that everyone knows about but conveniently pretends she doesn't exist. In The Queen's Pleasure we get an intimate portrait of the sad life of this young woman who only wants to recapture the love she thought she had with her husband. Usually I am annoyed at characters that appear to have no backbone and won't stand up for themselves. This was not the case with Amy because even though she is dealt repeated emotional blows at the hands of Robert (who is painted as the devil incarnate in this book), Brandy Purdy writes Amy as such a genuinely good character who is totally undeserving of her fate that you can't help but like her and feel really sorry for her as you read through her story. Of the two narratives I did connect with Amy's story more but I also enjoyed Elizabeth's quite a bit. While still the strong, willful Tudor Queen we know, she is also a woman experiencing intense loneliness and one who is maybe not as complicit in the actions taken against Amy Dudley as one would think.

I did think some of the events happening at the residences Amy stayed at and also the lengths Amy goes to to preserve her love with Robert were a little much but they were also very entertaining and definitely increased my sympathies for Amy. Also in the novel Amy is referred to as Robert's Buttercup Bride several times and it began to grate after awhile. I loved reading Amy's story and I am glad this author decided to finally give Amy a voice. I thought she did a marvelous job with it!

*review copy for tour participation*(less)

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Jun 26, 2012 Kelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Told from the POV of Amy Dudley and also Elizabeth I, the reader is taken on a touching journey. The beginning has you wondering if the entire story is going to be told from obviously the mind of a very sick and mad woman who has been scorned by her husband. Amy Dudley's cancer has spread and seems to be the cause of her paranoia. The reader doesn't know if this feeling is real or if it is just a dying woman's wild imagination.

As the story progresses we flash back to happier days when Robert Dud...more Told from the POV of Amy Dudley and also Elizabeth I, the reader is taken on a touching journey. The beginning has you wondering if the entire story is going to be told from obviously the mind of a very sick and mad woman who has been scorned by her husband. Amy Dudley's cancer has spread and seems to be the cause of her paranoia. The reader doesn't know if this feeling is real or if it is just a dying woman's wild imagination.

As the story progresses we flash back to happier days when Robert Dudley and Amy first met and instantly fall in love. Even though everyone tells Robert that he is marrying beneath him, the lusty 17-year old wants no one but Amy. Amy is a country girl at heart and not one of the lofty court women. Amy loves to work on the farm and make her jellies. As time goes on and Elizabeth I, Robert's child playmate, takes the throne, Robert sees that his youthful decision was not a wise one and has hurt his ambitions to be great.

Robert becomes a disgusting character. He is greedy, abusive and narcissistic. He is constantly belittling Amy and embarrassing her in front of others so that everyone's perception of Amy is that she is a country bumpkin. He starts to slowly take everything away from Amy until she has nothing left but her every trusty handmaiden, Pirto. Amy, still thinking, that she has to hold onto Robert, tries to win back his love only to have it thrown in her face. Her attempts at times are hard to read because they are so pathetic and you just want Amy to grow a backbone.

The reader starts to think of Elizabeth as a home wrecker until her POV comes into play. Robert’s duplicity is shown and how he is playing both women against each other. Elizabeth feels devotion to Robert because of their past but as we all know; Elizabeth swore she would never marry. England was her husband. But once Elizabeth finds out about Roberts lies and betrayals after Amy's mysterious death, the fiery red head gets her revenge for both the deceased Amy and for herself.

The Queen's Pleasure started out shaky for me but ended with me feeling fulfilled. All that I hoped for came from this lengthy novel of the Elizabeth/Robert Dudley/Amy Dudley triangle. I enjoyed reading the unique writing of Purdy. If you are a lover of Tudor fiction you will be enamored with this version of the story of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley's rumored affair.

(ARC was provided for an honest review)(less)

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Aug 01, 2012 Cynthia Mcarthur rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the tale of the classic, often-imagined love triangle between Robert and Amy Dudley and Elizabeth Tudor. The story opens on the much-speculated-upon morning of Amy’s death. The story alternates from Amy’s current point of view and her flashbacks and remembrances of her relationship with Robert and, of course, Elizabeth’s pragmatic point of view on the situation.

Throughout Amy’s story, I really sympathized with her as a cuckolded woman, unable to give up the cherished dreams she and Rober...more

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Jun 07, 2012 Siobian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, read-in-2012, review-copy

Though many have heard about the relationship between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, few know about Robert's wife, Amy Robsart Dudley. When she was seventeen, she married Robert for love and they had a wonderful first year of marriage. But soon, Robert's ambition overtakes his feelings for Amy and he leaves her behind in the countryside with promises to introduce Amy at court one day. Amy lives out her life alone, except for her faithful servant who stays with her through everything, hoping and...more Though many have heard about the relationship between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, few know about Robert's wife, Amy Robsart Dudley. When she was seventeen, she married Robert for love and they had a wonderful first year of marriage. But soon, Robert's ambition overtakes his feelings for Amy and he leaves her behind in the countryside with promises to introduce Amy at court one day. Amy lives out her life alone, except for her faithful servant who stays with her through everything, hoping and praying that her husband will come back to her. Unfortunately, her husband is much too caught up in trying to woo Queen Elizabeth in hopes of becoming king. When Amy dies under mysterious circumstances, many wonder was it an accident? Or did Robert or the Queen of England have something to do with her death?

I have always appreciated Brandy Purdy's ability to take a well known historical story and put a new twist on it and I was not disappointed in her telling of Elizabeth and Robert's "love" story. Once again, Purdy's writing is beautiful and incredibly descriptive, with the ability to make the reader feel the emotions that her characters are feeling. She puts the story telling in Amy's hands and the reader is able to understand how Amy felt throughout the whole ordeal, knowing that her husband was too busy spending time with another woman and living out his ambitions to spend time with his wife. Elizabeth also tells a bit of her side of the story and this allowed me to see how Robert manipulated both Amy and Elizabeth, though I have to say that I felt more sorry for Amy than the queen. I liked getting to see Amy's side of the story, but it is not a happy one. I felt so bad for her that there were times I just had to put the book down and take a break, it stirred that much of an emotional response in me. Though this wasn't a happy tale, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it Tudor fans and to anyone wanting to know more about Amy Dudley.

*Please note, I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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Jun 19, 2012 Michelle/ The True Book Addict rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-tour-books, historical-fiction, for-review, owned, read-in-2012

I always find it interesting to read a historical novel told from the point of view of a historical figure about which very little is known. It gives a fresh perspective to a story that, even for those of us who are in love with the Tudors, can grow tiresome at times. Brandy Purdy has done this for us in this wonderful book and has done it very well.

In The Queen's Pleasure, we get to experience the lives and love of Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley through the eyes of Amy Robsart Dudley, and...more I always find it interesting to read a historical novel told from the point of view of a historical figure about which very little is known. It gives a fresh perspective to a story that, even for those of us who are in love with the Tudors, can grow tiresome at times. Brandy Purdy has done this for us in this wonderful book and has done it very well.

In The Queen's Pleasure, we get to experience the lives and love of Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley through the eyes of Amy Robsart Dudley, and we learn of her life with Dudley as well. Amy is a colorful character who at the same time is very tragic. She is swept up in a life that she thought was going to be very different and all because of politics and power play. Such were the times in Tudor England. Not many were safe from its ill effects. Though Elizabeth's reign was a good and strong one, the constant jockeying for her hand in marriage was ever present and Robert Dudley was right at the center of it. When his ambition took flight, there really was no hope for poor Amy, his wife.

All the above aside, what I really want to touch on is Purdy's descriptive and flowing prose. As I was reading, I felt that I was right there experiencing everything along with the characters, especially in the parts that Amy tells. To many, Amy may seem a bit too downtrodden, but I saw more. Purdy has given Amy Robsart life...has given us more than just a woman who was Dudley's wife and who died a suspicious death. We now see that Amy was once a living, breathing person who loved and believed in her husband and ended up betrayed in the end. How many women have been led to believe in a dream, only to be tragically disappointed in the end? Amy speaks for all of those women throughout history.

Although my favorite queen, and probably favorite historical figure of all time, is a character here, Amy Robsart is the true star of this book. This is my first read by Ms. Purdy and it will not be my last. Read this book if you love the Tudors, but also read it if you feel for the sad plight of all women through the ages. This is their story, as well as Amy's.
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Jan 02, 2013 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, tudors

For whatever reason, I usually avoid Tudor books that take place once Elizabeth becomes queen. I love reading about everything leading up to that, but find myself not caring once she starts her reign.

I wanted to give this book a try, though, because I really enjoyed this author's other two Tudor books. The cover told me this was a story of Elizabeth and Robert Dudley so that's what I was expecting; much to my surprise, this was REALLY a story about Robert's wife, Amy. I knew about her story, and...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Allison Macias rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amy loves Robert. Robert loves Elizabeth. Elizabeth loves Robert, but often doesn't like him. This love triangle is one of the most infamous, and dangerous love triangles in the world. The fate of a Wife and a Kingdom depend on the outcome of this torrid love affair.

Robert Dudley marries Amy Robsart after a young whirlwind courtship. After the passion fades and Robert's ambition ignites, Amy is left in the country as a forgotten wife. At court, Robert recklessly peruses Queen Elizabeth and the C...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

I really liked this book, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a history major and because I love the Tudors. (At least, I don't think I am). I really liked the premise that Purdy went for in this book, which is something that she does, she picks a topic that people ask questions about, but it hasn't widely been done before, like Lady Rochford-the woman who in essence killed Anne Boleyn or Amy Dudley, the wife of Robert Dudley who history mostly forgot.

I liked that Purdy made me feel somethi...more I really liked this book, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a history major and because I love the Tudors. (At least, I don't think I am). I really liked the premise that Purdy went for in this book, which is something that she does, she picks a topic that people ask questions about, but it hasn't widely been done before, like Lady Rochford-the woman who in essence killed Anne Boleyn or Amy Dudley, the wife of Robert Dudley who history mostly forgot.

I liked that Purdy made me feel something for the characters even if it wasn't a good thing. Robert Dudley was such a prick (excuse my language). The way that he treated Amy was absolutely deplorable! It was so sad to see the way their love started, young and so in love and then to watch the way that it moved toward his hatred of her, and her fighting to hold onto him. He so easily won her and then tired of her because she wasn't a perfect courtly woman.

Amy's character is so innocent, its heart breaking to see Robert pull away from her and make excuses for why she never came to court. There is only so far that sympathy can go, since after awhile her desperation does get very trying. I admired the way that her devotion and faith in Robert is unwavering until the year before her death. It was sad when she became suspicious of Robert because that was the point that you realized that there was no longer any hope for their love even though as a reader you're aware that he's moved on to Elizabeth.

Purdy did a great job with imagery in this book. It was easy to picture the ornate dresses that Amy or Elizabeth wore, and all I could do was wish that I could wear such pretty dresses. Although she was a little wordy at times, this book was easy to work through. I love reading Purdy's books and I can't wait to see what she plans on coming out with next.

To find out more about Brandy Purdy and her method of writing, check back on Thursday for a chance to win your very own copy of The Queen's Pleasure.

Of note: Brandy Purdy is published under the name Emily Purdy and The Queen's Pleasure is published under the name A Court Affair in England. (less)

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Apr 24, 2013 Katherine Gilraine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Elizabethan fiction tends to be hit or miss, and this one is a little bit of both. For all the people who wonder about Amy Robsart's death, this is an interesting but a bit of a hard-to-swallow take on it. Brandy Purdy has a great style and a creative take on the history of the Dudleys' marriage, but some of the characterizations of the book I find a little hard to digest.

The story is more about Amy Robsart than it is about the queen and Robert, but what I did enjoy, though, is the portrayal of...more

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Feb 01, 2013 Lisa Grace rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this story steeped in the intrigue of the historical Tudor court. I think the portrayals of Dudley and Queen Elizabeth were both insightful and realistic. All the characters are portrayed with their faults and foibles in such an intriguing way that it is hard to imagine the story playing out in any way. I have read many books about this time period and about the major characters in the Tudor court, but Dudley's wife was too often omitted. It was engaging to hear what may have been her st...more

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