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Young Bess (Elizabeth Trilogy #1)

3.69 of 5 stars 3.69 · rating details · 477 ratings · 42 reviews

Growing up in the shadow of her dead mother, the infamous Anne Boleyn, young Princess Elizabeth has learnt to be continuously on the watch for the political games played out around her. It is never certain when one might rise, or precariously fall, out of royal favor. When her distant father, Henry VIII, dies, the future brightens for Elizabeth. She is able to set up a hom...more

Paperback, 393 pages

Published August 27th 2007 by Allison & Busby (first published 1944)

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The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

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Jan 10, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, fiction, queen, elizabeth, i

From my blog...[return]Exquisitely written, well researched, with intense and vivid imagery, Young Bess The Girl Who Would Be Queen is an absolutely amazing beginning of what promises to be a spectacular trilogy chronicling the life of Queen Elizabeth. Margaret Irwin has such a brilliant command of this time period, the reader is immediately transported back in time to the end of King Henry VIII's rule as a young Bess has moved in with the newly widowed Catherine Parr and her new husband Thomas...more

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May 08, 2010 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a reprint; the book was originally written in 1944. Elizabeth I is one of my favorite historical figures and I have done quite a bit of reading about her - but most of it is from the time after she ascended to the throne. It was very interesting to read a book that takes you back to the time when she was still a child. Before she became the political genius and great Queen of England.

The book was easy to read and is very detailed as to its period and time. My only issue is that at time i...more

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Mar 10, 2010 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

From my blog...
Exquisitely written, well researched, with intense and vivid imagery, Young Bess The Girl Who Would Be Queen is an absolutely amazing beginning of what promises to be a spectacular trilogy chronicling the life of Queen Elizabeth. Margaret Irwin has such a brilliant command of this time period, the reader is immediately transported back in time to the end of King Henry VIII's rule as a young Bess has moved in with the newly widowed Catherine Parr and her new husband Thomas Seymour...more

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Apr 26, 2013 Zara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, historical-tudors

This book focuses on the young Elizabeth (from aged 12 to 19) and her fiery relationship with Tom Seymour. It is a bit confused at first as to whether it is teaching people the history of the royal children or telling the story; the history textbook feel is added to by the fact that some phrases are lifted from historical documents and letters. It feels like the author is showing off her research a little too much. I was a little surprised at just how floral the prose was until I realised it was...more

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Mar 03, 2010 Debbie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would give this 3.5 stars.
Young Elizabeth Tudor lives in the shadow of her infamous mother, Anne Boleyn. Declared a bastard and banished from her father's court, young princess Elizabeth has become adept at dodging the constant political games and royal whims that ensure her situation is never secure.

After Henry VIII's death, Elizabeth is taken in by the king's last wife, Katherine Parr, and Katherine's new husband, Tom Seymour. But handsome Tom is playing for higher stakes. Marrying a widowed...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Jodi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Am revisiting this book from when I read it in fourth grade which started my interest in Elizabeth I. Must confess, I am not sure how much was absorbed at that age as it is a much more sophisticated structure than I remembered. Written as a 'novel' the book does keep to the facts with some embellishments (not bad enough that this history teacher would fear readers would come away with incorrect views).
Felt that the last quarter of the text spent too much time away from Elizabeth but do understan...more

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May 28, 2013 Adrian rated it 4 of 5 stars

very engaging. This was billed as YA historical fiction, but I think it addresses more adult themes than YA, but at the same time doesn't focus on the gruesome or pornographic parts of history. I appreciated reading a book that could address violence and sex without making me flinch, and also without making it seem like it had ignored or left out the harshness of that time in history.

Historical fiction, following Elizabeth I from age 12 (?) to age 17. There are two more books in the series which...more

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Mar 23, 2010 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You have read the stories about Queen Anne and King Henry but what about Princess Elizabeth? In Young Bess, the first book in the Elizabeth I trilogy, readers learn about Elizabeth “Bess” and her life after her mother’s death. Bess does not have much love for he father, the King. In fact you could say she will not be heart broken when he dies. Bess strikes up a romantic interlude with her step-mother, Catherine Parr’s husband, Tom Seymour. She and Tom are playing a dangerous game. Though, who is...more

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Mar 10, 2010 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, library

Margaret Irwin's Young Bess introduces us to an Elizabeth rarely written about. Opening when she is twelve years old, readers meet an intelligent, strong-willed child who has been reunited with her father through the auspices of his Queen, Catherine Parr. Loving and admiring her father, Bess, like any other child has been hurt by his refusal to see her for several years, and is mistrustful of his words and actions. The constancy of her governess, Mrs. Ashley is all she has had until this marriag...more Margaret Irwin's Young Bess introduces us to an Elizabeth rarely written about. Opening when she is twelve years old, readers meet an intelligent, strong-willed child who has been reunited with her father through the auspices of his Queen, Catherine Parr. Loving and admiring her father, Bess, like any other child has been hurt by his refusal to see her for several years, and is mistrustful of his words and actions. The constancy of her governess, Mrs. Ashley is all she has had until this marriage of her father and Catherine Parr, his sixth wife. Twice a widow, Catherine has no children of her own and the care of Bess and Edward, as well as making Mary an important member of court, brings her delight. On the death of the King, Bess is pleased to be placed in the dowager Queen's household under the guardianship of Sir Thomas Seymour, whom the Queen had married less than six months after Henry's death. Seymour uses Elizabeth's youth and proximity to play and flirt to the point that Bess must leave the household to protect her reputation. Angry and also despondent, Bess is even more upset about the news of Catherine's death in childbirth a few months later. Catherine's death leaves Seymour even more time to pursue the young princess and intrigue against his brother, Edward, Lord Protector of young King Edward. Seymour's plots are soon discovered and his treason in plotting against the king causes him to lose his head.
Through all of these plots, rumors, deaths, and marriages, Young Bess keeps her own counsel. Mrs. Ashley and Catherine Parr taught her well to hold her opinions and stay out of plotting. Although she fully intends to become Queen one day, the teenage Elizabeth is smart enough to know that it will not come about through plotting against her younger brother or older sister Mary. The book ends with the pitiable death of little King Edward and the machinations of John Dudley, current Lord Protector attempting to put his own son on the thrown instead of Mary or Elizabeth.
I greatly enjoyed the strong, wily and intelligent young princess presented to us by Mrs. Irwin. I think Elizabeth would have to have been that way from a very young age to have ruled so well as an adult. It also shows positive aspects of both her parents' personas in her own, without her father's rages and her mother's lack of understanding consequences. King Edward, of whom very little is known, is portrayed as pious and cold, a boy who doesn't mind being sickly and having to stay indoors as he loves to read and study theology. Her sister Mary is portrayed as mercurial, as is often the case, and definitely never actually happy, contentment being the closest she comes to happiness. Young Bess gives a great perspective on an often ignored time in the life of Queen Elizabeth I, and I eagerly await the October publication of Elizabeth: Captive Princess. (less)

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Feb 06, 2013 Natasha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, tudors

An enjoyable but somewhat forgettable historical fiction novel about Queen Elizabeth’s early years.

I read this book right after I read another book, The Redheaded Princess, about Queen Elizabeth’s early years. This book did not go as far in time as The Redheaded Princess did. I liked the Elizabeth in this book much better. She was portrayed as a very human character that had an air of mystery about her that few could seem to understand. Her relationship with Tom Seymour was well done and it felt...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Maia B. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of history or of Elizabeth I

Shelves: historical

It's difficult to know what to say about this book. It's marvelously done - well researched, beautifully written, full of sharp wit that Margaret Irwin employs to her benefit. But it's also a little too long, at times a little too dull, and it also employs a simply enormous cast of characters, all of whom share four or five names: Mary, Catherine, Jane, Thomas, and Edward. And Elizabeth, of course. Add a Henry and you've got the entire dramatis personae right in front of you, minus their roles.

O...more It's difficult to know what to say about this book. It's marvelously done - well researched, beautifully written, full of sharp wit that Margaret Irwin employs to her benefit. But it's also a little too long, at times a little too dull, and it also employs a simply enormous cast of characters, all of whom share four or five names: Mary, Catherine, Jane, Thomas, and Edward. And Elizabeth, of course. Add a Henry and you've got the entire dramatis personae right in front of you, minus their roles.

Often, Irwin intersperses quotes directly from speeches, letters, or other records of the time, which sometimes gives the novel a bit of a textbooky feel. Other times it's quite clever and only adds to my enjoyment, giving a sense of time period almost unequaled in anything I've read before or since. She relates short anecdotes, using direct quotations, to drive her point home, and nine times out of ten they are funny, intelligent, and add to the sense of being dragged back in time. But occasionally these brief additions hold up the plot and distract from the characters or the story, making the book seem longer than it has to be and unnecessarily wordy.

Irwin takes the time to develop every character fully, which is sometimes immensely frustrated if a new one is introduced at a turning point, spurring a four-page digression which we, the readers, must slog through before going on. We can't skip it because will be continually referred to later - explanation of motives, brief jokes, even minor dialogue all stems from this digression, and if we don't read the four pages it takes to move us on to the next thing, the rest of the book that has anything to do with this character will be confusing.

The novel centers on Elizabeth's dalliance (? I'm not quite sure what to call it) with Tom Seymour, her step-uncle (the brother of Jane Seymour, her first step-mother, and uncle of Edward, her half-brother and son of Jane). My knowledge of this affair, dalliance, what have you, is somewhat limited, but everything I do know tallies up with Irwin's splendidly written version of events. And here's where things get tricky.

This is the one thing that really bothers me about the book. Irwin allows herself no - repeat no - interpretation of history. She freely judges the people who moved it forward, and I really enjoy her spiked asides. But in the case of actual events, she shies away from considering something other than the recorded version. She never writes anything you wouldn't find in a hundred textbooks - history apparently happened only one way, the accepted way, and that's the way she writes it. My favorite historical novels include a twist on history, a new interpretation of it. But not for a moment does Irwin consider the might-have-been.

The ending is also enormously anticlimactic - you have to buy the next book to find out what the climax actually is. (The end of that one, by the way, is even worse. But I couldn't face buying another book, the end of a trilogy, that might end on yet one more cliffhanger - so I haven't read it.) But my interest is held right up to the last page.

Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife, Tom Seymour, Jane Grey, and Elizabeth are presented in lovely writing and immaculate detail; Elizabeth, the eponymous Bess, is not a particularly likable heroine but she's an enthralling one. This is not a book I'll read again and again and again, but it's one I'll return to on a rainy day. The writing, after all, is very beautiful, and this is one of those books that I learned something from. I like getting to know the characters, and I like the crisp period feel. Margaret Irwin clearly loves the past and cherishes it, and she deserves the highest accolades for that.(less)

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May 03, 2010 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Young Bess is a historical fiction novel about Elizabeth I during her young years from age twelve before her father’s death through her brother Edward’s reign until his death when she was a young lady of twenty. I love reading about Elizabeth’s I life and am looking forwarding to continuing this trilogy by Margaret Irwin.

I often felt while I was reading this book that it should have been called “The Seymour Brothers.” The novel often was centered on the scheming of Tom Seymour, the handsome adm...more

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Mar 01, 2010 Alana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, tudors

I received a free review copy of Young Bess from the publisher - and I purchased a copy.

Elizabeth Tudor is well-known as one of the strongest monarchs in English history - but young Bess had a difficult childhood. Elizabeth was by turns a favorite of her father's for her cleverness and disinherited, ignored and despised for any perceived likeness to her infamous mother. But always, men saw Elizabeth as a pawn to get closer to the throne. Foremost among these men was Elizabeth's (step)stepfather...more I received a free review copy of Young Bess from the publisher - and I purchased a copy.

Elizabeth Tudor is well-known as one of the strongest monarchs in English history - but young Bess had a difficult childhood. Elizabeth was by turns a favorite of her father's for her cleverness and disinherited, ignored and despised for any perceived likeness to her infamous mother. But always, men saw Elizabeth as a pawn to get closer to the throne. Foremost among these men was Elizabeth's (step)stepfather Lord Admiral Thomas Seymour.

Margaret Irwin doesn't shrink back from the difficulties of the relationship between Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour - as well as the strains this put on her relationship with his wife and her favorite stepmother Katherine Parr. I found Elizabeth's portrayal very realistic - she is a teenager trying out her burgeoning sexual awareness and enjoying the attention she gets from the much-older but still attractive Thomas Seymour. But Elizabeth is shrewd enough to realize that she is being used as a means to greater power - though the realization is hard on her emotionally. Their relationship is without a doubt uncomfortable to the modern reader - the age difference and his role as a father figure make it even more so. But I believe Elizabeth's disappointment with Seymour and the grief he caused her was channeled into her ambitions and that made theirs a very formative relationship indeed.

Elizabeth is certainly an interesting character - she seemed older than her early teens, but given the political subterfuge surrounding her (as well as her intelligence), I had no trouble believing that. I found Elizabeth's quicksilver changes in mood and temper very teenaged - as was her revelling in what little power she could seize over those who hurt her. To my mind, Irwin did a remarkable job of piecing together the circumstances surrounding Elizabeth's childhood and putting together a credible explanation of how they influenced the queen she would become.

Personally, I would have liked to see more interaction between Elizabeth and her father and siblings - I thought the portrayal of Mary showed a distinct lack of the same understanding and finesse Irwin showed Elizabeth, and young Edward was nothing but a prissy royal pain. I would also have liked to see Bess meet Robin Dudley - though that may be in one of the next books in this intriguing trilogy.

Margaret Irwin's Young Bess showed an extraordinarily relatable portrait of Elizabeth, and one that was sympathetic but not fawning. I was definitely impressed.(less)

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Sep 29, 2010 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

Young Bess is a story that is familiar to many Tudor fans, as it focuses on Tudor times that surrounded Elizabeth I as she was growing up. Although this is a historical novel, I found it full of interesting facts regarding the important players of the time, but it was written in such a way that it felt like Margaret was right here telling us the story as she knew it. Originally written in 1944, I didn't find the prose too outdated, except for a few mentions of the word 'gay' which has now been t...more Young Bess is a story that is familiar to many Tudor fans, as it focuses on Tudor times that surrounded Elizabeth I as she was growing up. Although this is a historical novel, I found it full of interesting facts regarding the important players of the time, but it was written in such a way that it felt like Margaret was right here telling us the story as she knew it. Originally written in 1944, I didn't find the prose too outdated, except for a few mentions of the word 'gay' which has now been turned from meaning happy and joyful into something of a sexual leaning. In fact, it is such an easy verse that I would not hesitate to recommend this to young adult readers as well, which perhaps this audience was intended by Margaret Irwin in the first place.

The one major theme in my reading for the past few years has been Tudor related. I almost always enjoy a story regarding Tudor times, and this was no exception, as I completed this novel over a span of 36 hours, reading pieces here and there. The fact that this novel was written in 1944 probably appeals to me more simply due to the sheer respectability of its nature, for lack of a better word. I enjoy reading the older prose as it seems more authentically written. The story of Bess as she falls in love with Thomas Seymour was written as if it were quite scandalous, as it should have been, yet it was not done in a bawdy nature. The overall tone of the book was to display the political upheaval of the time: Henry VIII and his six wives were no longer, his last wife Catherine Parr died soon after giving birth to Tom Seymour's daughter. Elizabeth was portrayed almost as being a typical teenager, with the devil-may-care attitude, until she ultimately matures and discovers the ultimate goal of her life, which was to become the Queen of England.

Those readers who are hoping for the simple coming of age story of young Elizabeth will be disappointed. Although this read does give insight into what might have been going through Bess' mind, there are almost full chapters where Young Bess is not mentioned at all. Instead, it would focus on the other people who were ultimately having a profound effect on England.

There was Elizabeth's younger brother, Edward, who became the King of England at age nine. Therefore, Edward Seymour, also called Somerset after his estate, is featured in abundance, not just because he is Tom Seymour's brother, but because he was the Protector of the Realm during Edward's early minority. I found Somerset to be a very interesting character, along with his wife Anne who was the one who ruled the husband. A very interesting back story to be sure, and is one that I would like to research further. Thankfully, there was not a lot on Elizabeth's much older sister, Mary, but I have a feeling that in the second installment of this trilogy Mary will feature quite prominently as she is one who rules after young King Edward passes. Of course, we cannot forget Lady Jane Grey, who is mentioned in Young Bess as more of a rival to the young Elizabeth and less as a friend. Also mentioned is the governess Katherine Ashley, and although Bess seemed distressed that she was imprisoned, at other times Ms. Ashley seemed taxing on Bess' patience, which is in opposition to countless reports of how Elizabeth and Kat doted on each other. But at this point as Bess was a teenager, Irwin's retelling seems to ring true.

I enjoyed the way that Elizabeth's brother Edward VI was portrayed, as a child thrust into such an exalted position, yet, still as a child, felt he had no control over certain matters. His uncles, the three Seymour brothers, were prominent in the story as Edward struggles with his uncles and ultimately tires of them. Two of the three Seymour brothers are executed once the novel is done. Edward always complained he had too many uncles! Towards the end of the novel, John Dudley was holding the reins for Edward while he patiently waited for Edward to die. It was not a great stopping point for the novel, but the next installment will be reissued in October, and the last one comes in April 2011. I will be sure to read them all, this was an informative and entertaining read and I am going to look into some more of Margaret Irwin's works. Young Bess is a must read for anyone interested in the Tudor times and to get a feel for what it was like to Elizabeth I as she grew up without a real home or many loved ones.

(less)

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Feb 19, 2010 Misfit rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: YA Readers

Shelves: historical-fiction

Young Bess is the first in a trilogy Margaret Irwin wrote on the life of Elizabeth Tudor and begins towards the end of Henry VIII's life during his marriage to Catherine Parr. Upon Henry's death Bess goes to live with the widowed Catherine who soon marries the new King's uncle Tom Seymour - but was Catherine really Tom's first choice for a bride or would he have preferred to marry the young princess to further his own ambitions? Bess is barely on the cusp of womanhood and Tom's *flirtations* beg...more

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Mar 24, 2010 Haley Mathiot rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc

While I was reading this book I had my moments where I was thinking “this is nice…this is cute…” the writing was very eloquent and good. However the plot was just… nonexistent. By page 85 not much had happened. I had no urge to continue reading and even though I enjoyed it while I was reading it, I had to force myself to sit down and read it. And you should never have to force yourself to read a book (except for school). I felt the same way about The Midnight Charter. Both of these were similar...more

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Aug 02, 2010 Kristen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, british, england, europe, historical-fiction

Why I read this: I love historical fiction and have been fascinated with this time period for quite some time.

Plot: This novel follows the life of the daughter of Anne Boelyn - Elizabeth. The plot felt slow moving most of the time - the history buildup at the beginning felt a little overdone and more like a history book. The whole book read a little more like a history book told through a story but livened up after 50 pages in.

Characters: You definitely get into the head of Bess and how like Ann...more

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Nov 22, 2009 Angela Joyce rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

This is a nice ensemble piece, not just about Elizabeth. It also gets into the heads of Thomas Seymour, King Henry VIII, King Edward V, Catherine Parr, and even Barnaby Fitzpatrick, the young king's whipping boy. I found it a refreshing antidote to the focus on Tudor lechery and treachery that's so popular just now. There was more to it than that...

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Apr 08, 2013 Ruth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history

c1944. "He insisted on marriage to either of the Princesses, Elizabeth or Mary (he hadn't seen either and didn't mind which) as his price; and was fobbed off instead with the usual promise of Anne of Cleves - a promise that nobody, least of all the lady in question, intended to keep."

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Jun 11, 2012 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Vivid, engrossing read. Explores the life of Queen Elizabeth as a young girl before ascending to the throne. Offers insight into her moral, character, and intellectual development. Sympathetic depictions of the major historical figures overall, though some are dealt with a little heavy-handedly (Duchess of Somerset, Frances Grey).

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Mar 11, 2010 Carla Nayland added it · review of another edition

A powerful portrayal of Elizabeth I as a young girl and her relationship with Tom Seymour, told in elegant prose and with superb characterisation. First in a trilogy.
Review: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/y...

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Jul 13, 2010 Shelley rated it 3 of 5 stars

History is interesting- There is so much hunger for power among the aristocrats, so much political posturing and corruption. I don't think I like it well enough to continue with the series.

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Feb 15, 2012 Martha rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was so well researched it was a pleasure to read. I always like historical fiction and Margaret Irwin's first book of the trilogy reinforced that feeling.

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Jul 15, 2010 A. R. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Interesting look at the polotics that surrounded Elizabeth in her early years. Well researched. I'm looking forward to the next book.

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May 25, 2012 Sarah Bykowski rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: tudors

At first this was a difficult book to get into. I have read a large number of books about the Tudors, so I picked this up as a different angle on the subject. I think it was hard for me to get into because the story starts with Elizabeth as a young girl, instead of as a baby. Once the story is set up however, this is a quick read.

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Mar 23, 2012 Mary Middleton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it. Although it was written some decades ago, it hasnt dated and can still keep you from other things you should be doing.

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Feb 08, 2012 Grace rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay, if rather unfocused. However if I can find any more books by this author in the library I might give them a trt :)

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Jul 28, 2012 Felicia Empey rated it 2 of 5 stars

This fits into the category of 'Historical Fiction Done Right' because of the research however the multiple viewpoints/exposition on the part of the different characters got a little annoying. I would have preferred it to be more from Elizabeth's POV since it is about her. I don't care what the Duke of Somerset is thinking with regard to his wife... I do want to know more about the conflicting feelings Elizabeth has towards Tom, technically he's taking advantage of her but she wants it but doesn...more

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Apr 07, 2011 Marianne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, recommend

My edition was printed in 1945 - it doesn't have the tantalizing cover. But, it was a good, easy read.

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Feb 23, 2010 Helen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Part 1 of the Princess Elizabeth trilogy (Part 2: "Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain" http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Princ... and Part 3: "Elizabeth the Captive Princess" http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Capti...) Excellent writing style and accurate historically. One of the best fictional portrayals of Elizabeth as princess. Irwin is definitely up there in historical novels!

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About Margaret Irwin

Born in 1899 and educated at Oxford, Irwin was recognized as a novelist of well-researched and occasionally heart-breaking historical fiction. She is best known for her trilogy about Elizabeth I: Young Bess, Elizabeth Captive Princess, and Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain. Young Bess was made into a movie starring Jean Simmons.

Irwin also wrote passionately about the English Civil War, causing gen...more

More about Margaret Irwin...

Books by Margaret Irwin

Elizabeth, Captive Princess (Elizabeth Trilogy, #2)

Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain (Elizabeth Trilogy, #3)

The Gay Galliard: The Great Love of Mary Queen of Scots

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Young Bess (Elizabeth Trilogy #1)

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