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The Lady Elizabeth

3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 · rating details · 10,858 ratings · 832 reviews

Following the tremendous success of her first novel, Innocent Traitor, which recounted the riveting tale of the doomed Lady Jane Grey, acclaimed historian and New York Times bestselling author Alison Weir turns her masterly storytelling skills to the early life of young Elizabeth Tudor, who would grow up to become England’s most intriguing and powerful queen.

Even at age tw...more

Hardcover, 480 pages

Published April 29th 2008 by Ballantine Books (first published January 1st 2008)

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Dec 05, 2008 Catherine rated it 2 of 5 stars

I read Weir's Eleanor of Aquitane and was bored stiff by all the contradicting accounts she included. You really wanted her to take a side, and she just wanted to give you all the information she had dug up. Well, this novelized version of Elizabeth I's life preceding her coronation does take sides. You have to credit Weir with creating a sympathetic character out of someone who tried during her reign to obliterate any trace of weakness or even of her past. But one of the first things Weir does...more

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May 16, 2008 Diana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Alison Weir is very easy to read. She is in her element writing this kind of historical fiction, because she has written so many biographies on the Tudors, including the Wives of Henry VIII which I loved. I also really enjoyed Innocent Traitor. Unlike Philippa Gregory, Weir's writing is based on actual facts. Do not get me wrong, I loved Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl, but it had very little based on fact, it was made into an entirely different drama. My only issue with this is that I have read...more

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Feb 27, 2008 Anna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, historicalfiction

Here is another one I was asked to review for Library Journal.

OMG, so good!

This is the second fiction novel from Alison Weir, the fabulous Tudor historian who wrote many biographies, including The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and The Children of Henry VIII. But last year she gave us her first foray into fiction about Lady Jane Grey, who was queen for about a week between Edward VI and Mary I. That one was fascinating since I knew very little about her. I know quite a bit about Elizabeth I, and this...more Here is another one I was asked to review for Library Journal.

OMG, so good!

This is the second fiction novel from Alison Weir, the fabulous Tudor historian who wrote many biographies, including The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and The Children of Henry VIII. But last year she gave us her first foray into fiction about Lady Jane Grey, who was queen for about a week between Edward VI and Mary I. That one was fascinating since I knew very little about her. I know quite a bit about Elizabeth I, and this was a top-notch novel about her early life up to the point when she ascends the throne in her 20's.

Life was never easy for this girl, and she must have been extraordinary to be able to survive to become queen. There was much against her: her father had declared her a bastard, her sister despised her religious views and nearly had her killed for it. But Elizabeth was known for being shrewd, wily, and able to perform the fine dance of diplomacy.

The most interesting part of this novel was the period of her life following her father's death when she lived with her stepmother, Katherine Parr, and her new husband, Thomas Seymour. Katherine had been in love with Seymour when the King commanded she marry him instead. When she became free, she was allowed to marry her love, and soon became pregnant for the first time at the age of 36. This may not seem such a great thing in this day and age, but in the 1500's, that was a very late age for a woman to be pregnant - it was a great health risk to both mother and child.

Thomas Seymour was "a rake." Heh. You see them gracing the covers of romance novels, but you never think of them actually existing in history. Seymour was a man of ambition and would seemingly stop at nothing to gain the most power and wealth he could. Before he married Katherine Parr, he tried to woo both Mary and Elizabeth. When the Privy Council would have none of it, he wooed Katherine and got her to marry him in secret without the permission of the Council or the King. (Rather a no-no at the time.)

Even though he was married to Katherine, he was still drawn to Elizabeth and since she was living in his household, he blatantly sought her out. He came to her bedroom before she was up to tickle her. He tried to catch her undressed. Elizabeth was 14 years-old at the time. If it happened today Chris Hansen from "To Catch a Predator" would have been asking him to take a seat. As it was, it was seen as highly inappropriate, and Elizabeth was finally sent away from the house.

Many people have speculated about just how far the relationship progressed between Elizabeth and Thomas. Some say she was innocent, some say she led him on. And there are some who say nothing happened, and some who claim Elizabeth had a child from the episode. I love the way Weir treats this - but I won't go into what she says happens.

Alison Weir is the perfect person to write historical fiction. She knows her material inside and out, and on top of it has an ear for dialogue pacing, and an eye for detail. Well done, and I look forward to reading more of her fiction in the future.(less)

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Dec 09, 2008 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

Historical novels are one of my guilty, but infrequent, pleasures. I have little patience with archaic dialogue, for one thing, and I chafe at too much fictional corpulence draped over an historical skeleton. But when the author of a fictional novel is also a well-respected historian who's taken her first turn with those characters and events as a non-fiction writer, then we're talking a different-colored horse altogether. Alison Weir's "The Lady Elizabeth" is such a horse. Having already writt...more

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Nov 21, 2008 Clare rated it 3 of 5 stars

Between Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory who have both written about the wives and times of King Henry VIII, I feel as if I'm becoming an expert on that era. This book is nicely researched and written. Though it is not as deep in description and detail as Gregory's books, it is a very satisfying read.

I always thought being the Queen of England would be a nice peaceful existence in which you dressed beautifully and had lots of money. That may be the way the Queen lives now but certainly not in th...more

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Nov 25, 2008 Lu rated it 3 of 5 stars

Once again I feel so blessed living in this time in history.
During King Henry's realm, one had better think of everything said or else it could have been construed as treasonous and off with your head. This historical novel follows Elizabeth from her contorversial birth from Ann Boleyn, the death of her father, Henry VIII, her brother, Edward, her sister, Mary, and, finally, her coronation to the throne. She was a clever, intellectual female living in a man's world.

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Dec 25, 2008 Kimberly rated it 3 of 5 stars

a decent book ... i only picked it up because my mom had it and i was bored, ended up finishing it in a few days. fictional, but has an interesting perspective on the early days of queen elizabeth and all of the politics surrounding her. the writing wasn't particularly outstanding and at times could be cheesy, but it was fairly fast-paced and interesting altogether.

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Mar 16, 2009 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While I didn't personally enjoy this book as well as "Innocent Traitor" I think that's a testament to the fact I just know more about Elizabeth's real life (Jane is mostly shrouded in mystery still for me). So at times it was hard to picture her in this situation or doing that action, given the "historical" Elizabeth I know. However, as anyone who has read "The Life of Elizabeth I" knows, Ms. Weir KNOWS her Elizabeth Tudor. So, I can give her a little leeway and attempt that Suspension of Disbel...more

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Dec 23, 2008 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir is an exciting addition to the realm of Tudor fiction. The story follows Lady Elizabeth from when she is three years old to when she is become Queen of England and all the trials in between.

I am very impressed with Alison Weir’s storytelling ability. I have not yet read any of her non-fiction work but as she is an historian first, I appreciated the level of detail and historical account in this novel. The conversations between characters and descriptions of Eng...more The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir is an exciting addition to the realm of Tudor fiction. The story follows Lady Elizabeth from when she is three years old to when she is become Queen of England and all the trials in between.

I am very impressed with Alison Weir’s storytelling ability. I have not yet read any of her non-fiction work but as she is an historian first, I appreciated the level of detail and historical account in this novel. The conversations between characters and descriptions of England and life in the 1500s were compelling and thorough. I’m sure there are some who would be put off by the more controversial aspects of the story, especially between the Admiral and Elizabeth, but I thought it gave the plot an enthralling twist that had not yet been put forth in other Tudor fiction, setting The Lady Elizabeth apart.

Another way that this story is set apart from the other Tudor fiction is that a good portion of the story follows Lady Elizabeth when she is a young girl. I was fascinated that young children were treated more as adults in that era, their life expectancy being much lower than today (as described by Weir). In the storyline we get to live with Lady Elizabeth as she grows into adulthood, making mistakes, taking chances, and becoming more intelligent, perceptive and cunning. There is a very distinct feeling and voice between dowdy, spiteful Mary and daring, vivacious, precocious Elizabeth.

I am rating The Lady Elizabeth 4.5 because the story lagged for me a bit three quarters of the way through the book. I thought the omnipresence of doom throughout the last section was a bit too much. In “A Conversation With Alison Weir” at the back of the book Weir states that The Lady Elizabeth is the first part of series, with The Phoenix and The Bear being the sequel. Very much looking forward to reading this. In other reading I would recommend The Queen’s Fool by Philippa Gregory (religion – Queen Mary) and although I have not yet read The Virgin’s Lover by the same author I imagine it would be a good basis of comparison. I am adding Weir to my list of favourite authors.

My Rating: 4.5

http://myobsessionwithbooks.blogspot....(less)

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Feb 28, 2013 Regina Lindsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wier imagines the life of Elizabeth from the age of four through her ascension to the throne. Wier handles all of the salient events of Elizabeth's life such as the possibile influence Elizabeth's mother's history may have had on her life, the rumors of a relationship with Thomas Seymor, the contentious relationship between Elizabeth and Mary, events that impacted Elizabeth's decision not to marry, and events that impacted Mary's reign.

This was a difficult work to assign a rating to. There were...more Wier imagines the life of Elizabeth from the age of four through her ascension to the throne. Wier handles all of the salient events of Elizabeth's life such as the possibile influence Elizabeth's mother's history may have had on her life, the rumors of a relationship with Thomas Seymor, the contentious relationship between Elizabeth and Mary, events that impacted Elizabeth's decision not to marry, and events that impacted Mary's reign.

This was a difficult work to assign a rating to. There were a couple of things I thought Wier handled superbly. While I did feel she portrayed Elizabeth and Edward as a bit too precocious, I apprecaited the unfolding of events through Elizabeth's eyes as a young girl. I also really enjoyed the relationships between Elizabeth and her governess, Kat, and William Cecil, who would serve Elizabeth faithfully through her reign.

But, there were some items that didn't sit well. I'm conflicted about them. First, let me explain how I approach reviewing an historical fiction work. First, I want to learn something new - something that will send me off to do additional research or I want to be able to recommend the work to someone who is new to a subejct and feel confident in saying, "you will get a good introduction to this subject through this work." I understand that historical non-fiction does not appeal to everyone and historical fiction can often be an effective teacher. Secondly, I recognize that the word fiction is in historical fiction for a reason. I don't mind an author taking artistic license with his/her work as long as they clarify where liberties were taken in the author's note because too many people will not go on to do further research. If there is no delineation between fact and fiction the reader goes away as uninformed as before. So, with that being said I was completely uncomfortable with the choice Wier made related to the consequences of a relationship between Elizabeth and Seymor. To her credit, she followed my second rule and clarified the facts in the Author's Note. She even went on to say this was not her personal view and provided the rumors of the time that led her to this choice for a fictional account. Still, it just didn't set well with me. Finally, throughout the book I was disappointed that certain things were left out. But, in the end Wier wrapped it up. The best example was my disappointment when I realized we were only going to get glimpses of Robert Dudley. I mean how can you have a book on Elizabeth without Dudley?! But, I really loved the final scene of the book that gave a wonderful nod to the future relationship of the two.

So, would I recommend the book? It depends. Yes, if you are new to Elizabeth. I think this is a good overview, but definitely read and pay attention to the Author's Note. Yes, if you enjoy a creative, well developed, and a heavy dose of fiction in your historical fiction. No, if you are a purist and want your historical fiction to remain true to the realm of plausibility.(less)

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Jan 30, 2013 James rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth 1 is known to be one of England's greatest monarchs- if not the greatest, in this book by the very successful Tudor historian/novelist Alison Weir it is Elizabeth's difficult early life and path to the throne that is explored in fiction form.
One thing i particularly enjoyed in this story, was Elizabeth's keen interest in her mothers life and it's shaping of herself as a person and the reader cannot help but sympathise with Elizabeth who has to keep her feelings for her mother to hersel...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an engaging historical fiction novel. I was once again highly impressed by Alison Weir. She is a great writer and I couldn't put it down. This novel is focused on Queen Elizabeth I's childhood from birth till when she becomes queen.

I loved this book but the reason why I did not give this 5 stars was because the author sometimes strayed way too far from the historical truth when it came to certain things such as Elizabeth's relationship with the Admiral. Ms. Weir sensationalized their re...more

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Apr 07, 2012 Laura Navarre rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Lovers of Tudor fiction, historical fiction, Philippa Gregory

Shelves: historical-fiction, tudor-fiction

This book is a novelization of the early life of Elizabeth Tudor, set of course in sixteenth-century England. Eminent historian Alison Weir makes her sophomore venture into the world of Tudor-era historical fiction with a vivid and dramatic retelling of the early life of Elizabeth Tudor. The story ranges from Elizabeth’s childhood when her mother Queen Anne Boleyn is beheaded, to Elizabeth’s precipitous descent from princess to bastard, to her survival through several regime changes and her impr...more

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Nov 20, 2011 Maurine added it

**spoiler alert**
i quite enjoyed this book. i really think that historical fiction is the way to go when you want to learn history. i love reading novels about actual people, even though we don't really know everything is true. i do know that people wrote back then, so there are bound to be some observations about the character of the people in this book. henry VIII, for example, we know kind of a lot about, because so many people knew him. he was the king, after all. the book opens with mary (o...more **spoiler alert**
i quite enjoyed this book. i really think that historical fiction is the way to go when you want to learn history. i love reading novels about actual people, even though we don't really know everything is true. i do know that people wrote back then, so there are bound to be some observations about the character of the people in this book. henry VIII, for example, we know kind of a lot about, because so many people knew him. he was the king, after all. the book opens with mary (oldest offspring of henry VIII) going to tell elizabeth that her mother, anne boleyn, is dead. and then you go through the succession of wives through the eyes of elizabeth, who is almost 3 when the book opens. it's just fun for me to read a historical book where all the work of who is alive when and who knows each other is done for you. so much of the history i learned in school was compartmentalized by the subject at hand--politics, art, music, literature--so you don't learn that the people making the art and the music are responding to political movements, or that the royals are fans of their work, unless you make a more detailed study of the period. but that's an entirely different rant for another day. i loved that this was written by a woman, and so she was very focused on the relationships among the children of the king, and what it meant for them when he disposed of his wives, because that's what i really want to know about. that's what sticks in my mind when i am learning history. i need to think of them as people or it's dead boring. it was also interesting to think about why elizabeth would be so adamant against marrying in the first place. and i kind of understand! marriage and childbirth really were taking your life in your own hands. if poor jane seymour had survived the birth of edward I, who knows what would have happened. it was probably a simple infection that would have been taken care of within hours of the birth if it had happened today. and what if katherine of aragon had been able to have fertility treatments or pick the sex of her offspring? i can't say that elizabeth wouldn't have been born, but maybe she would have been truly illegitimate instead of declared so after the fact. henry was pretty taken with anne, and he was the king, so...
anyway, that's what i loved about the book--how much it made me think. and there are so many books written about these same people, and now i have kind of a baseline to go from because the relationships are so clear in my mind, and i want to know more about them.
i'm also glad that i read the author's note about the crux of the book: whether elizabeth was truly the Virgin Queen she claimed to be. and according to this novel, which is historical fiction, she was not--but the author notes that there is no evidence to that effect. but she is writing this novel as a way to explore the what if. and i'm still kind of on the fence about it, to be honest. my only study of this period is from the point of view of what the king was doing, so this is kind of my first foray into the realm of elizabeth before she is queen. and now, i will always wonder! but maybe that's the point. there isn't strong evidence for the creative license she took for this novel, but there isn't perfect evidence against its having happened. so there you go. now i will always wonder.
so, good job, alison weir. i want to read all your other stuff about this period! (less)

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Nov 14, 2011 Karen Brooks rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Alison Weir's non-fiction so turned with great interest to this, her second work of fiction, and was not disappointed. When the story opens, the future Queen Elizabeth I is only three years old. Tall, slender, with the red hair that marked her as a Tudor, she was already showing signs of the intellect and perspicacity for which she would become renown. In this novel, Weir chooses to focus on Elizabeth's early years and adolescence against the backdrop of her father's tempestuo...more I am a huge fan of Alison Weir's non-fiction so turned with great interest to this, her second work of fiction, and was not disappointed. When the story opens, the future Queen Elizabeth I is only three years old. Tall, slender, with the red hair that marked her as a Tudor, she was already showing signs of the intellect and perspicacity for which she would become renown. In this novel, Weir chooses to focus on Elizabeth's early years and adolescence against the backdrop of her father's tempestuous marriages, other relationships and struggles with the church and his nobles. All the characters familiar from history appear only, this time, the reader sees them mainly through Elizabeth's eyes, thus painting them in a new and often fascinating light.

Though a strong young woman, it's made clear that luck played a huge role in not only Elizabeth's survival against all odds, but also her ascension to the throne. The manoeuvring and play for power of other families and individuals in the constant jostle for the throne of England and the spiritual welfare of its people is mind-boggling and when viewed through young eyes, takes on sinister implications - what some of the nobles will do for favour, power and the promise of more. Rip for exploitation, the royal children are simple pawns in a never-ending game and it's not until they learn this (some never do), that they are able to begin to steer their destiny. Of great interest is the way the relationship between Mary, Elizabeth and Edward is depicted - closer and more loving than is generally thought, laced with regret and sadness, it is the heart and soul of the novel on many ways - they spring literally from the same seed and yet are more rivals than siblings. The burgeoning awareness and deliberate ignorance of this fact is delicately explored. Another surprise in the novel is the notion of Elizabeth's "virgin queen" status which is given, as historians of the era do too, a different and very powerful meaning. Headstrong Elizabeth is revealed to be a young woman with a big heart as well, one that is ripe for breaking.

This may be fiction, but it keeps close to the facts as they're known, offering wonderful insights and imaginings into the female mind, the endless machinations behind the throne of England and the woman who became one of the greatest monarchs in British history. A terrific read. (less)

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Jul 08, 2011 Melinda rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was the most informative and mesmerizing book that I have ever read about the Lady Elizabeth. The narrative was so well written with the characters so vivid and detailed, that I was quickly engrossed in both the historical events and storyline. Weir heavily based her writing on historical documents and I appreciated the prerogatives in interpretation that she chose to take - i.e. that because of a liaison between herself and her step-father Thomas Seymour and the speculative miscarriage tha...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Martin Belcher rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm a big fan of Tudor history and have several of Alison Weir's non fiction Tudor history books. This is the first fictional novel of Alisons that I have read (I haven't read Innocent Traitor yet).

I was absolutely gripped and enchanted by this novel, recounting the early life of the Lady Elizabeth, second child to King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. It begins with the birth of Edward to King Henry's third wife, Jane Seymour and then increases pace as we wend our way through intrigue and plots as...more

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Nov 24, 2010 Nadine Doolittle rated it 2 of 5 stars

I expected more from an historian. Weir's imaginary account of Elizabeth I's early years is a bodice-ripper. The problem with academics writing fiction is they lack imagination. Young Elizabeth is described as a "minx" whose "body betrays her" when she falls for the debatable charms of her stepfather--thus explaining why she refuses men thereafter to become the Virgin Queen. Blood, mess, childbirth--Elizabeth recoils from the very idea of marriage.

There's nothing wrong with creating an imaginar...more

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Sep 25, 2010 Erik rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had absolutely no idea that Weir had written any fiction, as I’ve always been lead to believe her to be one of the preeminent Tudor historians in recent times. (After all, I voraciously read through three of her scholarly tomes leading up to my visit to the United Kingdom this last August.) So it was with great excitement when I ran across this on the shelves at the Waterstone’s location near my B&B just north of Russell Square.

I honestly don’t know much about the books of Philippa Gregor...more

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Jul 31, 2010 Mrs. Reed rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really like when historical fiction works like this: the book had me guessing what REALLY happened and what parts there were actually proof for. I know that Weir has written a lot of nonfiction about the Tudors, so I might try to track that down at the library next to answer some of my questions about which parts are confirmed and which are just speculation.
The inside cover of the book is a copy of a real-life letter written from Elizabeth to her sister, then Queen Mary. I didn't realize it un...more I really like when historical fiction works like this: the book had me guessing what REALLY happened and what parts there were actually proof for. I know that Weir has written a lot of nonfiction about the Tudors, so I might try to track that down at the library next to answer some of my questions about which parts are confirmed and which are just speculation.
The inside cover of the book is a copy of a real-life letter written from Elizabeth to her sister, then Queen Mary. I didn't realize it until after I read the scene in the novel when Elizabeth writes said letter, and I was just blown away with the way that Weir could take a peice of historical evidence, already brimming with emotion, and explode it to make it seem so present and connected.
The characters in this book are all more than characters, of course. They were real people, and Weir dissects their actions to provide context and reasoning behind these true occurences. She provides possibilities for those questions that I remember popping into my head when I first learned about the Tudors in 7th grade history class: Why would anyone agree to marry Henry VIII given his past marital history? How would someone feel knowing her father had her mother put to death? How was a woman who barely knew her mother able to put the past behind her to become one of the strongest leaders in history?
In said 7th grade history class, it was explained that Elizabeth remained single in order to give her full attention to her country. However, Weir's dive into Elizabeth's early life made me feel like there was really no other way for Elizabeth but the single life! Everywhere around her, marriage and childbirth only made problems more complicated!
I also enjoyed what I took as the story's recurring theme: The more a person has to endure, the stronger that person becomes, and the more she learns about how to act. I felt like this painful, lonely childhood and young adulthood was absolutely necessary for Elizabeth to learn how to lead and how to be one of the ORIGINAL strong women.(less)

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Jul 30, 2010 Monique rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: king-and-queen-tudor-dynasty, five-stars-best-i-ever-had

Loved, loved, loved this book..it was a daunting four hundred plus page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed..and of course it combined all my favorite elements to an amazing book, a strong woman with power, drama and secrets, at least one major scene that makes me reread with my mouth wide open and my weakness:the Tudor dynasty. This is the story of dear Elizabeth, daughter of the infamous Anne Boleyn and her rise to be the longest ruling, most effective and greatest queen England has ever known, r...more

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May 17, 2010 Roniya rated it 2 of 5 stars

I'll admit that after having read most of Weir's nonfiction work, I expected alot. Maybe thats why,for me,her foray into another genre fell so flat. The plot doesn't stay strictly historically accurate (at least according to her own nonfiction on Elizabeth) but this could be forgiven if her characters were just more, well, believable. The writing style lacks the immediacy necessary to draw the reader into the plot and connect with the characters, which seem to be somewhat stiff and one-dimension...more

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Sep 05, 2009 Steven Peterson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Alison Weir has authored an intriguing fictional representation of "Lady" Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I). Her understanding of history provides a detailed context in which this story is placed. Since I am not a historian of the era, I cannot comment on historical accuracy per se. Nonetheless, from having read a few other works regarding the era, it does not seem too far off the mark.

The story depicts Elizabeth, bastard daughter of Henry VIII, as a survivor. Her early life often placed her i...more Alison Weir has authored an intriguing fictional representation of "Lady" Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I). Her understanding of history provides a detailed context in which this story is placed. Since I am not a historian of the era, I cannot comment on historical accuracy per se. Nonetheless, from having read a few other works regarding the era, it does not seem too far off the mark.

The story depicts Elizabeth, bastard daughter of Henry VIII, as a survivor. Her early life often placed her in situations where she was at risk (this era featured quite a bit of killing of nobles/pretenders to the throne/etc.). The tale begins with Elizabeth as a child and traces her life up to the death of her sister, Queen Mary (also designated as a bastard by Henry VIII, daughter of Katherine of Aragon). Eli9zabeth is the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, who has been beheaded (probably under trumped up charges). Obviously, that places her at some disadvantage!

The story focuses on Elizabeth's early life. She is shown to be very intelligent, very mature (the modern concept of childhood was not a part of the culture then). The story traces the trajectory of her life nicely--from the impact of friends, relatives, and powerful figures). She was often the pawn of power struggles involving others.

Her relationship with her father and sister and younger brother (later, Edward VI) is nicely told. The relationships among Henry VIII's children is well drawn. There are obvious tensions between Mary (Catholic daughter of a Catholic Queen) and Elizabeth (advocate of a reformed church after Henry VIII's breakaway from the Catholic Church). The dialectic between the sisters is developed very well.

There is one very speculative element (in the discussion at the end of the book, Weir elaborates why she used this episode) based on Elizabeth's time spent with Thomas Seymour and his wife. While it is a conceivable event, it is also controversial. Some will have this, perhaps, color their view of the novel. While I am unconvinced, I felt that the episode did work and helped provide a motivation for her later life.

At any rate, this is well done historical fiction on Elizabeth I's life before she ascended to the throne. It shows her as a tough survivor, someone who strived for being sovereign without being ruthless, someone who understood the delicate context in which she lived. All in all, a pretty intriguing novel.
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Jul 17, 2009 RNOCEAN rated it 4 of 5 stars

Following the tremendous success of her ﬁrst novel, Innocent Traitor, acclaimed historian and New York Times bestselling author Alison Weir turns her masterly storytelling skills to the early life of young Elizabeth Tudor, who would grow up to become England’s most intriguing and powerful queen.Before she is three, Elizabeth learns of the tragic fate that has befallen her mother, the enigmatic and seductive Anne Boleyn, and that she herself has been declared illegitimate, an injustice that will...more

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Jul 09, 2009 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've enjoyed several of Weir's non-fiction works (Life and Court of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Princes in the Tower) so when I saw she's trying her hand at novels I picked this up.

This is the story of the early part of Elizabeth's life, from the execution of her mother Anne Boleyn in 1536 (age 2) to the death of her sister Mary and her declaration as queen in 1557 (age 23). Weir has spent her entire adult life researching the Tudors, so I knew she'd be on solid ground fact-wise (something that bot...more

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Jul 04, 2009 CB rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm on a Tudor kick.

The life of Elizabeth Tudor is very well known, yet still continues to fascinate. Alison Weir throws her fiction hat into the ring with a novel that covers Elizabeth's life until her ascension to the throne.

I enjoyed Weir's novel about Lady Jane Grey, Innocent Traitor, and I've found her non-fiction books, such as The Princes in the Tower, to be highly readable. However, The Lady Elizabeth is...boring. And one would think it would be very difficult to make Elizabeth Tudor bor...more

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Apr 15, 2009 Jenn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009-reads

I love Alison Weir's nonfiction works, and I read her biography of Queen Elizabeth I several years ago, so when I saw Weir's newest fiction piece was about Elizabeth, I picked it up as soon as it hit paperback.

Overall, The Lady Elizabeth is a quick and compelling read. I enjoyed the scope of the piece, especially as it follows Elizabeth through childhood to her ascendence to the English throne; these are parts of Elizabeth's life that aren't focused on in as much detail in the books about Tudor...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Christina rated it 3 of 5 stars

I recently having discovered this author am so into her writing. In the beginning there were times when I thought that some of the things she had Elizabeth thinking or saying were to grandiose for a child so small but at the same time Queen Elizabeth was known for her sharp wit so it would be wholly reasonable that she would have had the same intelligence as a child. Of all the Queens I have read about thus far Elizabeth is by far my favorite. Strong, Intelligent and Rational in what was back th...more

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Jan 20, 2011 Paige rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audio-books, historical-fiction

My new favorite author is Alison Weir because she writes so elegantly and compellingly of medieval and Renaissance royalty. Better yet, this esteemed author of nonfiction history and biography has in recent years branched out into luxuriously detailed, historically accurate novels that bring to life great historical figures.

I recently read Weir’s The Lady Elizabeth (actually, I listened to the audio book, and I so much enjoyed Rosalyn Landor’s rich, intelligent voice, with a slight British accen...more

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Sep 10, 2010 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, own-this

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Alison Weir, a formidable name among Tudor historians, turned to fiction in this story of Elizabeth I, covering her life from childhood to her ascension to the throne after the death of her half-sister Mary. I am really enjoy Tudor history (although I quickly lose track of all the names and titles beyond the central figures of Henry VIII and his wives and children.

This novel is a very enjoyable and believable read. Weir knows her facts and the details of life in the period inside and out, yet sh...more

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About Alison Weir

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Alison Weir (born 1951) is a British writer of history books for the general public, mostly in the form of biographies about British kings and queens. She currently lives in Surrey, England, with her two children.

Before becoming an author, Weir worked as a teacher of children with special needs. She received her...more

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