Following the tremendous success of her first novel, Innocent Traitor, which recounted the riveting tale of the doomed Lady Jane Grey, acclaimed hi...
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Dec 05, 2008
Catherine
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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
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May 16, 2008
Diana
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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
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Feb 27, 2008
Anna
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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 abou More...
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 abou More...
Dec 09, 2008
Laura
rated it: 
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 al
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Nov 21, 2008
Clare
rated it:
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 cert More...
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 cert More...
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Nov 25, 2008
Lu
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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.
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.
Dec 25, 2008
Kimberly
rated it:
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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Jun 04, 2008
Sarah
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Alison Weir is well established as a historian, with numerous biographies of English royalty, most notably her canonical work The Six Wives of Henry VIII. In 2006 she published her first historical novel, the excellent Innocent Traitor, which told the fascinating and tragic story of Lady Jane Grey, the nine-days queen. This year, with The Lady Elizabeth, she gives a fictionalized account of the tumultuous early years of Elizabeth I, from age two (when her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed) to he
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Mar 16, 2009
Amy
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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 att
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Dec 23, 2008
Nicole
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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 descri More...
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 descri More...
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Nov 20, 2011
**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 ma More...
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 ma More...
Nov 14, 2011
Karen
rated it:
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
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Jul 08, 2011
Melinda
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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 t
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Jun 23, 2011
Martin
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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 a More...
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 a More...
Nov 24, 2010
Nadine
rated it:
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 More...
There's nothing More...
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Sep 25, 2010
Erik
rated it:
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 Philipp More...
I honestly don’t know much about the books of Philipp More...
Jul 31, 2010
Ms. McKeon
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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 reali More...
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 reali More...
Jul 30, 2010
Monique
rated it:
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
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May 17, 2010
Xenodice
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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
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Sep 05, 2009
Steven
rated it:
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 l More...
The story depicts Elizabeth, bastard daughter of Henry VIII, as a survivor. Her early l More...
Jul 17, 2009
RNOCEAN
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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
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Jul 09, 2009
Erin
rated it:
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 (somethi More...
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 (somethi More...
Jul 04, 2009
CB
rated it:
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 More...
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 More...
Apr 15, 2009
Jenn
rated it:
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 More...
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 More...
Jan 20, 2011
Paige
rated it:
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 More...
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 More...
Sep 10, 2010
Anne
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Feb 28, 2011
Kathryn CA
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I have to admit that I went into this novel somewhat timidly. I like historical fiction, but sometimes it can be too heavy. However, this is a novel that held my attention, which is especially remarkable considering that it was on audio and my mind tends to wander during audiobooks.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book. We learn so much about Queen Elizabeth in history classes, but not a lot has to do with her early life. I was happy to learn that this all had to do with her li More...
That being said, I really enjoyed this book. We learn so much about Queen Elizabeth in history classes, but not a lot has to do with her early life. I was happy to learn that this all had to do with her li More...
Oct 03, 2010
Teresa
rated it:
Alison Weir s second novel, The Lady Elizabeth, tells the story of Elizabeth I s early life, from her childhood to her becoming queen.[return][return]Weir has great source material to work with. Elizabeth s early life is filled with tragedy, drama, and intrigue. In choosing Elizabeth as her subject, Weir guarantees herself a good story.[return][return]In general, I found Weir's explanations for peoples various actions to be believable, if not always rational. Weir even manages to make one o
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May 09, 2008
Becky
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Since I'm now absolutely obsessed with Tudor historical novels, I had to read this one and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed Weir's last novel, Innocent Traitor, about Lady Jane Grey and was excited to hear about her latest novel. She keeps with historical record and absolutely engages the reader in the some times precarious existence Elizabeth led before she became queen. I probably read this book in record time. Absolutely wonderful!
Aug 19, 2010
Becky
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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