Queen's Own Fool

Stuart Quartet #1

by Jane Yolen, Robert J. Harris

Called La Jardiniere, a resourceful and clever jester to the queen's court, Nicola was a most unlikely person to end up "fool" and friend to Mary, Queen of Scots. But Nicola isn't an ordinary comedian clowning before the court; her sharp tongue is rare amongst the fawning nobles. As fate takes Mary from France to Scotland, and into confrontations with rebellious lords and devious advisors, Nicola remains deep in the queen's inner circle. But when the Scots start to turn on Queen Mary, Nicola struggles to find something-anything-that she, just a fool, can do to save her friend.

"Rich and involving . . . Readers are treated to a fascinating look at royal politics through the eyes of Nicola." (School Library Journal, starred review)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Historical, Scotland, Middle Grade, Fantasy

390 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2000

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Carol Storm · Rating 1 out of 5]

"And then everybody was mean to Mary and she cried and cried so I sat right down and sang songs and told jokes and then she felt better again and said I was her best friend forever!"

And now you don't have to read this book!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Queen’s Own Fool” is Nicola, who is given the nickname ‘La Jardiniere’. La Jardinaiere was real, although we know almost nothing about her. Yolan and Harris have used her as a lens to view the life of Mary Stuart, the Queen of France and of Scotland.

Mary, at the time Queen of France, buys orphaned Nicola from her uncle’s entertainment troop when she is a girl. Nicola is witty and, more important, honest. Mary values honesty above all- she hears so little of it at court- and relies on Nicola to remind her that she, despite being Queen, is mortal like her subjects. The novel takes us through the death of the young King of France and Mary’s decision to live in Scotland, so she can rule rather than being an extraneous female for her uncles to marry off to further their political aims. This turns out to be a bad decision; Scotland is full of internal strife between Catholics (which Mary is one of) and the Protestant rebels. She walks into this situation fairly blindly and makes her situation worse by marrying pretty boy Lord Darnley. No one likes Darnley; he’s ambitious politically but mannerless, forces himself on serving women, cares nothing for the people of Scotland, and rather reminds me of Donald Trump. Mary is helpless as rebels take over the country.

I’ve never much cared for Mary Stuart; she always struck me as fairly witless and ruled by her heart rather than attempting good governance - not good traits in a queen. Seeing her through Nicola’s eyes, though, I could see other sides to Mary; she was kind and smart (in book learning, at least). She was a woman in the wrong place at the wrong time; a pawn of first her uncles, then the rebels, then prisoner of her cousin Elizabeth I of England. Other than her years at the court of France, she led a pretty sad life. Nicola’s version of Mary made me sympathetic to her as a woman who cared deeply for her friends and her people.

Nicola herself is witty, brave, and fast thinking. She acts as Mary’s eyes and ears when Mary is held prisoner and helps her out of several scrapes. Nicola is almost too good to be true, but I enjoyed her and think she makes a great heroine for the YA crowd for which this book was written. This was a fast, couldn’t put it down read for me. While I knew there could be no happy ending for Queen Mary, I couldn’t help but be rooting for her and being tense over a lot of the scenes, hoping for the best. Great book.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

So for a YA book about Mary Queen of Scots, I suppose this is good. However, there is one huge problem.

Here's the problem. In movie trailer format.

Watch Nicola escape her evil uncle!

Thrill to Nicola's escape from her evil governess!

Discover Nicola's amazing ability to foresee the future!

Gasp as Nicola saves the Queen who should list to her fool!

Soundtrack availbe now, including the hit song, "The Perfect Mary Sue".

In other words, it would be a much better story if Nicola didn't seem to have 20/20 hindsight.

[Paula Soper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Yolen and Mary, Queen of Scots? Who WOULDN'T want to read this? As expected, the book was a smooth read with fabulously researched history.

I'm not sure if I believe this is a YA novel. Sure, it doesn't have particularly large vocabulary, and the fool is a teenager, but I think that only a fanatic (teenage) anglophile would be able to make it through. I'm glad I read it, but I don't know anyone to share it with (right now).

Warnings:
Drugs - Alcohol (obvs)
Sex - Mary marries 3 times
R&R - History abounds!
Language - Just what the book is written in
Violence - War

[D. B. Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

In historical fiction, there tend to be books that are more historical, with the fiction as a spoonful of sugar, and then there are books that are more fiction, and might occasionally nod at history but clearly intend only to tell a mean story.

This book falls more on the historical side, which is fun.

My knowledge of British history is a very unreliable patchwork mostly gleaned from reading books like this. I was mostly familiar with Mary Queen of Scots as a vaguely unpleasant background aspect in stories about Elizabeth I. I didn't know that she started off in France, or that she married THREE different people, and fought like three civil wars, and at this point she's still only, what, twenty-five years old? I guess if you get started young you can accomplish a lot before rotting in prison for the rest of your life.

I knew, of course, how she died, so this was never going to be a 100% happy story. Still, the character of Nicola is very interesting. She was a little too convenient, always at the heart of events, but that's how characters in stories like this have to be, since the story IS the historical events. I liked her mouthiness, though at times it didn't seem quite realistic. I've never been witty myself, though, so what do I know. The weirdest part was Joseph. Clearly the authors wanted Nicola to marry David, but since his fate is already written in stone, I guess they invented a handsomer David. He gets zero screentime and zero characterization because why bother? He's literally David.

John Knox, of course, I already knew. I can see his little pancake hat now. I did not, however, know that Mary's son "Jamie" was James I of Jamestown, the King James Bible, and the Doctor Who episode "The Witchfinders."

[MichelleCH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed how this story unwound surrounding the life of Queen Mary of Scots. It also gave a unique perspective as it was written from the viewpoint of the Queen's fool, Nicola, also known as La Jardiniere. The author kept the tone light which made it enjoyable and entertaining. It was also a quick read and I had a hard time putting it down.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and satisfying historical novel.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Yolen has a talent that is unfortunatly left to be undiscovered, sitting lonely on the bookshelf to gather dust. In her Scotland based quarted Jane Yolen writes witht the help of Robert J. Harris, a historian. She tells the tales of the commoners and their strugles to survive through an age in which the rules didn't always apply.
In the Queen's Own Fool, a young girl in a traveling troupe apeals to the queen of France, Mary Queen of Scots. Mary is married to the young and frail king of France, and in hoping to improve his health, and bring a bit of humor to the court she buys the clever young Nicola Ambruzzi from her abussive uncle. When things take a turn for the worst and the king dies, Mary must decide whether to return to her abandoned Scotland, a land of her forgoten childhood, or quietly retire in France under the glaring gaze of her mother in law. In a brave move Mary returns to Scotland. There Nicola gazes upon her queen with admiration until the queen herself is unable to keep her personal life in order, effecting the fate of Scotland. The queen stumbles as she tries to build ties with England, though England has other things in mind. Faced against rebels and emprisonment, Nicola tries to protect her failing queen while growing from child to woman while trying desperately to find love, happiness, and a place finally to rest.
Despite Nicola being mostly fictional, her character loosly based from the rumor of jester the queen brought from France to Scotland with her, her world is wholly real. The humor, writing style, and brutality of the age jumps out from the pages and slaps you in the face. The Queen's Own Fool contains all the proper element's of Historical Fiction. I applaud Yolen and Harris for their work well done. It's something you should seriously look into if your a historical fiction lover, action seeker, romantic, or if your just looking for a good read.

[Althea Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable YA historical fiction, from the point of view of Mary, Queen of Scots' court jester.
I tend to like Jane Yolen, and this book did not disappoint, even though it is co-written (by Robert J. Harris - don't know much about him as a writer). It is a little juvenile in tone, more so than some YA books - it's an entertaining, fast-paced light read.
I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth and complexity, and more historical detail - but I still enjoyed it 4-stars' worth.
Plus - excellent and appropriate cover art by Cynthia von Buhler.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and read it in three days, with my usual amount of schoolwork is amazing. Anyways, the story is about Nicola a half French/half Italian tumbler who becomes Mary Queen of Scots' fool or jester. The book covers their adventures together from when Mary is the young queen of France, on to actually becoming the Queen of Scots, till she surrenders herself to Elizabeth I. I loved the detailed nature of the book and the in-depth history.

[Misty Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's been while since I read it so I don't remember moost of the details. I do remember I read it twice. The best things about this book are the characters and the history. I love pretty much any book that has a character with a sharp tounge. I do remember being disappointed with the ending although it was historically acurate. That's why only 4 stars

[NKEM]

The Queen’s Own Fool is a great novel if you’re looking to learn more about medieval Scotland.

In this novel, a 12 year old girl named Nicola visits Queen Mary and King Francis II of France with her performing troupe, trying to win over the monarchs… and some cash. Soon, Nicola’s wit, humour and sharp tongue is what the Queen notices, and after a chat in the royal gardens, the Queen buys Nicola from her troupe to join her in the castle court. Soon becoming best friends, they begin to heavily rely on each other. When circumstances and politics bring them to Scotland, new challenges arise. Through much controversy and hardship, Nicola tries desperately to save Mary and her throne.

Something I liked about this book was the insight. I really got an inside glance on what happened behind closed doors with the monarchs of Europe. There was a strong idea of peasant/monarch relationships and the importance of friendship. Mary relies on Nicola for a lot, and the realism of this book helped me believe and learn it all, while still loving the characters and their relationships.

Although, putting the pros aside, I found as the book went on, it got repetitive and predictable. I understand that the authors had to follow Queen Mary’s life and story, but for me, personally, the biographical parts of the book were not as interesting or intriguing. I also felt as though the authors could have made the good, interesting parts of Mary’s life a bit more dramatic, instead of breezing right past them. If you’re looking for a very detailed biography, of course with some added friendships, this might be more your style.

In conclusion, this book was very historically accurate and told you what you need to know. It really dives deep into the politics and lives of monarchs in medieval Europe. All the facts were very accurate, I learned from further research. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in good historical fiction novels. I really did learn a lot, and I developed some of my own opinions and thoughts while reading.

[Rose Mulveny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen’s Own Fool is a life; changing read from the beginning to the end. Jane Yolen jam packs this beloved read with romance, history, death, and glory.
Mary’s life could never be considered easy, leaving her home, marrying a
backstabbing husband but, she gained a friend... Nicola! Nicola is a jester and a soon to the best friend of the queen of France. Both of them come from very different backgrounds but the Queen made a simple jester her fool and greatest friend.

I loved how Nicola was always so loyal to the queen and her friends, even in death-defying places. When Lord Ruthven entered the room and was going after her friend Nicola tried her best to save him from the Lord when nobody else could. Nicola also stated, “ I have to help free the queen. What is a mere desire next to that?” Nicola has also helped the queen escape from her doom. Nicola always stands up for her friends in need.

Mary Queen of Scots was so brave and changed my point of view of a queen.
Even when she was between life and death, she still pulled through to give hope to her people. Nicola mentioned, “Where only one death had stood between her and all the world’s goodness. But she was alive. ” Also, when Queen Mary leads her people into battle even though she knows that danger is at her back. Mary also had to leave her home where she would be safe and enter and dangerous new country. Mary Queen of Scots is a great example of a strong woman.


Overall this book is a dazzling read I would recommend it for historical fiction lovers. You really get to see what it is like to live in the 1500s. This book has introduced me to a new genre of majesty! However, There was one part of the book that was very slow-moving to me and it was hard to get through the book. But I kept on reading and I found out that if you keep reading, you’ll reach the most interesting parts of the book.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicola has some great lines. There are countless great quotes in this book. I also loved the fact that the author clearly did a lot of historical research and managed to work Nicola into the story. I read up on Queen Mary afterwards, and the events in the story could actually be the real historical events. However, I feel that the character of Nicola is a bit too perfect. She isn't as flawed as a real person is. Queen Mary definitely is flawed, and part of the experience of this book is agonizing at the mistakes she makes, and how they ultimately lead to her demise. In addition, this book was too long. It needed a bit more editing, a bit more characterization, and a better final romance. I did enjoy the slowness for the first 300 pages, but after that it just felt like delaying the inevitable ending. Part of the beauty of the book is what Nicola says and the symbolism, so I am slightly torn about if this story should have been much shorter. This book says that it could be a middle grade book, but in my opinion it is too slow, to long and too complicated for middle grade readers. The characters don't mirror other middle grade characters either. The whole book reads much more like a young adult or adult book. The character of Davie was interestingly flawed, but Joseph is just like a perfect, more beautiful version of his brother. Either he should have been more interesting or should have been nonexistent.

[Loretta Marchize · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars

Prose: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Prose:
As usual, I have few complaints about the prose. The style fits the historical attitude perfectly, and the main character, Nicola, is a wonderful person to tell the story through.
Romance:
So light and crept into the last half of the book so perfectly! I almost didn't notice it was there. I LOVED this, and almost wish we could have more of the couple. Instead of coming in with a bang and a crash like most romances in the YA genre, this romance was so subtle and sweet.
Characters:
Very well done. I like how they portrayed the five Marys and Queen Mary herself. Nicola was also well-thought out. Even the 'villains' and the side characters were full of life.
Plot:
For historical fiction, this is very well carried out. Sometimes historical fiction ignores the real-life facts, but this was well-done. I learned a lot more about Queen Mary.
Overall:
A good read and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in Queen Mary or historical fiction. Not a lot of previous knowledge of the time period is needed.
Content:
People die, Queen Mary is imprisoned, and a rather violent killing towards the climax of the book. Not too graphically described.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This took way too long to read. Even though it was the longest book that I have read while my students are also reading, this took much longer because I simply did not feel motivated to read. The story of Mary, Queen of Scots has been told so. many. times and from all different angles. Yolen added nothing new to the story. Instead, she fell into familiar tropes of painting Mary as completely innocent, just naive in love. (Most writers of historical fiction in this genre paint Mary as either irredeemable or innocent. It drives me nuts because no human is ever.)
I do not recommend this book at all. Most middle schoolers likely would not enjoy this book either.

[Lauren Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy historical fiction and this was the easy read that I needed to help me over an anti-reading slump I was in.

I admit all that I knew of Queen Mary came from the tv show Reign. 🫣 So when I found this at the library I was intrigued to maybe learn a little more of her.

Did it have me gripped? No. Did it inspire me to do some research on Mary Queen of Scots? Yes. I was pleased to find out that so many of the events in the book were historically accurate, it was of course the before and after liberties that make this fiction.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, albeit perhaps a tiny bit juvenile. But I would recommend it to someone looking for an easy read in this category.

[Reading Through the Lists · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid three stars.

Like Carolyn Meyer's Young Royals series, a great deal of historical information is packed into each chapter, though not from the perspective of Mary herself but rather through the eyes of her Italian fool, Nicola. It's an interesting enough viewpoint, but since so much time is covered so quickly, there's little chance to really bond with the characters, and they end up feeling much more 'cardboard cut-out' than they would have if the book had focused on a shorter period of time, or been told from a 3rd person POV.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended to me by a friend!

The writing is paced really well, Yolen's style is really easy to read, and it made it a whole lot easier to sympathize with Mary Queen of Scots. I probably would've adored this book in middle school, but as it is, nothing utterly amazing stuck out to me (hence the four stars). That being said, I definitely recommend this story for someone looking for a light historical fiction novel- it was a fun story!

[Arianne Mix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I remember reading it as a girl and loving it. I liked it this time around, too.

I think that the historical context fascinated me when I read it the first time. I love that aspect of historical fiction.

It was a clever idea and cleverly executed. There isn't much breathing room when you are sticking to events that actually happened, and poor Mary made some really poor choices that made Nicola's devotion a bit annoying.

[LibrarianMel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, even though it made me feel reaaaaally old. I remember reading Jane Yolen books when I was still in school, and now I'm an old lady.

I enjoy historical fiction about the Tudor era, so Mary Queen of Scots factors in there, but not as a main character.

This book is told in one POV, that of a young traveling performer, who joins Mary's court when she was still queen of France.

[Kim Zarins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable historical fiction for younger readers. I picked it up because a female fool sounded so great (and it's by Jane Yolen!), and such a great way to see a premodern girl get her "nonsense" heard. At first I thought it was middle grade, but based on Mary's awful first husband, maybe it's YA. Either way, it's geared for younger readers with a passion for history and the relationship between a queen and her favorite fool.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a lot about Mary Queen of Scots except in relation to Elizabeth I, so a lot of the details in this novel were new to me. Such a tragic figure--more than anything, because she had such incredibly poor judgment when it came to men. Using a young girl taken in by the queen as her "fool," the author imagines a lot of intimate details that couldn't have been widely known to historians.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF, made it slightly over 50%. I wish I could have stuck it out because I did like the book but its too long. There wasn’t enough tension or suspense or story line to keep me involved when I have so many other books I am eager to get to. I really appreciated the story of the female jester who in my mind was the original female standup comedian.

[Andrea Runde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story back in Middle School....several times! I loved the story line, the characters and the funny quirks spread out throughout. This is an amazing YA novel that I would recommend to anyone.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen's Own Fool is a very good book! It's plot and characters are very strong up until close to the end, where I personally think the book kinda teetered out. Otherwise, very good. I would highly recommend to those who love historical novels!

[Diana Valdivia-Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Nicola Ambruzzi who becomes the queen's personal fool from France into Scotland. This is also based on Mary, Queen of Scots' life in France and Scotland leading to the fate of the Queen of Scots.

[Evalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, but Jane Yolen is one of my trusted authors and I decided to try this anyway. I loved it. It was a pleasant surprise and an enjoyable read start to finish.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little book. I’m in a back-and-forth relationship with historical fiction and I enjoy gems like this that reaffirm my decision not to discount the genre.

Nicola was a fun character with a good story arc.

[Lesley Burnap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for my trip to Edinburgh!