This was a good read, although not my favorite of Philippa Gregory's books.

I think overall, this gives somewhat of a thumbnail sketch of Mary, Queen of Scots confinement in England. It does not give an idea as to the depth and complexity of her personality. If anything it paints her as somewhat naive.

By far, the heroine of the novel seems to be Bess of Hardwick, who has a far greater grasp on the politics of the time. Her lack of gullibility and frustration of her situation was portrayed far more in depth. However, the portrayal of her husband, George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsberry, was that of a weak and gullible man. Having had the position that he did at court, and having endured the politics of the time, I question that he would be unaware of the goings on of the court of Elizabeth I.

I do like Philippa Gregory's books and as with each one that I have read, I was inspired to do more research to learn more about each of her queens. In doing so, I have to agree that the truth is far more interesting than fiction.