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Elizabeth I #2
Just a Queen
A gripping and page - turning young adult book about one of history's greatest women. The Queen of Scots is dead and they say I killed her. They lie! Just a girl to those around her, Elizabeth is now the Queen of England. She has outsmarted her enemies and risen above a lifetime of hurt and betrayal - a mother executed by her father, a beloved brother who died too young and an enemy sister whose death made her queen. Not knowing whom she can trust, Elizabeth is surrounded by men who give her compliments and advice but may be hiding daggers and poison behind their backs. Elizabeth must use her head and ignore her heart to be the queen her people need. But what if that leads to doing the one thing she swore she would never do: betray a fellow queen, her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots?
328 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2015
8 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Jane Caro
21 books267 followersJane Caro wears many hats; including author, lecturer, mentor, social commentator, columnist, workshop facilitator, speaker, broadcaster and award-winning advertising writer. Jane runs her own communications consultancy and lectures in Advertising Creative at The School of Communication Arts at UWS. She has published three books: The Stupid Country: How Australia is dismantling public education co-authored with Chris Bonnor (2007), The F Word. How we learned to swear by feminism co-authored with Catherine Fox (2008), and Just a Girl (UQP, 2011). She has also appeared on Channel 7’s Sunrise, ABC’s Q&A and ABC’s The Gruen Transfer.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 22, 2015
★★★☆
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/05/j...
Just a Queen was a surprising and enjoyable read that is a cross between young adult and historical adult fiction. Told from Elizabeth's point of view, we seen a Queen who is nearing middle aged and looking back over her upon the throne, now older but perhaps none the wiser. The fictional insight took quite a few chapters to immerse myself in, but as the reader begins seeing the girl behind the Queen, I felt more endeared to woman that was ultimately indecisive and seemingly unhappy. Thrust into a position of power well beyond her control, she's known as the Virgin Queen, pure and untouched. But she harbors a deep and passionate love for her Horsemaster, a man she cannot marry for fear of reprisal. Many a suitor makes their attentions known from across the seas, Princes and King's alike. But not only does Elizabeth refuse to take a husband, but also to name an heir to her throne should she be ostracised or killed.
Where Elizabeth is seen as a darling of purity, her cousin Mary is not. The now Queen of Scotland has seen multiple marriages and scandal, but her strong religious ties still ensure the defamed Queen may still hold a place on the throne occupied by Elizabeth. The men in her life were deplorable, where Elizabeth wanted little more than to find a friend within the Queen of Scots, the secrets and whispering gossip had forced her hand. But as the storyline drifted back and forth between Elizabeth sharing her younger years as a newly anointed Queen and her older self looking back with much regret, the fictional version of Elizabeth seemed more so the spoilt child who never quite grew beyond her reign and allowed herself to be swayed far too easily.
But without a doubt, the historical prose was lovely. I could easily envision what it felt to be a woman in a predominantly male world. Her subtle acts of defiance during that period may have paved the way for equality today, but sadly those were too and far between. It was rich, detailed and a wonderful insight into a formidable woman through her fictional life.
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/05/j...
Just a Queen was a surprising and enjoyable read that is a cross between young adult and historical adult fiction. Told from Elizabeth's point of view, we seen a Queen who is nearing middle aged and looking back over her upon the throne, now older but perhaps none the wiser. The fictional insight took quite a few chapters to immerse myself in, but as the reader begins seeing the girl behind the Queen, I felt more endeared to woman that was ultimately indecisive and seemingly unhappy. Thrust into a position of power well beyond her control, she's known as the Virgin Queen, pure and untouched. But she harbors a deep and passionate love for her Horsemaster, a man she cannot marry for fear of reprisal. Many a suitor makes their attentions known from across the seas, Princes and King's alike. But not only does Elizabeth refuse to take a husband, but also to name an heir to her throne should she be ostracised or killed.
Where Elizabeth is seen as a darling of purity, her cousin Mary is not. The now Queen of Scotland has seen multiple marriages and scandal, but her strong religious ties still ensure the defamed Queen may still hold a place on the throne occupied by Elizabeth. The men in her life were deplorable, where Elizabeth wanted little more than to find a friend within the Queen of Scots, the secrets and whispering gossip had forced her hand. But as the storyline drifted back and forth between Elizabeth sharing her younger years as a newly anointed Queen and her older self looking back with much regret, the fictional version of Elizabeth seemed more so the spoilt child who never quite grew beyond her reign and allowed herself to be swayed far too easily.
But without a doubt, the historical prose was lovely. I could easily envision what it felt to be a woman in a predominantly male world. Her subtle acts of defiance during that period may have paved the way for equality today, but sadly those were too and far between. It was rich, detailed and a wonderful insight into a formidable woman through her fictional life.
March 14, 2018
This book was a historical fiction revolving around Queen Elizabeth's rein and the execution of Queen Mary of Scotland. It was well written as a novel, however, it was incredibly tedious. After a few chapters, the dilemma around queen Elizabeth became absolutely repetitive because she was constantly taking about the same problems and same dilemmas. The novel failed to grasp my attention, however, it was very well worded description of the chaotic sixteen century Europe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2016
Biographies are not high on my list, but I chose this as part of a group challenge that required a title about royalty. I'm glad I did. This is a biography written as fiction, and in first person, covering the life of Queen Elizabeth I up to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. The author relies on existing biographies of the Queen, and histories of the period, to convey Elizabeth's story from her point of view. Events are factual.
The story looks at her love for Dudley and the inability of them to ever marry due to the circumstance surrounding the death of his first wife; at her reliance on wise counsel from 'Sir Spirit' and others; her relationship with her ladies in waiting, without whom her life would have been even more lonely; her ongoing battles with conspirators, Mary, and the Protestant/Catholic schism, which eventually leads to Mary's execution; and most of all, her own feelings and fears and desire to rule well, and the toll it takes on her.
Just a Queen is the second in a planned trilogy, the first being Just a Girl, covering Elizabeth's life up to her coronation. I don't know what title the author will give to the last part of Elizabeth's life, and while I'm not going back to read Just a Girl now, I do look forward to part 3 in her story.
Recommended.
The story looks at her love for Dudley and the inability of them to ever marry due to the circumstance surrounding the death of his first wife; at her reliance on wise counsel from 'Sir Spirit' and others; her relationship with her ladies in waiting, without whom her life would have been even more lonely; her ongoing battles with conspirators, Mary, and the Protestant/Catholic schism, which eventually leads to Mary's execution; and most of all, her own feelings and fears and desire to rule well, and the toll it takes on her.
Just a Queen is the second in a planned trilogy, the first being Just a Girl, covering Elizabeth's life up to her coronation. I don't know what title the author will give to the last part of Elizabeth's life, and while I'm not going back to read Just a Girl now, I do look forward to part 3 in her story.
Recommended.
July 28, 2019
Love this book. Such a great follow up from the first book, and I really hope the author writes the third book of the trilogy!!
Such a nice easy read, easy to follow. Very enjoyable and at the same time learning a bit of English history.
Thank you for another amazing story. Recommend this book and Just a Girl to anyone.
Such a nice easy read, easy to follow. Very enjoyable and at the same time learning a bit of English history.
Thank you for another amazing story. Recommend this book and Just a Girl to anyone.
October 13, 2018
Young Adult fiction crossed with historical fiction told through the eyes of a newly crowned Elizabeth Tudor continuing from the first book Just A Girl - after watching the series Reign that was told through the eyes of Mary Queen of Scots- this was riveting reading. I couldn’t put it down!
February 24, 2018
Anyone interested in Queen Elizabeth I or Mary Queen of Scots will enjoy this book, it's definitely one for lovers of historical fiction (like me).
October 27, 2019
A great read- makes the era and events come to life
December 27, 2021
it’s okay not written great but an interesting idea
July 27, 2015
My entire knowledge of Tudor England has been sourced from two TV shows: The Tudors and Horrible Histories. Being that The Tudors ends pre-Mary's rule (and employs creative license pretty liberally), and Horrible Histories is a comedic kids' show (the best ever, but pretty light on for detail), I came to this novel knowing not very much at all about Elizabeth I. So I can't comment as to the historical accuracy of Just a Queen, but I can say it read as very authentic. I'm really interested in reading more about Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart - historical fiction, non-fiction, anything! - which hopefully conveys how much I enjoyed this novel, despite not being a great reader of historical fiction. (Lately, I am not a great reader of anything other than legal cases, unfortunately. I'm very much looking forward to binge-reading all the novels in my to-read pile over the summer.)
Just a Queen recounts events from Elizabeth's perspective in the aftermath of the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, retelling her reign from her coronation through to her decision to have Mary executed thirty years later. Mary is a central focus for Elizabeth - her only real peer, but also someone she is forced to compete with and whom she felt threatened by - and the way she tells it, events conspired to lead inexorably to Mary's death, despite Elizabeth's desires to the contrary. The narration is at times unclear - jumping from the present, where Elizabeth is middle-aged and wracked with guilt over killing a fellow queen, to significant events in the past - but reflects her mindset from the point at which she's telling the story well, I think. The large time period being covered in a relatively short book means that there is depth and insight when significant events are retold, but other aspects can feel like they were covered in only a cursory fashion. The good thing about this is that it's inspired me to read more. I think it'll be great as a historical resource for young people to be introduced to this era.
Despite Elizabeth not always being a likeable character, she makes for an engaging narrator. She's nuanced: I love her aggressive independence, but not her narcissism. As I mentioned, it's told from the perspective of an ageing Elizabeth, and recounts her reign which began when she was twenty-five - so though the preceding novel, Just a Girl, is a YA title, I'm not sure the same can be said of Just a Queen. It's historical fiction that's accessible to young readers, but not exactly YA. It's a very interesting, thoughtful exploration of what it is to be a powerful woman in a sexist society. I would love to read Mary Stuart's version of events, as written by Jane Caro.
(Though I love the cover, the girl pictured seems a little too glam and blonde to be Elizabeth I, going by her Wikipedia page. And her depiction on Horrible Histories, obviously.)
Just a Queen recounts events from Elizabeth's perspective in the aftermath of the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, retelling her reign from her coronation through to her decision to have Mary executed thirty years later. Mary is a central focus for Elizabeth - her only real peer, but also someone she is forced to compete with and whom she felt threatened by - and the way she tells it, events conspired to lead inexorably to Mary's death, despite Elizabeth's desires to the contrary. The narration is at times unclear - jumping from the present, where Elizabeth is middle-aged and wracked with guilt over killing a fellow queen, to significant events in the past - but reflects her mindset from the point at which she's telling the story well, I think. The large time period being covered in a relatively short book means that there is depth and insight when significant events are retold, but other aspects can feel like they were covered in only a cursory fashion. The good thing about this is that it's inspired me to read more. I think it'll be great as a historical resource for young people to be introduced to this era.
Despite Elizabeth not always being a likeable character, she makes for an engaging narrator. She's nuanced: I love her aggressive independence, but not her narcissism. As I mentioned, it's told from the perspective of an ageing Elizabeth, and recounts her reign which began when she was twenty-five - so though the preceding novel, Just a Girl, is a YA title, I'm not sure the same can be said of Just a Queen. It's historical fiction that's accessible to young readers, but not exactly YA. It's a very interesting, thoughtful exploration of what it is to be a powerful woman in a sexist society. I would love to read Mary Stuart's version of events, as written by Jane Caro.
(Though I love the cover, the girl pictured seems a little too glam and blonde to be Elizabeth I, going by her Wikipedia page. And her depiction on Horrible Histories, obviously.)
August 30, 2015
Since visiting Westminster Abbey I've been devouring everything I can find on Elizabeth I and her relationships with half-sister Mary I and her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots.
Jane Caro's approach is quite different to any of the biographies and historical fiction novels I've read. At first uncertain of many liberties Ms Caro has taken by adopting the first person, I was soon drawn into this compelling re-telling of a familiar story from Elizabeth's own point of view. Just a Girl will be my next read by Jane Caro.
Jane Caro's approach is quite different to any of the biographies and historical fiction novels I've read. At first uncertain of many liberties Ms Caro has taken by adopting the first person, I was soon drawn into this compelling re-telling of a familiar story from Elizabeth's own point of view. Just a Girl will be my next read by Jane Caro.
February 12, 2016
Elizabeth is a strong, dynamic, complex protagonist. Caro takes the time to show us how daunting it must have been for a woman to rule during such patriarchal times. She gives us some insight into the daily life of women during Elizabethan times - just enough to make us truly thankful for our more enlightened, modern times.
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March 7, 2016
i do beleive she cries too much in this book..therfore 4 stars
June 13, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book but not as much as "Just a Girl".
October 25, 2015
Nowhere near as compelling as its predecessor. Quite drawn out and much more difficult to identify with characters.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews