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The Traitor's Wife: A novel of Bess Raleigh
When young Bess Throckmorton meets Sir Walter Raleigh at the court of Queen Elizabeth, she is a Maid of the Privy Chamber and he the glittering royal favourite. They fall in love, marry in secret and suffer disgrace. But when Walter is forgiven their future seems secure. So how does he end up in the Tower accused of treason? Told through the voices of Bess, Sir Robert Cecil and a native from Guiana, this is a tale of love, hate, betrayal and intrigue.And a woman's fight for her family's survival.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
502 pages, Paperback
Published November 25, 2018
About the author
Anna Rossi
2 books3 followersWriting has always been important to me - almost as important as reading. I knew, from a very early age, that I wanted to weave stories for others to read and devoured every book I could get my hands on from the often sneered at but magical tales of Enid Blyton to Dickens, the Brontes, Jane Austen, Philippa Gregory, Maeve Binchy, Stephen King and many, many others.
Eventually, I became a freelance journalist and was forced to stick to the truth. But now, mostly retired, I can let my imagination soar. Hence my novel, Black Damask, which perhaps gives vent to my mixture of tastes and blends an authentic historical background with a strong flavour of the supernatural.
I hope you'll try it and find, perhaps, that although it's a mite strange it is also to YOUR taste. If you like the world of the Tudors and some strong, interesting characters it might be for you. I hope so.
Eventually, I became a freelance journalist and was forced to stick to the truth. But now, mostly retired, I can let my imagination soar. Hence my novel, Black Damask, which perhaps gives vent to my mixture of tastes and blends an authentic historical background with a strong flavour of the supernatural.
I hope you'll try it and find, perhaps, that although it's a mite strange it is also to YOUR taste. If you like the world of the Tudors and some strong, interesting characters it might be for you. I hope so.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 28, 2020
This tells the story of Bess Raleigh from her time at the court of Elizabeth I,her meeting Raleigh,their courtship,marriage and Raleigh's imprisonment and their struggles with the crown.We also are given a view of court and country happenings by Robert Cecil,Lord Burghley's son and Cal a native of Guiana who is brought back from Raleigh's travels to be trained as an interpreter.All the characters here seemed truely authentic.It was very well written,highly detailed and really made you wanna keep turning pages.A lovely story I would definitely recommend.
April 28, 2019
Walter Raleigh – the name conjures immediate images of a dashing, swaggering seafarer who cavorts with a queen in far-gone days of exotic chivalry.
But beneath the bejewelled costumes and golden ruffs beats the heart of a man who – virtually against her will – captivates young lady of the court Bess Throckmorton.
This stirring novel depicts their rocky, yet rock-solid, relationship from first meeting to dramatic finale on the Old Palace Yard execution block. Despite its lavish environs, it’s an intimate tale told through the voices of Bess herself, the enigmatic and treacherous hunchback Robert Cecil and a native youth whom Raleigh brings back from his voyage to Guiana in search of the fabled El Dorado.
The writer cleverly blends the domestic and the spectacular as she reveals the deep emotional ties, the courage and the dangers of a love match which must be concealed from a jealous and unyielding Queen Elizabeth.
From a prologue which ominously foretells her ‘most dreadful day’, Bess’s story delves back to the start of the romance, passion and love of two remarkable people. But the book’s racy, flowing style allows for many sparks of humour and ironic observation along the way. Its people and their lives are vividly portrayed, the more intimate details being the author’s take on a story which pulsates with excitement.
The contrasts between Raleigh’s outer image of rugged adventurer and his richly poetic imagination and sensitivity are beautifully drawn. And throughout, Bess stands fast as an anchor and a power in the face of the fluctuating fortunes of her man.
This is a fine example of an epic tale unveiled in essentially human terms.
Peter McGarry
But beneath the bejewelled costumes and golden ruffs beats the heart of a man who – virtually against her will – captivates young lady of the court Bess Throckmorton.
This stirring novel depicts their rocky, yet rock-solid, relationship from first meeting to dramatic finale on the Old Palace Yard execution block. Despite its lavish environs, it’s an intimate tale told through the voices of Bess herself, the enigmatic and treacherous hunchback Robert Cecil and a native youth whom Raleigh brings back from his voyage to Guiana in search of the fabled El Dorado.
The writer cleverly blends the domestic and the spectacular as she reveals the deep emotional ties, the courage and the dangers of a love match which must be concealed from a jealous and unyielding Queen Elizabeth.
From a prologue which ominously foretells her ‘most dreadful day’, Bess’s story delves back to the start of the romance, passion and love of two remarkable people. But the book’s racy, flowing style allows for many sparks of humour and ironic observation along the way. Its people and their lives are vividly portrayed, the more intimate details being the author’s take on a story which pulsates with excitement.
The contrasts between Raleigh’s outer image of rugged adventurer and his richly poetic imagination and sensitivity are beautifully drawn. And throughout, Bess stands fast as an anchor and a power in the face of the fluctuating fortunes of her man.
This is a fine example of an epic tale unveiled in essentially human terms.
Peter McGarry
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews