“The story covers the period during which Queen Elizabeth imprisons Mary Queen of Scots. The story is told from Mary's perspective as well as that of George Talbot (her "keeper") who is captivated by her, and his wife Bess, a calculating, self-preserving woman. The voice of Mary captures her royal nature and her anger at being so wronged by QE as well as her subtle insecurities. Mary expects everyone to adhere to traditional rules regarding treatment of a sanctified queen but does not hold herself to any rules of conduct precisely because she is a sanctified queen. Bess is also a formidable but sneaky woman whose machinations end up saving her husband's life at the expense of his love. The abridgement sacrifices historical fact and period detail but still conveys a good sense of the tense, treacherous atmosphere of life at court created by Queen Elizabeth's advisor as well as the emotions motivating each character.
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bookappeal wrote this review Sunday, November 1 2009.
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