Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Elizabeth Captive Princess by Margaret Irwin

Here is a book to draw you into Tudor royal intrigue, political and religious struggles.
Elizabeth, Captive Princess: Two Sisters, One Throne by Margaret Irwin.

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (October 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402229976
• ISBN-13: 978-1402229978

     Genre: Historical Fiction
     My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
From an acclaimed master of historical fiction, a captivating series that is "vivid and psychologically brilliant."
-Times Literary Supplement, UK
In July 1553, sibling rivalry looms perilous, even life-threatening, between the daughters of King Henry VIII. Their brother King Edward is dead, his successor Lady Jane Grey has been beheaded, and Queen Mary Tudor has just won possession of the throne. But her younger half sister-the beautiful and vivacious Princess Elizabeth-holds the hearts of the people. Despite Mary's health fading fast and her power beginning to crumble, she won't give up the throne, determined to rule to the absolute end as her father did before her. In these treacherous times, when all about her there is secrecy and deception, Elizabeth must rely on her faith and courage if she is to survive her ordeal and rise to fulfill her destiny. With grace and elegance, Margaret Irwin continues the story begun in Young Bess, giving readers an intimate peek into the world of that most enigmatic of Britain's monarchs.

Review: The writing in this book grows on you and the history becomes fascinating. I had not read the first book in this series, Young Bess: The Girl Who Would Be Queen (Elizabeth I Trilogy) so I was not familiar with the style of writing.  Although I immediately liked the beautiful flowing imagery, the dialogue is puzzling and difficult to follow at first as the characters speak in riddles or code. This did enhance the sense of fear and distrust that is prevalent in the story and after a bit the writing wrapped me in with the vivid characters.

The author does a wonderful job of portraying the different personalities of the rivals for being Queen upon the death of King Edward in 1553.  Jane, a cousin of King Edward and named successor by Will, is the reluctant, studious child used by others to become Queen and promote the Protestant church. She is manipulated by Duke Dudley, a grasping, vicious man out for political control, but they do not have the support of the people.

Then there is Princess Mary who is the older (age 37) spinster daughter of King Henry VIII.  She has struggled with her health and has never been particularly popular or brave although she has been known to be sweet and kind.  Her surprising bravery and resourcefulness underlay her strong determination to gain and hold the throne.  She is deeply committed to restoring the power of the Roman Catholic Church which has been out of favor since the Protestant faith was fostered by King Henry VIII. Queen Mary struggles with how to deal with her half sister Elizabeth, caught between her admiration for Elizabeth and her fear and jealousy of her. Mary loses the favor of the people when she falls to the counsel of her advisers who encourage her to marry the Prince of Spain.

Of course the star of the book is Princess Elizabeth. She is the lively, ethereal beauty who captures the sympathy and support of the people every time they see her.  She is the true puzzler who hides her feelings and masks her dreams and hopes. She is caught in the middle of all the political and religious battles trying to always say just the right thing to stay neutral and not get trapped with conspirators in accusations of treason. So she speaks in riddles and rhymes and takes to her bed when she can’t cope with reality or when she wants to hide from her enemies.  The author portrays her complex intelligence and emotions in a way that evokes feelings of fear, sadness, respect and wonder for the young lady who would be Queen.

There is intrigue and danger, a touch of romance and lots of jealousy. I really liked how the author manages to weave the political and religious views into Elizabeth’s conversations. I became caught up in the tale by the time the book ended and would like to know what happens in the next book. The reading is not easy but if you like good historical fiction and are willing to work through the riddling dialogue I think you would truly enjoy this book.

This is the ARC cover

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

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