Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain by Margaret Irwin

A beautifully written historical portrayal of the political and personal conflicts of the royal half sisters.

Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain (Elizabeth I Trilogy) by Margaret Irwin

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781402229985
• ISBN-13: 978-1402229985

     Genre: Historical Fiction
     My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

First published in 1946, Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain continues the “vivid, psychologically brilliant” (Times Literary Supplement) journey begun in Young Bess and Elizabeth, Captive Princess. Philip, Prince of Spain, the unwilling bridegroom of Queen Mary, has been warned about the young Elizabeth. According to all reports, she is a heretic, a rebel, and a potential enemy—but she’s also alluring. Accused of treachery by Mary, Elizabeth finds herself teetering between Mary’s vengeance and Philip’s uneasy ardor, with her life in the balance.

Review: I found this a bit slower to read but still engaging and interesting.
This is the concluding book of the trilogy which included Young Bess (which I did not read) and Elizabeth, Captive Princess: Two Sisters, One Throne which I did read and review.

As I noted in my review of Elizabeth, Captive Princess, the writing style is unusual as if flows yet twists in a puzzling fashion that seems to fit Princess Elizabeth. The thought process presented is almost frenetic as Elizabeth tries to maintain such a fine line between her fierce independence and her need to show submissiveness to Queen Mary and Prince Philip. There is already political tension between Queen Mary and the imprisoned Elizabeth due to their respective claims to the throne and due to their religious differences. Queen Mary has brought England back to the Catholic faith as the only true religion which is supported by Rome and Prince Philip. On the other hand, Elizabeth was raised with their father's less formal ritual in the Protestant church. The tension is increased by the jealousy evoked by Prince Philip's interest and leniency towards Elizabeth. Prince Philip, aged 27, marries Queen Mary, aged 38,  as a political move to increase the power of Spain. Philip convinces Mary to show mercy and release Elizabeth from The Tower and allow her to live freely, if guardedly. 

Elizabeth is portrayed as a bright young woman who draws men, young and old, to her ethereal manner and charms the common masses with her natural exuberance. She continually chants  in word games and speaks in riddles to keep her meaning ambiguous or at least uncommitted.  The author catches this character so well that, for me, it made the reading slower as I had to pay close attention to catch the nuances and think about the implications of what Elizabeth is saying outwardly compared to what she is thinking or feeling that she is not expressing.

It appears that the author did detailed research into the important events and times of the story and into the known letters written by the participants. These then are fleshed out in fiction that gives the characters depth - and life. A large part of the story focuses on portraying the development and character of Philip before shifting back to Elizabeth. It can not be known how they truly interacted and felt, but the author pulls you into their lives in a vivid way. The book made me want to look up what factually happened to these historical characters and try to determine how close to reality the story is.

The story makes me glad that I do not live a life that must play such political games of manipulation. It was somewhat surprising that Elizabeth was allowed to live by Queen Mary. This was due in great part to Prince Philip who was inclined to subtly be with Elizabeth with the hope they might be together if Mary died.  Ultimately Elizabeth does succeed to the throne upon Mary’s death but she continues to keep Philip at bay. As the bookmakers in Europe took bets that Elizabeth’s reign would not make it past six months one gets a glimpse from the author of the matters of state, marriage proposals and considerations that Elizabeth had to  juggle. This is a remarkable historical portrayal of very interesting historical figures.

xxx

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

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC:

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It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
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* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on May 13, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

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.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC:

1. Tell me which cover you like better, the ARC or the final published cover.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on November 22, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.