The Other Queen

Told from three points of view, Mary Queen of Scots, George Talbot, and his wife Bess, its sometimes a bit hard to follow. The narrative is completely boring, with repetitive sections. A difficult read, even for die-hard Gregory fans. There's really nothing new here, and nothing which hasn't been addressed before. I found the characters in this book are shallow and flat. Normally Philippa Gregory has a gift for making Tudor England come alive, there is no question that Gregory is a talented author who well researches her books. With this book I have to wonder if Gregory has lost her interest in this subject.

This was the first book I have read by author Philippa Gregory. I have always looked at her books in the book store, but when a friend gave me this book as a gift, I finally had a chance to see why so many people enjoy her novels. Gregory's skill as a historian really makes you forget that you are reading a work of fiction. While sometimes I found the narratives by three different people a tad cumbersome, overall, I really enjoyed The Other Queen and look forward to reading her other novels.

I have read a few books by Philippa Gregory and enjoyed each of them. At first I was concerned with the writing of this book - but once I got started, I just wanted to finish. Now I want to read something else by the same author.

Another great book from Philippa Gregory.

This book tells the story of The Other Queen, Mary Queen of Scots. It's told by 3 different people and how they view the situation.

The story starts when George has been given the great honor of "housing" Mary Queen of Scots while Queen Elizabeth decides her fate. George has recently married Bess. George is Bess's 4th husband.

Bess, a very independent woman for her times who actually owed her own property before her marriage. At first she is honored at having the Queen of Scot's stay at her house but that quickly changes when she see's the hold Mary has on George.

Mary, Queen of Scot's is always trying to find a way to escape and get back to her son James in Scotland(who would end up becoming Queen Elizabeth's successor.) Mary, play's all the men around her to try and work them to her favor.

England is once again in peril. The French and Spanish work at trying to get Elizabeth off the throne as many believe that Mary is the true heir to the English throne. The political powers are working full force especially with William Cecil who has the ear to the Queen and the power to play people like chess pieces. At times you wonder who was running the country.

All of them lose more what they expect to.

Another great period read from Philippa.