Monday, November 2, 2009

Books by Theme: Long live the Queen(s)!

ink sketch of Alice in Wonderland
Image from The Victorian Web

Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir book coverThe Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir

Historian Weir utilizes her extensive knowledge of the period to brilliantly explain Elizabeth's rough, early life, her ascent to the throne, and her decision to never marry.




The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erickson

Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erickson book coverThis excellent historical novel, told through Marie Atoinette's faux diary, has an immediacy and veracity that immerses the reader in the queen's glamorous, tragic life. The artful blending of fact and fiction is compelling.








I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles
I Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles book cover historical fiction
The Elizabethan era comes vividly to life in this compelling novel "told" by the queen herself. Remarkably well researched, this "autobiography" is excellent historical fiction based solidly on fact.






Abundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Sena Jeter Naslund
Abundance a novel of marie antoinette by Sena Jeter Naslund book cover
Employing first-person narrative and details about all facets of life at Versailles, Naslund perfectly creates another world peopled with fascinating characters. Exquisitely written, this novel is a great read.








What others do you recommend on the subject? I know there are lots of royal historical fiction lovers out there!


11 comments:

Kirthi said...

Thanks for the post, I love historical fiction. I'm planning to read the first one :)

Nina said...

Wow, great books.
I do like to read The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette!

Nina

Aarti said...

So many rollicking royal reads around these days! I also like Legacy, about Queen Elizabeth. It's by Susan Kay.

Zibilee said...

I have both of the books on Marie Antoinette, but neither of the ones on Elizabeth. They all look like great reads, and I have to admit I'm a great lover of historical fiction. I have added a couple of these to my wish list. Thanks so much!

BurtonReview said...

I have got all those and sadly have not read a single one.

I really enjoyed Weir's other fictional book, on the nine days queen, Lady Jane Grey, Innocent Traitor.

Laura's Reviews said...

I love historical fiction - especially about Queens! I love Phillippa Gregory's novels. I also really enjoyed The King's Daugher: A Novel of the First Tudor Queen by Sandra Worth.

MyGltyPleasure said...

My favorite book about Elizabeth is Legacy, by Susan Kay. It's out-of-print, but worth tracking down at your local library or used bookstore!

I think I'll pickup Rosalind Miles' I, Elizabeth. Sounds like a great read!

Alyce said...

I haven't read a whole lot of historical fiction about royalty. I think I need to do some catching up in that area. :)

Oh, I just remembered one. My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes was very good (it's about Anne of Cleves, one of the wives of Henry VIII).

Passages to the Past said...

Historical Fiction Queen in the house!!!!

I HIGHLY recommend I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles!!! I've read A LOT about Elizabeth I and this was THE BEST!

I have so many more recommendations - anything by Jean Plaidy, Sharon Kay Penman, Elizabeth Chadwick....so many more!

Anonymous said...

I just read Nefertiti by Michelle Moran - a great, historical novel told from the point of view of Nefertiti's sister, somewhat reminiscent of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Veens said...

I LOVE historical Fiction, but sadly I have not read MUCH.. and am in no position to give suggestions. I have heard Jean Plaidy is really good! I have one of her books in my TBR pile!

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