Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Washington Square Press (2009), Edition: Reprint, 464 pages
Description
This dazzling novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory presents a new and unique view of one of history's most intriguing, romantic, and maddening heroines. Biographers often neglect the captive years of Mary, Queen of Scots, who trusted Queen Elizabeth's promise of sanctuary when she fled from rebels in Scotland and then found herself imprisoned as the guest of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and his indomitable wife, Bess of Hardwick. The newly married couple welcome the doomed queen into their home, certain that serving as her hosts and jailers will bring them an advantage in the cutthroat world of the Elizabethan court. To their horror, they find that the task will bankrupt them, and as their home becomes the epicenter of intrigue and rebellion against Elizabeth, their loyalty to each other and to their sovereign comes into question. If Mary succeeds in seducing the earl into her own web of treachery and treason, or if the great spymaster William Cecil links them to the growing conspiracy to free Mary from her illegal imprisonment, they will all face the headsman.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member PensiveCat
The Other Queen covers the early years of Mary, Queen of Scots' time in England. The story is told from the points of view of Bess (known as Bess of Hardwick in history books), her husband George, Earl of Shrewsbury, and Mary. At times this varied first person reminded me of those reality shows,
I had fun with this book. These particular years of Tudor history are not the ones most familiar to me, so I didn't see much in historical inaccuracy. Sometimes I felt too many pages were put into the difficulties of keeping Mary in the care of the Shrewsburys, which ending up translating into Bess grumbling over finances in every chapter, Mary whining about her rights as a queen, and George being daft and insisting on honor. Perhaps this was the point of the book, though. The tension of the married couple when Mary proves to be too charming to resist was covered, though not in any lurid details.
It was interesting to see how tense things got between the North of England and the Elizabethan government run by Cecil and his spy network. If anything, The Other Queen made me want to delve in the 1570's a little more. It also makes me wonder just how beautiful Mary was, because the artwork of the time didn't quite show this to me.
Occasionally I rolled my eyes over the little insights into the future (not counting the massive one via George in the end). Bess seems to see a future for women that would have been quite blurry in the 16th century. Having a very young Anthony Babington promise Mary that he'd help her to the point of calling his own future efforts "The Babington Plot" was the one moment where I groaned out loud.
In terms of Philippa Gregory books, I didn't feel like as many liberties were taken as in "The Other Boleyn Girl", though I think I liked The Boleyn Inheritence marginally more than The Other Queen.
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when the participants tell the camera how they really feel about their situation. I had fun with this book. These particular years of Tudor history are not the ones most familiar to me, so I didn't see much in historical inaccuracy. Sometimes I felt too many pages were put into the difficulties of keeping Mary in the care of the Shrewsburys, which ending up translating into Bess grumbling over finances in every chapter, Mary whining about her rights as a queen, and George being daft and insisting on honor. Perhaps this was the point of the book, though. The tension of the married couple when Mary proves to be too charming to resist was covered, though not in any lurid details.
It was interesting to see how tense things got between the North of England and the Elizabethan government run by Cecil and his spy network. If anything, The Other Queen made me want to delve in the 1570's a little more. It also makes me wonder just how beautiful Mary was, because the artwork of the time didn't quite show this to me.
Occasionally I rolled my eyes over the little insights into the future (not counting the massive one via George in the end). Bess seems to see a future for women that would have been quite blurry in the 16th century. Having a very young Anthony Babington promise Mary that he'd help her to the point of calling his own future efforts "The Babington Plot" was the one moment where I groaned out loud.
In terms of Philippa Gregory books, I didn't feel like as many liberties were taken as in "The Other Boleyn Girl", though I think I liked The Boleyn Inheritence marginally more than The Other Queen.
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LibraryThing member Whisper1
What was I thinking when I took this book from the library shelf and checked it out? What was I thinking when I took precious Sunday time to read it? What was I thinking when I forgot that I vowed not to read any more boring, uninspiring, historically incorrect books by Philippa Gregory
What was
Suffice it to say I was lured by a new book regarding Mary Queen of Scots, one of my favorite historical figures.
Told via the narration of three characters, Bess of Hardwick, her husband The Earl of Shrewsbury, and Mary Queen of Scots, the story line bounces back and forth from chapter to chapter much like a repetitious ping pong ball, monotonously lacking excitement.
Focusing on the long imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I, there are numerous plots for freedom told in a ho hum, boring manner.
No stars for this one -- only self recrimination for struggling through another Philippa Gregory missive.
What was
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Gregory thinking when she tackled the very complex character of Mary Queen of Scots?Suffice it to say I was lured by a new book regarding Mary Queen of Scots, one of my favorite historical figures.
Told via the narration of three characters, Bess of Hardwick, her husband The Earl of Shrewsbury, and Mary Queen of Scots, the story line bounces back and forth from chapter to chapter much like a repetitious ping pong ball, monotonously lacking excitement.
Focusing on the long imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I, there are numerous plots for freedom told in a ho hum, boring manner.
No stars for this one -- only self recrimination for struggling through another Philippa Gregory missive.
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LibraryThing member bookgirljen
I really wanted to love this book, as I so thoroughly enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl. But this story was SO boring and repetitive.
I got really tired of hearing about how Mary was regal and untouchable, and George was honorable, and Bess brought herself up from nothing and loved nothing more than her
The plot was boring. Nothing ever really happened. A lot of planning, but no results. Back and forth from house to house. I didn't feel a need to keep reading - it was far from compelling. I realize this story is based on real events, so maybe this just wasn't the best subject for Ms. Gregory to write a novel about.
I forced myself to keep reading, but found my mind drifting off several times, because I wasn't engaged in the story.
A disappointing read.
I got really tired of hearing about how Mary was regal and untouchable, and George was honorable, and Bess brought herself up from nothing and loved nothing more than her
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houses and land. Over and over, the same things. Yawn.The plot was boring. Nothing ever really happened. A lot of planning, but no results. Back and forth from house to house. I didn't feel a need to keep reading - it was far from compelling. I realize this story is based on real events, so maybe this just wasn't the best subject for Ms. Gregory to write a novel about.
I forced myself to keep reading, but found my mind drifting off several times, because I wasn't engaged in the story.
A disappointing read.
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LibraryThing member cookiecat
Boring and repetitive.
I didn't even learn anything really... not that I would necessarily believe Philippa's "take" on t he story anyway.
I didn't even learn anything really... not that I would necessarily believe Philippa's "take" on t he story anyway.
LibraryThing member AuntieClio
It's always interesting to read other points of view about a topic. As a Tudor fan, I'm already familiar with what history says about the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, who also believed herself to be true heir to the thrones of England and France. This was a tough
Yet Mary's presence in England fomented much rebellion among the Catholics who resented Elizabeth both for her father's dismantling of the Church and for the sketchy lineage that brought Elizabeth to the throne. Many believed Mary had the truer lineage. In the end, Mary's uncanny ability to be obtuse and arrogant made her a prisoner in England for 18.5 years, until she was executed in 1587 for plotting to assassinate the Queen of England.
The Other Queen is told through the eyes of George, Earl of Shrewsberry, his wife Bess, Countess of Shrewsberry, and Queen Mary. The earl and countess were Mary's guards for 15 years.
While this story is fascinating, the real hero of the story, at least to my mind, is Bess Hardwick who literally rose from nothing to be one of the richest women in England at a time when women were not allowed to own anything. It was a time when women married, all property and assets in their name became their husband's property. Not jointly owned, not overseen, but taken away and given to the husband.
Bess was a business woman who believed true power and security came from owning property and making it work for her. She knew to the penny what things cost, what was coming in and what was going out. A rarity of the time, she knew how to read and kept her books strictly.
The Earl, on the other hand, had come from nobility for generations and had no idea how to work with money. He seemed to believe it came from the air, and that his stewards took care of things which kept him in rich living.
Keeping Mary as a prisoner nearly bankrupted the Hardwicks. But Bess got the best of the Earl with her common sense and reached an agreement which allowed his debts to her be paid with his land and property put in her name, becoming a landed woman again Though they remained married, the upkeep of Mary broke their marriage, and the agreement between Bess and George was just short of a divorce agreement. They lived in their separate houses for the rest of the marriage.
Bess turned her finances around and made favorable matches for her children; adding to her, and theirs, wealth. Her Earl was no match for her. His prejudice against her background and upbringing blinded him to her cunning and practicality. While they loved each other deeply at the beginning of their marriage, their different approaches to life were put to the test by Mary's presence.
I very much enjoyed reading Bess Hardwick's part in this drama, and now have another strong woman to read up on.
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situation for Elizabeth since Mary was also her cousin and a queen's body was sacrosanct and could not be touched or killed.Yet Mary's presence in England fomented much rebellion among the Catholics who resented Elizabeth both for her father's dismantling of the Church and for the sketchy lineage that brought Elizabeth to the throne. Many believed Mary had the truer lineage. In the end, Mary's uncanny ability to be obtuse and arrogant made her a prisoner in England for 18.5 years, until she was executed in 1587 for plotting to assassinate the Queen of England.
The Other Queen is told through the eyes of George, Earl of Shrewsberry, his wife Bess, Countess of Shrewsberry, and Queen Mary. The earl and countess were Mary's guards for 15 years.
While this story is fascinating, the real hero of the story, at least to my mind, is Bess Hardwick who literally rose from nothing to be one of the richest women in England at a time when women were not allowed to own anything. It was a time when women married, all property and assets in their name became their husband's property. Not jointly owned, not overseen, but taken away and given to the husband.
Bess was a business woman who believed true power and security came from owning property and making it work for her. She knew to the penny what things cost, what was coming in and what was going out. A rarity of the time, she knew how to read and kept her books strictly.
The Earl, on the other hand, had come from nobility for generations and had no idea how to work with money. He seemed to believe it came from the air, and that his stewards took care of things which kept him in rich living.
Keeping Mary as a prisoner nearly bankrupted the Hardwicks. But Bess got the best of the Earl with her common sense and reached an agreement which allowed his debts to her be paid with his land and property put in her name, becoming a landed woman again Though they remained married, the upkeep of Mary broke their marriage, and the agreement between Bess and George was just short of a divorce agreement. They lived in their separate houses for the rest of the marriage.
Bess turned her finances around and made favorable matches for her children; adding to her, and theirs, wealth. Her Earl was no match for her. His prejudice against her background and upbringing blinded him to her cunning and practicality. While they loved each other deeply at the beginning of their marriage, their different approaches to life were put to the test by Mary's presence.
I very much enjoyed reading Bess Hardwick's part in this drama, and now have another strong woman to read up on.
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LibraryThing member marieburton2004
The first impression when beginning this book is I do not enjoy the switching back and forth between narrators. The author had done this before and I did an internal sigh when I realized it was happening again. Sometimes it works, sometimes it gets aggravating. It is narrated by Bess, her husband
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George Talbot, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Mary. Once you are trying to get absorbed in the story, the chapter is finished and it's time for another narrator to catch up.I disliked this version of the character of Mary, Queen of Scots right away with her sanctimonious attitude and how near her station is to God that she believes herself to be due to the bloodline of royalty in her veins. Which is how the royalty see themselves and how they are expected to be treated, which is fine. But the way she speaks of it is simply bragging and grates on your nerves. In previous novels Mary is portrayed as being more passionate or sensitive. Here we only get a glimpse of Mary believing she should rule both England and Scotland, and that she is eager to participate in plots of her escape. She disguises herself as a sweet and tender woman but narrates the story as a shrewd woman very willing to promote violence in order for her release.The novel is opening to where Mary is brought from Bolton Castle to Tutbury in 1568. The positive side of the three narrators is of course you get all three point of views, but it just makes for annoying reading at times. It is rare to contemplate George Talbot's true feelings, most books I have read did not really consider his thoughts on the keeping of Mary, other than I always remember him wanting to be paid more for his expenses. Here we see George becoming enamored with Mary, becoming so much so as to be in love with her. He begins as simply believing that she is a Queen and should be restored to her crown in Scotland. But that is not what the Secretary of State, William Cecil, would like. Mary will always be his thorn since he believes Scotland should be under English command. He will stop at nothing to see her ruined, dead, beheaded, etc.In this version of George, he has fallen in love with Mary. He does not seem to care for the expenses as much as Bess does. Bess realizes that George is besotted with the Queen, but tells us that her property, her estates, her legacy to her children are more important than any man. She is very upset that George could jeopardize their well-being with their own Queen Elizabeth I due to his quiet admiration of Mary. Let the plotting begin.. one after the other...George and his fellow Protestant lords are eager to marry the Catholic Mary to the Duke of Norfolk, and get sons off of her that can rule both Scotland and England. Poor Elizabeth will not choose a man, will not marry, and this is causing an unsettling feeling with the Englishmen, questioning the succession of the crown. The nobles also despise Elizabeth's adviser, Cecil, being that he is a nobody and not with a heritage of nobility behind him such as George Talbot and his friends.Bess's narration is perhaps the only thing that seems close to reality in this book. She is a headstrong woman who is adamant to preserve her fortune that she has collected due to her wonderful mathematical ability and the fact the three husbands before her have left her something to add to her estates. She seems to have feelings for George, as they have not been married for long when the story opens up. She soon realizes that perhaps he is not as worthy as he could be once he begins to show his puppy love for Mary. He is to go before Queen Elizabeth to see what part he played in letting treasonous letters and plots be brought to Mary. Bess is outraged that everything that she has worked for her whole life and the prosperity of her future is put at risk all because of George. She falls out of love quickly.As I read this I have had thoughts that most of the events would not be true. The Earl's love for Mary, Mary meeting Anthony Babington when he is 8 years old, the hatred Mary feels for Bess because Bess is jealous.. The letters to Bothwell while he is in a Denmark prison and pretty much everything else that happens in the last half of the book. This becomes annoying so much so that I have to keep telling me this is fiction, please stop worrying about it. I fight the desire to stop reading it. I do not have much left to read, the chapters always begin with the Season and and Year, and I am still on 1571 which is odd since there are another 16 years left to her captivity. So I looked ahead and the rest of the chapters are 1572 with it finally jumping to 1587 and ending there. Imagine I had to read for the full 16+ years of this yuck?! I don't know how the book will end, we can obviously make an educated guess but I will read it to see how it does end just out of morbid curiosity, since whatever it does end with will be such a farce getting there.For the average person who just wants a good story, perhaps this is the book for them. If you are interested in Mary Queen of Scots and the events truly surrounding her life, then do not even read the book. It would not be worth the time. I was definitely not as eager to continue the story as I was with the fictional Mary Stuart books by Jean Plaidy. Therefore if you are in the mood for the fictionalized historical account Mary Stuart, I would recommend Jean Plaidy's books from the previous posts, and not Phillippa Gregory. This book just seemed like one character's whine to the next.I now understand the furor caused by Tudor Historians when Gregory's book "The Other Boleyn Girl" was made into a movie. Many were incensed that this movie would be the cause of such a fascination with British History. I must humbly admit that her book is what drew me to my own interest in this era, but at least I knew better to start reading non-fiction so I could get the facts straight. That was a good book for those wanting an introduction to the Henry VIII period. One must then read a few more books to get a true sense of the era. Phillipa's next book is "The White Queen" and I have dutifully deleted that from my wishlist at Amazon.Back to this review though: DO NOT READ 'THE OTHER QUEEN'! 0 of 5 stars(note to self: never never pre-order a book without reading reviews!) Show Less
LibraryThing member heidialice
The Other Queen chronicles Mary Queen of Scots' time in captivity with the Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife, Bess. Most of the book occurs over a four year period, as Mary and couple get mixed and contradictory orders and reports from Queen Elizabeth and their various spies and
Ultimately, this is a novel of psychology and intrigue. Not a lot actually *happens*, but the insight into the emotions (love, loyalty, betrayal) and the motivations (greed, fear, loyalty and faith) is fascinating. The relationship development is particularly compelling. None of the characters is especially likeable, but all are sympathetic. That in itself is a feat -- the reader is left wondering who to "root" for, and that is one of the books great strengths, to my mind. There are no clear good guys or bad guys in the greater historical context. This is an easy read, due to short (2-3 page) chapters, and the switching viewpoints (Mary, George and Bess). Maybe not the most exciting novel, but a fascinating look into a fascinating period of history, which affected the practice of religion and the role of the parliament and advisors in England, and determined to a great degree the fate of Scotland.
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co-conspirators.Ultimately, this is a novel of psychology and intrigue. Not a lot actually *happens*, but the insight into the emotions (love, loyalty, betrayal) and the motivations (greed, fear, loyalty and faith) is fascinating. The relationship development is particularly compelling. None of the characters is especially likeable, but all are sympathetic. That in itself is a feat -- the reader is left wondering who to "root" for, and that is one of the books great strengths, to my mind. There are no clear good guys or bad guys in the greater historical context. This is an easy read, due to short (2-3 page) chapters, and the switching viewpoints (Mary, George and Bess). Maybe not the most exciting novel, but a fascinating look into a fascinating period of history, which affected the practice of religion and the role of the parliament and advisors in England, and determined to a great degree the fate of Scotland.
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LibraryThing member tututhefirst
It's a novel. It's historical fiction. I'd definitely have to put more belief in the fiction than the history, as Philippa Gregory gives us a new slant on Mary Queen of Scots in this novel published last year. Told through the eyes of Mary, and the couple chosen to be her 'host and hostess', George
As the imprisonment drags on, we learn as much about the Shrewsbury duo as we do about Mary. Bess is portrayed as a penny-pinching, money grabbing spy for Elizabeth's chief advisor (and Mary's chief protagonist) Lord Cecil. George is Bess's husband #4, and she's heretofore managed to better herself from each previous arrangement, somehow getting hubbies #1,2,3 to deed everything they owned to her.
She evidently signed it all over to George when she married him, because she wanted to be a Countess. Now however, she sees her fortune going out the window as the Shrewsburys must foot the extravagant bill for Mary (up to 30 dishes a night for dinner! and a staff of over 100 to be housed and fed, royal linens to be washed, etc etc etc).
George on the other hand, being the great honorable Galahad wannebe he was raised to be, finds himself tumbling head over heels in love with Mary, but bound by honor to do Elizabeth's bidding. Until the end , he is duped by Mary, and finds it inconceivable that she would ever participate in any kind of plot against her cousin Elizabeth.
It is possible to judge Mary Queen of Scots from a number of different perspectives. Gregory's take that she was a conniving wench who used whoever she could to get what she wanted (a throne perhaps???) is probably close to being spot on.
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Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and his wife Bess of Hardwick, the Countess Shrewsbury, we are given a good look at Mary's life in the early days of her forced stay in England.As the imprisonment drags on, we learn as much about the Shrewsbury duo as we do about Mary. Bess is portrayed as a penny-pinching, money grabbing spy for Elizabeth's chief advisor (and Mary's chief protagonist) Lord Cecil. George is Bess's husband #4, and she's heretofore managed to better herself from each previous arrangement, somehow getting hubbies #1,2,3 to deed everything they owned to her.
She evidently signed it all over to George when she married him, because she wanted to be a Countess. Now however, she sees her fortune going out the window as the Shrewsburys must foot the extravagant bill for Mary (up to 30 dishes a night for dinner! and a staff of over 100 to be housed and fed, royal linens to be washed, etc etc etc).
George on the other hand, being the great honorable Galahad wannebe he was raised to be, finds himself tumbling head over heels in love with Mary, but bound by honor to do Elizabeth's bidding. Until the end , he is duped by Mary, and finds it inconceivable that she would ever participate in any kind of plot against her cousin Elizabeth.
It is possible to judge Mary Queen of Scots from a number of different perspectives. Gregory's take that she was a conniving wench who used whoever she could to get what she wanted (a throne perhaps???) is probably close to being spot on.
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LibraryThing member thetometraveller
Mary, Queen of Scots was in her mid-twenties and had only been on the throne of Scotland for a few years when the rebel lords banded together to force her to their will. She feared a forced marriage, rape or imprisonment and so she fled the country. If she had only gotten on a boat and headed for
Of course, Queen Elizabeth could never have given true assistance to a rival for her own throne. Plus Mary was a magnet for every Catholic lord who would rather see someone of their own faith in power. The result was a very long sixteen year prison sentence for Mary that ended in her execution.
George Talbot, The Earl of Shrewsbury, and his wife Bess of Hardwick were the unhappy jailers for Queen Mary. They had no choice in the matter and never received any money for her keep. The result was that they spent their entire fortune, over the years, providing the level of luxurious furnishings, food, and lifestyle that a Queen is supposed to have. Only it is supposed to be provided to her by the taxation of a nation of subjects and the burden was too much for George and Bess to bear. Their marriage suffered from the strain. George's infatuation with the Queen didn't help, either.
This novel covers the first three years of Queen Mary's imprisonment in England. Several plots were hatched and one went so far as to raise an army. But they came to nothing thanks to the lukewarm support of Spain and the extensive spy network set up by Elizabeth's chief advisor, William Cecil.
I love Philippa Gregory's novels and always eagerly await a new one. To me, this one was a bit of a disappointment. It has well developed and interesting characters and excellent historical accuracy. I think the problem lies in the chosen subject. There had not been a historical novel written about Mary's imprisonment before, probably because it couldn't have been very exciting. In this story there were several plots hatched, a platonic love affair and some excitement in changing locations. The narrative switches between the points-of-view of Mary, Bess and George and that adds some interest, but the unfortunate fact is that the novel is just a little boring. I found myself really disliking poor Queen Mary, whose constant refrain of "I must be free" made me want to smack her. It is well worth a read for lovers of historical fiction and, of course, a must for Philippa Gregory fans, but it is my least favorite of all of her books.
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France, where she had been raised, or Spain, a sympathetic Catholic country, history would have turned out very differently. But she didn't. She fled south, across the border into England. She was under the misguided notion that her cousin, Queen Elizabeth, would take care of her and restore her to the throne of Scotland.Of course, Queen Elizabeth could never have given true assistance to a rival for her own throne. Plus Mary was a magnet for every Catholic lord who would rather see someone of their own faith in power. The result was a very long sixteen year prison sentence for Mary that ended in her execution.
George Talbot, The Earl of Shrewsbury, and his wife Bess of Hardwick were the unhappy jailers for Queen Mary. They had no choice in the matter and never received any money for her keep. The result was that they spent their entire fortune, over the years, providing the level of luxurious furnishings, food, and lifestyle that a Queen is supposed to have. Only it is supposed to be provided to her by the taxation of a nation of subjects and the burden was too much for George and Bess to bear. Their marriage suffered from the strain. George's infatuation with the Queen didn't help, either.
This novel covers the first three years of Queen Mary's imprisonment in England. Several plots were hatched and one went so far as to raise an army. But they came to nothing thanks to the lukewarm support of Spain and the extensive spy network set up by Elizabeth's chief advisor, William Cecil.
I love Philippa Gregory's novels and always eagerly await a new one. To me, this one was a bit of a disappointment. It has well developed and interesting characters and excellent historical accuracy. I think the problem lies in the chosen subject. There had not been a historical novel written about Mary's imprisonment before, probably because it couldn't have been very exciting. In this story there were several plots hatched, a platonic love affair and some excitement in changing locations. The narrative switches between the points-of-view of Mary, Bess and George and that adds some interest, but the unfortunate fact is that the novel is just a little boring. I found myself really disliking poor Queen Mary, whose constant refrain of "I must be free" made me want to smack her. It is well worth a read for lovers of historical fiction and, of course, a must for Philippa Gregory fans, but it is my least favorite of all of her books.
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LibraryThing member Kasthu
The Other Queen is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, during a specific period in her life—the time that she spent in the home of George Talbot and his wife, Bess, at Tutbury Castle. It was a period fraught with political turmoil and the threat of another civil war, as Mary attempted to regain
I have to say straight away that this was not one of Philippa Gregory’s best—a shame, since I was looking forward to reading it. Part of the problem is that I more or less have a preconceived idea of what Mary was like. Therefore, I was a little dismayed by the way that Mary is portrayed in the book; she’s arrogant. And that’s another problem I had with the book; I feel as though it might have been better had Mary not narrated part of the story herself. Even George and Bess are pretty wooden characters with no distinctive voices of their own; I flipped from one section to the next and thought that the same person was speaking!
Another part of this novel’s problem is that it fictionalizes one of the most boring periods in Mary’s life. Really, couldn’t she have fictionalized the Gunpowder Plot or the murder of David Rizzio? Instead, we get pages and pages about how queenly Mary is, how hard Bess worked to get where she is, Cecil is evil, ad nauseum. Essentially, if you read the first 100 pages or so, you’ve read the entire book. I feel as though Philippa Gregory is just following a formula here, one that doesn’t entirely work for this novel. It’s especially disappointing considering I’ve enjoyed so much of Gregory’s work in the past. A much better novel about Mary’s life is Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles, by Margaret George, and a wonderful work of nonfiction about Mary is Mary, Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley, by Alison Weir.
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her throne. The story is told from the point of view of all three characters.I have to say straight away that this was not one of Philippa Gregory’s best—a shame, since I was looking forward to reading it. Part of the problem is that I more or less have a preconceived idea of what Mary was like. Therefore, I was a little dismayed by the way that Mary is portrayed in the book; she’s arrogant. And that’s another problem I had with the book; I feel as though it might have been better had Mary not narrated part of the story herself. Even George and Bess are pretty wooden characters with no distinctive voices of their own; I flipped from one section to the next and thought that the same person was speaking!
Another part of this novel’s problem is that it fictionalizes one of the most boring periods in Mary’s life. Really, couldn’t she have fictionalized the Gunpowder Plot or the murder of David Rizzio? Instead, we get pages and pages about how queenly Mary is, how hard Bess worked to get where she is, Cecil is evil, ad nauseum. Essentially, if you read the first 100 pages or so, you’ve read the entire book. I feel as though Philippa Gregory is just following a formula here, one that doesn’t entirely work for this novel. It’s especially disappointing considering I’ve enjoyed so much of Gregory’s work in the past. A much better novel about Mary’s life is Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles, by Margaret George, and a wonderful work of nonfiction about Mary is Mary, Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley, by Alison Weir.
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LibraryThing member mojomomma
An interesting look at Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots and her struggles against her cousin, Queen Elizabeth of England. The two women and their advisors constantly plot against one another as Mary seeks to regain her throne and be recognized as Elizabeth's true heir and Elizabeth tries to keep her
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plotting, Papist cousin from doing any more damage to her already uneasy reign. Caught in the middle of this duel is Lord Shrewsberry and his wife, Bess. The Shrewsberry's host Queen Mary in their home, along with her court of 60 attendants and discover that it nearly bankrupts them to keep the queen in the manner to which she is accustomed. And then Lord Shrewsberry falls in love with Queen Mary and turns a blind eye to his plotting ways and all hell breaks loose. Show Less
LibraryThing member lecari
This book is centered around The Other Queen, Mary Queen of Scots, and the newly weds who have to guard and take care of her - George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife, Elizabeth (known better as Bess of Hardwick). The book switches between these three perspectives.
I'm not sure I agree with
It is quite repetitive, and not a lot seems to happen - it would have been more interesting if there had been more information on what was happening in London at the time, or on the uprisings against Elizabeth. Unfortunately, by restricting herself to only the 3 perspectives, Gregory restricts herself and this isn't possible. Even when George Talbot *does* go to England, he has a brief meeting with the Queen, then goes back, with no real information on what had been happening. A shame as this could have been such a thrilling, exciting read.
I'm not sure I agree with
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her characterisations. Bess got irritating, constantly she was talking/thinking about her land, with hardly any mention of anything else - I agree that she was obviously a very determined and focused woman, but I don't think she was so obsessed with her fortune and houses to the extent that she thought of nothing else!It is quite repetitive, and not a lot seems to happen - it would have been more interesting if there had been more information on what was happening in London at the time, or on the uprisings against Elizabeth. Unfortunately, by restricting herself to only the 3 perspectives, Gregory restricts herself and this isn't possible. Even when George Talbot *does* go to England, he has a brief meeting with the Queen, then goes back, with no real information on what had been happening. A shame as this could have been such a thrilling, exciting read.
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LibraryThing member thelotuseater
Surely, Philippa Gregory loathes Elizabeth as much as I do. Heh. Bess of Hardwick is not as likeable as the imprisoned queen but it is an easy matter to sympathise with her predicament. Overall characterizations are weak and the plot is repetitive. However, it is still a readable book what with the
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brave Scot, the bitchy Tudor, the indefatigable spymaster William Cecil and the Talbots. Show Less
LibraryThing member cathymoore
The story of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland and her imprisonment in England by her cousin Elizabeth I. Gregory brings the England of the period to life beautifully as usual. However, the problem I think, is that a story where the central character is imprisoned throughout is never going to be
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action packed. Compared to the tales of intrigue and bed-hopping of Henry VIII's court this seems rather dull. I'm not going to let this put me off the author though, and I look forward to the first in her series about the Plantagenets. Show Less
LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
The Other Queen focuses on Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I's rival. You read the story through the eyes of Queen Mary, and her two hosts/jailors: George and Bess Talbot (who are also newlyweds). As the plot progress, you notice George falling in love with the Queen, and Bess becoming
The plot starts very slow at first. It didn't really capture my attention as Gregory's other books. I did not really warm up to any of these characters. When you're reading from Mary's point of view she's always referring to her past, and other characters (Bothwell, for example). It's a little hard to follow as I'm not very well versed in this era of history. Here I am sitting wondering who are these people Mary keeps on talking about. You get the hang of it after a while but it's a little frustrating and you feel a little lost. Also, you get the feeling you're on a yo-yo as you read this book. First the rebels are coming. Nope they're not. Oh Mary's going to this house. Nope she's going to this one. Oh yes Mary will have her throne. Nope she's just going to this other house for now. It was sort of tiring reading like this throughout the book.
Once you get the know the three characters and as the plot slowly progresses, this is where it gets messy. I started to like Mary a lot first, and I started sympathizing with her. Considering I didn't like Elizabeth to start with (when reading The Virgin's Lover), Mary was a very romantic version of a Queen and reminded me of a little bit of Catalina (from The Constant Princess). I was neutral towards Bess, and George, he's a sweetheart! you can't help it but wonder if he's THE perfect guy for those times. Towards the middle of the book, when Mary starts plotting more, and George falls in love with her, my opinion changes. Bess just can't shut up about money, and gets mildly irritating. On top of that she's a jealous harpy but you can't really blame her. She's up against a Queen. George still reminds loveable, but a little on the dumb side. Queen Mary, she started becoming a lying twit. Towards the end, everything shifts again. I didn't like Mary anymore. The spoiled brat. I admired Bess for her strength but just wished she would shut up about her lands and money. George, well, I'd have to say he brought it all on himself even though he's still a sweetheart. The plot works well with these characters, as all three of them develop and you see them change drastically.
Aside from the slow plot, I think it's the characters that managed to saved this book from being set aside. They grabbed my attention, albeit not as quick as I hoped. Perhaps I had too many expectations. However it could be because I don't know much about this era of history and perhaps a bit of background research would have helped me. Overall, not one of Gregory's best work but it's an all right read.
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the green eyed monster. In the meantime Queen Mary is busy plotting to get her seated on a throne to rule France, England, and Scotland.The plot starts very slow at first. It didn't really capture my attention as Gregory's other books. I did not really warm up to any of these characters. When you're reading from Mary's point of view she's always referring to her past, and other characters (Bothwell, for example). It's a little hard to follow as I'm not very well versed in this era of history. Here I am sitting wondering who are these people Mary keeps on talking about. You get the hang of it after a while but it's a little frustrating and you feel a little lost. Also, you get the feeling you're on a yo-yo as you read this book. First the rebels are coming. Nope they're not. Oh Mary's going to this house. Nope she's going to this one. Oh yes Mary will have her throne. Nope she's just going to this other house for now. It was sort of tiring reading like this throughout the book.
Once you get the know the three characters and as the plot slowly progresses, this is where it gets messy. I started to like Mary a lot first, and I started sympathizing with her. Considering I didn't like Elizabeth to start with (when reading The Virgin's Lover), Mary was a very romantic version of a Queen and reminded me of a little bit of Catalina (from The Constant Princess). I was neutral towards Bess, and George, he's a sweetheart! you can't help it but wonder if he's THE perfect guy for those times. Towards the middle of the book, when Mary starts plotting more, and George falls in love with her, my opinion changes. Bess just can't shut up about money, and gets mildly irritating. On top of that she's a jealous harpy but you can't really blame her. She's up against a Queen. George still reminds loveable, but a little on the dumb side. Queen Mary, she started becoming a lying twit. Towards the end, everything shifts again. I didn't like Mary anymore. The spoiled brat. I admired Bess for her strength but just wished she would shut up about her lands and money. George, well, I'd have to say he brought it all on himself even though he's still a sweetheart. The plot works well with these characters, as all three of them develop and you see them change drastically.
Aside from the slow plot, I think it's the characters that managed to saved this book from being set aside. They grabbed my attention, albeit not as quick as I hoped. Perhaps I had too many expectations. However it could be because I don't know much about this era of history and perhaps a bit of background research would have helped me. Overall, not one of Gregory's best work but it's an all right read.
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LibraryThing member stephaniechase
Gregory's books following "The Other Boleyn" never quite measure up to that first one; however, "The Other Queen" is a fantastic read, told from three very different points of view. As with all of her books, the depth of Gregory's research, even if it is used for her own purposes, compels me to
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read up on the Tudors. This time, I am most interested to read about Mary, Queen of Scots. Show Less
LibraryThing member mikitchenlady
Hardly bothering to tag this one. My first Philippa Gregory, although based on other reviews, perhaps it should not be my last. This book was repetitive and plodding, with one dimensional characters and an unexciting plot. I won't take up any space to describe it or review it in more detail, as
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others have done such a great job describing it. I'll just say I grew tired of the three narrators who just kept repeating themselves (Mary, Queen of Scots -- I'm a queen, I'm perfect, I'm awesome, I deserve to be free; Bess of Hardwick -- she's using up all of our money, my husband is a fool, I support Queen Elizabeth who won't pay me anything; George Talbot -- I'm an honorable man, I serve the Queen of England, and I love Mary). And so on... Show Less
LibraryThing member beckylynn
This was horrible. It was the same sad storyline over and over again. I cannot believe how boring this book was! The writing was good, but that didn't make up for the story. Very dissappointed.
LibraryThing member ladydymondz
Having read all of Gregory's other Tudor novels, this one was just a bit of a bore. Well written as usual, however the characters were flat & redundant. The ending was abrupt, just did not expect that...
LibraryThing member WomblingStar
I don't think this is one of her best but still an enjoyable read into history. I was hoping to get to the end of Mary's life in the book and found the ending a bit disappointing. It left me wanting to know what happened next, like I had only read half a story. She does make Tudor England very real
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and easy to imagine which is good. Show Less
LibraryThing member mbmackay
Historical fiction about the captivity of Mary Queen of Scots, held by the Earl of Shrewsberry and his wife, who later became known as Bess of Hardwick. Told in the voice of the three main characters in alternating chapters, the result is unsatisfying. The characters of the Earl and Bess are
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one-dimensional and don't develop at all in the course of the book. Mary is more interesting, but in the end, I don't think I have a better idea of the 'real' Mary Queen of Scots than I had at the start. Read November 2009. Show Less
LibraryThing member AspiringAmeliorant
Gregory tells the story of the English imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots (Mary I of Scotland) from the perspective of the queen herself, and her two "hosts," Countess Elizabeth Shrovesbury, and The Earl of Shrovesbury, George.
The book is certainly effective in making the history very personal
The audiobook by recorded books is narrated by three different voices and produced quite well.
The book is certainly effective in making the history very personal
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and interesting. The Other Queen is portrayed as a devout woman, confident in her position as an inalienable person, born, married, and anointed royally. Bess is the nouveau riche, climbing the social ladder through successively more impressive marriages, incredibly concerned with her accumulated wealth and its safety, while her husband (whom she delights as referring to as "my husband, the earl," is characterized as a somewhat dopey member of the dying aristocracy, wooed by the young queen, obsessed with his own honor, and unsure of exactly where his allegiances do, or should, lie.The audiobook by recorded books is narrated by three different voices and produced quite well.
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LibraryThing member amandacb
This work of Greogry's is fairly decent. Certainly not anywhere near the heights of The Other Boleyn Girl, but certainly worth a read if you are a fan of her works and of historical fiction. You won't learn anything new about Mary Queen of Scots, though. If you are interested in her, I suggest
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Margaret George's "The Autobiography of Mary, Queen of Scots." Show Less
LibraryThing member debs4jc
The heartfelt drama of this story kept me longing to take long car rides so I could continue to listen to it. It follows the Earl of Shrewsbury, his wife Bess of Hardwick, and Queen Mary of Scots and they are thrown together in an impossibly hard situation. Mary is of course a "guest" in England,
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there by the good graces of her cousin Elizabeth--who could of course always choose to behead her instead. The Earl and his wife Bess are "asked" to host Mary--a task that ends us bankrupting them and destroying their marriage. For the Earl can't help but be captivated by Mary, and Bess can't help but be devastated by this and by the fact that the fortune she brought into the marriage is quickly drained away by the exorbitant expense of keeping a Queen. Each takes turns telling their story--which in the audio version I listened to is expertly narrated--and the author does an excellent job of making this historical characters real people with hopes, dreams, and emotions that capture the heart. I heartily enjoyed it and it made me want to explore the "real story" further--always a plus with historical fiction. Historical fiction fans will love it of course, but also anyone who enjoys getting into the minds of the characters and stories with lots of human drama. Show Less
LibraryThing member Letter4No1
I guess you could call me a loyal Gregory reader. I've read the majority of her Tudor series and have read the first book in Plantagenet trilogy. Usually I can find more than a few faults with her novels, but the story is usually enough to overlook large historical inaccuracies and underdeveloped
Story:
**1/2
Structure:
***
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characters. Unfortunately every character in this novel is grating. Mary is pompous, vain, and irritating as she repeats the same choirs of "you must free me, you can't kill me, aren't i pretty". Bess is the stereotypic nagging wife, who can not go a section without worrying about her land, and talking about the money that is being lost, and all the while George is gripping with his love for Mary, while serving Elizabeth and making stupid choices the entire time. Between the three of them there is not one redeemable quality, and that is really the tragedy of this story, not the massive number of executions, the religious persecutions or the historical inaccuracy's. Not one of Gregory's best works.Story:
**1/2
Structure:
***
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Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008-09-16
Physical description
8 inches
ISBN
1416549145 / 9781416549147