One of the most appealing aspects about this lengthy tome is the author’s ability to write similar to how someone presenting a history documentary might talk. In other words, this doesn’t feature an academic-type of tone, or have a mundane textbook feel.
As a reader of Alison Weir’s fiction and non-fiction works I’m not surprised by the engaging writing style. Also, her in-depth research is most admirable without being tedious.
I was previously quite familiar with this period of English history but this didn’t make the text any less interesting – or in some cases shocking, such as the 300 or so people burnt at the stake for having a difference in religious faith to Mary I, especially those who took 45 minutes to burn, and the woman who gave birth whilst at the stake and whose new-born baby was thrown back into the flames.
“Bloody” Mary does occupy the bulk of this volume, owing to Edward VI leading a short life, as did the highly unfortunate Lady Jane Grey, who deserves the utmost sympathy for the unnecessarily cruel life she endured.
As for Elizabeth I, we see her life up to and straight after her sister Mary’s death. She features prominently throughout the pages of this book, just as she featured prominently and uncertainly during Mary I’s reign.
This is well worth reading from anyone interested in the lesser-known Tudor monarchs who ruled between Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
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