The Virgin's Lover (The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels)

This is another wonderful book by Phillippa Gregory which I think surpasses her others. The story of the passionate love affair between Elizabeth 1 and Robert, Lord Dudley settles, for me, many questions which have previously been a puzzle. Yes of course this is purely supposition but it makes complete sense and it could well have been played out in this manner. Dudley came from a line of courtiers who were well known for treachery...his father and brother were executed for treason, but, despite this, Dudley's overweening vanity and arrogance had convinced him that he could marry Elizabeth and become King. The fact that he was already married to his childhood sweetheart, Amy Robsart, was something that he was sure could be overcome by divorce. Amy was a secret Papist and refused to be divorced to clear the path for his marriage. Elizabeth was clearly besotted with Dudley but, as was ever her way, refused to take a stright line and was certainly NEVER going to share her throne with any man.The death of Amy is explained in a logical way, which along with other aspects of history, could well be the true answer. It's a fabulous read for any lover of historical fiction.

Here's one for the many fans of the Tudor period in English history. Gregory's novel depicts the notorious love affair between Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I. In reality whether the two were technically lovers is unknown, but the relationship scandalized the Court nevertheless. Gregory does an excellent job of depicting the complexity of the two main characters. She portrays Elizabeth at times as emotional, indecisive and far too easily influenced, but at the same time clever, manipulative and fiercly protective of her perogatives as Queen. Dudley truly loves her, but is also engaged in a brutal power game played by the many factions at court. In the end, Elizabeth's sense of her own destiny wins out, as she realizes that marriage to almost anyone would necessarily mean a lessening of her own power. She also astutely realizes that her availability as a marriagable woman is a potent political tool to keep the monarchs of Europe off-balance and perpetually guessing. Gregory deftly lets us see glimpses of the woman Elizabeth will become--she truly was her father's daughter. Gregory's style is vivid and fast-paced--I lost a few hours' sleep as I was engrossed in this one. Highly recommended.