The Other Queen - Books (Philippa Gregory, Hardcover)

Philippa Gregory has long been one of the most assured practitioners of historical fiction, but her profile was raised even higher by the film of her novel The Other Boleyn Girl. Gregory admirers, however, were heard to remark of that movie: `Not as good as the book!' And if her new novel, the highly accomplished The Other Queen is ever afforded the Hollywood treatment, there will no doubt be a similar chorus. The reason for this dedication by her readers is not hard to fathom: assiduously researched historical facts are married to consummate storytelling skills - and the effortless ability to rescue historical figures from the dusty pages of the past.

At the centre of this novel is Mary Queen of Scotland, forced to flee into England. Mary, a devout Catholic, is, of course, a living threat to the rule of her cousin Elisabeth, whose Protestant reign is uncertain. We've been here before, of course, in various books and films. But Philippa Gregory's story this time has a different emphasis: Elizabeth's chief advisor, Cecil, formulates a plan in which the destabilising Mary will live under guard with his faithful friend, Bess of Hardwick. Bess is a remarkable woman herself; someone who has forged her own destiny, and is now in her fourth marriage, to the distinguished Earl of Shrewsbury. But soon Bess and Mary find themselves plunged into very different personal crises - with Bess's marriage under considerable strain.

The Other Queen is wonderfully accomplished stuff, evoking a much-pored-over era with a totally fresh eye.
--Barry Forshaw

Customer Reviews of The Other Queen

K. S. Williamson

28th December 2008

A well woven tale
I received this book as a christmas gift with everybody knowing I am a huge Philippa Gregory fan.

I saw the negative reviews and was slightly concerned. But there was no need to be. I enjoyed the book. I thought the tale was woven very well, and I always like a split perspective.

Unlike other reviews I really felt sympathy with Bess of Hardwick. I did not find her 'whingy' or hard. I admired her strength of character and shrewd bussiness mind and felt devastated at her 'fool' husband.

I admit Mary Queen of Scots could have had a more 'exciting' role. As in, yes it would have been interested to know more of her marriage to Henry Stuart, her kidnap by Bothwell, and indeed of her childhood in one of the most formidable courts in the world. But that is not when the book is set. I didn't find it repetitive, other then how history was - there were several plots to escape, and of course Bess would not have stopped worrying about money!

Also the execuation was seen in a 'dream' but then it was affirmed by Bess in the ending passages - but I do wish in the authors note Philippa had added that Elizabeth 2nd is a direct descandant of hers!

Overall, it is the not best Gregory book, but it is a solid enjoyable read, which is very easy going due to the spilt perspectives. Would reccommend for fans of the period and the author!

merihen
oxon england
28th December 2008

first time reviewer
Like another reviewer I too was disappointed in this book. I read most of it during adverts on the TV over Christmas, one section being just the right size. I did not become 'hooked'on the story at all, and unusually for a P Gregory book, this may not go in my 'keeper' bookcase.
The book appeared superficial and perhaps the three different characters voices did not help me become engaged with the story.
The book has inspired me to find out more about Bess of Hardwick who seems an interesting character.
To sum up I feel P Gregory can and has done better.

Midrash fan
Scotland
6th December 2008

Disappointing
I love PG's novels, and was loking forward to this one in particular as I am fascinated by Mary Stuart's story.

I have read a few historical novels covering the Queen of Scots, and I am sorry to say that this is my least favourite. It is also my least favourite of PG's novels.

I couldn't engage with any of the characters, and felt that the story didn't flow as well as it should. The ending felt rushed and didn't pull my heartstrings as was intended.

Mimicat
Totnes Devon UK
30th November 2008

The Other Queen
Philippa Gregory is one of only a handful of writers I will buy in hardback as I just can't wait for the paperback to come out but I was in for a disappointment with The Other Queen. I found it very slow and it didn't engage me at all. Dotting between the various characters was repetitive and unlike other Philippa Gregory novels where I haven't been able to put them down, I read this one over a period of several weeks on and off, for me it just didn't seem to get going. She is a brilliant writer but I was sadly disappointed with this book and only wish she would go back to writing stunning novels like The Queen's Fool and Virgin Earth.

Sunglasses

27th November 2008

Engaging
The Other Queen is a very interesting book and gives another remarkable perspective on the life of Mary Queen of Scots. I've only recently become interested in the life of this iconic Tudor figure after reading the modern day thriller Full Story Inside followed by an excellent biography My Heart Is My Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scots. There are actually an awful lot of books out there about Mary but as a fictional account The Other Queen is both very compelling and factual. The story is told from Mary's point of view as she is held against her will in England after she fled from Scotland. Her days in captivity as prisoner of the Earl of Shrewsbury are given a very interesting perspective, although sometimes overly romantic which was obviously not to the taste of some reviewers.