Book description
A dramatic novel of passion, politics and betrayal from the author of
The Other Boleyn Girl. Mary, Queen of Scots, fights to regain her
kingdom whilst under the guard of Queen Elizabeth's trusted accomplice,
Bess of Hardwick.
Mary is Queen of Scotland but she has been forced to flee her land and
take refuge in an England that is ruled by her cousin Elizabeth. But
England, precarious in its Protestant state, set against the mighty
powers of Spain, France and Rome, fears Mary's power as a charismatic
Catholic figurehead while she has her freedom. Mary is placed under
house arrest with Bess of Hardwick.
Bess is a self-made woman, a shrewd survivor. She is newly married to
her fourth and most distinguished husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury. But
what marriage can withstand the charms of Mary? Or the threat of
rebellion that she always carries? Mary may be trapped in privileged
imprisonment awaiting her return to Scotland and her infant son; but
waiting is not the same as doing nothing…
With her characteristic combination of superb storytelling and
authentic historical background, Philippa Gregory brings to life this
period of great change, in a riveting tale of betrayal, loyalty,
politics and passion. Praise for Philppa Gregory:
'Written from instinct, not out of calculation, and it shows.'
Peter Ackroyd, The Times
'For sheer pace and percussive drama it will take a lot of beating.'
Sunday Times
'Gregory is great at conjuring a Tudor film-set of gorgeous gowns and
golden-lattered dining. She invokes some swoonsome images…while the
politics are personal enough to remain pertinent.' DailyTelegraph
'The contemporary mistress of historical crime fiction is Philippa
Gregory. Her novels are filled with strong, determined women who take
their fate into their own hands…Gregory brings to life the sights,
smells and textures of 16th-century England.' Kate Mosse, Financial
Times Philippa Gregory is an internationally renowned author of
historical novels. She holds a PhD in eighteenth-century literature from
the University of Edinburgh. Works that have been adapted for television
include A Respectable Trade, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Queen's Fool.
The Other Boleyn Girl became a major film, starring Scarlett Johansson,
Natalie Portman and Eric Bana. Philippa Gregory lives in the North of
England with her family.
