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Book Review of The Virgin's Lover

The Virgin's Lover
Capitana avatar reviewed on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


Having read Tudor history since I was in Jr Hi school (a long time ago), I simply can't believe Elizabeth was ever this whimpy. Yes, she loved Robert and yes, she wanted to marry him, but she didn't survive to 25 years old and become queen without being able to fend for herself. She was also not as dependent upon Robert for knowledge of court life as the book implies. She had been at court most of her life, off and on. Royal children had their own households but were at court for the great festivals then went home again when the King went on progress.

She did have trouble coming to a decision when all of the options were bad, but sometimes her ploy of changing her mind after the order was sent out was to make somebody else take the blame. Not very nice, but "nice" wasn't a quality she needed to survive the many hazards of her life.

I have enjoyed several other books in this series by Philippa Gregory, but skip this one.