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Book Review of The Queen's Bastard

The Queen's Bastard
The Queen's Bastard
Author: Robin Maxwell
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
IlliniAlum83 avatar reviewed on + 181 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


Historic fiction advancing the popular theory that the "virgin" Queen Elizabeth gave birth to a son by her long-time lover, Robin Dudley, following a secret pregnancy. Very interesting perspective of how the child was possibly secreted away and raised by a guardian so that even the parents didn't know of his existence.
But once grown, the story of the son's young adulthood as a talented horseman in the army bogs the entire book down for so long you just wish the enemy would kill him!
He eventually becomes a spy and the action turns to Spain where the story picks up again as he falls in love with a Jewish woman masquerading with her family as prominent Catholics. The story is made even more interesting once his father and mother become aware of his existence.
If you love the "royals" of England and read biographies as well as fictional depictions of their lives, this is a great book to explore, just be aware that you may trudge thru the middle of it!