Just a Queen is the sequel to Just a Girl. It continues the story of Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth I.
First, a confession. I haven’t read Just a Girl. I
was too engaged to turn back when I realised I was reading a sequel and I
didn’t want to. For the record, reverse reading didn’t have any negative impact on my enjoyment and Just a Girl is now on my TBR list.
Just a Queen is wonderful authentic historical
fiction. Elizabeth’s voice is perfectly wrought. The language and dialogue,
while never archaic, is cleverly placed in time by the choice of words.
This is an introspective story and much of the
action takes place inside Elizabeth’s castle although she is continually
receiving messages of daring deeds and overseas news, and enjoys the occasional
progression through the countryside to meet her people.
Despite her royal role, Elizabeth is in many ways,
not very worldly. She has purposely excluded love and motherhood and has no
living immediate family. She is surrounded by male advisors who even when she
can trust them, make unnecessary allowance for her gender.
It’s no
surprise Elizabeth is preoccupied with her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots. Mary was
a young queen too, her peer, and Elizabeth has long daydreamed that they might become friends
and confidantes.
Mary’s life is very different. Exiled from her
throne, multiple marriages, a son and a reputation for scandal. But that’s not
what places a wedge between a possible friendship. Mary is Elizabeth’s rival.
The Catholic Church would rather see Mary rule England and Mary’s son is heir
to childless Elizabeth’s throne.
Elizabeth is a good ruler, despite the obstacles
she faces – whether it’s parliament or being a single, childless woman.
Ultimately however, she has no control over the decisions her situation
dictates, just as she had no control over the unexpected events that brought
her to the throne.
The hardest decision of all is what to do with
Mary, now imprisoned in England.
Jane Caro portrays Elizabeth I not only as a
significant historical figure, but a real, accessible person. Strong and
vulnerable. One who rules an Empire but struggles to decide between heart and
head, right and wrong, individual and state.
Some readers may prefer more action and drama but I enthusiastically recommend Just a Queen to
readers of all ages who love historical fiction.
This review also appeared on www.sandyfussell.com/blog as part of the 2015 Aussie Authors Reading Challenge
Reviewed by Sandy Fussell
Title:
Just a Queen
Author:
Jane Caro
Publisher: UQP
Publication
Date: $19.95 RRP
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780702253621
Type: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780702253621
Type: Young Adult Historical Fiction
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