Following the tremendous success of her first novel, Innocent Traitor, acclaimed historian and New York Times bestselling author Alison Weir turns her masterly storytelling skills to the early life of young Elizabeth Tudor, who would grow up to become England’s most intriguing and powerful queen. Before she is three, Elizabeth learns of the tragic fate that has befallen her mother, the enigmatic and seductive Anne Boleyn, and that she herself has been declared illegitimate, an injustice that will haunt her all her life. What comes next is a succession of stepmothers, bringing with them glimpses of love, fleeting security, tempestuous conflict, and tragedy. The death of her father puts the teenage Elizabeth in greater peril, leaving her at the mercy of ambitious and unscrupulous men. Like her mother two decades earlier, she is imprisoned in the Tower of London–and fears she will also meet her mother’s grisly end. Power-driven politics, private scandal and public gossip, a disputed succession, and the grievous example of her sister, “Bloody” Queen Mary, all cement Elizabeth’s resolve in matters of statecraft and love, and set the stage for her transformation into the iconic Virgin Queen. Sweeping in scope, The Lady Elizabeth is a fascinating portrayal of a woman far ahead of her time–whose dangerous and dramatic path to the throne shapes her future greatness.
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"i listened to this on disc and loved it...there were some parts that were different than other parts that i have watched/read about elizabeth that make me wonder what is truth and fiction but really well done. there were a couple of scenes that might get a little more than they needed to be but it was easy enough to walk out of the room and miss them. i liked the narrator also. i finished it in between thanksgiving and christmas and now cant remember what i wanted to say in my review."
— Amandalynn (4 out of 5 stars)
" Another fictional tale of Queen Elizabeth, or at least, the early years. 5 years old until she becomes queen after the death of her sister - Mary. Catholic vs. Protestant. You know the drill. Written like a soap opera, so kept it interesting. "
— Joy, 2/18/2014" I liked this novel as it had quite alot of information about the early life and experience of Elizabeth I. I do not necessarily agree with Weir's view of history-she tends to take a very traditional view and I prefer authors that can view previous knowledge in a new and interesting way. "
— Lois, 2/17/2014" I enjoyed Alison Weir's "Innocent Traitor" so much more. Still interesting to read, always amazed at how much the royals' lives are/were dictated by councils and hearsay. "
— Rochelle, 2/9/2014" Good novel. Was very much a popcorn for the brain type read. "
— Michelle, 2/6/2014" amazing book! you really get a feel for elizabeth the I's childhood! "
— Clare, 2/3/2014" A wonderful read! Very entertaining and a great history lesson. One of my favorites! "
— Tali, 1/22/2014" I did not think this book was as well-written as Philippa Gregory's historic novels. Interesting, but sometimes overly melodramatic. "
— Pamela, 1/12/2014" An engaging and interesting tale of Queen Eliabeth's early days. I had this one on CD. "
— Carol, 1/10/2014" Alison Weir does a fantastick job as a historical writer. I was so enthralled with the history from reading this book, that I had to research on line to quelch my thirst. I will definitely read another of her books! "
— Kimberly, 1/9/2014" Another excellent portrayal of Tudor History excellent read "
— Stewart, 12/13/2013" Really great story, very well written. It followed the life of Queen Elizabeth in her childhood and how she came to be queen. I can't wait to read Alison Weir's other book now! "
— Aubrey, 11/30/2013" It was fun to feel a part of Elizabeth's life from her perspective... but she will always be the Virgin Queen to me. The miscarriage bit was a bit uncomfortable and ridiculous. I'd like to see a sequel of her life during her reign. "
— Jen, 11/12/2013" It was good, but I liked Innocent Traitor much better. I really like Alison Weir's novels and I hope she writes more. There are so many mediocre historical fiction novels out there, but Alison Weir's books are very well done. "
— Mina, 10/28/2013" One of her better fiction books, but her strength lies in non-fiction! "
— Annie, 10/22/2013" This book filled me in on Elizabeth's life before she became queen. I enjoyed it. Why does this era fascinate us so much? It was so unsettling for so many people! "
— Sheila, 6/12/2013" Easy read, quick story. I have read some better books on Elizabeth, but this was still fun. "
— Al, 11/24/2012" slow to start but once you get past the first couple chapters it picks up and pulls one in. Style of writing is definitely different from P Gregory; more historical and less fluff. "
— Duffy, 7/14/2012" I really liked this book, of course, because it is about Tudor history which I love. It started out a little slow and dry compared to some others I've read but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. "
— Echo, 4/6/2012" A great book at Elizabeth's youth and formative years before being crowned Queen. "
— Lana, 12/8/2011" Much better than Innocent Traitor imo. Elizabeth is more complex and believable than Jane (though I admit I'm biased). The artistic-license bits worked in terms of character development; if you want 100% facts, don't read fiction. The ending was wonderful. I didn't want to put it down. "
— Heather, 11/13/2011" An interesting read for Tudor fans. In stark contrast from The Lady in the Tower, which was pure historical research, but an enjoyable read. "
— Amy, 10/10/2011" I loved the fresh take on history! "
— Rae, 6/30/2011" An interesting portrait of Elizabeth before she came to be Queen. Like Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir takes a little bit of what actually happened, and weaves a story around it of the courtesans, intrigues and family politics that surround the throne of England. Really enjoyed it! "
— Melyssa, 6/16/2011" A very interesting tale of Elizabeth before she became the Queen of England. Starting from the time she would be able to remember (about age 3) to the day she is given the coronation ring. "
— Aimee, 6/14/2011" radical in the way to say abt HM's past life fictions have no fence good to read if you have interest in colonial greats. "
— Satishkumar, 6/13/2011" from the point of view of someone with no interest in history... this book made me want to learn more!! i really enjoyed it and struggled to put it down. "
— Amy, 6/6/2011" Better than most novels about Elizabeth that try to be for the most part historically accurate. I was actually quite pleased with the fact that it managed to keep itself together while not being a really dry, overly-formal read. "
— Kikuko, 5/31/2011" This booked sucked me in and would not let me go. Very entertaining. "
— Candice, 5/16/2011" Aside from an unnecessary detour into the rumors that Elizabeth was pregnant and miscarried, this is an enjoyable novel about Anne Boleyn's only daughter and her precarious rise to the throne. "
— Marti, 5/14/2011" Good book and well written but I recommend Inocent Traitor over this one "
— Calley, 5/10/2011" A real quiz between three & two stars. I gave it three because at least Weir acknowledges what the horrid Philippa Gregory does not: HUGE liberties were taken here. "
— Frances, 4/22/2011Alison Weir is many works of nonfiction and historical fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Innocent Traitor and The Six Wives of Henry VIII. She has also written historical biographies that include Queens of the Conquest, Queens of the Crusades, and Queens of the Age of Chivalry.
Rosalyn Landor is an English-born television, theater, and multiple-award-winning audiobook narrator. Her television credits include Love in a Cold Climate, Rumpole of the Bailey, Sherlock Holmes, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. She has won numerous Audie awards and AudioFile magazine Earphones awards.