Title: The Queen’s Fool
Author: Philippa Gregory
First published February 4, 2003
504 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780743246071 (ISBN10: 0743246071)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
As the Tudor court is embroiled in poisonous rivalries, treason, and unrequited love, a young woman with a gift of “Sight” finds herself caught in the middle of the struggle between Queen Mary and Elizabeth. After fleeing Spain with her father, Hannah Green is adopted by the charismatic Robert Dudley and brought to court as a “holy fool.” But Hannah’s position as a spy endangers her life as she navigates the dangerous intrigues of the royal family.
Philippa Gregory’s The Queen’s Fool is a vividly detailed story of one woman’s journey to find her true destiny amidst the tumultuous events of 16th century England.
About the Author
Philippa Gregory, a renowned historical novelist, has made a significant impact in the literary world. During her PhD in eighteenth-century literature, she wrote her first novel, Wideacre, which became a global sensation and revolutionized the historical fiction genre with her imaginative style.
Philippa’s passion for merging history and creativity has resulted in numerous bestsellers, including [insert book titles]. Her expertise in women’s history is highly regarded, having graduated from the University of Sussex and earning a PhD from the University of Edinburgh where she was named Alumna of the Year in 2009.
She also holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex, and is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff with an honorary research fellowship at Birkbeck University of London.
Philippa’s contributions to the literary community are recognized through her membership in the Society of Authors and being presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association in 2016. In 2018, Nielsen awarded her an Honorary Platinum Award for her lifetime sales and achievements.
Visitors are welcome to Philippa’s website, and her Facebook page is also available for updates and news.
Editoral Review
The Queen’s Fool by Philippa Gregory is a historical novel first published on February 4, 2003. Gregory is a British author known for her works in historical fiction, including The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen.
The Queen’s Fool is set during the reign of Queen Mary I, also known as Bloody Mary, and tells the story of a young girl who becomes the queen’s fool, navigating the dangerous political landscape of the Tudor court. The novel opens with the introduction of the main character, Hannah, as she is brought to the court of Queen Mary.
Hannah is a young Jewish girl, displaced by the recent expulsion of Jews under Queen Elizabeth I. She impresses the queen with her wit and intelligence and is appointed as the royal fool.
As a fool, Hannah gains insight into the political intrigues of the Tudor court and becomes entangled in a web of secrets and lies. The Queen’s Fool is an intricately crafted novel that masterfully captures the complexity of the Tudor court.
Gregory’s writing is vivid and immersive, transporting the reader to sixteenth-century England. The characters are well-developed, and Hannah, in particular, is a compelling and relatable protagonist, as she struggles to navigate her loyalties between her Jewish heritage and her loyalty to the queen.
The historical significance of The Queen’s Fool lies in its exploration of the religious conflicts of the Tudor era. The novel highlights the persecution of the Jews and the growing Protestant movement, which led to the persecution of Catholics under Queen Mary.
Gregory deftly weaves historical details into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the story. However, the pacing of the novel is somewhat slow, and at times the plot can be predictable.
Some readers may also find fault with Gregory’s portrayal of the Tudor court, which is often depicted as brutal and scheming. While this is historically accurate, it can make for a somewhat bleak and disheartening read.
Despite its flaws, The Queen’s Fool is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction. Gregory’s writing, as always, is impeccable, and her attention to detail and historical accuracy make for a rich and immersive reading experience.
Overall, The Queen’s Fool is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in the Tudor era. It is a rich and thought-provoking novel that will transport readers to another time and place, while shining a light on the timeless themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.
The Washington Post gives The Queen’s Fool four out of five stars.
