GREAT READS

The Lady Elizabeth

Alison Weir.

I'm not a historical fiction reader. The possibility of believing something that isn't quite true or learning about people that didn't exist irks me. But when I saw that Alison Weir -- the scholar responsible for several (factual) Tudor history books bigger than my head - wrote this book, I had a good feeling about it.

The Lady Elizabeth covers the early life of Queen Elizabeth I, one of the most celebrated and compelling monarchs to rule England. As daughter of Queen Anne and Henry VIII, Elizabeth is a princess and heir to the throne. But when Henry calls for the execution of Queen Anne for treason, Elizabeth is addressed as "the Lady Elizabeth," a polite way to show her respect but strip her of her legitimacy. So starts a tumultuous childhood of twisted politics, scandals, secrets, sibling adoration-turned-rivalry, doomed romances, and religious strife.

Weir does a fantastic job of making a complicated history accessible and enjoyable to read. The "characters" were multi-dimensional and believable, making this book anything but dry. Fun, informative, and a great inside look into 16th century British royal life.

Interested in more Tudor titles? Peek at this list!

Recommended by Leah Youse