#29 - The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory

This is the 2nd novel I have read by Philippa Gregory, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"The Virgin's Lover'' is about Queen Elizabeth. She has attained the English Throne after the death of Queen Mary, and is facing dire problems....a depleted national treasury, treachery from Catholic Bishops who fear the return of Protestantism, and the threat of her cousin Mary who wants the throne.

Elizabeth finds there are only two people she can trust....her advisor William Cecil and a childhood friend, Robert Dudley. Dudley and Elizabeth become lovers, which angers the English Court, and Dudley's wife, Amy. The relationship is further complicated by gossip, political intrigue, and Court advisors who wish Elizabeth to marry foreign nobility to strengthen her hold on the throne.

The story line is enjoyable, and gives a peek into the life of the Virgin Queen. Gregory takes some historical license, but her assumptions are interesting. For example, she raises the interesting idea that perhaps the death of Amy Dudley was a murder meant to extricate Queen Elizabeth from promises made to Robert Dudley without any harm to her politically.

I enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more historical fiction by Gregory!

50 Book Challenge 2007: 9/50