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Elizabeth of Bohemia: A Novel about Elizabeth Stuart, the Winter Queen
A sweeping, cinematic novel about the life of the Winter Queen, Elizabeth Stuart October 1612. King James I is looking to expand England’s influence in Europe, especially among the Protestants. He invites Prince Frederic of the Palatinate to London and offers him his sixteen-year-old daughter Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. The fierce and intelligent Elizabeth moves to Heidelberg Castle, Frederic’s ancestral home, where she is favored with whatever she desires, and the couple begins their family. Amid much turmoil, the Hapsburg emperor is weakened, and with help from Bohemian rebels, Frederic takes over royal duties in Prague. Thus, Elizabeth becomes the Queen of Bohemia. But their reign is brief. Within the year, Catholic Europe unites to take back the Hapsburg throne. Defeated at the Battle of White Mountain, Frederic, Elizabeth, and their children are forced into exile for a much-reduced life in The Hague. Despite tumultuous seasons of separation and heartache, the Winter Queen makes every effort to keep her family intact. Written with cinematic flair, this historical novel brings in key figures such as Shakespeare and Descartes as it recreates the drama and intrigue of 17th-century England and the Continent. Elizabeth’s children included Rupert of the Rhine and Sophia of Hanover, from whom the Hanoverian line descended to the present Queen Elizabeth II.
360 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 26, 2019
London 1612: Sixteen year old Elizabeth Stuart meets Frederick V as he was chosen to be her husband. The match seems to be pleasing to both of them. The following year, they get married. The story follows their move to Heidelberg Castle, further with help from Bohemian rebels, Frederic takes over royal duties in Prague. Thus, Elizabeth becomes the Queen of Bohemia during a brief reign.
The story is intertwined with many letters including ones from her cousin Arabella Stuart, who is imprisoned at the Tower due to a fact that she married William Seymour, the man she loved, in a secret ceremony, instead of picking one of the suitors picked by King James, Elizabeth’s father. Elizabeth promised to persuade her father to be merciful.
The story is tangled with such names as Alfonso Ferrabosco – Italian composer working in England and Ingo Jones – the most notable architect in England. It was interesting to come across such distinguished names.
I was looking forward to reading about the Queen of Bohemia, so called Winter Queen as I’ve never read a book about her. But the issue is the progression of the story overwhelmed with dialogue and not well-developed characters. Probably most of the story is written through dialogue and I didn’t feel a connection with any of the characters. Also, the way the story is presented it’s more of explanatory execution instead of being presented in action.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is intertwined with many letters including ones from her cousin Arabella Stuart, who is imprisoned at the Tower due to a fact that she married William Seymour, the man she loved, in a secret ceremony, instead of picking one of the suitors picked by King James, Elizabeth’s father. Elizabeth promised to persuade her father to be merciful.
The story is tangled with such names as Alfonso Ferrabosco – Italian composer working in England and Ingo Jones – the most notable architect in England. It was interesting to come across such distinguished names.
I was looking forward to reading about the Queen of Bohemia, so called Winter Queen as I’ve never read a book about her. But the issue is the progression of the story overwhelmed with dialogue and not well-developed characters. Probably most of the story is written through dialogue and I didn’t feel a connection with any of the characters. Also, the way the story is presented it’s more of explanatory execution instead of being presented in action.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2019
A decent little book, very similar to every book about a royal woman. There was a bit too much complaining for my tastes. The narrator would spend page after page asking existential questions like what is it to be a woman and what is it to die, etc. It was very meta at times, but also very boring. I can ponder feminism in the seventeenth century on my own. I don't need to read someone else's musings, especially when they take up so much of the book. In my opinion, the strength of the book is the beginning, where we get to hang out with Shakespeare and see a few of his plays. I could have easily lived without the Rene Descartes sections, but that's really a matter of preference.
I recommend for those interested in the Stuarts or interested in the start of the Hanoverians, as it's through this Elizabeth that they trace their link to James I. Interesting history, made somewhat boring because of its similarity to the tale of nearly every highborn woman between 1100 and 1800. I wish more time had been spent describing Heidelberg and Prague and less time on how annoying it was to have to give birth thirteen times, but honestly, who wouldn't complain about that?
I recommend for those interested in the Stuarts or interested in the start of the Hanoverians, as it's through this Elizabeth that they trace their link to James I. Interesting history, made somewhat boring because of its similarity to the tale of nearly every highborn woman between 1100 and 1800. I wish more time had been spent describing Heidelberg and Prague and less time on how annoying it was to have to give birth thirteen times, but honestly, who wouldn't complain about that?
August 31, 2019
Boring, sexist and terrible narrator.
February 20, 2020
In 1596, Elizabeth Stuart was born to James IV of Scotland (soon to be James I of England when Queen Elizabeth I died) and Anne of Denmark. In 1616 she was married to Frederic V, the Elector Palatine of the Rhine (part of the Holy Roman Empire). On his part, it was a love marriage (and they married on Valentine’s Day); she was far less enthusiastic but found him tolerable. She is ambitious; he is not.
They lived happily in Heidelberg for a while; Elizabeth had 13 children. When the Bohemians overthrew their king, Ferdinand, Frederic was elected to that post. But his rule only lasted a few months before Ferdinand regained his throne and Frederic and Elizabeth had to flee. The Princes of Orange at the Hague took them in and supported hem. But they were not supported in the style to which they were accustomed, and this grated Elizabeth to no end. She conducted an incessant letter writing campaign, seeking aid from Parliament, her brother Charles (who was now King of England), and the English ambassadors.
It’s an interesting story, and we get to see it from the POV of a largely ignored character in history. But the story drags at times; there is just not enough of Elizabeth’s life that is interesting for a book of this size. I found myself really wishing at times that the author hadn’t made it so detailed, although I did enjoy the parts about Elizabeth and Walter Raleigh, and Descartes.
Elias does a good job of recreating the language of the era. Elizabeth is an important figure in that her descendants went on to become kings and queens of England. Elizabeth just does not come off as a compelling character; her scheming and complaining get very tiring after a while. The death of her beloved brother Henry left her shattered, and perhaps unable to love again. It’s the only explanation for her disregard for her children and husband.
They lived happily in Heidelberg for a while; Elizabeth had 13 children. When the Bohemians overthrew their king, Ferdinand, Frederic was elected to that post. But his rule only lasted a few months before Ferdinand regained his throne and Frederic and Elizabeth had to flee. The Princes of Orange at the Hague took them in and supported hem. But they were not supported in the style to which they were accustomed, and this grated Elizabeth to no end. She conducted an incessant letter writing campaign, seeking aid from Parliament, her brother Charles (who was now King of England), and the English ambassadors.
It’s an interesting story, and we get to see it from the POV of a largely ignored character in history. But the story drags at times; there is just not enough of Elizabeth’s life that is interesting for a book of this size. I found myself really wishing at times that the author hadn’t made it so detailed, although I did enjoy the parts about Elizabeth and Walter Raleigh, and Descartes.
Elias does a good job of recreating the language of the era. Elizabeth is an important figure in that her descendants went on to become kings and queens of England. Elizabeth just does not come off as a compelling character; her scheming and complaining get very tiring after a while. The death of her beloved brother Henry left her shattered, and perhaps unable to love again. It’s the only explanation for her disregard for her children and husband.
April 9, 2021
To be honest, I couldn’t finish this book. The back cover spoke of how much research the author had undertaken but all I could find were egregious errors that his editor should have caught and fixed.
My #1 chief and overwhelming annoyance was Elizabeth’s reference to “Sir Raleigh”! Who is “Sir Raleigh”? Are you speaking of Sir Walter Raleigh? If so, his correct title, the correct way to speak of him and to address him is “Sir Walter”. This is so basic, I can’t believe no one caught it. “Sir Raleigh” is some guy who’s last name is something totally else, Sir Raleigh Robinson, for instance. Argh! I was literally grinding my teeth!
#2. Why is Elizabeth such a Karen? She is portrayed as an entitled little cow whom someone should have bitch-smacked before she grew up. All her belly-aching about how she was having to marry a man she didn’t love, how her parents gave her no choice, how she fantasized about being with Sir Raleigh (aaaargh!!!) even though he was married (and in the Tower, and out of her league).
#3 Why did the author portray Elizabeth as a 21st century heroine in the 17th century? Princesses always knew why they were having to marry some guy from Outer Slobovia, and they were brought up to expect it and accept it. If they were lucky, they married someone their own age, but if not, well, too bad, so sad. Princess Mary, the youngest sister of Henry VIII was married to the ancient King of France when she was a teenager. He died 3 months after her wedding. She didn’t like it but she did it. Princess Mary, the eldest daughter of James, who became James VII and II, cried all the way to Holland to marry the Duke of Orange, and he was her own age, and they ended up in a loving marriage. There are thousands of instances throughout history of daughters being married off to solidify political alliances. Maybe we would see it as barbaric but the princesses understood that their ONLY value was in such marriages, and they got in with it, and many became powerful women in their own right. But oh no, this Princess Elizabeth belly aches about it. Rubbish! She would have known and accepted her lot.
#4. Her relationship with her parents. Really? Really? Why did she expect some loving, caring thing? That’s not how monarchy worked. She says, once in Heidelberg, that her father only writes to her about political matters. Yeah?! That’s why you’re there, babe. No other reason.
This whole book is so annoying. I tried, God, how I tried to finish it! I just kept getting angrier and angrier. This stuff is so basic. Other authors have managed, why not Elias? No, don’t waste your time.
My #1 chief and overwhelming annoyance was Elizabeth’s reference to “Sir Raleigh”! Who is “Sir Raleigh”? Are you speaking of Sir Walter Raleigh? If so, his correct title, the correct way to speak of him and to address him is “Sir Walter”. This is so basic, I can’t believe no one caught it. “Sir Raleigh” is some guy who’s last name is something totally else, Sir Raleigh Robinson, for instance. Argh! I was literally grinding my teeth!
#2. Why is Elizabeth such a Karen? She is portrayed as an entitled little cow whom someone should have bitch-smacked before she grew up. All her belly-aching about how she was having to marry a man she didn’t love, how her parents gave her no choice, how she fantasized about being with Sir Raleigh (aaaargh!!!) even though he was married (and in the Tower, and out of her league).
#3 Why did the author portray Elizabeth as a 21st century heroine in the 17th century? Princesses always knew why they were having to marry some guy from Outer Slobovia, and they were brought up to expect it and accept it. If they were lucky, they married someone their own age, but if not, well, too bad, so sad. Princess Mary, the youngest sister of Henry VIII was married to the ancient King of France when she was a teenager. He died 3 months after her wedding. She didn’t like it but she did it. Princess Mary, the eldest daughter of James, who became James VII and II, cried all the way to Holland to marry the Duke of Orange, and he was her own age, and they ended up in a loving marriage. There are thousands of instances throughout history of daughters being married off to solidify political alliances. Maybe we would see it as barbaric but the princesses understood that their ONLY value was in such marriages, and they got in with it, and many became powerful women in their own right. But oh no, this Princess Elizabeth belly aches about it. Rubbish! She would have known and accepted her lot.
#4. Her relationship with her parents. Really? Really? Why did she expect some loving, caring thing? That’s not how monarchy worked. She says, once in Heidelberg, that her father only writes to her about political matters. Yeah?! That’s why you’re there, babe. No other reason.
This whole book is so annoying. I tried, God, how I tried to finish it! I just kept getting angrier and angrier. This stuff is so basic. Other authors have managed, why not Elias? No, don’t waste your time.
August 9, 2019
I received an e-book copy through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. Try though I might, I could not get through this book. Long passages of dialogue, illogical skips in the narrative, and thoroughly unlikeable characters made it a chore to even get halfway before I gave up.
December 2, 2019
It’s hard for me to say negative things about a book because I know that the author devoted so much of themselves to writing it. But this story really fell flat for me. It was obvious that it was not a woman writing the inner thoughts of this formidable queen. It was annoying to hear her narrated by a man. I don’t know any women who are that one dimensional. She seemed excessively negative and even whiny. It was really exhausting to read. My mother told me I should just stop and mark it DNF. I hate quitting so I finished it and was disappointed.
July 1, 2019
Elizabeth of Bohemia is the daughter of James I of England and the grand-daughter of Mary Queen of Scots. I had not heard of Elizabeth before and was excited to read this novel.
It was interesting to read about the situation in England at the time and the how her parents treated her and her siblings. Elizabeth was very resilient and relied on herself more than anyone else. I found it hard to be sympathetic to Elizabeth and therefore did not connect to her very much but I enjoyed reading about her life and where her children ended up.
It was interesting to read about the situation in England at the time and the how her parents treated her and her siblings. Elizabeth was very resilient and relied on herself more than anyone else. I found it hard to be sympathetic to Elizabeth and therefore did not connect to her very much but I enjoyed reading about her life and where her children ended up.
March 26, 2019
I found this to be a highly enjoyable book based on little known Elizabeth of Bohemia. She was the daughter of King James I, sister to King Charles I. King James was the sucessor of Queen Elizabeth I. She lead a fascinating life and I was glad to read her story.
Not to be missed by Historical Fiction Lovers!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you so much,Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.
Not to be missed by Historical Fiction Lovers!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you so much,Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.
April 22, 2019
This book tells the story of the life of Elizabeth Stuart, a daughter of James I of England. It builds up to be marriage to Frederick of Bohemia and then tells us about her life from there. The beginning was engaging and excellent but then I felt the story began to flag. It felt like the author lost direction somewhat and characters became stilted in their words and their actions. I found the second half of this a a struggle which was a shame as it began to promisingly.
December 16, 2019
A good historical novel makes me feel I've traveled to a different time and place. This one didn't. More is required than researching the period, and then using imagination to fill in the blanks. Including details about furnishings and clothes is good, but not enough. Elizabeth came across as a spoiled 21st century teenager, who grew into a privileged, self centered early 20th century woman. I felt sorry for Frederick.
December 22, 2019
In 1596, Elizabeth Stuart, the eldest daughter of King James VI Scotland and Anne of Denmark, was born. In 1603 the old Queen Elizabeth I of England passed away without leaving an heir. The throne passed to James who was crowned James I of England. As the daughter of the King of England, Elizabeth Stuart was in the public eye from a young age, and as a granddaughter of Mary Queen of Scots and god-daughter of Elizabeth I, she was well-loved in many circles. Despite Europe being forever at war, James I aimed to be a peaceful king and the self-styled Rex Pacificus planned to use dynastic marriages to keep peace with other nations, rather than waging war. From a string of suitors, in 1613 Elizabeth was married to Frederick V Elector Palatine.
James had chosen an ideal match for his daughter, and it was love at first sight upon their meeting. The wedding of Elizabeth and Frederick took place on Valentine’s Day and was one of the biggest of the Seventeenth Century; the celebrations went on for months on end and carried on throughout the newlywed’s journey to Frederick’s ancestral lands. Elizabeth and Frederick lived in wedded bliss for many years in the beautiful Palatinate town of Heidelberg, in modern-day Germany. A number of children were born there in quick succession; Frederick Henry, Charles Louis and Elisabeth were all born within six years. Despite a revolt and three members of the reigning Emperor’s retinue being thrown from the window of Prague castle, in 1619 Ferdinand ascended the throne of Bohemia and also took the title of Holy Roman Emperor. Within a matter of months, the Bohemians had overthrown Ferdinand and elected Frederick V, Elizabeth’s husband, as their king.
After just a few months of being Queen, Elizabeth’s happiness began to unravel, as Ferdinand aimed to regain his crown. He lost and Elizabeth's life as queen was now over. The saviour of the winter family was the United Provinces. Connected by blood to Frederick and enemies to the Habsburgs, the Princes of Orange provided a home at The Hague for the family as well as financial support. Elizabeth’s time as an exile was filled by her constant letter writing; to members of English Parliament, ambassadors, her brother Charles I and many others. (Read more here)
Elizabeth of Bohemia: A Novel about Elizabeth Stuart, the Winter Queen by David Elias begins in Elizabeth's youth and takes us through the tragedies of her life, beginning with the death of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales to whom she was especially close. We see her early married life and her and husband's short reign as King and Queen of Bohemia through her own eyes. Although it is an interesting perspective, the story felt very drawn out for me and I often found myself skipping ahead, hoping that it would become more lively. Overall, I am not sure this book was to my taste but to read from Elizabeth's perspective was certainly a nice change.
James had chosen an ideal match for his daughter, and it was love at first sight upon their meeting. The wedding of Elizabeth and Frederick took place on Valentine’s Day and was one of the biggest of the Seventeenth Century; the celebrations went on for months on end and carried on throughout the newlywed’s journey to Frederick’s ancestral lands. Elizabeth and Frederick lived in wedded bliss for many years in the beautiful Palatinate town of Heidelberg, in modern-day Germany. A number of children were born there in quick succession; Frederick Henry, Charles Louis and Elisabeth were all born within six years. Despite a revolt and three members of the reigning Emperor’s retinue being thrown from the window of Prague castle, in 1619 Ferdinand ascended the throne of Bohemia and also took the title of Holy Roman Emperor. Within a matter of months, the Bohemians had overthrown Ferdinand and elected Frederick V, Elizabeth’s husband, as their king.
After just a few months of being Queen, Elizabeth’s happiness began to unravel, as Ferdinand aimed to regain his crown. He lost and Elizabeth's life as queen was now over. The saviour of the winter family was the United Provinces. Connected by blood to Frederick and enemies to the Habsburgs, the Princes of Orange provided a home at The Hague for the family as well as financial support. Elizabeth’s time as an exile was filled by her constant letter writing; to members of English Parliament, ambassadors, her brother Charles I and many others. (Read more here)
Elizabeth of Bohemia: A Novel about Elizabeth Stuart, the Winter Queen by David Elias begins in Elizabeth's youth and takes us through the tragedies of her life, beginning with the death of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales to whom she was especially close. We see her early married life and her and husband's short reign as King and Queen of Bohemia through her own eyes. Although it is an interesting perspective, the story felt very drawn out for me and I often found myself skipping ahead, hoping that it would become more lively. Overall, I am not sure this book was to my taste but to read from Elizabeth's perspective was certainly a nice change.
July 13, 2019
In Elizabeth of Bohemia, author David Elias treats us to the life story of a seventeenth century woman, daughter to King James I in England, and destined to marry Frederick V, the Elector Palatine of the Rhine. It is as much a story of key moments in European history as it is one of life at court, intrigues, currying favours, miscalculations, and tempestuous family dynamics.
Elias’s extensive research comes into sharp relief as we see through Elizabeth’s eyes such landmarks as The Tower and the palaces of Whitehall and Westminster in London, the castle at Heildelberg—and the spectacular gardens Frederick created for her there—and the imposing Prague Castle; as we meet such well-known figures as Sir Walter Raleigh and Monsieur René Descartes.
Elizabeth lived through a prolonged period when she was out of favour with just about anyone who mattered in royal circles at the time. We are privy to how she managed to obtain for her many children the education they would need to survive through their adult lives. The means at her disposal, mostly a pen, ink and paper, are far from glamourous hence a sense of tedium descending on the narrative at that point. Kudos to author David Elias for not inventing intrigues to pad the novel but rather to letting us experience, in fiction, something that aligns with the realities of the age.
I was given an advance reading copy of Elizabeth of Bohemia by publisher ECW Press in exchange for posting an honest review online. In summary: I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and anyone who has visited, or plans to visit, the sites mentioned in this review. Having read Elizabeth of Bohemia will certainly enrich my next European vacation.
Elias’s extensive research comes into sharp relief as we see through Elizabeth’s eyes such landmarks as The Tower and the palaces of Whitehall and Westminster in London, the castle at Heildelberg—and the spectacular gardens Frederick created for her there—and the imposing Prague Castle; as we meet such well-known figures as Sir Walter Raleigh and Monsieur René Descartes.
Elizabeth lived through a prolonged period when she was out of favour with just about anyone who mattered in royal circles at the time. We are privy to how she managed to obtain for her many children the education they would need to survive through their adult lives. The means at her disposal, mostly a pen, ink and paper, are far from glamourous hence a sense of tedium descending on the narrative at that point. Kudos to author David Elias for not inventing intrigues to pad the novel but rather to letting us experience, in fiction, something that aligns with the realities of the age.
I was given an advance reading copy of Elizabeth of Bohemia by publisher ECW Press in exchange for posting an honest review online. In summary: I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and anyone who has visited, or plans to visit, the sites mentioned in this review. Having read Elizabeth of Bohemia will certainly enrich my next European vacation.
August 16, 2019
Elizabeth is the granddaughter of Mary, Queen of Scots. Her father, King James I, marries her off to Prince Frederic of the Palatinate. Elizabeth was a very educated and highly intelligent young woman. She was not happy about this match, but like all royal females of that time, didn't get a choice. She conspires and succeeds at putting her husband on the throne of Bohemia. That was a short-lived reign, however, and they end up fleeing for their lives. Thus she earned the name, The Winter Queen. She had a LOT of children and the current Queen Elizabeth came from her line.
This was described as "cinematic" and I definitely felt that. The writing style sucked you right into the world of Shakespeare and Descartes. That being said, this wasn't my favorite historical fiction involving a royal queen. I don't feel this is due to the author, Elias, at all. I just found myself not liking this Elizabeth. True, she was told who to wed, where her place was in life, and not allowed to question it. However, she came across as entitled, whiny, and spoiled. It seemed like nothing in her life ever made her happy. In that respect, Elias did a fabulous job of making me NOT like her.
Four out of Five stars. Thanks to ECW Press and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was described as "cinematic" and I definitely felt that. The writing style sucked you right into the world of Shakespeare and Descartes. That being said, this wasn't my favorite historical fiction involving a royal queen. I don't feel this is due to the author, Elias, at all. I just found myself not liking this Elizabeth. True, she was told who to wed, where her place was in life, and not allowed to question it. However, she came across as entitled, whiny, and spoiled. It seemed like nothing in her life ever made her happy. In that respect, Elias did a fabulous job of making me NOT like her.
Four out of Five stars. Thanks to ECW Press and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an electronic copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
Oh Elizabeth of Bohemia...she led such an interesting life. The actions, marriages, and children of her her own progeny were undeniably influential on European history. This novel could have been something great, and yet I found it to be lacking in intrigue and excitement.
For me the writing style and pacing detracted from the story. Even though events were unfolding before my eyes I felt as if nothing was happening. I had to force myself to slog through the middle of the story. It picked up more at the end, but it read similar to a Wikipedia page of facts and events rather than a novel. I get it, you brought your behemouth bed with you everywhere and felt fat and ugly from pumping out thirteen children, even though you had a million suitors vying for your hand...tell me something else and give it more passion and emotion. This book was lacking in feeling, and as such was bordering on dull.
2.5 stars
Oh Elizabeth of Bohemia...she led such an interesting life. The actions, marriages, and children of her her own progeny were undeniably influential on European history. This novel could have been something great, and yet I found it to be lacking in intrigue and excitement.
For me the writing style and pacing detracted from the story. Even though events were unfolding before my eyes I felt as if nothing was happening. I had to force myself to slog through the middle of the story. It picked up more at the end, but it read similar to a Wikipedia page of facts and events rather than a novel. I get it, you brought your behemouth bed with you everywhere and felt fat and ugly from pumping out thirteen children, even though you had a million suitors vying for your hand...tell me something else and give it more passion and emotion. This book was lacking in feeling, and as such was bordering on dull.
January 15, 2024
Sometimes with fictionalized accounts of real people, it's difficult to tell if you didn't like the book, or if you didn't like the person. As she was portrayed, and very possibly as she actually was in real life, Elizabeth of Bohemia was a bad wife, bad mother, and generally bad person. She could easily be the villain in a historical drama TV series (think Catherine of Medici in Reign). Her longtime crush on Sir Raleigh was repulsive and very definitely not endearing - he already had a flirtation and possibly more with her mother and then had "feelings" for her as well? The Sir Raleigh storyline didn't give the impression it's backed up by historical proof and without that I can't imagine why it would be included. Anyway, I do enjoy most historical fiction based on members of the monarchy, but in this case I feel like the author's efforts could have been focused on a different individual.
September 29, 2023
1. Why write about the least interesting parts? The woman witnessed the execution of people as a child. No, let’s write about the transport of a bed.
2. It is an overused trope of the very smart kept princess forced to marry against her will. Lazy writing. Why does this particular woman not want to marry? Show, not tell.
3. Wait? There was passion in the tower scene? I must of blinked. Where was this unrequited love set up? I missed it.
4. Oh that wanton whore just wanting a good bang and these men are too pious to oblige. Such a lustful sinning woman. Exactly why women can’t be trusted.
Dude? WTF point were you making other than the historical view society had of women.
5. Who is this woman? First she’s a savvy yet naive teen then she’s a vapid conniving idiot with no idea how many kids popped out of her.
It’s best to speak to a woman, any woman if you want to write them.
2. It is an overused trope of the very smart kept princess forced to marry against her will. Lazy writing. Why does this particular woman not want to marry? Show, not tell.
3. Wait? There was passion in the tower scene? I must of blinked. Where was this unrequited love set up? I missed it.
4. Oh that wanton whore just wanting a good bang and these men are too pious to oblige. Such a lustful sinning woman. Exactly why women can’t be trusted.
Dude? WTF point were you making other than the historical view society had of women.
5. Who is this woman? First she’s a savvy yet naive teen then she’s a vapid conniving idiot with no idea how many kids popped out of her.
It’s best to speak to a woman, any woman if you want to write them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book as a work of historical fiction - meaning it should be well-researched, an interesting story told well, and teach me something new.
This book was well-researched, and there's no doubt that I learned lots of new things. Although some bits I found astonishing - like learning that there was such a thing as a flushable toilet during this time.
The story was interesting but either I had unrealistic expectations or the story telling itself fell flat towards the end, when it seems all the interesting stuff was going on.
I would have liked to know more about her children, what she was like as an emotionally complex person, how she felt about things.
This book was well-researched, and there's no doubt that I learned lots of new things. Although some bits I found astonishing - like learning that there was such a thing as a flushable toilet during this time.
The story was interesting but either I had unrealistic expectations or the story telling itself fell flat towards the end, when it seems all the interesting stuff was going on.
I would have liked to know more about her children, what she was like as an emotionally complex person, how she felt about things.
May 27, 2019
An interesting novelization of the life of a woman who has felt like a footnote to me in the past. Elizabeth Stuart was a pawn of her father when she was married off to Prince Frederic. Surprisingly, things aren't as bad as they could be, especially as Frederic ascends to the Hapsburg throne. Sectarian moves through Europe, however, see him deposed and the family in severely reduced circumstances. There's a lot packed into what is a fairly short novel, given the amount of history it covers. Those looking for emotion or minutia should look elsewhere but those who value gaining insight into lesser known figures will find this a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
August 14, 2019
Full of historical detail. A bit stiff and stilted at times but overall interesting. Elizabeth was an interesting person. She reminds me a bit of my Grammy. She truly loved her brother and his death when they were teenagers completely changed her and the trajectory of her life. She seems to have been a very cold woman-both to her husband Frederick who loved her a great deal and her many children, whom she had no interest in raising. She says she felt like a brood mare, but I think she brought a lot of that on herself by not bonding with any of her babies. Maybe she was just so broken by her brother’s death that she wasn’t capable of love after that.
November 12, 2019
Some good moments but overall read more like a historical romance novel that got unnecessarily naughty in the middle. It felt like it was written by someone who wanted to write about a woman from a feminist perspective but had never met a woman, or a feminist. I read a lot of books. This one was just average. Average writing, average character development, average storyline. I finished it, as it was easy reading but I will go looking for more relevant information about this interesting Royal. Maybe a better editor could have pulled this together into a higher quality, more cohesive book?
November 27, 2021
I am interested in European history and English monarchy. I was disappointed in the areas of concentration by the author; obsession with an older brother and his death, disdain for her parents, yet she followed suit in her own married and parental life, and little about her experience as Queen in a foreign country, except to plot for her husband's advancement. I realize this is a novel, not a history book, but felt it was drawn out in certain areas, and absent in some key areas. Shame, as this Stuart connection eventually leads to the current family on the throne.
October 23, 2025
I wanted to like this book, but I found it to be something of a puzzling read. The story started off slow, focusing on Elizabeth's relationship with her brother Henry and his untimely death. Then, the years of her marriage, children, and her husband's claim to a crown fly by - perhaps I wasn't reading closely enough but I couldn't quite figure out the politics and turns of fortune that separated Elizabeth from her throne. I'd like to read more about this historical figure, both fiction and nonfiction, but this book certainly isn't the one for me.
May 31, 2019
An interesting interpretation of a young princess shipped off to Eastern Europe as part of the royal marriage market. She had numerous children, most who were reared to maturity. She and her husband were forced to live in exile after a truncated reign. I think the author did a remarkable job depicting her life. I appreciated the historical note included. Thanks to Library Thing for the early review.
September 16, 2024
I can't say much about this book because I had to shelve it as a DNF, I tried multiple times and it was a struggle to keep going. I usually like this type of historical/fiction novel but this book felt flat and emotionless. I did not get to connect or like any particular character, it felt boring and not alive.
I can read books written in old English, and I actually like it when the book keeps my interest, this one failed. I could not struggle any longer and gave up.
I can read books written in old English, and I actually like it when the book keeps my interest, this one failed. I could not struggle any longer and gave up.
June 15, 2020
Having read quite a bit on the Winter Queen I was really looking forward to reading this book. I liked the description and the subject matter is extraordinary. However, I think the narrative fell a little short. Having said that, this is a good book to start with if you want to know more about this interesting family.
March 19, 2019
Interesting fictional story about a little known character in history. In the beginning chapters, the pace was good, the story line interesting. The final chapters were filled with dialogue and thoughts, leaving me wanting more substance.
September 23, 2019
I got 255 pages in and just couldn't finish it. It's repetitive, and the voice given to Elizabeth seems whiny. It just doesn't seem particularly insightful. I'll try some actual history to read her story.
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March 22, 2019Hearty thanks to ECW Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
My Review will be posted on the publication date, 04 Jun 2019.
My Review will be posted on the publication date, 04 Jun 2019.
July 2, 2019
If you are looking for a gripping and engaging read, then you are going to love this book! Once I started, I could not put it down!
Grab this today for the perfect summer read!
Grab this today for the perfect summer read!
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