Charlotte Sophia: Myth, Madness, and the Moor

by Tina Andrews

Charlotte Sophia was Queen of England. Wife of "mad" King George III. But when did her king, her country, or her lover discover she was of African descent? Is this why King George went mad? In this sweeping portrait of one of England's most unexplored yet beloved queens, award-winning author Tina Andrews (Sally Hemings An American Scandal) combines meticulous research and her adept mastery for "connecting historical dots." This, the second edition of her successful novel boldly imagines the aristocratic intrigue, sexual deviance and family dysfunction in the odyssey of the German princess for whom King George III bought Buckingham House which has become the world famous "Buckingham Palace." The story begins in Mecklenburg, Germany where young Princess Charlotte learns a family secret before her father's death that would send her on a lifetime quest. Meanwhile, newly crowned King George III is informed he must marry. But to his dismay, he cannot wed the woman he loves because she is Catholic with a defective bloodline. Thus a search begins for an appropriate German, Protestant royal. Charlotte has been forced to hide her tawny ethnic coloring under white Elizabethan make-up iby her mother anxious for a suitable for the title-rich-but-cash-poor family. Now Charlotte has the opportunity to be interviewed as a potential wife for the British king. But Charlotte, too, is in love with someone else - the talented, dashing, but commoner Johann Christian Bach (son of JS Bach). Now, in order to attract the rich, eligible king she must give up Bach. Does George give up Lady Sarah? And what is the high price Charlotte must to be a British Queen consort? And what of her family secret and quest for answers? All is revealed. The novel spans 50 years in the life of a formidable queen whose history collides with lust, betrayal, politics, rape, murder...and madness.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

470 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2013

Reviews

[Mrs Tee Booktique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be a good book and I underestimated it...this was a great book!!!!! I had to keep telling myself it was not an autobiography ad that it was fiction loosely based on real incidents and situations. Tina Andrews nailed this novel. I wonder how close to the truth is she in this story. So much is shared and ow I am compelled to watch Bridgerton 😂 I never realized what like was like in Great Britain... There was no refuge for Africans anywhere. Stolen and abused across the globe.

I loved Charlotte she was the truth! We are sisters and I am grateful for this tale of her journey in the labyrinth of life.

Before I say too much...just read it!!!

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tina Andrews is one of those authors who pours tons of energy and passion into her research when writing about historical events and it is truly evident in her stories.

This was a bit of a slow burn for me. There is just so much info to plow through that at times it felt somewhat cumbersome. But I love the life that the author has given to Queen Charlotte. Overall this was an enjoyable, touching story.

[GAVIN GORDON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

I chose this book as I have been studying Queen Charlotte and it fully entertained me. Even though it is classed as fiction is was brilliant to see how the author had woven fact and fiction together and her interpretation of events that have happened. It brought Queen Charlotte to life aswell as the other characters and was a good writing lesson for me. Definitely will be looking into more works from this Auther. It also made me wonder what was real and what wasn't, driving me to research further and the answers surprised me sometimes. Well researched, well written, I definitely recommend this book

[JoAnne Boncher · Rating 5 out of 5]

💐💐💐💐💐

I am weeping...just finished Charlotte Sophia. What a wonderful lady and queen she was. The fight she made as an abolitionist in a climate that was not accepting of this view was heroic to say the least. She put her personal safety at risk to support the cause.

Her friendship with Mme Lia D’Eon was glue that held the plot together. A surprise to find he was ‘sir’ not madame. I loved their relationship!

Her half brother, Jon, Anne, and their daughter, Charlotte Anne were so lovely. The connection and affection between them was so poignant and powerful.

Also loved the relationship Charlotte had with her ladies, Schwelly and Haggie, who provided a lifeline in her lonely, isolated existence. The were her family.

King George III was presented sympathetically, although I never liked him much.He was a product of his time. Charlotte definitely was not!

Tina Andrews writing sometimes dipped into the ‘beach book’ category in her writing, however; I became so consumed with the plot I overlooked these slips.

So very glad I saw the tv series, Brigerton, and became interested in finding out more about Charlotte and George!

[Tamara Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. I have had this book in my possession for years now and have never read it. I dont even know what motivated me to purchase it amongst the others one day, but wow. This was such an amazing book, it read so well. -- I am ashamed to say that halfway through the book I made the correlation between the book and the Netflix movie: Queen Charlotte....I dont want much tv I guess, lol and I am so glad that I didn't allow that to muddle things for me. -- I have too many thoughts regarding race, England, history, etc... but all I can say is this is a brilliant book and I am honored to have read it. 5/5 stars.

Bravo and long live Queen Charlotte.

[Mjtg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think this author is particularly good. The book might have been something I’d assign my 8th Graders. To me, there was nothing beautiful or challenging about her writing.
That ssid, I’ve lived in Mecklenburg County, NC (Charlotte!)
& knew nothing about it’s namesake. So - I learned enough to explore a bit more.

[Linda Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My interest in this book came about when I was made aware of the myth that Queen Charlotte Sophia of the United Kingdom (1744-1818) was a black woman. The author expands on this myth in this novel. It’s a long book, and the story sags at times. Nevertheless, it’s engaging historical fiction with fascinating characters.

[Gloria Pasquini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the first Black Queen of England who married "Mad" King George. I felt, however, that the author went too deeply into the mystical area. After reading this book, I wondered if the current Queen and her family remember that their ancestry traces back to Sophia since their remark about the outcome of the skin color of Harry and Megan's offspring a concern.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A far-ranging historical fiction about the life of Princess Charlotte Sophia, her interesting (and mysterious) ancestry, her work to end slavery, and her dutiful marriage to King George III (American revolution). She seemed to be quite the feminist of her time as well as anti-racist. Colorful and enjoyable!

[Sandra Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a bit slow in the beginning, the story develops into an entertaining tale of Queen Charlotte wife of King George III. The types of relationships Charlotte had with several of the book's characters were certainly fictional but made for a gossipy and fast read. Typically, not the type of book I read and yet I enjoyed it.

[James Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a fictionalized account of the Queen Consort of King George III, Charlotte Sophia is a true person, who with the King, ruled England in 1800's Britain.
I thought this writing, was well written and researched. If you are a history buff, this should be in your 'to read' list.

[Sheree Fitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books that I have ever read. Yes, there are moments of tremendous sadness, and much of it is fiction as the author states, but the history and relationships are compelling and entirely believable. Would make a fascinating movie.

[W. Wallicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling story

Though fiction, I became such a fan of Queen Charlotte. She prevailed in spite of loss and tragedy. I am eager to learn about the non- fictionalize Queen Charlotte.

[Aunti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

[Dennis W. Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent

What an intriguing tale...I couldn’t put it down. I was sad when it ended. Will be looking for other novels written by the author.

[M.E. Hanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting fictional account of Queen Charlotte

I enjoyed this story very much. It has piqued my interest to read more about the fascinating life of Queen Charlotte.

[Cathy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Interesting book for the time period. The characters and plot were very well developed. I would like to have known what later happened to Charlotte’s family besides Wilhelm.

[Lora Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! It was so good I was able to overlook the proofreading issues ! I would love to see this made into a movie and I can’t wait to read her book on Hemings !

[victoria stankevicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Interesting information about slavery as it relates to royalty.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining. Certainly a work of fiction based on some historical facts.

[Lue]

Queen Charlotte

I could not put this book down. The book is very well written. O highly recommend it to those who love biography and/or history.

[Jill Frick · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom read this and liked it so I decided to read too. It did not disappoint! What a fascinating history - one I knew nothing about and am now intrigued to learn more! While it was long there was a lot of detail but not unnecessary stories.

[Dora A. Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after a conversation with a friend about Queen Charlotte whom I have never heard of before. I picked this book out because it was the only book which had an interesting and intriguing overview on the person in question.

I have to say that I am glad to have chosen this particular book. This historical fiction novel is brilliantly written. It is indeed interesting and intriguing; every chapter was exciting, a page turner and positively overwhelming that I could not put the book down. It draws you in - it was like watching a film in my mind’s eye. I felt as though I was there in the period of the life of Queen Charlotte herself. I felt her losses and triumphs.

The descriptions of surroundings, places and characters were amazing. The story took you through each stage of Queen Charlotte’s life with fantastic precision that I was loathed to read the last chapter as I didn’t want the story to end, nor to read of her life ending. I too felt that loss.

This book was easy reading and thoroughly enjoyable. If you love history, this is a ‘must buy book.’ Very well written by the Author. A book that creates much discussion and food for thought in terms of the treatment of humanity then and even now.

A superb novel.

[Annm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is uet another work of historical fiction that makes me realize I have a long way to go before I am writing really good stories. This was very readale and had great characters and intrigue.

[Janine Russell Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I could not put this book down. The author did a great job keeping my attention. I highly recommend this book