Elizabeth the Queen by Alison Weir
A while back, just because she's a good friend, Kara sent me a bunch of Alison Weir history-of-the-Tudors books. I was watching the BBC 70s miniseries on Elizabeth I incessantly - I had borrowed it from the beautiful Old Town Public Library. (Thanks again, Steven and Tabitha King Foundation, for such giving something the Orono people could be jealous of, which is my favorite thing about Old Town. That and the significantly cheaper rent from Orono (for those who can deal with the smell of cabbage...)
Well, I have been reading Elizabeth the Queen on and off for about a year now, and just finished it. I thought it would help me get to bed. Yeah right. (Like, 15 people I know are insomniacs right now. Do you suppose that we're all a little messed up from the DLST? Or is it just life?)
Elizabeth is quite the historical figure. She was complicated. I can't say I was happy when, at the end of the book, the last "success" of her reign was defeating the Irish. But, Ireland is currently kicking everyone's ass, economically speaking, in Europe and the world at large, so karma and stuff.
Despite all the complications, the decidedly non-democratic ruling, and the oppression of the Irish - to name a few tyrannical ickies about QEI- I still think she was one of the best world rulers ever. I mean, it's been over 400 years and they're still writing books and movies about her and her family. That in itself is something.
As to Alison Weir, I think she does a fantastic job of weaving story, time, facts and details. I marvel at the daunting task of putting a compelling, cohesive book like that together. Good times. Good times.
Now, on to some other book to read 4 pages of before going to bed every night...But which one?
night night
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