I started The Reluctant Queen, but couldn't finish it. This wasn't so much Plaidy's fault as the fact that I've read too many Ricardian novels recently, and The Reluctant Queen takes pretty much the usual pro-Richard stance as the rest of them. It's one I recommend, though, to those who haven't read quite so much about the Wars of the Roses. Here's a less jaded review from Romance Reviews Today.
Speaking of Plaidy, my husband was digging through my mother-in-law's house a few weeks ago and pulled out a 1947 edition of Beyond the Blue Mountains! My mother-in-law's not a historical fiction fan, so goodness knows how this got there--probably she bought it in a lot at an auction. Makes me wonder what else in the Plaidy department is lurking in her house!
I have started a new Plaidy read, The Captive Queen of Scots. I just began reading today, but so far I'm quite impressed. It's a reissue of a 1963 novel, and it feels less rushed than some of Plaidy's later works. This time, I promise a real review.
Finally, I'm adding a poll, so be sure to weigh in!
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4 comments:
I was disappointed by "The Reluctant Queen." I found it dry, with wooden characters and dialogue. By the end, Richard starts acting oddly, and Anne's faith in him begins to waver, although she hates to admit it to herself. Plaidy left it up to the reader to decide if Richard was a bay guy or not, although it was jarring considering he was painted as a hero (through Anne's eyes) for the rest of the book.
I've been reading your blog for awhile and enjoying it. I just started my own book blog, and I'll post links to you there if it's OK.
Susan, I love your site here. (We're friends on myspace.) I LOVE Jean Plaidy too. I have my own favorite which is Victoria Victorious. She was a gem of a writer. They say she wasn't an historian but I have my doubts...
Susan, Writer of Queens
Thanks for stopping by, ladies! Felicia, I've linked to you; Susan, I think I've already linked to you.
I'm really enjoying The Captive Queen of Scots. It's interesting seeing Mary interact with her various jailers, especially the latest one, Bess of Hardwick.
I enjoyed The Reluctant Queen, though I had not read much of Richard III previously. I get tired of an era after a few novels as well. I haven't read The Captive Queen of Scots, though I snatched it up as soon as TRP republished it. I also just bought the reissue of Loyal in Love and can't wait to read it!
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