The Virgin's Lover (Boleyn)
by Philippa Gregory
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.42 You Save: $12.58 (79%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Virgin's Lover (Boleyn)
Book Review: Major dissapointment
Summary: 1 Stars
What a disappointment this book was. The author portrays Elizabeth as a mindless pawn in the hands of the traiterous Robert Dudley. Anyone who has done much reading about Queen Elizabeth I knows that she was a brilliant linguist and astute politician and was extrememly wise in her choice of advisors. No one put words or ideas in her head that were not her own. To portray her as an emptly headed, mindless individual with no thought beyond what Robert Dudley wanted does a great disservice to one of the most successful and brilliant historical figures ever. She was way ahead of her times in her thoughts on politics and religion. I would not have finished the book except I was hoping to see some redemption somewhere in the final pages. Shame on you Phillipa Gregory for your unfounded and false portrayal of Elizabeth.Book Review: Oh, God, it burns!
Summary: 1 Stars
When this book came out, I was excited. I heartily enjoyed Philippa Gregory's other Tudor novels, and I'm fascinated by Elizabeth I. I wish I had never read it.
The characterizations of Elizabeth and Dudley and all the rest--blech! I was halfway through and I wanted to do nothing more than smack Elizabeth around for being a weak, empty headed IDIOT. The only thing she could do competently in this "novel" was bang Dudley. And don't get me started on Dudley. Oh please please PLEASE don't get me started.
This was such a disappointment. I expected Gregory to be a bit hazy on the historical accuracy (hell, that's why it's called fiction) but to come up with this? It's absolute drivel. I'm so glad that all Gregory's other Tudor novels were better written and so much more engaging.
Book Review: somewhat boring
Summary: 2 Stars
I have read all the books in this series re: Henry 8th and enjoyed all of them except this one. In spite of the history during this period of time, the reign of Elizabeth I, this book concentrates far too much on the sexual relationship between Elizabeth and Robert Dudley as well as his whining wife, Amy. In terms of a synopsis, other reviewers have gone into depth but, again, the book is somewhat devoid of historical value. Gregory's theory about how Amy died is somewhat interesting but so much more could have been done with this time period. I actually came to despise the characters Dudley and Elizabeth. She is being portrayed as weak, Dudley obsessed, dumb and easily manipulated. As one of the greatest rulers in England, I found this characterization of her unbelievable and annoying.Book Review: Oh Liz, we hardly know ye
Summary: 2 Stars
This book is too long! I grew weary of this Elizabeth and her co-dependent love relationship with Dudley. Such a simpering and sick romance. Where is the Elizabeth of courage, of strong will and true wit, of courage and character, of one who kept her head when many others lost theirs. She certainly is not in this book. although I enjoyed the setting, the background characters, the political intriques, the plotting and re-plotting, I did not enjoy the main event. Too much of the book was romance; I wanted a historical novel with fresh and exciting insights on Elizabeth and her times. Gregory has a great writing style and can tell a good story. I did finish the book because there was sufficient background interest. But I hope to find a meatier main event in Gregory's next novel.Book Review: The Virgin's Lover
Summary: 5 Stars
Elizabeth is made queen, and her long time friend Robert Dudley, is at her side day and night. Lord Robert has risen from scandal and now wants nothing more than to be part of the Queen's court. He leaves his own wife, Amy, with relatives, while he seduces the Queen. Elizabeth cannot resist Robert, and the two begin a scandalous love affair.
This book had me hooked from page one. I found it hard to put down. This is the book I was up late at night reading, gladly losing sleep just to get one more page read. Philippa Gregory writes historical fiction like nobody's business. I've also read The Constant Princess and enjoyed that one too. I've read some mixed reviews about this one, but as for myself, I really liked it. This won't be my last Philippa Gregory novel.