King Arthur-Elizabeth II Challenge

Mythica · Post by **Mythica** » Wed April 6th, 2011, 5:53 pm

[quote=""Brenna""]
In regards to Jean Plaidy-I've heard some questionnable responses from people regarding her authenticity so I wasn't sure if I should read them or not. Thoughts?
[/quote]

You mean historical accuracy? My impression is that her novels are pretty accurate in terms of major events and character assessment. I don't think I've read anything that jumps out and screams "inaccurate!" I think most people's criticism about her work has to do with the writing style - some people say it's dry but I don't think so, I think you just have to get used it. When I started my first one of hers, I really didn't like it but by the end, I was quite moved by it.

I think when it comes to big name authors, everyone should try for themselves. Try one of her books, if you don't like it, you probably won't like any of her others so then you can cross her off your list.

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Wed April 6th, 2011, 6:15 pm

[quote=""Mythica""]You mean historical accuracy?[/quote]

Yes, that is what I meant. My apologies. This is what happens when I try posting something while on a conference call at work

. Since so many people seem to recommend her, I'll give her a shot. I've read other authors before that have had their accuracy questioned, but I knew that going in so I wasn't surprised when something seemed off to me. And since she wrote before the advent of the internet, it's not surprising that some of her writing might be a bit dated. Thanks Mythica!

SGM · Post by **SGM** » Wed April 6th, 2011, 6:55 pm

I thought she was criticised for avoiding the controversies and being too accepting of the populist view. I don't remember specific allegations of inaccuracies -- and, of course, there were many criticisms of her writing style. But you should make your own decision on that as there still appear to be many of her fans about today.

annis · Post by **annis** » Wed April 6th, 2011, 8:10 pm

The Prince Regent (George IV):

Michael Hardwick, Regency Royal (biographical novel)

Diane Haeger, The Secret Wife of King George IV (Covers the rift with George III)

The ubiquitous Jean Plaidy (I have to admit that I find a lot of her work rather pedestrian these days)
Perdita's Prince/ Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill /Indiscretions of the Queen

Rosalind Laker, Sugar Pavilions

SonjaMarie · Post by **SonjaMarie** » Wed April 6th, 2011, 8:36 pm

[quote=""boswellbaxter""] A Royal Affair: George III and His Scandalous Siblings by Stella Tillyard.[/quote]

I found this book to be a bit boring and it concentrated a lot more on his sister, Caroline Matilda, Queen of Denmark and her adultery and divorce. You would think that the subject would very interesting but not the way Stella wrote it.

SM

EC2 · Post by **EC2** » Wed April 6th, 2011, 8:47 pm

[quote=""sweetpotatoboy""]1)
2) There's a good non-fiction on Kings Richard and John: "Lionheart and Lackland: King Richard, King John and the Wars of Conquest" by Frank McLynn. Well, my Dad's read it but I haven't yet.
T[/quote]

Sintra's right. I began reading that one and it was just awful. It's chocabloc with historical errors. I wouldn't know what to trust as correct.

Telynor · Post by **Telynor** » Sat April 9th, 2011, 7:57 am

A very funny, rather tongue in cheek novel about Elizabeth II is The Queen and I, but I can't remember who the author was. If you want to get way off the beaten path, there's Freddie and Fredericka by Mark Halprin, which is a delightful sendup of the whole Charles/Camilla/Diana bit.

Carla · Post by **Carla** » Sat April 9th, 2011, 10:53 am

[quote=""Telynor""]A very funny, rather tongue in cheek novel about Elizabeth II is The Queen and I, but I can't remember who the author was. [/quote]

Sue Townsend, of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole fame. Great fun.

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Mon April 18th, 2011, 1:33 pm

I think I might have to change the challenge. For some reason, it hadn't computed in my head that the Britain we have today didn't exist before King Alfred and his sons. So, I will have to break up the challenge to take into account West Saxon, Mercia, etc. Anyone else have reading suggestions for pre-King Alfred?

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Mon April 18th, 2011, 2:39 pm

Did we mention Joan Wolf's Born of the Son yet?