Like most in my Historical Fiction world I have been eagerly anticipating Philippa Gregory's newest release The Other Queen, but I admit I picked this book up at the store with a little hesitation. While, I was interested to read Gregory's view point on Mary Stewart I knew it wouldn't measure up to other novels I have read on her.
Also, like most others, The Other Boleyn Girl, was my initiation into historical fiction and I will love Philippa Gregory forever for that. At the beginning of my historical fiction "learnings" I would read reviews and not understand why people weren't all that impressed with Gregory's writing, but that has since changed. After reading the likes of Sharon Kay Penman, Elizabeth Chadwick and Jean Plaidy how could it not?
The Other Queen tells the story of Mary, Queen of Scots during the time of her imprisonment with George & Bess Shrewsbury. It is told from 3 different points of view; Mary, Queen of Scots, Bess and George. A lot of people seem to have an issue with so many view points, but I don't have an issue with it (yet). Mary Stewart is a very interesting woman with a very interesting role in history, but you wouldn't get that from reading this book. The action is pretty much non-existent. And goodness, the repitition....yes, we know Bess raised her self up from nothing, yes we know that George is an honest man and yes Mary is a stunningly, beautiful woman and a Queen that must be free. Good lord, could one more man fall in love with her instantly?!
Bottom line...not too bad of a read for someone not totally dedicated to the Historical Fiction genre. My hope is that this book will serve as an "initiation" for someone else and we can bring more recruits over to the wonderful world of Historical Fiction!
Overall: 3/5
Song: "Mary, Mary" by Run DMC (Why ya buggin')
