The King’s Daughter
-
-
4.5 • 2 Ratings
-
-
- £3.99
-
- £3.99
Publisher Description
A superb historical novel set in the Jacobean court
The court of James I is a volatile place, with factions led by warring cousins Robert Cecil and Francis Bacon. Europe is seething with conflict between Protestants and Catholics. James sees himself as a grand peacemaker – and what better way to make his mark than to use his children in marriage negotiations?
Into this court come Henry, Prince of Wales, and his sister Elizabeth. Their louche father is so distrusted that soon they are far more popular than he is: an impossibly dangerous position. Then Elizabeth is introduced to Frederick of Bohemia, Elector Palatine. He’s shy but they understand one another. She decides he will be her husband – but her parents change their minds. Brutally denied Henry’s support, how can Elizabeth forge her own future?
At once a love story, a tale of international politics and a tremendous evocation of England at a time of great change, this is a landmark novel to thrill all lovers of fine historical fiction.
About the author
Christie Dickason was born in America but also lived as a child in Thailand, Mexico and Switzerland. Harvard-educated, and a former theatre director and choreographer (with the Royal Shakespeare Company and at Ronnie Scott’s among others), she lives in London with her family.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In Dickason's (The Memory Palace) epic story of royal secrets and love, the court of James I is a tumultuous place, with warring factions and a mercurial ruler creating a heady climate for the king's eldest children, Henry and Elizabeth. Henry is the golden heir, wildly popular with the people and painfully noble. And while Elizabeth is groomed for her role as a marriageable pawn fit only to secure English interests abroad, she is also a willful girl out to secure her own destiny and have a say in her choice of mate. The story comes alive when Elizabeth recruits Thalia, a freed slave, to gather intelligence from the king about her pending nuptials, finding herself embroiled in a dangerous game; unfortunately this most compelling thread is quickly dropped. When Henry dies, however, Elizabeth's marriage becomes of even greater concern to England. With a delightful touch, Dickason immerses readers into a difficult period of English history. Her Elizabeth is a powerful, compelling character, equal parts vulnerability and nobility, and other characters are drawn with respect. Fans of historical novels will enjoy her newest and eagerly await the next.
