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About the Book:
The moving, tragic story of Charles I, the last absolute monarch of England, during his imprisonment in Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. Richly drawn and inspired by the New York Times bestselling author’s own experience living on the Isle of Wight, this dramatic retelling brings to life the cavalier king whom Cromwell deposed. But even more fascinating than the account of royal hopes and misfortunes is the tale of a charming servant girl who is as romantic and tender in love as she is bold and resourceful in plotting the king’s escape.
About the Author:
New York Times bestseller Margaret Campbell Barnes, now deceased, wrote several historical novels, including Brief Gaudy Hour, My Lady of Cleves, King’s Fool, The Tudor Rose, Within the Hollow Crown, With All My Heart, Isabel the Fair, The King’s Bed, Lady on the Coin, and Mary of Carisbrooke. Her novels have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
My Opinion:
Mary of Carisbrooke is a young lady living on a quiet island off the coast of England. She suddenly finds her world turned upside down when on the run King Charles I comes to the Isle of Wight seeking asylum. He finds prison instead. Held in Carisbrooke castle almost until his execution, the king finds in Mary a loyal subject willing to risk it all to help him.
Mary is a charming character; full of sweetness, naivetee and strength. She has the ability to make anyone and everyone feel needed and welcome. She is also so sweet as to seem simple-minded but she is much smarter than most give her credit for; except for some of the king's loyalists. They recognize Mary's usefulness and they use it with her willing consent.
This is a captivating story. I enjoyed living in Mary's life - I am not all that familiar with the time period in this book. I have read more from the Restoration than I have about Charles I. The storytelling is good and the characters both real and made up mix in well together. I will say it was a book I could put down and pick back up again. It was not as compelling a read as other historical novels I have reviewed in the past. That doesn't take away from the tale of a sweet girl and her loyalty to her king.
Mary of Carisbrooke
is available at Amazon.comMary of Carisbrooke is available at Sourcebooks
Disclosure: I received a gratis copy of Mary of Carisbrooke from Sourcebooks. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.
2 comments:
Ohhh I love that they mix real real and made up people :). I haven't read a lot from that time period either.
I think back then they would have to be a little naive so that fits in with the story. I haven't read a historical novel in a long time. This sounds like one I should pick up. Thanks for the review.
Mary
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