A stunning novel set in the Tudor court, as the rivalry between Queen Mary and her half-sister Elizabeth is played out against a background of betrayal, conflict and passion. The savage rivalry of the daughters of Henry VIII, Mary Tudor and Elizabeth, mirrors that of their mothers, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Each will fight by any available means for the crown and future of the kingdom. Elizabeth's bitter struggle to claim the throne she believes is hers by right, and the man she desires almost more than her crown, is watched by her 'fool': a girl who has been forced to leave her homeland of Spain, as a Jew fleeing the Inquisition. In a court where truth is wittily denied and lies are mere games, it is the fool who can speak plainly: in these dangerous times, a woman must choose between ambition and love. Elizabeth will not make the same mistakes as her mother.
Philippa Gregory
Philippa Gregory is a British historical novelist known for her meticulously researched and vividly imagined portrayals of English history. She is best known for her acclaimed series "The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels," which includes titles such as "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The White Queen." Gregory's writing style is characterized by richly detailed settings, complex characters, and gripping plotlines that bring history to life for readers. Her contributions to literature include shedding light on lesser-known historical figures and events, while also reimagining well-known stories in a fresh and engaging way. Gregory's work has had a significant impact on the historical fiction genre, inspiring a new generation of readers and writers to explore the past through the lens of fiction.