An excellent book for anyone who likes historical fiction or is interested in royalty. This book follows Queen Mary's fool from the time she was married to King Francis to the end. ( )

The best. Perfectly written and a great story. I really enjoyed. ( )

The Queen's Own Fool is a novel about Mary Queen of Scots told by her court fool that she aquires in France. Filled with court intrigue, adventure, and the lure of realism this novel held my attention till the bitter end. I loved how the authors made the readers want to learn more about such an epic queen and time period. ( )

Queens Own Fool is a novel of Mary Queen of Scots. I suppose this is a children's book but it certainly appeals to adults. This is a lovely telling of the story of Mary Queen of Scots through the voice and eyes of her Fool. The story is anchored in facts of history and floats on the invention and detail of Ms. Yolen and Mr. Harris. Nicola Ambruzzi is part of her Uncle's performing troup until they entertain Queen Mary and her husband, the young King of France. Nicola's wit and unjaded perspective are refreshing and the Queen rescues Nicola from her abusive uncle and takes her off to be part of the Court.

Nicola travels with the Queen through the death of the King, exile to Scotland where Queen Mary struggles with the lines between politics, power, and life as a woman. Nicola also struggles with those delineations in regard to her own life and those of her Queen. There is some romance and forced kisses (not part of the romance!) but nothing prurient.

This is a wonderfully written book. How well? Even though I knew the history, I read to the end with anxious hope for both lives.

I'd recommend this book to these people I know: A teacher in her 30's who likes historical fiction, an 11 year old girl who likes fiction and appreciates knowing the motivation of "villains", a 9 year old girl who has read Jane Yolen's work before and just finished a project about Mary Queen of Scots, and a woman in her 40's who reads large amounts of books.

A young tumbler, Nicola, catches the eye of Mary, Queen of Scots, while performing at Court. Mary prizes the girl's wit and willingness to state the truth as she sees it rather than fawning as courtiers do, so she offers her a place in court as her fool. Nicola accepts and proves her loyalty to the queen through hard times as Mary is sent to Scotland and attempts to rule her headstrong people while succumbing to her imprudent heart.

The Queen's Own Fool is a very human look at Mary, Queen of Scots. It depicts the queen as a strong woman who allows her heart to rule her. She and Nicola mature together as they are exposed to death and intrigues. Although Mary is a sympathetic, lovable character, her relationship with Nicola has realistic ups and downs. The queen, despite her wish that Nicola always speak the truth, will hear nothing against her rash and selfish young husband. And although Nicola and Mary share a deep friendship, both are aware of the differences in station that preclude complete intimacy.

I enjoyed this, but I wish the history and politics, especially the Bothwell part, had been explained and explored a bit more. It often seemed like Yolen expected her readers to be familiar with the basic history of the period. ( )