The Queen's Bastard

I can't really buy into the theory that Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley actually had an illegitimate son, but it certainly makes for good fodder for historical fiction. I was also impressed by how much the author stuck to what is known about Arthur Dudley, who claimed to be the bastard of Elizabeth and Dudley after showing up in Spain in the 1580s, and created a plausible story. Fun reading, if verging on historical fantasy at times, the author certainly knows how to tell a satisfying tale, and highly recommended to fans of Tudor-era historical fiction.

I enjoyed this book - and I enjoyed the reader (audible). good long story - nice wrap around in the end. Little bit sorry that I did not read Ann Boyelin's diary first as it was referenced multiple times -but the writing was good enough that even though I hadn't read that one - I dont feel like I lost anything from this story for having missed it. (I might find out different later - if I go back for it and then follow up with this one a second time - but as for this experience - the book stands alone just fine).
Its very difficult to write about a person who is a person (and who has feelings) - but who is a Queen (and therefore - entitled - powerful and apparently emotionless)... this dichotomy was handled well in this book.

I had not read any of Robin Maxwell's books before reading this, but it definitely made me a fan of her writing. She melds history and fiction perfectly in this novel. Without changing any of history's facts, she contrives a believable "what-if" scenario of Elizabeth having a son. An innovative plot is a must when writing about a much-written about queen of England.

Entertaining tale of QEI's supposed love child. Don't get stuck on the historic accuracy, better enjoyed as pure fiction.
Read Samoa Aug 2002

Intriguing concept, if historically somewhat hard to believe. ;) Offers a neat viewpoint on English involvement in the religious wars in the Netherlands.

The historical perspective is interessting and very plausbile that Arthur (Southern) Dudley was the son of Elizabeth I and Robert (Robin) Dudley, Earl of Leicester.

Maxwell should have stopped with the first book in the series, The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn