My Enemy the Queen

I must start off by saying that I am heavily biased in favor of Elizabeth with this story. I find the queen to be so compelling and brilliant that, even with her flaws, I can't bring myself to empathize with anyone in opposition with her. That is purely my fault and not the author's because Holt did a great job building up the character of Lettice Knollys as a (in my mind) conceited, vain, and determined rival. While I can't sympathize with this character even a little bit, it was interesting being in her perspective during some of England's most historical events.

From the beginning, Lettice is setup in opposition to Elizabeth. Elizabeth is intelligent and curious and advanced in her studies while Lettice would rather play outside. show more Elizabeth's upbringing was fraught with danger while Lettice grew up in a happy, average family. It is thanks to Elizabeth that the Knollys rise, and while Lettice's parents are grateful for the distinction, Lettice sees it as her right due to her being a pretty, young girl. This was a time period when a woman's looks could advance her status, so it makes sense that Lettice fixates on her physical appearance. This started getting annoying, however. Reading over and over again how Lettice always looks so young and so pretty and how men are drawn to her because of it while those men are only drawn to the queen because she has a crown made the character seem insipid. Yes, Elizabeth is queen and could theoretically marry any of her subjects, but she's also genuinely clever and vivacious. Readers don't get a sense that Lettice has much of a personality beyond her looks.

The only other trait that Lettice seems to have beside being vain is wanting what she can't have and that is Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. If Elizabeth wasn't enamored with Robert, Lettice probably would not have given him a second look. As time passes and Robert's and Lettice's marriage deteriorates, she is surprised that Elizabeth actually loves Robert for all of his faults while Lettice can't forgive him. She also doesn't seem to grasp the fact that Robert is fascinated by Elizabeth's mind as much as her crown, as she thinks Elizabeth would be nothing if she weren't queen. She can't forgive the fact that she isn't allowed back at court even though she knew very well that she would incur the queen's wrath by marrying the favorite of the court. In fact, she seems to do things only to set herself up in opposition to Elizabeth and then seem shocked when they don't work out. While she wins small battles here and there, we all know Elizabeth won the war.

Occasionally, Lettice appreciates Elizabeth's brilliance and nuances. She recognizes that the royal court is the place to be, and she's bitter about being excluded from it. What I had never realized is how Lettice's family was integral to a lot of major historical beats: the incarceration of Queen Mary of Scots, her husband also being involved in her son the Earl of Essex's attempted coup, the failed subjugation of Ireland, the unconventional affairs with many of Elizabeth's favorites, and more. Lettice's life was long and fascinating, but it came at a great price. She heard everything second or thirdhand, but I can't sympathize with her, as she knew what she was doing. She never once sympathizes with Elizabeth's situation unless it's to make herself look superior. Then again, she's a real person. She doesn't have to.

Some readers will love this insight into the slighted Lettice. For myself, I cannot get over the fact that this woman thinks she's a worthy opponent to Elizabeth in any real sense. Yes, she married Robert Dudley, but I personally think Robert saw Lettice as a means to an end, as well as Elizabeth while also caring for them both in his own way. When it comes to her person, Lettice is blind, but I am overly harsh because I am Team Elizabeth until the end. show less

Here’s a story that webs the lives of Elizabeth I, Lettice Devereux (granddaughter of Mary Boleyn), the Earl of Leicester and finally the Earl of Essex (Lettice’s son)…

In reading this novel, it would seem that Elizabeth had few other interests besides the Earl himself firstly, other young gents, and finally, power. She was portrayed as being ruthless, self-centered, vain, quite nasty, frivolous, superficial and vehemently jealous and possessive. Gee what wonderful traits for a monarch.

Lettice, was actually not any better. This one was portrayed as scheming, devout of morals, sexually insatiable and having very few other interests at heart. Boy did this one need a hobby!

The Earl of Leicester was a man hungry for power, endowed with show more incredible chameleon prowess when it came to keeping himself latched onto the Queen. Oh, yes, and if one can get past his penchant for murder- I suppose you can call him quite gallant.

The Earl of Essex, being another bird of a feather, had noone else in mind but himself. Totally arrogant, unyielding, a womanizer and royal disturber- this Earl totally enraptured the Queen.

What can I say… absolutely irresistible characters! Talk about an entertaining read. I especially enjoy when Plaidy, oops, Victoria Holt, uses the first person. It’s carried superbly in this novel. There were times when I thought the story dragged a bit (I mean how many shallow details can you read about in just one paragraph?)

So what made this book so interesting for me? Basically, there wasn’t much to the story except the intricacies of the characters’ relationships towards eachother. In one way or another they were all linked like a magnet to the Queen. Despite the fact that I loathed her completely in this novel, in the end, Elizabeth still shone majestically.

Lettice only began to grow on me towards the end, where I finally sensed she could actually care for someone other than herself. Before that I couldn’t quite understand her love-hate need for the Queen.

The Earls were quite secondary in this novel. Their representation only strengthened their humiliating choices to serve and revel in foreplay to an end they could never attain. The ultimate prize for all those concerned : Queen Elizabeth; magnificently unattainable to all.

Another enjoyable read. show less

Interesting to read an Elizabethan-era story from Lettice Devereaux’s viewpoint. Found this novel good in parts but disappointing on the whole. It’s too slow for my tastes, though some scenes were expertly depicted.

Riveting historical fiction by a master.

NIL