A review by travelsalongmybookshelf
Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir

informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

‘When she was Queen, she vowed, she would do everything in her power to court that goodwill.’ 
 
Known to history as Bloody Mary, I was really interested to read this latest book from Alison Weir, novelising the life of Mary Tudor. 
I really loved reading about her life from her own point of view and viewing histories events through her eyes. I felt quite sorry for her, in her early life, she was a victim of circumstances and her father Henry VIII. Her views are developed and a steely, piousness from her mother Katherine Of Aragon. I really hadn’t thought how they must have perceived the goings on with Anne Boleyn and how they must have been kept in the dark for such a long time, plus they were separated and Mary used as a bargaining instrument to try to force Katherine to capitulate her position. They had such strength to see things through and not give in! Mary is feisty and bold and stands up to Henry - brave girl! 
 
‘I care not for your cruelties. Whatever you do, I will not be overcome. Remember that!’ 
 
She has a tumultuous and torrid time when Anne Boleyn is in the ascendancy. 
And we watch her mature through Henry’s reign and multitude of wives. Her religious zeal increases. Especially once her brother Edward is on the throne and the change feels smooth and all of a sudden Bloody Mary if before us! It is so cleverly written that you can’t see where young Mary ends and Bloody Mary begins! 
 
‘I am ready to set myself up as a champion of the Catholic religion, whatever it costs me.’ 
 
She was single minded and determined and once Queen, everything seems to fall apart, her disastrous marriage, the loss of Calais and most of all the burnings made her hated. She actually signed the death warrants of these people herself to undergo an atrocious death and although I felt open and sympathetic to her at the beginning, by the end, I didn’t much like her. It’s no wonder she gained the reputation she did and that public revulsion for her has not diminished ever since 
 
To be able to make you change your mind about someone really shows Weirs capability as a writer, history brought to life in a fantastic way!