cancermoononhigh 's review for:

Elizabeth the Great by Elizabeth Jenkins

3.0

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Elizabeth had a sad childhood. Her mother was beheaded by command of her father. Her father spent much of his life ignoring her existence unless prompted by his future wives. Elizabeth dotted on her younger brother Edward and was quite saddened by his death. Her relationship with Mary was a bit more complicated. Although Mary spoiled Elizabeth with gifts and clothing she also kept her away when she was ruler of England. Mary's husband also further the wedge between sisters. Elizabeth while being the king's second born child was given the last opportunity to lead England.
While being Queen there were those who questioned her authority to lead mainly Queen Mary of Scots for Mary truly believed that she was the true queen, and the loyal English catholics did not see Elizabeth as queen and were instructed by the Pope not to see her as queen. However the naysayers Queen Elizabeth led her country to a golden age. She improved economical issues and mainly kept the country out of war. Elizabeth grew the English Navy to an impressive state.
Queen Elizabeth is known as the virgin queen vowing never to marry at a young age. There was great pressure on her to marry but she never gave in. Many of her councilors were anxious for a heir despite the talk between her medical doctors if she could carry a child or not. Elizabeth did have affections for men but never acted on them. Also many of her advisors loved her and fiercely protected Elizabeth when the time called for it.
Elizabeth was beloved by her people eventually even the Catholics. She became a symbol of England.