This is the story of Elizabeth the first and her life long love, Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester. It's a tragic love story, a reminder to everyone that love has the be cherished and nurtured. Elizabeth and Robert loved one another from childhood, but because of her past and her place in the world, they just couldn't seem to get it right. They had an intriguing history together that ranges from the halls of Henry the 8th's Tudor court, to the Tower of London and finally to the dazzling court of Elizabeth herself. Dudley was one of Elizabeth's most trusted companions and advisors. Throughout her life she referred to him as Eyes because he saw and understood everything. If you enjoy history, this book is well worth the reading.
There is much obscure history in it, like Elizabeth's relationship with her Boleyn cousins, Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh make their appearances, and many other fascinating characters. I enjoyed this book tremendously and it gave me an even greater reverence for a truly great Queen.
This book is, of course, about the famous Bronte sisters. Charlotte, who wrote Jane Eyre and Emily, who wrote Wuthering Heights. This book goes deep into their background and their time growing up as children. The hardships that they faced were daunting and yet they stayed together as a family. I was amazed to see characters and places that I recognized as their story unfolded. So much of their great literary contributions were inspired by their real story.
I do believe that writers often write what they know, and that truly great stories come from within. As an aspiring writer it is both inspiring and intimidating to be reminded of this as I search for my own story.
Up net - currently working on the Secret Speech by Tim Robbins Smith - a follow up to the amazing Child 44. I am also reading The Dumbest Generation, a scary yet true evaluation of children growing up in the digital age. More later.
