Publisher: Preseli Press
Page Length: 352 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Elizabethan Series, Book 2
Synopsis
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, is one of the most intriguing men of the Elizabethan period. Tall and handsome, he soon becomes a ‘favourite’ at court, so close to the queen many wonder if they are lovers.
The truth is far more complex, as each has what the other yearns for. Robert Devereux longs for recognition, wealth and influence. His flamboyant naïveté amuses the ageing Queen Elizabeth, like the son she never had, and his vitality makes her feel young.
Robert Devereux’s remarkable true story continues the epic tale of the rise of the Tudors, which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy and concludes with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
My Thoughts
Essex – Tudor Rebel follows the life of Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex, from the age of 11 years, when he inherits the earldom from his father to become one of the poorest earls in the land, to his execution for treason in 1601.
Essex's financial woes were to plague him throughout his life due to his own mismanagement, but mainly by Queen Elizabeth's propensity to not recompense those who had made massive outlays on her behalf to protect her realm.
Essex could have sensibly taken advantage of his position as the queen's favourite to regain his family's fortunes, but he was impatient and hoped that military service would bring him instant fame and reward. Unfortunately, he had mixed results. The only certainty was that his debts continued to grow.
Breaking point came after his disastrous campaign in 1599 as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland where he brokered a truce with the Irish rebels and left his post against the queen's wishes. His financial situation became more dire when his punishment included the loss of the lucrative sweet wines monopoly, his main source of income. Essex's subsequent actions lead to him being branded a traitor. Sadly for him, he was unable to reconcile with Queen Elizabeth I.
I must stress that there is much more to this novel than the Earl of Essex's financial woes, although these were responsible for many of the decisions he made. What intrigued me most was the relationship he had with Queen Elizabeth I. Tony Riches presents this as a mother and son relationship rather than one of lovers. It explains her indulgence of his bad behaviour - her tolerance of his disrespect and disobedience. Until his final act of rebellion, their relationship was one of estrangement and reconciliation, and I believe Essex thought he would be pardoned one more time.
Tony Riches has once again proven his talent for writing informative and entertaining fictional biographies. I did enjoy the sympathetic portrayal of Essex. Like so many who sought fame and fortune during those times, he fell foul of political intrigue, his own aspirations, and the whims of his queen. Although I knew the outcome for Essex, I was still saddened by it. However, what did surprise me was that the fate of Sir Gelli Meyrick, the Earl's faithful Welsh supporter, touched me more.
Essex- Tudor Rebel is an excellent addition to The Elizabethan Series.
Where to Purchase
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