I finished Phillipa Gregory’s new book of fiction on Tudor England, The Constant Princess. It was a very enjoyable read, Ms. Gregory is a good storyteller, and it had enough imagined historical detail and political intrigue to keep me pedaling away on my exercise bicycle. The fact that I read it as a bicycle book, despite the weight of the hardcover, was a good choice, as I don’t believe it is up to the standards of her previous books and I would have gotten quite frustrated with it without the distraction of being strapped into an exercise bicycle. The historical detail in these books is always loosely tied into known historical fact, and often quite imagined. I am well aware that they are fiction and not accurate. Usually, the story, and the character development are wonderful though and this carries one through, not so much in this book. Many characters are lose stereotypes, barely sketched out, pops for the main character, who comes across as somewhat shadowy as well. The previous books have also given a more engaging view of the complexities of court intrigue and politics in the period. A bit of a disappointment really.
An escapist novel is always a wonderful thing but this one disappoints. A good historical novel, although fiction, engages the reader in alternative world and at the same time encourages the reader, or has always encouraged me at least, to want to learn more, to explore the actual history learn the facts about a time and person. This book does not accomplish that aim. It is quickly forgotten.
The next book is promising to be far more fulfilling. I started reading Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking today and was entranced. Poignantly and beautifully written, and yet very forward driving. I have trouble stopping and the book is difficult to put down. Still I will force myself only to read this on the bike.
