Lovely, but for the feminist drawback

 

 ⭑⭑⭑⭑ This is a glorious book to read on many levels and irksome on one. A story about Mary Queen of Scots will always draw me in, especially if it has a beautiful cover. The UK cover is top-notch. I was sold by that alone.

This novel details the time when Mary was held captive at Lochleven, a 'guest' of the Douglas clan. The Tower has all one could want from historical fiction - poetic writing style, floral descriptions of everything the eye beholds, angst, drama and tension. It was an engaging read that holds the reader fast to the small, confined life of Queen Mary and her two/three companions. All of which are characters we grow to know well as the book progresses. In this way I cannot fault it. I was a happy captive, myself.

What I have grown weary of is another feminist retelling that feels more like man-blaming writ large. It is dealt out heavy handedly, here, too much to be believed. All men, save a couple, are evil and the architects of Mary's misfortunes. Queen Mary is such a tragic figure, one who made countless terrible choices in her life. Mary's difficulties, and ultimate fate, can squarely be placed at her own feet as well as her cousin Elizabeth's. Such a pity, together they could have set the world alight.

Feminist versions of stories just don't ring true for me. Instead of female equality men are a negative force whilst all joy, positivity, progress and even love can only be gained from a female source. When Jane and Lady Seton lock eyes on each other it is easy to see the direction of travel for these two. Love between two women is also a feminist hallmark. It has become too predictable. Factual? Who can say? But it seems unfair for historical figures to have their lives tinkered with in a way to match modern sensibilities.

Beyond that, a good read. The flashbacks fill in key elements of the story that led to Mary's capture and the foreshadowing deftly and respectfully illustrate what lies ahead for Mary and her companions.