| Mary Queen of Scotland and The Isles: A Novel | 
 enlarge | Author: Margaret George
Publisher: Griffin
Category: Book
List Price: CDN$ 18.95
Buy Used: CDN$ 0.35
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Avg. Customer Rating:  78 reviews
Sales Rank: 11158
Media: Paperback
Edition: 0
Pages: 880
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.7
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.9
ISBN: 0312155859
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780312155858
ASIN: 0312155859
Publication Date: April 28, 1997
Availability: Usually ships within 1 - 2 business days
Condition: Save a tree, buy from Green Earth Books. Ships from USA; Allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. All books guaranteed. Read -> Recycle -> Reuse
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| Customer Reviews:
 An awesome book! August 4, 2001
I've read all of M. George's books (this one plus Henry VII and Cleopatra) twice. This book was wonderful. Though it's long, the way it's written will make it a page-turner and you won't realize you've read 150 pages. I learned so much about Queen Mary, Scottish history and the Reformation that I now continue to read books on the subject. No other book seems to compare to M. George's books, though. A. Wier definately comes close. M. George's style is captivating and makes the reader want to know more. I, too, cried at the end of this book, even though I knew the ending-- a nother reason why this book is a "must read" for anyone wanting to learn about Mary Queen of Scots.
 Very well-researched, but disappointing as a novel June 18, 2001
I was very excited about reading this book, and I commend the author on her excellent research and insight into her main character. I learned a lot. However, as a novel, I think it lacks something. I don't think this lack is because the ultimate outcome is known from the onset--that's a staple of historical fiction. I think it is that Mary is a somewhat flat and unappealing character here. One other reviewer said that she is a potentially stong woman who makes collossally bad decisions, and I think that is a very wise comment. She is hard to become emotionally connected with, and the Lords, her political adversaries, and sometimes cartoonish in their villany. I stopped reading about two-thirds of the way through and skimmed the rest before returning the book to the Library.
One of the better novels on Mary's life May 26, 2001
Margaret George has a gift for describing historical circumstance. She paints a very vivid picture of Mary, Queen of scots in this novel. You get a great feeling for her life while she was at the court of France and Scotland. She is convincing in her descriptions of the state of mind Mary was in when she made her life changing decisions.What really lets what would otherwise be an outstanding book down was her portrail of Mary's life during her in prison in England. This period of her life is delt with rather sketchily and the people she had to interact with are kept to a minimum despite the fact that she delt with some of the most powerful people in England (even though she was in Prison). This is a well written novel for Mary's court life, but not a really balanced view. But despite this, I still think it is one of the better novels on her that I have read.
A woman's courage and strength May 21, 2001
I checked this book out from the library some years ago. I wasn't able to finish it because of time constraints and my leaving for college. Yet, it remained at the back of my mind. I felt the need to finish it so when I saw it in the store, I bought it. This is the kind of book where if you can get past the first 50-100 pages without being bored (and there are some 750-800 plus pages after that!), you will not put it down. This is a compelling story of a woman who was a colossally poor decision maker. You will find the struggles she encounters heart wrenching. You will also feel yourself buoyed up by her sheer sense of will. The novel, and Mary herself, exudes passion and intellect. The story is well-crafted and weaves a tale of the unfortunate queen caught helplessly in the battle of religion and politics. Mary, the Queen of Scotland and the Isles, is a sympathetic character, but one you will not pity. From the portrayal in this novel, she wouldn't want to be pitied either. She shows strength, character, and courage. Any reader will enjoy digging into this tome. It is stimulating and captivating good read.
The poor doomed queen April 3, 2001
I chanced upon this book in a used bookstore in a little Ohio town and thought of my best friend who expressed she wanted to read it. Only, I read it first and couldn't put it down. Then it passed onto two more friends ~~ only they couldn't put it down. It is probably one of the best impulse buys I have ever made.Margaret George wrote an intensive book on the queen of Scotland, who was also related to Elizabeth I somewhat distantly. George did a great job of telling Mary's story ~~ a story of a rash, flighty woman who didn't stop to think before acting. Who thought with her emotions (such a different queen than her English cousin!) ~~ defied the normal conventions and rules set upon her by her advisors and did whatever she thought she wanted to do. Naturally, we all know how the story turns out in the end ~~ but George does a wonderful job of epicting "what might have happened" throughout this novel. And she does a wonderful job combining facts within the novel ~~ so you might pick up a few things here and there about Scottish history. For those of you who want to read about the royalty but are too intimidated to read the historical tomes, I suggest you read this one. It's long ~~ but the writing itself will keep you interested and propells you onto the way to learning more about history. When you finish the last page, you rest in confidence that you tackled such a hefty book ~~ and you walk away just a little smarter about history. If a book can get you to do that, then the praises should rest on George's head.
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