Mary Floyd was an ordinary girl living through extraordinary times. Her father was the Sergeant of Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wright. When Charles I fled England after losing the English Civil War and took refuge at Carisbrooke Castle, Mary found herself the assistant laundress to the King.Sadly Charles’ refuge shortly turned into a prison and Mary decided to help out her King as much as she could. Through the intrigue, Mary tried to spurn the affections of the evil Rolph, and also found her heart swept away by a gallant courtier. Will Mary find true love, and will she stay true to her King?
I really enjoyed Mary of Carisbrooke. Besides being a gripping story that kept me on the edge of my seat, I loved Mary. She was a quiet, honest, and pure girl who only wanted to do what was right. She wasn’t seeking fame and fortune, but tried to help a soul in need in any way that she could.
I love to read books about kings, queens, and other “gentry,” but I found it surprisingly refreshing to read about a regular girl. Mary isn’t the poorest of the poor being the daughter of the sergeant and niece of housekeeper, but she performs in the capacity of an upper servant. Her story shows that you don’t have to be among the elite to do great things.
Overall, if you love historical fiction, you will love this beautifully written novel with a unique heroine.
This is my twelve item for the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011.
Book Source: Review Copy from Sourcebooks. Thank-you!
I like historical fiction very much and this heroine I know very little about. This would be a good read for me.
ReplyDeleteLove historical fiction, so I will have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteI think this sounds interesting. I think it even more interesting because it isn't about the king/queen but a regular person. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteOooh, i looove reading about 'regular' people in historical fiction. it's so hard to find books that aren't about royalty.
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