365 Days of Books

Queens Own Fool is a novel of Mary Queen of Scots. I suppose this is a children's book but it certainly appeals to adults. This is a lovely telling of the story of Mary Queen of Scots through the voice and eyes of her Fool. The story is anchored in facts of history and floats on the invention and detail of Ms. Yolen and Mr. Harris. Nicola Ambruzzi is part of her Uncle's performing troup until they entertain Queen Mary and her husband, the young King of France. Nicola's wit and unjaded perspective are refreshing and the Queen rescues Nicola from her abusive uncle and takes her off to be part of the Court.

Nicola travels with the Queen through the death of the King, exile to Scotland where Queen Mary struggles with the lines between politics, power, and life as a woman. Nicola also struggles with those delineations in regard to her own life and those of her Queen. There is some romance and forced kisses (not part of the romance!) but nothing prurient.

This is a wonderfully written book. How well? Even though I knew the history, I read to the end with anxious hope for both lives.

I'd recommend this book to these people I know: A teacher in her 30's who likes historical fiction, an 11 year old girl who likes fiction and appreciates knowing the motivation of "villains", a 9 year old girl who has read Jane Yolen's work before and just finished a project about MAry Queen of Scots, and a woman in her 40's who reads large amounts of books.