For the young reader fascinated by royal drama, this novel plunges them into the tumultuous court of Henry VIII through the eyes of a brave, observant maid.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is captivated by historical dramas and royal intrigue but needs a relatable entry point. This story immerses readers in the court of Henry VIII and his fifth wife, Katherine Howard, through the eyes of her young maid, Eliza. As Eliza navigates the dazzling but dangerous world of court politics, she must grapple with loyalty, friendship, and her own conscience when she uncovers a deadly secret. It explores themes of finding your voice and staying true to yourself under immense pressure. Perfect for teens 12 and up, this novel uses a compelling personal story to make a complex historical period feel immediate and understandable.
A sweet, non-explicit romance subplot with some kissing and courtship.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with character death through execution. The historical reality of beheadings is central to the plot's climax, though the events are not described graphically. The approach is secular and historical. The resolution for the historical figures is tragically realistic, aligning with known history. However, the protagonist's personal journey concludes on a hopeful note of self-determination and resilience.
Ideal Reader
A 13 to 16 year old who is fascinated by royal history, particularly the Tudors. They enjoy character driven stories about friendship, loyalty, and moral dilemmas. This reader is ready for a story where not everyone gets a happy ending but the protagonist still finds a way to persevere.
Parent Prep
No specific pages need previewing, but a brief conversation about the historical context of Henry VIII and his wives could be beneficial. Parents should be ready for conversations about the precarious and often unfair position of women in history, and the harsh realities of Tudor justice. A parent has noticed their teen is binge watching shows like "The Crown" or "Reign" and wants to offer them a book with similar themes but more historical depth. Or, the child is talking about friendship conflicts and the pressure to keep secrets or choose sides.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will likely focus on Eliza's personal story: the friendships, the secret romance, and the suspense of the plot. An older reader (14-16) will better appreciate the nuanced political intrigue, the commentary on gender roles, and the complex moral weight of Eliza's choices.
What Makes It Special
Written by a prominent historian, Lucy Worsley, the book offers an exceptionally authentic and detailed portrayal of Tudor court life. Its unique strength lies in telling this famous historical tragedy from the perspective of a servant, grounding the epic events in a relatable, personal experience of fear and loyalty. It makes history feel immediate and intensely human.
Read plot summary
Seventeen-year-old Eliza Camperdowne is thrilled to be appointed a maid of honor to Katherine Howard, the new teenage queen of King Henry VIII. She is quickly swept into the glamour, romance, and political maneuvering of the Tudor court. However, she soon discovers that the court is a web of secrets and lies. When the queen's past comes back to haunt her, Eliza finds herself in a perilous position, forced to choose between loyalty to her friend and queen, and her own survival.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Eliza is constantly torn between her loyalty to Queen Katherine and the need to protect herself. Do you think she made the right choices in the end? What might you have done differently in her position?
2
The author, Lucy Worsley, is a famous historian. What details about life in the Tudor court (the food, the clothing, the rules) surprised you the most?
3
How does Eliza's relationship with her cousin, Nan, highlight the pressures and competition faced by women at court?
4
At the end of the novel, Eliza decides not to marry and to pursue a different life for herself. Why was this such a radical and brave choice for a woman in the 1540s?
