Today I am sweeping you for a backstage tour of the palace gates on this regal book tour.
Stamping down on the royal plot: In 1936, the Duke of York unexpectedly became King George VI, and his ten-year-old daughter, Princess Elizabeth, became heir presumptive. However, she was never heir apparent, because a male sibling would automatically assume her place in the line of succession. So what would have happened upon the late arrival of a baby brother for the grown-up Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret? After King George VI’s death in 1952, the United Kingdom’s next sovereign would have been a very young boy, and one in need of a regent. James the Third tells that boy’s story. How does his reign unfold? He is clever, resourceful and unconventional − but can he alter the course of history, given the limited role of a constitutional monarch? Does he find true love, or must he accept second best? And, with the births of his heirs, what does the House of Windsor look like now?
Set against rapidly changing times, there is a parallel tale of two working class sisters from the East End of London. As fans of the royal family, they are closer to the crown than they could ever imagine. Seamlessly blending the twists and turns of fiction with historical fact, this book is sure to please anyone who enjoys a glimpse of life behind palace walls.
Bobs and Books honest review:
I love the royal family and I love books, so this combination filled me with excitement. A perfect mix of royal fact and royal fiction to make this a surprising yet familiar read. Everything you know to be true remains similar, like a nice snug comfort blanket. Yet James' arrival really stirs things up in the royal household.
I adore James' relationship with Charles- I half suspect Charles would have actually quite like a confidante like James appears to be and their unconventional uncle/nephew friendship blossoms along the years.
This spans many decades and is packed with historical detail. There's even explanatory notes at the back of the book to sense check what you are reading and provide further context if you are interested.
This is such an unusual concept and I like how the author has played with this. I definitely didn't anticipate it to unravel as it does.
A must read for fans of the royals, or if not- why not try an alterative Royal version? I dare you.
About the author:
Maggie Ballinger was born in Crewe, brought up in South London and now lives in Sheffield. She studied European History at the University of East Anglia and later obtained an MA in International History from Birkbeck College, London. Since retiring as a hospital manager, much of her time has been spent writing an eclectic range of material. She is the author of Britannia’s Glory – A Maritime Story (Uniform) and the illustrated children’s book Baa Baa Pink Sheep.
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