In her end, is her beginning.
In this richly-detailed historical novel, we start the retelling of Mary Queen of Scots’ life in an unlikely time and setting: 1592, and St James’ Monastery, Ratisbon (now Regensburg, Bavaria). Why are we here? Because that was the final home of Ninian Winzet, sent by Mary Queen of Scots to train priests when the Monastery was transferred from Irish to Scottish monks. Ninian is a historical character, and it is his story we read, recounted by the man himself, of his time in the queen’s world.
We meet Ninian only through his words, as Brother Gunther, a young monk for whom Ninian had acted as a mentor, discovers a hidden set of scrolls in Winzet’s cell, and realises he is holding the deathbed confession of the older man.
So commences the dual timeline of sorts. In 1592, Brother Gunther finding time between his prayers to read voraciously through the scrolls, and through the course of Mary’s life, Winzet’s account of a tumultuous time in Scottish history. We hear his tale of life in Linlithgow, at the time of Mary’s birth, through her early years in France, her return to a Scotland starting to be torn apart by religious dispute, and of course, the activities which occurred at her court once she took on her personal reign.
Having made a promise to Marie de Guise when Mary was a newborn, Winzet stays true to his vow, remaining at Mary’s side for as long as he is able, putting us at her side too, through the happiest and darkest events of her life. And through his subsequent vow, to defend and avenge his royal mistress, Winzet also makes occasional strays to the dark side, as we hear of justice reaped against those who wronged Queen Mary, taking from her friends, freedom, and ultimately, her life.
Whilst in her Author’s Note, Anne Legat makes it clear which events have been fictionalised in this novel, the story is set firmly in reality. We follow the key events of the period through Winzet’s eyes, as he serves his queen. He is there during the group assassination of David Rizzio, Mary’s private secretary, and is one of the first on the scene at Kirk O’Field, and the murder of Henry, Lord Darnley, Mary’s second husband and the father of her heir, James. Later, he forces his way into where Mary is being held captive in Edinburgh, and travels to Lochleven Castle, the loch-bound castle where she is a prisoner and forced to agree to the terms of her enemies.
Through his determination, Winzet gets to the heart of what has been happening around him, and, fuelled also by the anger of events at the start of the novel, where he is thrown out of his beloved home and church, he seeks justice for himself, his church, and his queen.
Back in 1592, Brother Gunther is reading the shocking series of events in Winzet’s written confession but becomes aware that he might not be the only one taking advantage of the silent nights of the monastery. Whilst he is reading the former Abbot’s scrolls, somebody is watching him, and Gunther finds himself being dragged into further mystery and drama in the present day.
I’ll admit, having been an admirer of Mary Queen of Scots since childhood, I often approach fictionalised accounts of her life with a degree of trepidation, worried whether what was already a dramatic life would have been over-dramatised to the point of nonsense. Not here.
Many readers will know the events which are described, but the author still manages to bring tension to the tale, as well as getting under the skin of some of the key characters in Mary’s story. We see more exploration of Darnley’s personality, and his relationship with Queen Mary, from infatuation to infuriation, as well as meeting the likes of Moray, Morton, Bothwell, and Maitland – names which heavily affected Scottish history during the 1500s.
The fear of a queen in captivity is shown, and her determination to escape and recover her freedom, even if she may never recover her throne.
Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, and a host of other cities are seen through Winzet’s eyes as he travels the country and continent on Mary’s behalf, but ultimately, it’s the smaller, quieter scenes in small rooms which really engaged me here, seeing names from the history books as living, breathing individuals.
I would highly recommend this to any fans of Marian literature, and the period in general, who enjoy a detailed historical read in which they can absolutely lose themselves.
What a lovely review. I completely agree, Jennifer, The Queen’s Avenger is a fabulous book.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it too, Mary Anne. It does sound like an intriguing read. I must find more time... ;-)
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