Elizabeth of Bohemia

May 1, 2019

In 1612, King James I, in an effort to extend his influence beyond England into Europe, used his children as pawns. Canadian novelist Elias (Henry's Game) pens a scrumptious novel about one of those children, Elizabeth Stuart, given in marriage to Prince Frederic of the Palatinate of the Rhine at age 16. The marriage, while not a love match, produced 13 children over 20 years, much to the dismay of Elizabeth, who was more interested in intrigue and power than managing a nursery. Ambitious and strong-willed Elizabeth became the Queen of Bohemia when Frederic was crowned king and was instrumental in pushing her country into the Thirty Years' War, which ultimately condemned her to years of exile and poverty. When Frederic passed away at 36, Elizabeth was invited back to England but refused, until, suffering from poor health, she eventually returned, where she died at the age of 66. VERDICT Written in an accessible variant of Old English, Elias's novel immerses readers wholly in the language, culture, and politics of the ultimate game of thrones.--Jane Henriksen Baird, formerly at Anchorage P.L., AK

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