Author: Marie-Louise Jensen
Genre: Historical fiction and young adult
My rating: ★★★★★
A long time ago, when I was around 15, my mum and I walked into a bookshop. Without really knowing what I fancied reading, I wandered over to a table in the middle of the shop and was immediately drawn to the young woman on the cover of The Lady in the Tower.
I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I wanted to get to know her. Actually, I didn’t just want to. I needed to.
Once I had read the blurb on the back, I couldn’t even wait until we got home to begin. I started reading it in the car, back in the days when I could do that without feeling sick, and I was hooked from the very beginning.
What is The Lady in the Tower about?
Set in Tudor England in 1540, the story follows 15-year-old Eleanor Hungerford. Her mother has been imprisoned in an isolated part of their castle, known as the Lady Tower, for four years following a terrible accusation.
Eleanor’s only contact with her mother has been through secret notes. When she discovers a plot to have her murdered, Eleanor must find a way to rescue her before it is too late.
As though that wasn’t enough to deal with, Eleanor is also facing the prospect of marriage to Viscount Stanton, a young man she finds completely insufferable.
My thoughts
I honestly don’t think this book receives as much credit as it deserves.
Eleanor is rebellious, impulsive and incredibly determined. She rides, jousts and refuses to behave in the way expected of a young woman in Tudor England. She doesn’t always think before she acts, but that is part of what makes her feel so believable and likeable.
There is danger, betrayal, romance and plenty of tension, but at its heart, this is a story about a daughter willing to risk everything to save her mother. Eleanor is fighting for both of their freedoms while trying to avoid being trapped in a life she has never chosen.
The story is written for younger readers, but I have never felt that I’ve outgrown it. It is fast-paced, accessible and filled with the sort of adventure that makes it an ideal book for escaping a reading slump.
My only real frustration is that the reason behind Eleanor’s mother’s imprisonment is never explored as fully as I would have liked. There are clues and theories, but I have always wanted to know more about what truly happened.
A book I’ll always return to
Years ago, I emailed Marie-Louise Jensen to tell her how much I enjoyed the book and to ask whether she planned to write anything similar. She kindly replied, but unfortunately explained that this period and style of historical fiction were not as popular at the time, so she was unlikely to write more.
I was genuinely disappointed because this is exactly the type of historical story I love.
Then, one Christmas, my husband surprised me with a signed copy. After loving the book for so many years, owning a copy signed by Marie-Louise Jensen made it feel even more special.
Even now, The Lady in the Tower remains one of the books I return to when I want adventure, Tudor intrigue and a courageous young heroine risking everything for the person she loves.
It may have been written with younger readers in mind, but it will always have a place on my bookshelf.
The Curvy Bookworm 