Category Archives: Historical fiction

Today I like: Lizzy Bennett and Good Queen Bess
Not so much: planning my kids’ extracurricular activities. It requires more strategizing than Waterloo.

Here’s what I like to read: historical fiction. Philippa Gregory, Geraldine Brooks and Tracy Chevalier come to mind. I am also addicted to the original, Ms. Austen. I swoon over Mister Darcy as much as the next gal. Give me petticoats and tortured artists, castles and courts, mad composers and much jockeying up the social ladder. It always helps if there’s a royal mistress involved, and I’m a sucker for English accents. I watched The Tudors backward and forward, and I cried every time Anne Boleyn got the ax (er…sword). As if I didn’t know it was coming.

When it comes to historical fiction aimed at women, there’s an oft-used theme: smart, outspoken woman battles against her dubious past and the confines of patriarchy, set against a backdrop of courtly intrigue. I’m particularly fond of two ladies, both called Elizabeth, whose very different stories reflect this idea.

Let’s start with the original Elizabeth. That’s right, QE1. I’ve read at least ten versions of her life story. Fiction, non-fiction. Multiple viewings of Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age and that one on HBO with Helen Mirren. I never tire of her, and it seems like no one else does, either.

Her obvious historical influence aside, why does Elizabeth so captivate us? I believe it’s because of the above-mentioned formula. Dubious upbringing? Check (that whole bastard thing). Oppressive male-dominated social system? Definitely. Highly educated, opinionated woman who proves all the naysayers wrong? Yes! Elizabeth has had women shouting “You go, girl!” (or maybe, “thou goest!”) for centuries.

My next Elizabeth, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, might not have graced any ballroom but the imaginary one at Netherfield, but as far as fiction goes, she’s a definite QE. Sassy, smart and hovering on the edge of the aristocracy. One of five daughters, never a fabulous position in a culture where men control the purse strings and a woman’s value lies in her ability to latch onto the one who stands to inherit the most. Lizzie isn’t the most beautiful or flirtatious Bennett sister, but she bucks the odds. Lizzie transforms the illustrious Mister Darcy (sigh) with her wit and character. Once again, women all over the world shout, “Hurray! We love you, Lizzie!” The publishing industry responds with dozens of P&P knock-offs. Yes, I’ve read a lot of those, too, although I’ve steered clear of the ones involving zombies.

So, if Liz the First and Lizzie the Second (Bennett sister) can do it, why not Cinderella? After the ball she’s bound to have the same problems…sketchy background…pesky patriarchal limitations. Let’s make her smart; let’s make her fiesty. Let’s see what she makes of it. Add a few dragons and unicorns, lots of fabulous parties, family feuds and a gossipy parrot, and voilà! The Cracked Slipper.

Steph