The Queen: Her Life

The Queen: Her Life

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  • Create Date:2022-11-15 02:21:38
  • Update Date:2025-09-07
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  • Author:Andrew Morton
  • ISBN:1538700433
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Summary

#1 New York Times bestselling biographer Andrew Morton provides the definitive, most comprehensive account of Queen Elizabeth II's legendary reign。 

Painfully shy, Elizabeth Windsor’s personality was well suited to her youthful ambition of living quietly in the country, raising a family, and caring for her dogs and horses。 But when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated, she became heir to the throne—embarking on a journey that would test her as a woman and queen。

Ascending to the throne at only 25, this self-effacing monarch navigated endless setbacks, family conflict, and occasional triumphs throughout her 70 years as the Queen of England。 As her mettle was tested, she endeavored to keep the monarchy relevant culturally, socially, and politically, often in the face of resistance from inside the institution itself。 And yet the greatest challenges she faced were often inside her own family, forever under intense scrutiny; from rumors about her husband’s infidelity, her sister’s marital breakdown, Princess Diana’s tragic death, to the recent departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle。

Now in The Queen, renowned biographer Andrew Morton takes an in-depth look at Britain’s longest reigning monarch, exploring the influence Queen Elizabeth had on both Britain and the rest of the world for much of the last century。 From leading a nation struggling to restore itself after the devastation of the second World War to navigating the divisive political landscape of the present day, Queen Elizabeth was a reluctant but resolute queen。 This is the story of a woman of unflagging self-discipline who will long be remembered as mother and grandmother to Great Britain, and one of the greatest sovereigns of the modern era。

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Reviews

Anne Morgan

This is an ok book, more of a surface introduction to Queen Elizabeth II than a deep look into who she was and what she thought。 The early part is definitely better written than the last half or so, where repetition and subject changes almost one sentence to the next detracted for me。 You don't need to look at the other books that Andrew Morton has written to tell from this one that he was pro-Diana in the Diana and Charles saga and for awhile Elizabeth almost disappears from her own biography w This is an ok book, more of a surface introduction to Queen Elizabeth II than a deep look into who she was and what she thought。 The early part is definitely better written than the last half or so, where repetition and subject changes almost one sentence to the next detracted for me。 You don't need to look at the other books that Andrew Morton has written to tell from this one that he was pro-Diana in the Diana and Charles saga and for awhile Elizabeth almost disappears from her own biography while that plays out。 The most interesting take aways for me were that Elizabeth really only came into her own after her mother died and she felt comfortable being more herself, and how horrible and confining being a member of the royal family must actually be-thanks quite largely to the media。 The narratives developed by the media instead of the truth came up frequently and served as a constant reinforcement of how trapped Elizabeth must have felt in the position she had devoted her life to。 I also found it a little odd that the book wasn't held back long enough to have an epilogue or some other acknowledgment of her death added to it, leaving it feeling a little rushed and unfinished。I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review 。。。more

Lori

I received a copy of "The Queen" by Andrew Morton, The author wrote a very extensive history of Queen Elizabeth。 From her childhood being born into royalty。 The death of her father that made her Queen at a young age。 He focuses on her and all her relatives。 The book ends on 2022 shortly before her death。 I found the book pretty interesting。 The author has spent a lot of time gathering information for this biography。 He did a good job writing of Queen Elizabeth and her family members。 Glad I got I received a copy of "The Queen" by Andrew Morton, The author wrote a very extensive history of Queen Elizabeth。 From her childhood being born into royalty。 The death of her father that made her Queen at a young age。 He focuses on her and all her relatives。 The book ends on 2022 shortly before her death。 I found the book pretty interesting。 The author has spent a lot of time gathering information for this biography。 He did a good job writing of Queen Elizabeth and her family members。 Glad I got the chance to read his biography。 。。。more

Janilyn Kocher

The Queen by Andrew Morton is a good choice for any reader not familiar with Queen Elizabeth II。 Morton glides over the surface, never getting too deep into analysis or details about the queen, which other biographies have。There will be no other ruler or monarch like QEII。 She was one of a kind and a true soldier。 No matter what erupted in her life: bombings, wars, dissident offspring, and the public, she soldiered on。She was still performing her duties two days before she passed。I think she was The Queen by Andrew Morton is a good choice for any reader not familiar with Queen Elizabeth II。 Morton glides over the surface, never getting too deep into analysis or details about the queen, which other biographies have。There will be no other ruler or monarch like QEII。 She was one of a kind and a true soldier。 No matter what erupted in her life: bombings, wars, dissident offspring, and the public, she soldiered on。She was still performing her duties two days before she passed。I think she was tired and ready to go, especially after losing her stalwart support and companion, Prince Phillip。The younger batch of royals don’t have the same dedication, perseverance, or dignity of her majesty。 She was alone in her class, which will never come to pass again。The biography highlights her life as a testament to fortitude and service。Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the early copy。 。。。more

maryreadstoomuch

The Queen: Her Life - pub date 11/15/22!This book is a perfect pick for #NonfictionNovember (and the new season of The Crown!) Thank you @grandcentralpub for my e-ARC!This book covers it all - Elizabeth's life pre-abdication, her close relationship with her father, her marriage to Philip, her ascension to the throne, and her record-breaking reign。 I was familiar with a lot of the events from watching The Crown, but it was nice to sort out fact from fiction。 Morton did a great job covering Elizab The Queen: Her Life - pub date 11/15/22!This book is a perfect pick for #NonfictionNovember (and the new season of The Crown!) Thank you @grandcentralpub for my e-ARC!This book covers it all - Elizabeth's life pre-abdication, her close relationship with her father, her marriage to Philip, her ascension to the throne, and her record-breaking reign。 I was familiar with a lot of the events from watching The Crown, but it was nice to sort out fact from fiction。 Morton did a great job covering Elizabeth's struggles with duty and the loneliness that came from wearing the crown。 。。。more

Sara Planz

The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton is a complete look at her life and her historic reign。 Morton is of course well known for writing the book Diana: Her True Story back in the nineties。 Morton brings us into Elizabeth’s world and shows us how her triumphs and tribulations made her into who she was。 The book is well researched and shows us how The Queen’s sense of duty and love of country is frankly unmatched by any other member of royalty。 She understood her role and tried to live up to the st The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton is a complete look at her life and her historic reign。 Morton is of course well known for writing the book Diana: Her True Story back in the nineties。 Morton brings us into Elizabeth’s world and shows us how her triumphs and tribulations made her into who she was。 The book is well researched and shows us how The Queen’s sense of duty and love of country is frankly unmatched by any other member of royalty。 She understood her role and tried to live up to the standard she was raised to embody。 With her recent passing, this book is a welcome look at the history of a woman that intrigued the world for decades。 。。。more

Kaye

Andrew Morton delivers a very readable life story of Queen Elizabeth of England。 As a royal corespondent he has covered the family for years and written other books about them。 I have read several biographies about the Queen and so for me the biggest drawback was there was very little new information。 No surprise interviews or even personal stories about his work covering the royals。This is a good writer that takes information from many sources, all referenced, and makes it into a flowing narrat Andrew Morton delivers a very readable life story of Queen Elizabeth of England。 As a royal corespondent he has covered the family for years and written other books about them。 I have read several biographies about the Queen and so for me the biggest drawback was there was very little new information。 No surprise interviews or even personal stories about his work covering the royals。This is a good writer that takes information from many sources, all referenced, and makes it into a flowing narrative。 The story speaks of her sense of duty to her country and her devotion to her husband Prince Phillip。 I like that her kids and grandchildren knew if they could get to her personally she was more willing to indulge them and their desires。 And it was interesting to me that she did things differently after the passing of her mother and even more so after the loss of Diana。 I loved the little story where she wanted to have a portrait of her with her hands in her pockets because her mother always had her pockets sewed closed, She was steadfast but could change。I think this would be a great book for someone wanting to know about the life or enjoys the Netflix series The Crown。 I personally am one of those Americans who loved the Queen and mourned her passing。 The book ends with her making plans to be the first monarch ever to celebrate her platinum anniversary。 I was surprised the book wasn’t updated to include her recent passing。 Also there are no photos in my ARC。 I’m not sure if there will be any in the published book。 Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Jasmine

After enjoying "Elizabeth and Margaret" by Andrew Morton, I knew I had to read this book。 I was curious to see what fresh ground would be covered here, especially considering the Queen's passing this year。 If you've read "Elizabeth and Margaret", 60% of this book feels exactly the same to it。 I didn't expect it to be wildly different, I just hoped Morton would have some insights that would further set it apart from "Elizabeth and Margaret"。 Or maybe it's my own fault as I finished that book a fe After enjoying "Elizabeth and Margaret" by Andrew Morton, I knew I had to read this book。 I was curious to see what fresh ground would be covered here, especially considering the Queen's passing this year。 If you've read "Elizabeth and Margaret", 60% of this book feels exactly the same to it。 I didn't expect it to be wildly different, I just hoped Morton would have some insights that would further set it apart from "Elizabeth and Margaret"。 Or maybe it's my own fault as I finished that book a few books before diving into "The Queen"。When we get into the timeline around 1979 and we are immersed in the Prince Charles / Princess Diana / Camilla drama, things get especially juicy。 There was even a dash of the Meghan Markle drama towards the end。Overall, it was an interesting exploration of the Queen's life, her personality, her reign and impact in history。 Thank you so much, Netgalley, for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Kate

A meticulously researched and fascinating look at the unique woman who graced the British throne for decades--Andrew Morton brings his usual skill to a portrait which is both insightful and balanced。 A biography which unscrolls with the intensity of fiction, THE QUEEN is an enthralling read--mandatory for anyone intrigued by the role of the monarchy。Many thanks to Grand Central and to Netgalley for the pleasure of the read。

Tony Bertram

A very shallow lightweight biography。

Brandi Guarino

In his newest book The Queen: Her Life, Andrew Morton centers his journalistic lens on the most revered member of the British royal family, Queen Elizabeth II。 From her birth in 1926 up to the death of her beloved husband Prince Philip in 2021, in The Queen: Her Life, we are given an in-depth account of the life of Queen Elizabeth II--from her childhood confidants, family members, and those who served during the highs and lows of her unprecedented seventy-year reign。The Queen: Her Life is a test In his newest book The Queen: Her Life, Andrew Morton centers his journalistic lens on the most revered member of the British royal family, Queen Elizabeth II。 From her birth in 1926 up to the death of her beloved husband Prince Philip in 2021, in The Queen: Her Life, we are given an in-depth account of the life of Queen Elizabeth II--from her childhood confidants, family members, and those who served during the highs and lows of her unprecedented seventy-year reign。The Queen: Her Life is a testimony of a life of devoted, unwavering service to her people and her country。 。。。more

Abbie | abthebooknerd

From what I read, this was very interesting! I just haven't been in the mood for bios lately, especially considering the length of this one。 Maybe I'll pick this back up when it comes out officially! This is bound to capture the interest of any American-obsessed royal like myself。 From what I read, this was very interesting! I just haven't been in the mood for bios lately, especially considering the length of this one。 Maybe I'll pick this back up when it comes out officially! This is bound to capture the interest of any American-obsessed royal like myself。 。。。more

Brenda

4。5 I can count on Andrew Morton to bring a book that has been well-researched but not salacious in any way。 Although there was not a lot of new information in this book, I really appreciated the insights he shared into the Queen's thoughts, motives, and reasons for the things she did, what she said, and the timing of it all。 For instance, Morton tied a thread into what the Queen learned and did differently after Princess Diana died, and how she really felt about her。 The power, perceived or rea 4。5 I can count on Andrew Morton to bring a book that has been well-researched but not salacious in any way。 Although there was not a lot of new information in this book, I really appreciated the insights he shared into the Queen's thoughts, motives, and reasons for the things she did, what she said, and the timing of it all。 For instance, Morton tied a thread into what the Queen learned and did differently after Princess Diana died, and how she really felt about her。 The power, perceived or real, that the Queen Mother had over her until she died。 Morton tied a thread into how she was different after her mother's death。 The insight in to the Queen was what was most fascinating to me。 I loved the chapter where Billy Graham visited her and Franklin Graham's thoughts on their friendship until his father died。 I have tremendous respect for her as a woman, and as the Queen。 No one is perfect, but I have yet to see anyone faithfully serve for 70 years after her path in life was determined for her at such a young age。 My thanks to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for this e-book。 {Kindle} 。。。more

Alex Whitmarsh

👑👑👑👑👑 / 5“The Queen looks squarely in the mirror and she likes what she sees。 She has confidence that transcends beauty—that’s the most fascinating thing with her。”Thank you to @netgalley and @grandcentralpublishing for early access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review!My husband and I went to the UK and Ireland for our honeymoon in September, and we just so happened to be there while Queen Elizabeth was lying in state。 I didn’t know much about her or the royal family, but I became invest 👑👑👑👑👑 / 5“The Queen looks squarely in the mirror and she likes what she sees。 She has confidence that transcends beauty—that’s the most fascinating thing with her。”Thank you to @netgalley and @grandcentralpublishing for early access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review!My husband and I went to the UK and Ireland for our honeymoon in September, and we just so happened to be there while Queen Elizabeth was lying in state。 I didn’t know much about her or the royal family, but I became invested in knowing more about the history of the monarch。This biography was absolutely stunning。 What a truly amazing story about an incredibly resilient, yet kind, woman! The writing is beautiful, and it’s apparent that the author has closely followed the royal family over the years。 I understand that this might not present a lot of new information for those familiar with the Queen’s life, but it’s worth the read, nonetheless。 。。。more

Allison

I really enjoyed this book。 I just wish it didn’t end so abruptly。 It was going along so well。 All areas well detailed and it kind of just ended。 I would have loved to see more about the recent events especially with the recent passing of the queen。 It would make the book more complete and thus a complete novel of the queen’s life。 Even still, I highly recommend this book。 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early read。

Jenna

Before going into it, I’m a monarchist in the sense that I admire them from a commonwealth country。 I am able to ignore the solicitous media with the negative headlines to understand that the monarchy in today’s age, is one that is used to spotlight or highlight groups of marginalized people。 That and a focus on bringing light to charities that need the spotlight。 Do I think they’re any different then any other family? Hard nope。 Do I think they serve a need, I do。 And even more so, I think that Before going into it, I’m a monarchist in the sense that I admire them from a commonwealth country。 I am able to ignore the solicitous media with the negative headlines to understand that the monarchy in today’s age, is one that is used to spotlight or highlight groups of marginalized people。 That and a focus on bringing light to charities that need the spotlight。 Do I think they’re any different then any other family? Hard nope。 Do I think they serve a need, I do。 And even more so, I think that sometimes tradition and charitable spotlights need more of the media focus then all the negative and drama we see daily。 That said, my grandparents are from England, while I never lived there, I have a soft spot for it。 And have read many many authors from there。 That includes this author for this book。 Morton captures the Queen in a way that not everyone would。 He centres it around major events and small tidbits without the drama of the recent years。 The focus is on a queen who for decades gave up freedom for her Monarchy。 I admire her as a woman in a man’s world, as a mom trying to juggle it all and have sympathy that perhaps she would have preferred a quiet life in the country but couldn’t because her ties to honor and duty were so strong。 The Queen could easily be 5 books instead of 1。 Her life was a journey not a sprint。 And she’s still one of the top people I would have dreamed (clearly dreamed) about meeting。 I can promise you that should would have some incredible stories about her own life and all the people she had met。 From controversial politicians to the average person, her mark was huge despite her statue being small。 So grateful for this arc。 I loved this book。 And love that it centred not around her family’s drama but her own legacy。 。。。more

Allyce |

I’ve read several of Andrew Morton’s books on the royal family but The Queen: Her Life was my first to be focused on Queen Elizabeth II。 This book was a truly engaging look into the Queen’s life, both before and during her 70-year reign。 The pace, content, and level of detail were excellent throughout which kept me invested from start to finish。 📖There are many books about the royal family that feel very gossipy, as if you are reading a tabloid magazine, but Morton focused solely on retelling th I’ve read several of Andrew Morton’s books on the royal family but The Queen: Her Life was my first to be focused on Queen Elizabeth II。 This book was a truly engaging look into the Queen’s life, both before and during her 70-year reign。 The pace, content, and level of detail were excellent throughout which kept me invested from start to finish。 📖There are many books about the royal family that feel very gossipy, as if you are reading a tabloid magazine, but Morton focused solely on retelling the fascinating life of this woman。 Definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in learning more about Queen Elizabeth II。 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me。 Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review。Review posted on Goodreads and Instagram。 。。。more

Judi

Queen Elizabeth II's biography by one of the journalists who followed her life more closely than most。 It was interesting and informative and led me to insights I probably never would have had otherwise。 After listening to the audiobook, I have some more compassion for her and the challenges she faced。 I didn't gain much sympathy for those around her - Prince (at the time) Charles, Camilla Parker-Bowles, and Prince Andrew, to name a few。Judy Bennett narrated it。 I really enjoyed listening to her Queen Elizabeth II's biography by one of the journalists who followed her life more closely than most。 It was interesting and informative and led me to insights I probably never would have had otherwise。 After listening to the audiobook, I have some more compassion for her and the challenges she faced。 I didn't gain much sympathy for those around her - Prince (at the time) Charles, Camilla Parker-Bowles, and Prince Andrew, to name a few。Judy Bennett narrated it。 I really enjoyed listening to her。 。。。more

Beth

A good refresh on the history, with the passing of HRH…but there’s very little here we haven’t heard before。 In fact, it hews so shot-for-shot close to The Crown that I had visions of Morton queuing up Netflix and writing along with until he hit his page count, with occasional breaks to consult his previous books。 And speaking of, I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise, given his relationship with Diana, but the degree to which Morton does not have a single kind word for then-Prince, now-King Char A good refresh on the history, with the passing of HRH…but there’s very little here we haven’t heard before。 In fact, it hews so shot-for-shot close to The Crown that I had visions of Morton queuing up Netflix and writing along with until he hit his page count, with occasional breaks to consult his previous books。 And speaking of, I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise, given his relationship with Diana, but the degree to which Morton does not have a single kind word for then-Prince, now-King Charles skirts the edge of grudge。 。。。more

Leslie McKee

3。5 starsI've read other books by Morton, so I wasn't surprised to find the writing beautiful in this enjoyable, and timely, book。 While I have read, and watched, things on Queen Elizabeth in the past, there were still things in this book that I didn't know。 There was a bit more about Diana than I expected to find。 I'm a bit surprised that publication wasn't held off until it was updated a bit after the recent passing of the Queen。 However, I'm sure this book will still garner a lot of attention 3。5 starsI've read other books by Morton, so I wasn't surprised to find the writing beautiful in this enjoyable, and timely, book。 While I have read, and watched, things on Queen Elizabeth in the past, there were still things in this book that I didn't know。 There was a bit more about Diana than I expected to find。 I'm a bit surprised that publication wasn't held off until it was updated a bit after the recent passing of the Queen。 However, I'm sure this book will still garner a lot of attention due to the timing。 It's an easy and engaging read。Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review。 。。。more

*TUDOR^QUEEN*

Author Andrew Morton is most famous for writing the explosive expose "Diana: Her True Story" back in 1995 with Diana's secret cooperation。 After the separation of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1995, Morton wrote a follow up book called, "Diana: Her New Life"。 After Princess Diana passed away in 1997, he revealed that Diana had actually provided audio tape cassettes to answer his questions for the original expose。 He then updated the original book, repackaging it as "Diana: Her True Story i Author Andrew Morton is most famous for writing the explosive expose "Diana: Her True Story" back in 1995 with Diana's secret cooperation。 After the separation of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1995, Morton wrote a follow up book called, "Diana: Her New Life"。 After Princess Diana passed away in 1997, he revealed that Diana had actually provided audio tape cassettes to answer his questions for the original expose。 He then updated the original book, repackaging it as "Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words"。 Of course I bought and read each and every one of these hardcover books, savoring all the dishy information。 So when I saw he wrote a new biography of The Queen, I certainly wanted to read it。 He has moved in British royal circles for decades and has an easy flowing writing style that I enjoy。I've read loads of biographies of Queen Elizabeth II, so I didn't learn anything much new- but that was expected。 At this point in my royal reading, I only hope to come out of each new book with some new kernel of information。 The bits I enjoyed were learning that Philip proposed to Elizabeth privately on the grounds of Balmoral in Scotland (where she recently died) before he even asked permission from her father King George VI to marry her。 Also, once the Queen Mother died, it had the effect of strengthening Queen Elizabeth's independent decision-making。 The Queen would run issues by the Queen Mother and often abide by her conservative approaches rather than loosen up on some things。 That was an interesting prism/outlook on the last decades of her queenship。 This book was already in the works while she was alive and ends with The Queen being fragile after the death of her beloved husband Prince Philip, but soldiering on and looking forward to experiencing her Platinum Jubliee in the summer of 2022。 This would be a good primer for people who never read a biography of The Queen before。 I can't say that it's the best one I've read before, but it has to be the most current one by a major British royal biographer, so that's the money shot for this offering。Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley。 。。。more

Andrea A

My thanks to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for this arc of The Queen。This book is from Andrew Morton who write the Diana bio back in the 90 s。 Excellent and well researched book of Elizabeth II。 Much information already known if one has followed the life of the Queen, but very enjoyable and highly recommend。

Candace

Andrew Morton is one of the best royal biographers and he has outdone himself with this book。 The book spans her early life and into Elizabeth's reign, detailing the trials of her marriage, the pressures she felt when becoming queen, and the perseverance that made her one of the greatest monarchs in British history。 Morton wrote a biography and a tribute fit for a queen with this book。 Andrew Morton is one of the best royal biographers and he has outdone himself with this book。 The book spans her early life and into Elizabeth's reign, detailing the trials of her marriage, the pressures she felt when becoming queen, and the perseverance that made her one of the greatest monarchs in British history。 Morton wrote a biography and a tribute fit for a queen with this book。 。。。more

Beth Yurs

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book! In full disclosure, I read this book one week following the queen's passing, and that monumental event likely had an impact on my perspective of the book。This book is perfect for anyone who has become a fan of the Crown。 It's a rich, but also quick biography on the Queen, with an equal balance of her time as a monarch and as a mother/grandmother。 Andrew spends some time documenting side stories with those in her family (Margaret, Charles, etc。) Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book! In full disclosure, I read this book one week following the queen's passing, and that monumental event likely had an impact on my perspective of the book。This book is perfect for anyone who has become a fan of the Crown。 It's a rich, but also quick biography on the Queen, with an equal balance of her time as a monarch and as a mother/grandmother。 Andrew spends some time documenting side stories with those in her family (Margaret, Charles, etc。) but doesn't let it distract from the main plot of the story。 The writing and background is easy to approach for those who don't know much about the Queen; it's still a good read too if you're well read on her life。 I do hope prior to publication that they put in either a forward or an epilogue on her death and legacy on the monarchy。 I think with its publication date, it will be expected from readers。 。。。more

Shanna

Loved this biography so much! It was so well written, very respectful and very insightful。 Learned tons of stories and facts surround the monarchy and The Queen herself。 Fascinating lady with so much history。 Highly recommend!Thank you to net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review。

Rachel Chambers

The Queen - ReviewExcellently written with insight to the life of late Queen Elizabeth II。 The author was able to humanize characteristics of the royal family in a way that makes them relatable to the ‘commoners’。 The lineage laid out was at times a bit confusing but all the while made for an entertaining read when understood。 The mixed emotions I had while reading as an indigenous person made me realize that Queen Elizabeth was simply following status quo。 Those around her simply used her as a The Queen - ReviewExcellently written with insight to the life of late Queen Elizabeth II。 The author was able to humanize characteristics of the royal family in a way that makes them relatable to the ‘commoners’。 The lineage laid out was at times a bit confusing but all the while made for an entertaining read when understood。 The mixed emotions I had while reading as an indigenous person made me realize that Queen Elizabeth was simply following status quo。 Those around her simply used her as a chess piece in playing into the British Empire’s reign and royal court。 Through the descriptions and tidbits, I felt she did so with poise and grace with a bit of humor。 I very much enjoyed reading the relationship she had with Prince Philip, the author focused a lot on their relationship and the roles they played within each others lives。 The biggest criticism I have is the short fallings the Queen had with her reign, they were discussed but in relation to her family and mainly her country。 There was no mention of the relationship of the Queen with indigenous nations。 This was a very complex matter that was never mentioned。 Overall an enticing read that was easily digestible。 。。。more

Tara

Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced reader copy that I could not stop reading。 I am sure this book will be popular with her recent death, but it is worth the read。 It depicts details that most may not have known or been aware of as she was private。 If you are wondering about her and want an honest perspective, take the time to read this one。

Shelley's Book Nook

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On: My Blog - Twitter - Amazon - The Book Review CrewHer coming of age reminded her that in a lifetime of duty, personal happiness and pleasure came a poor second。I loved Andrew Morton's book Elizabeth & Margaret so when I got this from NetGalley I was super excited。 I liked how in both books Mr。 Morton corrected untruths and exaggerations as told in the Netflix series "The Crown"。 Of course, I requested and got approved for it long before the Queen passed awa My Reviews Can Also Be Found On: My Blog - Twitter - Amazon - The Book Review CrewHer coming of age reminded her that in a lifetime of duty, personal happiness and pleasure came a poor second。I loved Andrew Morton's book Elizabeth & Margaret so when I got this from NetGalley I was super excited。 I liked how in both books Mr。 Morton corrected untruths and exaggerations as told in the Netflix series "The Crown"。 Of course, I requested and got approved for it long before the Queen passed away but her death just made it all the more interesting to read。 As a Canadian, I have always been interested in the royal family as we are part of the Commonwealth。 I liked how the book showed both the good and bad about being a royal and about the Queen herself。 She wasn't Miss Perfect and has her bad side but she also had a wonderful sense of humour, an admirable love of animals, and a fierce obligation to family and the firm。 Her love of horse racing is something she and I share as I come from a horseracing-loving family, in fact, my brother is a racing judge here in Ontario, Canada。Even though I didn't really learn anything new about her majesty I still found her life and relationships with those in the know very interesting and thought the author did an amazing job with his research。 My favourite tidbit from this book was when I learned that during WWII then Princess Elizabeth joined the men for an ice hockey game on the frozen lake near York Cottage, Elizabeth scored a goal and then she and Margaret joined in a snowball fight。 It was those little moments in the book that made this such a pleasure to read。 I would read pretty much anything Andrew Morton writes about the Royals。R。I。P。 Queen Elizabeth IIThank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy。#TheQueen #NetGalley 。。。more

Danielle

Andrew Morton is the pinnacle of authors when it comes to writing about the Royal Family。 His newest book, The Queen, is no exception。 I first read Andrew Morton's book, Diana: Her True Story when it was published back in 1992。 This Queen is written in such a way that it respects and shares the deepest, truest aspects of Elizabeth II。 Being published on the heels of her death, this book should easily be a bestseller, but Morton's writing alone is bestseller worthy every time。 Thank you to NetGal Andrew Morton is the pinnacle of authors when it comes to writing about the Royal Family。 His newest book, The Queen, is no exception。 I first read Andrew Morton's book, Diana: Her True Story when it was published back in 1992。 This Queen is written in such a way that it respects and shares the deepest, truest aspects of Elizabeth II。 Being published on the heels of her death, this book should easily be a bestseller, but Morton's writing alone is bestseller worthy every time。 Thank you to NetGalley and to Grand Central Publishing for an ARC for review。 。。。more

Mo Smith

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review。All opinions are my own。While I liked this book, I didn't particularly love it。 I have watched The Crown on Netflix, and feel like this book didn't really tell me anything that I didn't learn by watching The Crown。 I wish there had been more。。。 substance, I guess would be the correct word。 Overall, I was disappointed- Queen Elizabeth led a fascinating life and I would have loved to have learned even more about her。I w I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review。All opinions are my own。While I liked this book, I didn't particularly love it。 I have watched The Crown on Netflix, and feel like this book didn't really tell me anything that I didn't learn by watching The Crown。 I wish there had been more。。。 substance, I guess would be the correct word。 Overall, I was disappointed- Queen Elizabeth led a fascinating life and I would have loved to have learned even more about her。I would recommend this book but probably only those who have not watched The Crown。Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC! 。。。more

Casey Wheeler

This book presents a good overview of the rule of Queen Elizabeth II。 Other biographies cover parts of her reign in greater detail that this book, but it will give the reader a better understanding of who she was and what her thought processes were and how they evolved over time。 It is also a fairly quick read。 I recommend it for those who do not know a great deal about the late Queen。I received a free ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would This book presents a good overview of the rule of Queen Elizabeth II。 Other biographies cover parts of her reign in greater detail that this book, but it will give the reader a better understanding of who she was and what her thought processes were and how they evolved over time。 It is also a fairly quick read。 I recommend it for those who do not know a great deal about the late Queen。I received a free ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog。 。。。more