Book Review: Mary Tudor: Queen of France, by Amy McElroy

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's sister, lived a remarkable life. A princess, duchess and queen, she was known as the English Rose for her beauty. Mary Tudor, Queen of France, aims to explore the life of one of the few who stood up to Henry VIII and lived to tell the tale. 

Amy McElroy's new book, Mary Tudor: Queen of France provides a compelling and spotlight on a woman inevitably overshadowed by her infamous elder brother, King Henry VIII (and often mistaken for Henry's eldest daughter, Queen Mary Tudor).

This biography delves into the multifaceted life of Princess Mary Tudor, painting a vivid portrait of a princess who navigates the turbulent waters of Tudor politics and personal desires.

I read this book during Women’s History Month, and particularly like the way Amy McElroy captures the complexities of Mary's life, highlighting her resilience and determination in a world dominated by powerful men.

Amy meticulously reconstructs Mary's journey, from her politically motivated marriage to the aging King Louis XII of France to her life as the widowed Queen of France. Her writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual readers.

Mary Tudor: Queen of France is a well-researched account of a remarkable woman who deserves greater recognition. Amy McElroy has successfully brought Mary Tudor's story to life, providing a fresh perspective on a fascinating period in English history.

Tony Riches

(A review copy was kindly provided by Pen & Sword History.)

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About the Author

Amy McElroy was born in Liverpool and lived there until she moved to the Midlands for university where she studied Criminal Justice followed by Post-Grad Law. Amy is currently a civil servant, working full-time alongside her writing. She also has a blog where she reviews historical fiction and non-fiction. Amy’s first book, Educating the Tudors, was published in January 2023 and focuses on the education of all classes, the subjects they learned and who taught them. Her second book, Women’s Lives in the Tudor Era is out February 2024 and she is currently writing her third book, Mary Tudor, Queen of France. Amy also has a fourth, Desiderius Erasmus, in the pipeline, with a few more ideas up her sleeves for the future.
Amy enjoys seeing her family back in Liverpool, especially her little furry assistant in the form of cavapoo Cooper, and visiting her dad in Spain, especially in the summer. You can find out more about Amy at her blog - https://amymcelroy.blog/ and follow her on Facebook and Twitter @AmyMc_Books