Eliza Knight

While I'd encountered Marilyn Monroe in fiction and nonfiction previously, I had no idea about her friendship with Ella Fitzgerald. I appreciated this fictional portrayal of their relationship, which showed a different side of each while also displaying two women pursuing successful careers. I really liked Ella, who was the more mature one and I could sympathize with how she felt as Marilyn spiraled into depression, addiction, and bad relationships. Overall, an enjoyable read that made me want to learn more about both Marilyn and Ella.… (more)

These linked stories bring the tragedy of Pompeii to life (and death) and humanize this historical event. Because readers know how the story will end, we might feel "no fear; just an endless, horrified sorrow" as we bear witness to the ways in which people face death, including denial, terror, resignation, and acceptance. This ancient tragedy reminded me of the current wars that the world is experiencing, and the near future climate emergencies that we will likely face. Highly recommended for all libraries.… (more)

Thanks to NetGalley & William Morrow for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book – it checked several of my boxes: irresistable, heartwarming topic, well-researched, based on fact, and even the book cover was engaging. Told from three points of view: Queen Elizabeth II (known to her family as Lilibet), her corgi Susan, and Hanna Penwyck, the (fictional) Keeper of the Queen’s dogs. The book begins when Lilibet is an 18-year-old princess and is given her first corgi by her father, King George.

The author explains that she researched “many biographies, memoirs, articles, documentaries, videos, and news coverage from the time period, including traveling to London. My purpose in writing this book was to show that while she was a queen, Queen Elizabeth was also a woman and a dog lover, and I wanted to emphasize what a special bond she had with her corgis.”

Mission accomplished! The special bond is beautifully described, and the chapters told from Susan’s point of view are both humorous and poignant. For example, Susan thinks: “I’m not certain why we dogs can sense those things. There’s something in the human-dog connection that makes us fully aware of our people’s feelings. It is a gift, for it tells us how to respond. It was as if the moment Lilibet touched me, a sense of calm filled her.”

In addition to the relationship between Lilibet and Susan, the story compellingly tells of Lilibet’s life experiences: her engagement and marriage to Prince Phillip, her efforts to do her bit during World War II, her father’s health decline and eventual passing, becoming Queen, the birth of her children and juggling motherhood with work. Her relationship with her sister is also a factor in her life. She must deal with the media (including the paparazzi), be alert to her image, and always be aware that she would never be an ordinary person.

The facts about the royal corgis were fascinating – they really did have their own bedroom, footmen, and chefs in addition to the Royal Dog Watcher.

This is a tender-hearted book for those who enjoy stories of the Royal family, dog lovers, history buffs, and reading about the struggles of Queen Elizabeth to be a monarch as well as a wife, a mother and a friend. I highly recommend!… (more)

This was a heartwarming and enjoyable novel about the early life of Queen Elizabeth II, as it parallels her beloved Corgi, Susan. We begin in her late teen years, when she receives Susan as a gift from her parents. The story only extends as long as the life of Susan, and so ends with her passing when Queen Elizabeth was in her late 20s.

Seeing Elizabeth’s life as it relates to the life of her dog certainly offers a unique perspective. I wasn’t sure I would like it, but it was surprisingly effective in demonstrating the Queen’s humanity. I found it a bit awkward at times, but overall a lovely and interesting read. I was sad to come to the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.… (more)