After reading Pillars of the Earth I am on a historical fiction kick.  I am now listening to The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory.  I am really enjoying it!  I have seen other books by this popular author, but this is my first time reading her.  The characters are described with such art that you feel you are watching the scenes unfold.  What would it be like to be betrothed at nine years old, to be married at twelve, and to be a mother and a widow at 13?  The political scheming that manipulates the lives of women, using them as crated swine to produce offspring to jostle for political power, is hard to believe, but Gregory makes it believable, and fascinating.  The constant drama keeps the reader thirsty for more.  Pass me the ale!

Julie