Elizabeth II: Life of a Monarch by Ruth Cowen

            This week for the Fiction Friday feature, I’m reviewing the Audible Original, Elizabeth II: Life of a Monarch by Ruth Cowen. This audio work was released in 2019. It is 3 hours and 47 minutes in length, and it is performed by Jennie Bond, Tim Piggott-Smith, and Lindsay Duncan. The following overview is provided from Audible: Respected royal broadcaster Jennie Bond narrates the life story of Queen Elizabeth II and takes listeners inside the private life of one of the most public figures in modern history. Learn intimate details of Elizabeth’s childhood, her courtship and marriage, and the tragic moments following the death of Princess Diana. Born a minor royal in 1926. Elizabeth is not only the longest-reigning British monarch but also the most recognized woman in the world. Admired by many, she has reigned through a period of unprecedented change, keeping the monarch strong and consistent through the end of the empire, public scandals, and private loss. This riveting history uses actors and eyewitness observations to bring to life the story of this most remarkable woman.

            I loved this work. As someone who has loved to study the evolution of the British monarchy, I loved learning some new things about Queen Elizabeth II. It was also nice to confirm some of the things from the show The Crown on Netflix. I loved learning more about the Queen and her upbringing. I loved learning about how the royals handled things during wartime. It was also fascinating to learn more about the divorces of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales as well as Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York. I know that they call it “The Firm” when speaking of the royal family. But I do not think I realized how much of the family is treated as business transactions and such. I must give it to the Queen though; she was born to the spare and was never meant to be the monarch. However, due to circumstances and attitude of the time, they changed the course of history and now Queen Elizabeth is the longest reigning monarch in Britain’s history. A happy belated birthday to Her Majesty as her birthday just passed. God save the Queen!

            I give this Audible Original 4.5 out of 5 stars.

            Sunday for the Spotlight Sunday feature, I am reviewing the true crime podcast, Criminology. Next week for the Fiction Friday feature, I am reviewing the science fiction novel, The Running Man by Stephen King. Until then keep reading on; Nerd out!


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