Elizabeth - Gyles Brandreth

Published as an audiobook by Penguin Audio, 2022. 
Narrated by the author.

This biography of Queen Elizabeth II is subtitled An Intimate Portrait; an appropriate title considering that the author, Gyles Brandreth, isn't just writing from public records but from a life spent in royal circles. Brandreth quickly tells us that Elizabeth was very careful not to reveal too much about her own personal thoughts and opinions, but doesn't let this stop him from undertaking a very thorough exploration of Elizabeth's life, including her influences, her passions and her faith.

The book is set out roughly chronologically, but begins further back than you might expect, taking in the reigns of Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII and George VI before we get to Elizabeth's own reign. In each of these chapters, Brandreth highlights the similarities and differences of the reigns, as well as the other ways in which these reigns influenced Elizabeth - Edward VIII's abdication being one of many reasons of why Elizabeth would never have stepped down. The 'roughly chronological' order is only roughly chronological, as Brandreth is quite happen to let something 'remind him of a story' and follow a rabbit hole before returning to his narrative. Yet each story and tangent is interesting and informative - albeit occasionally a little repetitive. 

The Elizabeth we get in this book is a fully fleshed out person, and is all the more fascinating for being so. She has a sense of humour, a strong faith and is somewhat shy in her personal life. Brandreth also has a great voice for narration, with just the right level of 'posh Englishness' for a biography such as this.

I really enjoyed it, although I am also a fan of the monarchy.

Completed 13 August 2023.

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