‘Drama filled, intrigue inducing’ – Queens at War by Alison Weir

From witchcraft to Cosmo magazines, Young Critic Emelia shares her thoughts on Alison Weir’s latest visit to Lichfield Literature Festival. 

Women gaining power and influence in a ‘man’s world’, the very topic that Alison Weir discussed in the Hub at St Mary’s in Lichfield. A storytelling style account of her book Queens at War hooked us from the beginning with witty and creative ways of bringing history to life. The stories of these queens were told in a way that never lulled, fiery scandal and the mystery of the past were brought forward into the audience.

Tales of secret marriages between royals and commoners like Catherine and Owen Tudor, mystery of the princes in the tower, and queens causing the deaths of others using witchcraft. The facts told by Weir felt less like a lecture and more like a friendly conversation through her mix of humour and information. According to Weir, ‘so much depended on the character of each queen’, she highlighted the importance of the queens’ nature in order to gain power in her country. Analysing history from the women’s perspective gave a memorable insight into the society of the time.

I found that Alison Weir interacted very well with her audience, handling technical difficulties with her microphone with little hassle and answering questions in detail and with enthusiasm. Questions varied from an interest in the locations of historical sources Weir uses for her books, to a specific query about the house arrest of Margaret Beaufort.

Weir’s comedic commentary on history, such as editing a medieval portrait onto a cosmopolitan magazine, created a comfortable and engaging atmosphere that was interesting to watch. I felt that the way she spoke had clarity and clearly showed a wide breadth of knowledge.

In summary, Alison Weir showed history as the drama filled, intrigue inducing subject that it is. I’m certain she opened the door to an interest in history for many of the audience members.

By Emelia C 

Emelia is in Year 11 at school and her favourite subjects are English and French but she has a passion for history. She is currently unsure of what she wants to do when she is older but she knows she wants to work in a field that allows her to be creative as she loves to write. Her favourite author at the moment is Holly Jackson, who wrote the a Good Girls Guide to Murder series. She wanted to become a young critic because she has always loved writing and loves to share opinions on the media she consumes. She loves to write because she finds it a good way to share what she’s thinking and feeling. Live performances also appeal to her as she’s often visited the theatre and enjoy listening to others talking to an audience. She has found her experience as a young critic so far exciting and inspiring.