Mary of Carisbrooke

by Margaret Campbell Barnes
Mary of Carisbrooke cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6901
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • Publisher: DigiCat
  • Published: 2022-08-01
  • Reviews: 3

Margaret Campbell Barnes masterfully recounts the life of Princess Mary, weaving historical fact with rich character development. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, the narrative immerses readers in a story filled with intrigue, personal sacrifice, and the quest for identity. Barnes's vivid imagery and evocative tone bring the past to life, encouraging readers to reflect on the nature of power and loyalty amidst shifting allegiances. /n/n Barnes's meticulous research and compelling storytelling shine as she explores Princess Mary's lesser-known narrative. Her background as a historian and novelist uniquely positions her to delve into Mary's story, rendering her life both relatable and monumental. This book is a must-read for those fascinated by historical fiction and the nuanced lives of women in history.

Reviews
Facebook - Historical Fiction Lovers · 2025-12-05
engaging 4.50

The book is highly recommended for its engaging historical fiction. It makes you want to learn more about the period.

The reviewer highly recommends Mary of Carisbrooke, praising it as an engaging piece of historical fiction. They mention that the book is so compelling it inspires the reader to delve deeper into the historical period. The reviewer appreciates the vivid depiction of the era and the engaging narrative that keeps the reader interested. This book is seen as a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    If you haven't read Mary of Carisbrooke by Margaret Campbell Barnes, I highly recommend it.

    I love a historical fiction book that makes you go and learn more about the period.

    The vivid depiction of the era and the engaging narrative make this a must-read.

She Reads Novels · 2015-02-02
boring 1.00

The book is found to be quite boring despite the secrecy and intrigue. Mary is a likeable character, but the plot lacks excitement.

The reviewer found Mary of Carisbrooke quite boring, despite the presence of secrecy and intrigue. Mary, the main character, is likeable enough, but the story itself fails to capture the reader's interest. The reviewer mentions that the plot is a bit thin and doesn't deliver the excitement one might expect from a historical novel. However, they do acknowledge that Mary's character is well-developed and endearing, which is a positive aspect of the book.

Quick quotes

    And yet, despite all the secrecy and intrigue, I found Mary of Carisbrooke quite a boring book.

    Mary is a likeable enough character, but a bit ...

    The plot lacks excitement and fails to capture the reader's interest.

Laura G's Book Reviews · Laura G · 2011-06-06
refreshing 4.00

The book is refreshing as it focuses on a regular girl rather than royalty. Mary's story is engaging and well-told.

Laura G found it refreshing to read about a regular girl like Mary, as opposed to the usual kings and queens in historical fiction. She appreciated the unique perspective and found Mary's story engaging. The reviewer highlights that the book is well-written and provides a compelling narrative. Laura G enjoyed the historical setting and the way the story is told, making it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    I love to read books about kings, queens, and other 'gentry,' but I found it surprisingly refreshing to read about a regular girl.

    Mary isn't the poorest of the poor, but she's not royalty either, and that makes her story all the more interesting.

    The historical setting is rich and the narrative is compelling.

Appears in Lists