6 Books to Read If You Loved "The Crown"
As someone captivated by the intricate world of royalty, I found myself utterly engrossed in The Crown. The show's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II and the tumultuous events of her reign left me wanting more. After binge-watching the series, I dove into several books that not only expanded my understanding of the monarchy but also resonated deeply with the themes explored in the show. Here are six must-read books for anyone who, like me, can’t get enough of the drama, history, and complexity of royal life.
Sara
11/3/20244 min read
1. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Set against the backdrop of the Tudor court, The Other Boleyn Girl tells the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne Boleyn, as she navigates the dangerous world of royal ambition. This historical novel explores themes of power, rivalry, and the lengths to which women will go to secure their place in a patriarchal society. Much like The Crown, it dives deep into the personal and political intrigues of the monarchy, revealing how ambition and desire can shape destinies. The complex relationships and emotional struggles depicted in this novel resonate with the themes of family loyalty and sacrifice found in
A compelling story of power, rivalry, and sacrifice
A captivating portrait of power and resilience
A modern love story about the sacrifices and pressures of falling in love with a prince
revealing the grace, strength, and challenges behind her enduring reign
shedding light on the personal and public challenges she faced throughout her reign
revealing her resilience, duty, and personal sacrifices for the monarchy
Each of these books provides a unique lens through which to view the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, enhancing my appreciation for The Crown. They offer a blend of historical context, personal anecdotes, and rich storytelling that echoes the show's exploration of love, duty, and resilience. For anyone captivated by the world of royalty, these reads are sure to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of the monarchy’s fascinating history. Happy reading!
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2. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
If you enjoyed the romantic subplots in The Crown, you’ll adore The Royal We. This contemporary novel tells the story of an American student who falls in love with a British prince. While it offers a whimsical take on royal life, it also touches on the challenges of maintaining a relationship under the watchful eyes of the media and the public. The parallels to the show’s exploration of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s tumultuous romance are evident, making this a fun and relatable read.
3. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie
Massie's biography of Catherine the Great is a masterclass in storytelling, much like The Crown. Catherine’s rise to power and her complex personal relationships mirror the political intrigue and emotional struggles faced by the characters in the series. Just as Elizabeth II navigates the challenges of her reign, Catherine's story is filled with ambition, love, and the constant battle for influence in a male-dominated world. This book showcases the timeless nature of female leadership and resilience, drawing striking comparisons to Elizabeth’s journey.
4. Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith
This biography provides an intimate look at Queen Elizabeth II’s life, shedding light on her personality, values, and the challenges she faced as a leader. Bedell Smith’s attention to detail parallels the meticulous storytelling of The Crown, making it a compelling read for fans who want to delve deeper into the Queen's private and public personas. The book enriches the viewer's understanding of her character, revealing the strength and grace that have defined her reign.
5. Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II by Robert Hardman
In Queen of Our Times, Hardman offers a comprehensive account of the Queen's life, drawing from a wealth of interviews and personal anecdotes. This book reads like a continuation of the series, filled with behind-the-scenes insights that reveal the real challenges and triumphs of the Queen. It beautifully complements The Crown by providing context to the historical events depicted in the show, from her early years to the recent challenges faced by the monarchy.
6. The Queen by Andrew Morton
In this revealing biography, Andrew Morton takes readers behind the scenes of Queen Elizabeth II's life, offering insights into her reign and the challenges she has faced over the decades. Morton's candid portrayal captures the Queen's resilience, duty, and the personal sacrifices she made for the monarchy. This book complements the narrative of The Crown by providing real-life context to the events portrayed in the series, from family dynamics to public responsibilities, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the royal family.