With her usual deliberate research, the author presents a detailed biography not just of this interesting woman but also of her time.  Palace intrigues as well as political ones are an important part of her story.  This is a love story, a coming of age story for the young woman and her country, the conflicts between personal goals/dreams and what the role demands. While we all have seen the picture of the stern little old lady this book makes her a flesh and blood young woman who grows old in a difficult role.