Jim Reddy's Reviews > Song For A Dark Queen

Rosemary Sutcliff imagines the British Iceni tribe as a matriarchy and gives Queen Boudicca a fictional harper who narrates the story of her life and her failed rebellion against Roman oppression. The author mixes the fictional life story well with what little is actually known about the historical Boudicca, telling a moving and exciting story.

The writing is beautiful. It’s lyrical and poetic, whether describing nature, moments of reflection, or scenes of violence. The story is ultimately tragic and heartbreaking but it’s told so well. This was my first Rosemary Sutcliff book, it won’t be my last.