What's Serving Elizabeth Book About? Historical Fiction Guide

Serving Elizabeth is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of a young African woman, Mercy, who is employed as a cook in the household of Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II, in 1940s Kenya. The story, penned by Marcia Vaughan, weaves a captivating narrative that explores the intersection of colonialism, identity, and loyalty. Through Mercy's experiences, the novel provides a unique perspective on the British royal family and the complexities of their relationships with the people of Kenya during a tumultuous period in history.

Historical Context

The novel is set against the backdrop of World War II, when the British royal family, including Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, were stationed in Kenya. The country, a British colony at the time, played a significant role in the war effort, with many Kenyans serving in the military or working in support of the war. The novel draws on this historical context to explore themes of duty, sacrifice, and the complexities of colonial relationships.

Main Characters

The main characters in Serving Elizabeth are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. Mercy, the protagonist, is a talented and ambitious young woman who is determined to make a better life for herself. Princess Elizabeth, on the other hand, is portrayed as a kind and compassionate leader who is deeply committed to her duties as a member of the royal family. Other characters, including Prince Philip and the various servants and officials who work in the royal household, add depth and nuance to the story.

The following table provides an overview of the main characters in Serving Elizabeth:

Themes and Symbolism

Serving Elizabeth explores a range of themes, including colonialism, identity, loyalty, and duty. The novel highlights the complexities of colonial relationships, where individuals from different cultures and backgrounds are brought together in a web of power dynamics and social hierarchies. Through Mercy’s experiences, the novel shows how individuals can navigate these complexities and forge their own paths, even in the face of adversity.

The novel also employs symbolism to convey its themes and ideas. For example, the character of Princess Elizabeth serves as a symbol of the British monarchy and the colonial power structure, while Mercy represents the agency and resilience of African individuals living under colonial rule. The royal household, with its strict rules and protocols, symbolizes the rigid social hierarchies of the time, while the Kenyan landscape represents the beauty and diversity of the African continent.

Symbolism in Serving Elizabeth

The following list provides an overview of the symbolism in Serving Elizabeth:

• Princess Elizabeth: represents the British monarchy and colonial power structure
• Mercy: represents the agency and resilience of African individuals living under colonial rule
• The royal household: symbolizes the rigid social hierarchies of the time
• The Kenyan landscape: represents the beauty and diversity of the African continent

Style and Structure

The writing style in Serving Elizabeth is engaging and accessible, with a strong focus on character development and historical accuracy. The novel is structured around Mercy’s experiences in the royal household, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a sense of momentum and tension. The use of descriptive language and vivid imagery helps to bring the characters and settings to life, immersing the reader in the world of the novel.

Writing Style

The writing style in Serving Elizabeth is characterized by:

1. Engaging and accessible language
2. A strong focus on character development and historical accuracy
3. The use of descriptive language and vivid imagery to bring the characters and settings to life