I read this book as part of an English class during a unit on Elizabethan England, so I'll try to do my best not to make the annoyance I got from the associated projects bleed into this review. However before you read Cue for Treason you need to know its history, or at least I thought it was useful to know it. This book was written to boost the morale of British people during WWII, in a time when bombs were being dropped on London night (the Blitz on London) after night and morale was low. The story line was cute and simple. Nothing grandiose, nothing spectacular, no real plot twist or unexpected ending. Some of the big figures of British history paraded around the pages and were brilliant and clever, just and wonderful all over the place. I forgave this fact because of the book's purpose (to remind people living in London during the Blitzkrieg. Another few things I forgave because of the book's purpose was the sappy ending- the girl and the boy get married despite the clash of their social classes, they live in a big house, have children, don't get punished, and they all live happily ever after. It was good to convince people that everything was going to be a Fairy Tale once the war in Europe ended, it was what people wanted and needed to hear.In that same trail of thought, the villain -horrendous, tyrannic Sir Philip Morton- was a very plain and simple one-sided fiend. But that was how people would have seen Hitler during WWII, so again the book's history saves it from my criticism. The characters were okay. None of them stuck with me to this day, but they had me rooting for them while I was reading. Overall the book was okay and I was glad to be exposed to a genre I wish I'd read more of. However I would not reread this book or buy my own copy.
This is quite the adventure story. Obviously aimed at young boys (and tomboys), it has a slightly dull beginning, but soon picks up. History buffs interested in the time of Elizabeth I or Shakespeare will also be interested - both historical figures make appearances. As is the case with most children's books, author Trease sanitizes Shakespeare and rather softens the Queen. However, I was pleased to see that she isn't portrayed as a saint. It's always interesting to read books set during her reign and find out whether the author knows the real history or believes the revisionist history written by English "historians." Trease doesn't really commit himself to either version of history, although he makes a passing remark about her Faith not being the same Faith that previous monarchs had held. Other remarks about her seem to point toward what I understand as her true character; a good leader, rather ruthless, who will do what it takes to maintain her control over her country.Enough of my rambling! "Cue for Treason" is a pretty good, exciting book (probably aimed for the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew age group), with a dash of seemingly unbiased history. I recommend it for someone looking for a few hours of easy reading!
Do You like book Cue For Treason (1973)?
I had to do this in grade nine... I say HAD to, but after the first chapter I secretly enjoyed HAVING to read it. So much so that I kept my copy, or at least found another copy shortly after, as it's the same cover and edition as the one I read in school. It later helped me to enjoy Shakespeare a little more, as I understood more of the background of Shakespeare and what it was he did and where he was in the world. We even had to do a big bristol board layout of the Globe Theatre, so that was helpful, later on, too. I liked this story, I liked that a girl was sneaky enough to be a boy to play a girl on the Shakespeare stage, and I liked the little adventure and drama going on, the sneaking around, the danger, the treason; it was all good. I have re-read this book in the last ten year, and will do so again in the future.
—Tiffany
A good historical fiction novel, a bit old-fashioned, but since it takes place in Elizabethan England (1590's) it doesn't feel too dated. The plot, which involves a 15-year old boy fleeing for his life from an unjust nobleman, joining up with a traveling group of theatrical players, making his way to London, and eventually helping foil a plot to murder the Queen is pure balderdash, but author Geoffrey Trease keeps things moving at a good clip, and the story never drags. It's an old-fashioned adventure story, with a good sense of time and place. I really enjoyed it - too bad it's out-of-print and hard to find here in the States, I'd buy a copy for my school library and encourage some older readers to check it out.
—Bret
I read this book a while back when I was in high school and I remeber it as my favourite book from my time in grade 9 Engligh. The story is set in Elizabethan England and is based around Peter, a 14 year old runaway who ends up an actor for a playing company. There is meets Kit, a twelve year old girl disguised as a boy. She is also a runaway to avoid being married to Sir Phillip who only wants to marry her for her inheritance. Sir Phillip is also the man Peter is running away from.Peter and Kit get caught up in Elizabethan politics and have adventures together. Throughout their adventures they encoutner several important historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth and William Shakespheare.I really enjoying reading this book and following Peter and Kit as they unravel the conspiracal plan which invloves a plot to assasinate the Queen and install a new regime in England.
—Andrea
