Author(s): Jenny Lynch

NZ Non Fiction

Following hot on the heels of her spectacularly successful NZ Woman's Weekly: 70 Years, ex-Weekly editor Jenny Lynch's new book, Our Queen: 50 Years, is a richly illustrated book marking the 50th year of the Queen's coronation. Written in Lynch's upbeat, chatty and informative style, this is a personal look at the ups and downs of Elizabeth II's reign, rather than a rose-tinted 'celebration'. Over the years the Queen has, in turn, been idolised and criticised. She has known triumph and disaster. Also danger. Her children and sister too, have caused all manner of headaches and embarrassments. Her own marriage has had its difficulties. Yet all the while, regardless of private feelings, she has presented an unruffled face to the world. For the Queen places duty above all else. On her 21st birthday she said: 'I declare before you that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.' She has been true to her word. Our Queen follows a largely chronological path but is themed into chapters. Paperback