What’s it about?
Summer 1566. A glittering royal progress approaches Oxford. A golden age of prosperity, scientific advances, exploration and artistic magnificence. Elizabeth I’s Protestant government has much to celebrate.
But one young Catholic courtier isn’t cheering. Conflicting passions—patriotism and religion—wage war in his heart. On this day, religion wins. Sir Edward Latham throws away his title, kin, and country to serve Catholic monarchs abroad.
But his wandering doesn’t quiet his soul, and when Europe’s religious wars threaten his beloved England and his family, patriotism prevails. Latham switches sides and becomes a double agent for Queen Elizabeth. Life turns complicated and dangerous as he balances protecting country and queen, while entreating both sides for peace.
What do reviewers say?
Goldberg has created a richly detailed world, brought to life with a brilliant cast of engaging characters. The Reversible Mask is a true delight—Adrienne Dillard, author of Cor Rotto, Catherine Cary and Raven’s Widow.
This is a glorious novel! Rich in detail and atmosphere, jewel-like in its creation of Elizabethan England, it’s the best kind of historical fiction, transporting readers to a captivating time and place and story—Jeanne Mackin, award winning author of The Beautiful American, A Lady of Good Family, Dreams of Empire, and The Queen’s War.
Who wrote it?
Loretta Goldberg is an Australian-American author with a varied background. She earned a degree in English Literature, Musicology and History at the University of Melbourne, Australia. After teaching English Literature at the Department of English for a year, came to the USA on a Fulbright scholarship to study piano with Claudio Arrau. She earned a Masters in Music Performance at Hunter College. Her discography consists of nine commercial recordings, now in over seven hundred libraries. She also premiered an unknown work by Franz Liszt on an EMI HMV (Australian Division) album, and my edition of the score for G. Schirmer is in its third edition. In addition, she also built a financial services business, which she sold to focus on writing. She’s a member of the Historical Novel Society, New York Chapter. Connect with her on Facebook.
