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Song for a Dark Queen

by Rosemary Sutcliff

First published 1978

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4.3(111)

Britain, 60–61 CE. Cadwan, harper to Boudica of the Iceni, narrates the queen’s transformation from a ruler trying to preserve her people’s position under Rome into the leader of a great revolt. Roman seizure of the royal estate and the assault on Boudica and her daughters turn political humiliation into a call for vengeance.

The rebel host destroys Camulodunum, Londinium and Verulamium before confronting the Roman army in a decisive battle. Cadwan’s loyalty does not prevent him from seeing the suffering inflicted by both empire and rebellion. By filtering Boudica’s public legend through a servant who loves her, the novel gives weight to her courage while acknowledging the destruction, fear and irreversible choices behind heroic memory.

Historical Periods

Boudican Revolt60–61 CE

Genres

Biographical Fiction Children’s & Young Adult Fiction War Fiction

Historical people

Nero37–68 Claudius11 BCE–54 Boudica30–61 Gaius Suetonius Paulinus10–c. 60s Prasutagus

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