I loved The White Queen. It was such a beautifully written book about an obscure woman in history, who played a dynamic role after her husband's death by protecting her children as best she could. It is also is a study on the seductiveness of power and how it can destroy family. The main character Elizabeth Woodville, cannot fathom life as anything but a Queen and yet the reader cannot hate her - we cheer for her and her pagan, witch like ways. I would love to read a book from the perspective of Elizabeth's eldest daughter, who rallies against her mother's perceived foolishness in her pursuit of the throne.
The Red Queen was also wonderfully written, but her story interested me less. I found the devoutness of Margaret Beaufort exasperating and I did not "cheer" for her victory in the same way that I mourned Elizabeth's losses. Nonetheless, it is a great contrast from the reality of Elizabeth Woodville as Margaret's existence was probably more similar to what noble women actually experienced at the time. She was shipped around like cattle and property as it suited her mother and she found her escape in God.
The Lady of the Rivers has been the best book so far in this series. I wish I had read it first, before The White Queen, but it was written afterward. I thoroughly enjoyed Jacquetta's character and her love story is one of the best I have ever read. Gregory brings to life the bond between the duchess and her lowly (in comparison to a duchess) husband and it must have been truly unique for the time period. I also enjoyed getting more of the story behind Anthony Woodville, Elizabeth's eldest brother, who seems like a fascinating and neglected character in history. I would love to read a book dedicated to him. All in all, this series is a must read, and start with the Lady of the RIvers!
posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )
