Scan barcode
swilkinsonfisher's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hmalagisi's review against another edition
5.0
Historical fiction has always been a genre that I have had a love/hate relationship with. I was a big fan of the genre for a while and I would read every book I could get my hands on about the Tudors, but then I realized that what the authors were writing was not always true to the historical facts. As I moved away from the fictional genre into the historically academic genre, I found myself looking at historical fiction with a more critical lens. Historical fiction became less entertaining for me the more I learned about the people behind the stories. I told myself that I was not going to read another historical fiction book because they were not historically accurate. That was until I read “ First of the Tudors” by Joanna Hickson.
Now when I read the title of this book, my first thought was that it was either going to be about Owen Tudor and how he met Catherine of Valois or Henry Tudor and about how he came to the throne. While both were mentioned in this book, the true hero of “The First of the Tudors” is Jasper Tudor, the son of Owen Tudor and the uncle of Henry Tudor. To me, Jasper Tudor was always the unsung hero of the Tudor dynasty. I mean he kept Henry safe for all those years in exile while his mother Margaret Beaufort was working on a political solution to keep her son safe. He was an outlaw and in a sense a kingmaker.
However, Joanna Hickson decided to add her own twist to the story. In records of the nursery of Henry VIII, Margaret Beaufort brought in a woman named Jane Hywel to take care of the royal children. It would seem very odd that Margaret Beaufort would bring a woman of unknown origins into her son’s household to take care of his children, so how did Margaret know about Jane? In this book, Hickson puts out the idea that Jane was a cousin of Jasper and that he was the one who brought Jane into Margaret’s household to help with the birth of Henry Tudor and to help raise him. Of course being historical fiction, there is an element of romance between Jasper and Jane that stretches throughout the entire first half of the Wars of the Roses (1455-1470).
Even though Jasper Tudor did marry Catherine Woodville in 1485, I found that the idea of Jasper having a wife or at least a mistress before this marriage a possibility. The idea of Jane adds a different level of intrigue to Jasper’s life, one that many might not expect; that while he was in exile and was fighting for his king and his nephew that he fell in love.
Hickson does an excellent job to navigate the intriguing details of Jasper’s life, both real and fictional. I found myself not caring about the historical facts as much with this book. I couldn’t put this book down. Hickson literally transported me into the world of Jasper and Jane with how she wrote this book. There was a lot of drama and romance mixed with historical facts that kept me wanting more. This was a page turner for sure. It made me re-evaluate reading more historical fiction in the future. If you want a good historical fiction book about Jasper Tudor and his role in the Wars of the Roses, I highly recommend “ First of the Tudors” by Joanna Hickson.
Now when I read the title of this book, my first thought was that it was either going to be about Owen Tudor and how he met Catherine of Valois or Henry Tudor and about how he came to the throne. While both were mentioned in this book, the true hero of “The First of the Tudors” is Jasper Tudor, the son of Owen Tudor and the uncle of Henry Tudor. To me, Jasper Tudor was always the unsung hero of the Tudor dynasty. I mean he kept Henry safe for all those years in exile while his mother Margaret Beaufort was working on a political solution to keep her son safe. He was an outlaw and in a sense a kingmaker.
However, Joanna Hickson decided to add her own twist to the story. In records of the nursery of Henry VIII, Margaret Beaufort brought in a woman named Jane Hywel to take care of the royal children. It would seem very odd that Margaret Beaufort would bring a woman of unknown origins into her son’s household to take care of his children, so how did Margaret know about Jane? In this book, Hickson puts out the idea that Jane was a cousin of Jasper and that he was the one who brought Jane into Margaret’s household to help with the birth of Henry Tudor and to help raise him. Of course being historical fiction, there is an element of romance between Jasper and Jane that stretches throughout the entire first half of the Wars of the Roses (1455-1470).
Even though Jasper Tudor did marry Catherine Woodville in 1485, I found that the idea of Jasper having a wife or at least a mistress before this marriage a possibility. The idea of Jane adds a different level of intrigue to Jasper’s life, one that many might not expect; that while he was in exile and was fighting for his king and his nephew that he fell in love.
Hickson does an excellent job to navigate the intriguing details of Jasper’s life, both real and fictional. I found myself not caring about the historical facts as much with this book. I couldn’t put this book down. Hickson literally transported me into the world of Jasper and Jane with how she wrote this book. There was a lot of drama and romance mixed with historical facts that kept me wanting more. This was a page turner for sure. It made me re-evaluate reading more historical fiction in the future. If you want a good historical fiction book about Jasper Tudor and his role in the Wars of the Roses, I highly recommend “ First of the Tudors” by Joanna Hickson.
lreay89's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to love this book as I have previously enjoyed Joanna's other books but I found myself speed reading through it (because I hate to not finish a book) so I could move onto something better.
It could have been because I have just finished the stunning Insurrection Trilogy by Robyn Young which is a feast for the mind which meant that this book could never measure up, which in fairness I don't think Joanna intends it to.
The story is told between two perspectives which is a common theme from the other books Joanna has written: Jasper and his welsh 'cousin' from Owen Tudor.
My main gripe with this book is how it skipped over major battles and points from the Wars of the Roses and focused instead on love affairs and garbled characters trotting off a list of names, places and events, which is such a shame.
Reading a book set from the Tudors point of view would have been so delightful if it wasn't so hollow.
Jasper's character wasn't padded out sufficiently, I can imagine him being a fiercely loyal brother to Henry VI and uncle to Henry Tudor, his horror as it started to go wrong and his ultimate decision to place his faith in his young nephew rather than his royal brother but this wasn't really shown as the book cartwheeled through battles such as Ludlow and Towton. All of the characters became caricatures of themselves without layers. There is such an opportunity to flesh out these complex people:
Henry VI the boy king who was isolated and starved of love and his ultimate failure at kingship because of this.
Margaret of Anjou trying to hold it all together in an age when women were not important and definitely didn't run countries against a strong propaganda machine and xenophobia of her French origins.
Jasper's fate completely tied to that of his brother having been born of a scorned marriage between a Queen and a welsh harpist, completely reliant on his brother's good graces and success for his own standing in the hierarchical medieval world, kind of royal but also sort of peasant.
There is just so much complexity and strength of will from all these characters which wasn't really explored other than Queen Margaret is a vengeful bitch, King Henry is a blithering idiot who loves God more than his country and Jasper is jealous of his brother Owen marrying Margaret Beaufort however fiercely loyal to the Lancastrian cause, ultimately just traipsing about a victim of everyone else's poor choices, interspersed with a few battles they either won or lost.
The wheel of fortune is mentioned a lot in books pertaining to the wars of the roses but I felt none of its turning just a splattering of events mixed in with a really random love affair.
Don't get me started on Jane (a welsh farmer's daughter) conversing apparently quite happily with the Poles and Margaret Beauford made the book a bit laughable.
Of course I know major court players had affairs and mistresses but rarely where they lauded, even the Beaufort claim to the throne was batted down by polite society and scandalous at the time and Margaret's success was a lot to do with being a rich heiress and a shrewd political mind rather than her ancestry. If Henry had been a stronger willed King her drop of royal blood would have never see the light of day.
It is a read that is quick and easily digested and gives a brief overview of events at the time but don’t expect it to transport you into another world. Do not read this book after a historical biopic by Robyn Young, Ken Follett or Elizabeth Chadwick or you will be severely disappointed.
fernliketheplant's review against another edition
4.0
I started this knowing nothing about any of this, except for seeing Ben's play last Spring. I was really intrigued by all of the intertwining stories, and although I had to really concentrate to keep track of all the characters' relationships (which probably could have been helped by reading the paperback instead - it included a family tree), this was a very enjoyable foray into the world of Henry VI and something totally different than everything that I've read up to now. I really enjoyed the pacing and the relationship development among the characters as they grew throughout the story. A few reviewers noted that the ending was dissatisfying, and I disagree. It was a sweet ending that opens the door to the next generation of Tudors.
tanyarobinson's review against another edition
3.0
Though I enjoyed this book (especially the focus on Jasper Tudor, a somewhat overlooked historical figure), it lacked the historical depth I prefer. Though Hickson does write about the political affairs of the time and brings in scenes from various War of the Roses conflicts and intrigues, there were not enough details for me. I prefer the heavy historical fiction of Sharon Kay Penman (The Sunne in Splendor is the ultimate Lancaster vs. York novel).
thebibliobibuli's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, Adult/minor relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content
amalyndb's review against another edition
Parts of this one felt endless. The switching perspectives between characters i think contributed to slightly dragging in middle. Still an interesting read though, this isn't a time period i have much experience or knowledge of
goannelies's review against another edition
5.0
Jasper and Edmund Tudor are half brothers to king Henry IV, their parents being queen Catherine Of Valois and the Welsh squire Owen Tudor. But Henry is in need of people he can trust and he brings his brothers to court and bestows an earldom on them both. Edmund is also given the wardship of the young heiress Margaret Beaufort and Jasper is tasked with keeping the Welsh border safe. When Edmund marries Margaret, Jasper falls for his Welsh niece Jane (Sian) Hywel. But the death of his brother grants him a lifelong task: keeping his young nephew Henry, with a taint of royal blood, safe. And during the Wars of the Roses that proves quite a challenge.
Joanna Hickson guarantees a solid historical novel with respect for the historical facts. She always intertwines a real historical figure with a fictional perspective. In this book we meet Jasper Tudor and his fictional Welsh niece Jane Hywel. I could immediately relate to Jane, as was the case with Mette in her Catherine of Valois books. I was happily surprised to meet Mette and her family again at the beginning of this book.
This book is about the Wars and the Roses as much as any other set in this time period but it was the first time I read about Jasper Tudor’s involvement. Also, we get a fair insight into the Welsh customs and politics at the time, which I didn’t know a lot about beforehand. It’s weird to think of the Tudors as ‘the winning dynasty’ if you look where they started at the beginning of the conflict.
I in particular liked Jasper’s relationship with his brother the king. The Henry IV in this book felt real. Jasper might be a bit too soft represented at times. He’s the perfect brother, lover, friend…. Betrayed at the battlefield a few times. But he also needed to make hard choices, his allegiance with Warwick is a perfect example of that.
I found the representation of Margaret Beaufort interesting. Compared with other books, were she’s portrayed as a bad and too pious woman, she was more balanced and mysterious in First of the Tudors. I’m curious to see how her character will develop as Hickson’s next novel ‘The Tudor Crown’ will feature Margaret and her son Henry as main characters. But luckily Hickson has promised that we will also see more of Jasper, Jane and their daughters.
The ending might come a bit sudden, but I think it was no bad choice to stop at this particular point during the Wars of The Roses. There will be a lot more trouble ahead for Lancaster and Tudor, and I’m looking forward to read about these events in The Tudor crown. Highly recommended!
Dutch review:
Jasper Tudor en zijn broer Edmund zijn halfbroers van koning Henry IV Plantagenet. Die heeft nood aan vertrouwelingen nu de hertog van York zijn beleid in twijfel in trekt. Edmund wordt zo Earl of Richmond en mag trouwen met Margaret Beaufort, de enige erfgenaam van de Beaufort landgoederen. Jasper krijgt de titel van Earl of Pembroke en de opdracht om de grens met Wales, het land van zijn vader Owen, te beschermen. Maar de Rozenoorlogen staan voor de deur en de loyaliteit van Jasper zal zwaar op de proef gesteld worden. Zeker wanneer hij het hoederecht krijgt over zijn neefje Henry Tudor.
Joanna Hickson weet heerlijke historische verhalen te schrijven. Met veel respect voor de echte geschiedenis en feiten, maar ook met veel talent om een mooi verhaal te schrijven. Zo verweeft ze telkens een historisch en fictief perspectief met elkaar.
In First of the Tudors lezen we vanuit Jasper Tudor en zijn fictieve nicht en geliefde Jane (Sian) Hywel. Ik had inmiddellijk een klik met Jane en vond het leuk om wat meer te lezen over de gebruiken in Wales.
Het boek start ook met een leuke reünie met sommige personages uit Hickson's vorige boeken. Ik vind het fijn hoe ze de generaties met elkaar in contact weet te brengen.
Er zijn zoveel boeken over de Rozenoorlogen, maar het perspectief van Jasper dat lees je zelden. Net als over de politieke onrust in Wales. Ik vond dit dus een vernieuwde blik op de gekende feiten. En hoewel wij natuurlijk naar Tudor kijken als het winnende huis, is dat zo goed als zeker een utopie aan het begin van het conflict.
Ik vond Jasper's relatie met zijn halfbroer de koning mooi geschreven. De Henry IV uit dit boek is exact zoals ik me hem voorstel. Ook Margaret Beaufort wordt eens niet neergezet als de feeks en ik ben benieuwd om te lezen hoe ze zal evolueren. Het volgende boek, The Tudor Crown, geeft haar en haar zoon Henry Tudor, de hoofdrol. Maar de schrijfster beloofde dat we ook meer Jasper en Jane krijgen, gelukkig!
Ik heb dit boek gisteren uitgelezen en moet nog steeds terugdenken aan bepaalde delen van het verhaal. Daarom geef ik het 5-sterren. Hickson heeft een meer drogere stijl soms, maar in dit boek kwamen de personages toch wat meer levensecht over.
Joanna Hickson guarantees a solid historical novel with respect for the historical facts. She always intertwines a real historical figure with a fictional perspective. In this book we meet Jasper Tudor and his fictional Welsh niece Jane Hywel. I could immediately relate to Jane, as was the case with Mette in her Catherine of Valois books. I was happily surprised to meet Mette and her family again at the beginning of this book.
This book is about the Wars and the Roses as much as any other set in this time period but it was the first time I read about Jasper Tudor’s involvement. Also, we get a fair insight into the Welsh customs and politics at the time, which I didn’t know a lot about beforehand. It’s weird to think of the Tudors as ‘the winning dynasty’ if you look where they started at the beginning of the conflict.
I in particular liked Jasper’s relationship with his brother the king. The Henry IV in this book felt real. Jasper might be a bit too soft represented at times. He’s the perfect brother, lover, friend…. Betrayed at the battlefield a few times. But he also needed to make hard choices, his allegiance with Warwick is a perfect example of that.
I found the representation of Margaret Beaufort interesting. Compared with other books, were she’s portrayed as a bad and too pious woman, she was more balanced and mysterious in First of the Tudors. I’m curious to see how her character will develop as Hickson’s next novel ‘The Tudor Crown’ will feature Margaret and her son Henry as main characters. But luckily Hickson has promised that we will also see more of Jasper, Jane and their daughters.
The ending might come a bit sudden, but I think it was no bad choice to stop at this particular point during the Wars of The Roses. There will be a lot more trouble ahead for Lancaster and Tudor, and I’m looking forward to read about these events in The Tudor crown. Highly recommended!
Dutch review:
Jasper Tudor en zijn broer Edmund zijn halfbroers van koning Henry IV Plantagenet. Die heeft nood aan vertrouwelingen nu de hertog van York zijn beleid in twijfel in trekt. Edmund wordt zo Earl of Richmond en mag trouwen met Margaret Beaufort, de enige erfgenaam van de Beaufort landgoederen. Jasper krijgt de titel van Earl of Pembroke en de opdracht om de grens met Wales, het land van zijn vader Owen, te beschermen. Maar de Rozenoorlogen staan voor de deur en de loyaliteit van Jasper zal zwaar op de proef gesteld worden. Zeker wanneer hij het hoederecht krijgt over zijn neefje Henry Tudor.
Joanna Hickson weet heerlijke historische verhalen te schrijven. Met veel respect voor de echte geschiedenis en feiten, maar ook met veel talent om een mooi verhaal te schrijven. Zo verweeft ze telkens een historisch en fictief perspectief met elkaar.
In First of the Tudors lezen we vanuit Jasper Tudor en zijn fictieve nicht en geliefde Jane (Sian) Hywel. Ik had inmiddellijk een klik met Jane en vond het leuk om wat meer te lezen over de gebruiken in Wales.
Het boek start ook met een leuke reünie met sommige personages uit Hickson's vorige boeken. Ik vind het fijn hoe ze de generaties met elkaar in contact weet te brengen.
Er zijn zoveel boeken over de Rozenoorlogen, maar het perspectief van Jasper dat lees je zelden. Net als over de politieke onrust in Wales. Ik vond dit dus een vernieuwde blik op de gekende feiten. En hoewel wij natuurlijk naar Tudor kijken als het winnende huis, is dat zo goed als zeker een utopie aan het begin van het conflict.
Ik vond Jasper's relatie met zijn halfbroer de koning mooi geschreven. De Henry IV uit dit boek is exact zoals ik me hem voorstel. Ook Margaret Beaufort wordt eens niet neergezet als de feeks en ik ben benieuwd om te lezen hoe ze zal evolueren. Het volgende boek, The Tudor Crown, geeft haar en haar zoon Henry Tudor, de hoofdrol. Maar de schrijfster beloofde dat we ook meer Jasper en Jane krijgen, gelukkig!
Ik heb dit boek gisteren uitgelezen en moet nog steeds terugdenken aan bepaalde delen van het verhaal. Daarom geef ik het 5-sterren. Hickson heeft een meer drogere stijl soms, maar in dit boek kwamen de personages toch wat meer levensecht over.