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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Not often am I on tenterhooks wondering what will happen in a story I already know so well.
I found that many of the historical facts in the book were new to me. I did a gcses on Henry VIII and his daughters but many of the events here were significantly down played or omitted. I love Margaret Pole as a character and became very attached to her. A really good read.
What I always love about Philippa Gregory's books is that she writes from the point of view of women who seem to have not caught many historians eye. Lady Margaret Pole is an interesting character who's real name has always been a danger to her. A brilliant gaze into the Tudor court once again and what people were willing to do to stay alive.
I usually adored Philippa Gregory's books and have read them all up to this book but I must be honest, I really struggled with this one. Whilst I love history and the stories she tells, this one was fairly boring. It took me quite a few months to finish as I kept putting it down to read something else. I normally devour her books. Really hope the next one is better.
It's been a while since I read Philipa Gregory, but I've enjoyed every one of her books and this was no exception. I'm seeing some complaints about format, voice, etc, and I understand them, but for me, Gregory's writing has always worked for the stories she tells. I was moved by this particular book in ways I haven't been by others in the series; the terror and uncertainty really hit hard (particularly now), and I found Margaret Pole relatable, likeable, even funny sometimes. This has given me the push to add Gregory back into my regular rotation.
Slower than the other novels in the Plantagenet and Tudor books (at least as I’ve read thus far), the book focuses on Queen Elizabeth’s cousin, Margaret Pole.
I found it not as exciting to read, and a lot harder to stomach, because Henry VIII’s cruelty and anger towards the numerous women, subjects, and friends in his life was so fierce. Through Margaret’s eyes, we see Catherine being pushed away from court, Mary being disowned, Henry killing the first of two wives, and treating his subjects with childlike anger and frustration.
Since she was close to the royal family, but not in it, most of her reports were second hand (especially after she fell out of favor) and just not as exciting to me. I also found the intertwining of The King’s Curse from The White Queen a little too forced since though it affected parts of Margaret’s life, she wasn’t directly suffering from it. (If her execution was explained as Henry’s fears from his lack of a male heir and him wanting to put down then possible Plantagenets that may rise, then it would’ve made more sense, but she didn’t really lament on this at the end).
All in all, a good book to fill in the missing pieces in the Tudor story, but not the most engaging character.
I found it not as exciting to read, and a lot harder to stomach, because Henry VIII’s cruelty and anger towards the numerous women, subjects, and friends in his life was so fierce. Through Margaret’s eyes, we see Catherine being pushed away from court, Mary being disowned, Henry killing the first of two wives, and treating his subjects with childlike anger and frustration.
Since she was close to the royal family, but not in it, most of her reports were second hand (especially after she fell out of favor) and just not as exciting to me. I also found the intertwining of The King’s Curse from The White Queen a little too forced since though it affected parts of Margaret’s life, she wasn’t directly suffering from it. (If her execution was explained as Henry’s fears from his lack of a male heir and him wanting to put down then possible Plantagenets that may rise, then it would’ve made more sense, but she didn’t really lament on this at the end).
All in all, a good book to fill in the missing pieces in the Tudor story, but not the most engaging character.
veru good read, i am fascinated by the Henry VII, and this book added more to my experience of reading about Henry VII
not 5 stars as it was slow at times, i could not read it without having breaks
not 5 stars as it was slow at times, i could not read it without having breaks
3,5 star
I think Margaret de la Pole is a fascinating person but I am not sure if I like the way Gregory portrayed her. Still this book was interesting to read.
I think Margaret de la Pole is a fascinating person but I am not sure if I like the way Gregory portrayed her. Still this book was interesting to read.
Interesting read, lots of facts about the era, the author is clear and honest about her assumptions and focus. Stylistically well written in efficient prose, trying really hard to avoid getting the reader confused with all the first names used for a multitude of characters (as is historically accurate)
Let me start by saying that I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the works I've read from Philippa Gregory, and this one is no different.
This period of English history has always fascinated me, ever since I was a child.
This particular novel takes place during the Tudor reign over England in the late 1400s to mid-1500s. It is set in the viewpoint of Lady Margaret Pole, a woman of Plantagenet blood, and alas, the old royal family. Her story is closely intertwined into the current royal court of the Tudors, where her and her family are seen to fall in and out of royal favour over the years.
I don't really know what more to say about this novel. I found it to be a very enjoyable read, based off of a time period that is of great interest to me.
A solid historical fiction novel! Although I did find the ending to be a bit abrupt and a bit disheartening because I wanted more answers, more context as to why certain things were happening.
This period of English history has always fascinated me, ever since I was a child.
This particular novel takes place during the Tudor reign over England in the late 1400s to mid-1500s. It is set in the viewpoint of Lady Margaret Pole, a woman of Plantagenet blood, and alas, the old royal family. Her story is closely intertwined into the current royal court of the Tudors, where her and her family are seen to fall in and out of royal favour over the years.
I don't really know what more to say about this novel. I found it to be a very enjoyable read, based off of a time period that is of great interest to me.
A solid historical fiction novel! Although I did find the ending to be a bit abrupt and a bit disheartening because I wanted more answers, more context as to why certain things were happening.