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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
This is the first time I've read a novel where the "heroine" is truly no heroine at all, finding myself often torn between being hopeful of her cause and having utter disdain for her demeanor of pride, self-righteousness and jealousy.
In short, great story, horrible heroine.
In short, great story, horrible heroine.
Margaret Beauford Tudor Stafford Stanley, finally the subject of scholarly study as a patron, political manipulator, medieval Christian and ruthless combatant in the War of the Roses now takes her rightful place as the central character in a tacky historical novel. Shakespeare, rightfully afraid of besmirching the fearsome Royal Grandmother, left her out of Richard III. That was a serious loss to good drama.
I loved the writing of this book, but hated Margaret. I think it may have something to do with the distinctions between "The White Queen" and her character being so darn likable and the contradictions of this main character as she claims to possess holiness but then contradicts that in everything.
Well written, but Margaret is repugnant and ambitious, a stark contrast to The White Queen.
I was actually disappointed to be honest. It kind of dragged on, and i'm feeling a little stale with these characters and their fake ambitions and passion. Not to downplay Gregory, but i dunno, just a little disappointment here. i had like 40 pages left, i didn't even have the heart to pick it up; it took me 5 months to read this book.
dark
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is second book in the Cousin's War Series, about the constant back and forth among the Lancasters, Yorks, and now Tudor lines for the throne of England.
This book takes pretty much along the same time line as The White Queen, the first book in the series, though telling the story from Margaret Beaufort, the last link to the Lancaster line to the throne. Her road is not one that is easy, as she is on the losing end of the current swing of power. She finds herself making deals and trying to position herself with the right allies, at the right time, to ensure that her only son will one day hold the throne.
Margaret has deep fascination with Joan of Arc and often compares her struggles, her position, to that of Joan of Arc. Mainly fighting to place the right person on the throne. She spends much of her days and the story to praying for signs, or messages from God, the Blessed Mother, or Joan of Arc herself.
As she grows out of her childlike innocence, after her second marriage, where she must leave her only child behind with his father's brother, we start to see Margaret evolve, slowly, but firmly, as she looks for ways to ensure her son will find his way to the throne. Be it through marriage to the York Princess Elizabeth, or by battle with the current King. Or both to ensure his position is as secure as possible.
Again I found this story completely engaging, in a can't put it down kind of way. The author has a nice flow to her stories, allowing the reader to get a feel for the time, yet not making it feel like you are reading a history book. She tries to incorporate fact as much as possible in the story, filling in the details with a wonderful story of fiction.
I can't wait to go pick up the next books in the series and get reading!
This book takes pretty much along the same time line as The White Queen, the first book in the series, though telling the story from Margaret Beaufort, the last link to the Lancaster line to the throne. Her road is not one that is easy, as she is on the losing end of the current swing of power. She finds herself making deals and trying to position herself with the right allies, at the right time, to ensure that her only son will one day hold the throne.
Margaret has deep fascination with Joan of Arc and often compares her struggles, her position, to that of Joan of Arc. Mainly fighting to place the right person on the throne. She spends much of her days and the story to praying for signs, or messages from God, the Blessed Mother, or Joan of Arc herself.
As she grows out of her childlike innocence, after her second marriage, where she must leave her only child behind with his father's brother, we start to see Margaret evolve, slowly, but firmly, as she looks for ways to ensure her son will find his way to the throne. Be it through marriage to the York Princess Elizabeth, or by battle with the current King. Or both to ensure his position is as secure as possible.
Again I found this story completely engaging, in a can't put it down kind of way. The author has a nice flow to her stories, allowing the reader to get a feel for the time, yet not making it feel like you are reading a history book. She tries to incorporate fact as much as possible in the story, filling in the details with a wonderful story of fiction.
I can't wait to go pick up the next books in the series and get reading!
Wow, I’m so happy to never hear about “saint’s knees” ever again. Margaret R royally sucked. Pun intended.
I always enjoy Philippa Gregory's examination of historical women. This is the story of Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII, the first Tudor king. Everything I've read about Margaret has mentioned her religious devotion, and Gregory uses that devotion to explain Margaret's belief that her son was destined to be king of England someday. She had to wait a good part of her life for it to happen, but her unshakable belief is probably one reason Henry never gave up, even when he was overseas and in exile. I found this portrayal of Margaret to be entertaining and believable. Described as short in stature, she was an incredible force of nature and had a huge impact on the Wars of the Roses and the House of Tudor. This is one of my favorite books by Gregory.