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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
Probably my favorite of hers. I may be biased because I read this in Hawaii, and it's hard for me to dislike things in Hawaii.
Pretty good, although a lot less historical than others. This one takes on some controversial historical stances and portrays them from the "what if" stance. It did make me spend about 4 hours on the internet after I finished it researching the Lancaster and York histories...
I thought her portrayal of this somewhat unpopular queen was very understanding. She presented her as a sympathetic character motivated by love, when most histories seem to agree she was motivated by power and greed. Edward comes off as likeable, but flawed (not tragically), although that seems somewhat thin by the end.
Overall, a good read and an interesting look into The War of the Roses. I enjoyed the alternative history spin (or the "this is probably not what happened, but what if it did?"). It makes a nice prequel to the Tudor saga.
I thought her portrayal of this somewhat unpopular queen was very understanding. She presented her as a sympathetic character motivated by love, when most histories seem to agree she was motivated by power and greed. Edward comes off as likeable, but flawed (not tragically), although that seems somewhat thin by the end.
Overall, a good read and an interesting look into The War of the Roses. I enjoyed the alternative history spin (or the "this is probably not what happened, but what if it did?"). It makes a nice prequel to the Tudor saga.
This is a little different than a lot of Ms. Gregory's works. Her past series of books have been about the Tudors and their courts. The Tudor books are more about people trying to stay in the monarch's good graces in order to gain more power and wealth. Very little love in these books (e.g. Henry 8th) but lots of court intrigue and scandal.
This new series centers on the Plantagenets. The first part of The White Queen read much more like a love story than the usual PG book...I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. After about the first 1/4 of the book the book centered more on the family of Edward IV and their fight to keep the throne. Lots of talk of battles and family alliances.
I liked this book...thought it was exciting. Can't wait for the other books she is writing on this time period.
This new series centers on the Plantagenets. The first part of The White Queen read much more like a love story than the usual PG book...I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. After about the first 1/4 of the book the book centered more on the family of Edward IV and their fight to keep the throne. Lots of talk of battles and family alliances.
I liked this book...thought it was exciting. Can't wait for the other books she is writing on this time period.
I feel conflicted because, like The Kingmaker's Daughter, this book increased exponentially in quality and intensity in the second half. As soon as Edward IV bit the dust, Elizabeth became a real character and the book became very good.
As usual, Philippa Gregory spins an engrossing tale around fascinating characters in the history of England's royal family. My only basis for comparison is The Other Boleyn Girl, a story I enjoyed more, simply because I found the history more interesting.
I have two complaints about the novel: one I recall feeling while reading The Other Boleyn Girl, and the other I do not. The first complaint is her repetition. I realize that some authors use this as a literary device, but some facts I felt she repeated way more often than was necessary. Melusina this and locket that. They were important bits of the story, but she could have let us remember them on our own sometimes. The other complaint is that, at times, I felt the book read a little like non-fiction, just a recounting of the events from one character's point of view, and not as much a novel.
Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that it's interesting what she does with the Princes in the Tower, and the end of the book is abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying (for a person who knows the history).
Overall, however, I enjoyed reading the book and I liked delving into the Plantagenet dynasty. It has inspired me to pick up other books on the period, and I look forward to her next one.
I have two complaints about the novel: one I recall feeling while reading The Other Boleyn Girl, and the other I do not. The first complaint is her repetition. I realize that some authors use this as a literary device, but some facts I felt she repeated way more often than was necessary. Melusina this and locket that. They were important bits of the story, but she could have let us remember them on our own sometimes. The other complaint is that, at times, I felt the book read a little like non-fiction, just a recounting of the events from one character's point of view, and not as much a novel.
Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that it's interesting what she does with the Princes in the Tower, and the end of the book is abrupt and somewhat unsatisfying (for a person who knows the history).
Overall, however, I enjoyed reading the book and I liked delving into the Plantagenet dynasty. It has inspired me to pick up other books on the period, and I look forward to her next one.
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
I have problems finishing this book. I didn't really like the main character, and her being the first person, the storyteller in this story, it's not easy to go through it.
But I'm glad I did, because eventually the book comes to a good conclusion (at least in my opinion), and even though I still don't like the queen, I've come to understand and respect her choices and actions.
The story itself is quite interesting, as it doesn't fit into romance nor adventure. Partially because it seems, as a queen, you can't be really present in any of the real battle (only plotting, scheming, and such). I find it also strange to have the queen narrating the battle that she's not in.
Overall, I don't think I would really recommend this book, unless you are a fan of historical fictions in this time piece.
But I'm glad I did, because eventually the book comes to a good conclusion (at least in my opinion), and even though I still don't like the queen, I've come to understand and respect her choices and actions.
The story itself is quite interesting, as it doesn't fit into romance nor adventure. Partially because it seems, as a queen, you can't be really present in any of the real battle (only plotting, scheming, and such). I find it also strange to have the queen narrating the battle that she's not in.
Overall, I don't think I would really recommend this book, unless you are a fan of historical fictions in this time piece.
This is a brilliant book that I think everyone should read if they're interested in the war of the roses! I think it has definitely sparked my interest in this time period that I didn't know much about at first :-)
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-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:
Complicated