debs4jc 's review for:

The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

4.0

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Any book that gets you really excited about history is a great book in my opinion, and so far I have not been disappointed with Philippa Gregory's work. I especially enjoy seeing history told from a female perspective, and in this case it is Elizabeth Woodville, the woman who wins the heart of Edward of York. To marry her he defies his ally, Richard Neville --thus sowing the seeds of discord that will grow into rebellion years later. This book is full of mystery and intrigue, as Edward and his brothers vie for power, and the women use whatever means they can to advance their own cause--including prayers and/or spells. At first Edward, Elizabeth and the Woodville family ascend to dizzying heights of power and influence, however resentment against them rises and eventually threatens Elizabeth's own sons--who become the famed "princes in the tower". The author does take a lot of artistic license with this point of history, and with the inclusion of supernatural elements within the story--and some readers may feel that she stretched things too far. (This makes for a lively discussion if you choose to do this with a book group, by the way). However I do think that her vivid writing style makes history come alive in a memorable and exciting way. So whether or not you agree with how she interpreted the facts available to us, you aren't likely to forget who Elizabeth Woodville was or that she was a living breathing passionate human being after reading Gregory's depiction of her.