A review by kamrynkoble
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

informative reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5 stars! I always struggle with Gregory’s books because they feel more like a dramatized documentary or creative nonfiction rather than a true novel. There’s not really tone, voice, or much character here. But it carries you through the events that happened. 

This isn’t the author’s fault, but there’s only about 5 male names and 5 female names that EVERYONE shares. And the family tree at the front of the book was not even close to detailed enough when everybody shares a name. 

I was reading to find out what happened because the plot is interesting—it’s history. But I always wish I had more emotional attachment to the characters. They just fall flat.