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spencesational 's review for:
The White Queen
by Philippa Gregory
Another fascinating read by author, Philippa Gregory.
This series can be a little confusing. This is the first novel in The Cousins' War series but the second novel in The Platagenets and Tudor series which includes The Cousins' War novels. For some reason this book has the series in the wrong order as well. It states them as being 'The Lady of the Rivers, The Red Queen, The White Queen...' when in fact it should be, 'The Lady of the Rivers, The White Queen, The Red Queen..." Anyway....
Elizabeth Woodville, a commoner (and if you have read the first book, the daughter of Jacquetta of Luxembourg), marries Edward IV in secret and has several children, the first born being Edward V, the next in line to the throne. All very simple so far except that Edward IV's brother Richard is a little tinker and decides he wants the throne for himself. Thus ensues a beautifully interweaving and pleasantly complex turn of events all centring around Elizabeth herself.
What is so fascinating about this book is the fact that around 90% of the events that take place are real, historical happenings and not some made-up piff-paff to get people to buy the book. You literally could not make it up!
Most of you will know about the story of the princes in the tower. If you don't, it is alleged that Richard III kidnapped Edward (later to become Edward V) and his brother Richard (of Shrewsbury) so that he could become king. At the time Edward was to succeed his father also called Edward (Edward IV). The two boys went missing. Nobody knows what happened to them and there have been numerous suggestions as to their fate. Their bodies have never been found either. Phillippa imagines their fate in this book and weaves it beautifully into the story.
I love the first instalment of this series, [b:The Lady of the Rivers|45011210|The Lady of the Rivers (The Cousins' War, #3)|Philippa Gregory|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554847017l/45011210._SY75_.jpg|14428801], but this has topped it. I never thought I would say that as the first was incredible but yes, this is better and I love this series.
You think that nothing much can be said of one person in a book of over 400 pages but Philippa Gregory has perfected her craft so beautifully that every page and every chapter just makes you want to read on and I can't wait to read the next book, [b:The Red Queen|45011214|The Red Queen (The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels, #3)|Philippa Gregory|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554847090l/45011214._SY75_.jpg|7413156].
A stunning second instalment.