Elizabeth of York was Edward IV and Elizabeth Wydeville’s daughter. During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, they were Yorkists. El3.25 stars
Elizabeth of York was Edward IV and Elizabeth Wydeville’s daughter. During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, they were Yorkists. Elizabeth married Henry VII, who was a Lancaster, thus bringing the two sides together. Between them, they began the Tudor era, and Henry VIII was their son. This is meant to be a biography of Elizabeth.
I only say it’s “meant to be” a biography because, as with so many women of the time (including queens), there is just so little information about them. So, really, I feel like it’s more of a history of what happened around her during her life, often with musings as to what Elizabeth may have been doing or feeling at certain times or about certain things. It’s a long book, over 500 pages, and nonfiction, which does tend to go slower for me. There’s a lot of information, much of it I didn’t know (I think this is the first book I’ve read specifically focusing on Elizabeth), and even though I found much of it interesting, there are still dry parts. ...more
In the early/mid-15th century Jacquetta of Luxembourg married John of Bedford, the brother of King Henry V and the man responsible for holding Calais In the early/mid-15th century Jacquetta of Luxembourg married John of Bedford, the brother of King Henry V and the man responsible for holding Calais (and other parts of France) for England, but she did not have any children with him. When he died, she (without permission) married John’s squire, Richard Woodville. She and Richard went on to have many children (including Elizabeth, who would later marry Edward IV and become Queen) while Richard continued to serve King Henry VI (the kind who was “mad”), and Jacquetta served Margaret of Anjou, Henry’s wife. During this time, the tensions between the Houses of York and Lancaster continued to escalate, in no small part due to Margaret’s desire for revenge on those who sided against her husband and son.
I really liked this. I’ve read very little (looks like only one book… and I don’t remember it!) about Margaret of Anjou, but she sure wasn’t likeable (even a little bit!) in this book. How much of the venom was accurate, I don’t know. I did, however, like Jacquetta and Richard. The book did not go all the way to Jacquetta’s death, but ended right around when her daughter Elizabeth would have met and married Edward. ...more
This book follows Lucrezia Borgia from when she was 13-years old and her father became Pope until she was about 20-years old after her secon3.75 stars
This book follows Lucrezia Borgia from when she was 13-years old and her father became Pope until she was about 20-years old after her second husband died. In that time, she was married twice, may have had two children – possible spoiler here: (view spoiler)[one possibly via incest/rape (hide spoiler)] (though this is speculation), and had to deal with a power-hungry father who was Pope and two power-hungry brothers, one whom she loved and got along well with (Cesare) and one whom she did not get along with (Juan).
History has not been kind to the Borgias, including Lucrezia, although Gortner states that, in his research, he found that - like many women of powerful families of the time (and (my added comment here) for centuries before and after), she really was just a pawn. His research did not show she was cruel and power-hungry like her father and brothers. I found this very interesting, as the little bit I’ve read about the Borgias, I also had the impression she wasn’t any “better” than the others in her family.
Gortner does a really good job of historical fiction from the viewpoint of a woman, though I’m not sure anything will beat “The Last Queen” for me (his first book). In all honesty, through most of this book, I was ready to give it an ever-so-slightly lower rating, but I upped it in the last ¼ of the book or so, after Lucrezia married her second husband, Alfonso, whom she loved (at least according to Gortner in this book).
The afterword goes a bit further into history after where the book leaves off so we know what happened to all the major players in the book, in addition to talking a bit about the author’s research. I also loved that he mentioned, in the acknowledgements his pets and does a bit of animal rescue promotion....more
Set in the mid to late 1400s, King Edward IV married Elizabeth Woodville. This story is told, in alternating voices, by Kate, Elizabeth's youngest sisSet in the mid to late 1400s, King Edward IV married Elizabeth Woodville. This story is told, in alternating voices, by Kate, Elizabeth's youngest sister and Harry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, who married Kate while they were both still children. The novel continues past Edward's reign into Richard III's.
This was really good. I've only read a couple of other books about these people, so at times, it is hard to keep straight who is who (especially with so many people with the same name!). There is not a lot known about the main characters in this novel, but the author weaved a really good story, using what is known. She provides a detailed note at the end, explaining what really is known and what she made up for the story. As always, I tend to prefer a woman's voice in historical novels, so I did find Kate's viewpoint a little more interesting than Harry's, but they were weaved in together very well. ...more
Margaret Beaufort was Henry VII's mother. Although she felt a calling to God, she was married at 12 years old, and had Henry was she was 13. From thenMargaret Beaufort was Henry VII's mother. Although she felt a calling to God, she was married at 12 years old, and had Henry was she was 13. From then on, her entire life was devoted to seeing Henry as King of England. But, this was during the Wars of the Roses – cousins fought over the English throne – so there were many other people vying for that crown. But, Margaret did what she had to do to make it happen.
Despite not liking Margaret (even in a novel!), I really liked this story. Obviously, I knew the outcome, but it was interesting to see how they got there. I have only just started reading about some of the people from this time period, so it was nice to round that out a bit more, as I hadn't yet read anything that focused on Margaret. I often get bored with descriptions of battles in books, but I actually found some of these quite interesting. I was a little disappointed that the author's note didn't describe what was or wasn't fictionalized, and I thought it ended a little abruptly (I would have liked to have learned the outcomes of a few of the other people – ones I didn't know anything about). Other than that, though, I really enjoyed it....more
Juana of Castile, also known as “Juana the Mad”, was the daughter of Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. With two older siblings, she never thoJuana of Castile, also known as “Juana the Mad”, was the daughter of Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. With two older siblings, she never thought she’d have a chance to be queen. She was married to Philippe of Flanders, who was lower ranked than she was. Initially in love with Philippe, things turned sour after a while, as Philippe dallied with other women, and began to treat Juana badly. When Juana did inherit her mother’s crown in Casile, Philippe managed to take her power from her.
The book started when Juana was young and living with her parents and siblings. It continued to follow her and Philippe’s relationship and travels between the Spains and Flanders. I found the beginning of the book a bit slow. It also jumped over time a bit. But, I thought it really picked up about the time Juana realized what a cad Philippe was. The author fictionalized a reason why Juana may have ultimately wanted to stay out of the limelight and not be queen, which was somewhat entertaining. In any case, I found the additional information about Christopher Columbus interesting, as I haven’t read much about him (though I did know his explorations were funded by Isabel and Ferdinand). The author did have a note at the end, separating out fact from fiction, which is always nice. It was particularly interesting to note what really happened with Beatriz, who was Juana’s closest lady. ...more
This book follows a fictional account of the Borgias. Rodrigo became pope in the late 1400s. He had four(?) children, including Cesare and Lu2.5 stars
This book follows a fictional account of the Borgias. Rodrigo became pope in the late 1400s. He had four(?) children, including Cesare and Lucrezia. History has not looked upon them kindly. Rodrigo had a number of mistresses. Cesare, though becoming a cardinal (for a while) also slept around. There were rumors of incest among them, and murders happened. This book opens when the conclave is happening just as Rodrigo will be voted in as the new pope and Lucrezia is 13 years old and soon to be married.
How was this even acceptable for a pope!? How did he get voted in? (Hmmm, missed in in my reading of the book, but the summary tells me he bought his way to the papacy.) And for a cardinal (Cesare)? All the sleeping around. Even if there wasn’t any incest going on, Rodrigo’s children made it obvious he wasn’t celibate. Was this not a requirement of priests and higher ups in the Catholic Church at the time!? Anyway, I just didn’t find most of the book very interesting. I found the parts that focused on Lucrezia the most interesting and paid most attention to that, otherwise I was often skimming. ...more
Jayne is a historian and a descendant of King Richard III of England – the man who may have had his two nephews (Edward IV’s sons) murdered so RichardJayne is a historian and a descendant of King Richard III of England – the man who may have had his two nephews (Edward IV’s sons) murdered so Richard himself could take the crown. Jayne doesn’t believe this is the case. When Richard’s grave is being dug up, Jayne is a volunteer on site. At the end of the day, when she tries to help by covering up the bones, she grabs on to an artifact… and suddenly wakes up in the Middle Ages amidst tents. Jayne thinks this might be the eve of Richard’s death!
I quite enjoyed this! Obviously implausible, but even taking the time travel element out of it, I don’t believe what the author proposes is very likely. Have to admit, wasn’t crazy about Jayne and Richard’s relationship (ewww – he’s your ancestor!) I still enjoyed the story, though. Jayne got to spend plenty of time in the late 15th century with Richard and with Bess, Edward IV’s eldest daughter. The book was mostly from Jayne’s point of view, but occasionally, we switched to Richard’s; not surprisingly, I found Jayne’s (a woman’s) POV more interesting. ...more
It’s late in the 15th century and artist Nicolas des Innocents is hired to design tapestries for nobleman Jean le Viste. Nicolas is a notorio3.5 stars
It’s late in the 15th century and artist Nicolas des Innocents is hired to design tapestries for nobleman Jean le Viste. Nicolas is a notorious womanizer and decides he wants to bed Jean’s daughter, Claude. Claude, in turn, is attracted to Nicolas, but she is yet to be betrothed and certainly can’t afford any stains on her reputation! Meanwhile, after the tapestries are designed, Nicolas must hand over the actual crafting of them to a weaver in Brussels, Georges de la Chapelle. Georges, his family, and his workers take it from there to actual make the tapestries. Georges also has a daughter, Alienor, who happens to be blind. Nicolas also works his charms on her.
Overall, I did like the book/the story, but I REALLY didn’t like Nicolas, nor did I like Claude. I did like Alienor, but I just don’t understand how all these women would fall for the jerk, Nicolas! Each chapter is told from a different point of view, but the start of the chapter tells you whose point of view you are a following, so it’s not hard to follow. ...more
Elizabeth of York was the daughter of Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV. Elizabeth’s two brothers, Edward and Richard are the two boys known to historElizabeth of York was the daughter of Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV. Elizabeth’s two brothers, Edward and Richard are the two boys known to history as “the princes in the tower”, who were kept there after Edward IV died and his youngest brother, Richard III, became king. Edward and Richard were never seen again. There are all kinds of theories, most commonly that they were killed by Richard III. There is also a theory that young Richard escaped.
When Henry VII became king by killing Richard III, Elizabeth of York married him in order to join the two warring sides of Lancaster and York. Elizabeth Woodville came to live with them (as well as Henry’s very protective mother, Margaret). Elizabeth hated Henry initially, but came to care for him, as they had children who would be expected to later take the throne (including Henry VIII). But Henry and Margaret were always suspicious of anyone claiming to be a York heir who might have a better claim to the throne, particularly one “boy” (now a man) claiming to be Elizabeth’s brother, Richard. They called him Perkin Warbeck (among other things), as they tried to defend Henry’s crown – and Henry and Elizabeth’s heirs – from losing the throne to him. Poor Elizabeth was in the middle of it all (and her mother was also suspected to be helping other Yorkists claim the throne, even with her own daughter, Elizabeth, as Henry’s queen).
Of course, this is fiction. There is a short author’s note at the end, and I’m not sure if I believe that Perkin Warbeck was Richard. This book takes that view, however. That being said, I actually don’t think I’ve read a whole lot about Elizabeth of York herself (though I’ve read plenty, at this point, about the people who came before and after her), and I really liked the book. I certainly felt Elizabeth’s frustrations with her super-suspicious husband and mother-in-law and also how torn she was between her husband and protecting the crown’s inheritance to her children and how much she wanted Perkin Warbeck to be her little brother, Richard....more
In this book, a detective is in the hospital and is looking for something to keep him busy. With the help of friends, he starts researching R3.5 stars
In this book, a detective is in the hospital and is looking for something to keep him busy. With the help of friends, he starts researching Richard III and whether or not he actually did murder his nephews in the late 15th century.
I thought it was interesting. There were dry spots in the book, as it was all research - the detective talking to his friends/helpers about what might or might not have happened. It is a topic I'm interested in and have read a little bit (though not a lot) about. I do intend to read more. I sure would have liked for the author to provide an afterword, but maybe providing that was less common for historical fiction in the mid-20th century? I do wonder about the title, as well....more
This is a biography of three women during the time of the Wars of the Roses (once called “The Cousins’ War”): Elizabeth Woodville (Edward IV’s wife, aThis is a biography of three women during the time of the Wars of the Roses (once called “The Cousins’ War”): Elizabeth Woodville (Edward IV’s wife, and the mother of the two “princes in the tower”), Jacquetta “Rivers”(?) (Elizabeth’s mother), and Margaret Beaufort (Henry VII’s mother). Each author writes about one of the women, plus Philippa Gregory writes an introduction on women and history – why you won’t find as much information about women in history and more.
As mentioned in the (quite interesting, I thought) introduction, it’s hard to find information about historical women. Because of that, it’s hard to write an interesting biography, I think. Jacquetta seemed to have the least amount of information to work with. For all three (but especially Jacquetta), there was more about the war and what the men were doing and the big events than about the women themselves, and I’m not as interested in the wars, the fighting, and the politics. So, I tended to skim over those parts, unfortunately, and that’s why I kept my rating to 3 stars, ok.
I did learn a bit, though. Although I’ve read a little bit about the Wars of the Roses, I couldn’t have told you who Jacquetta was. I also get Margaret Beaufort mixed up with Margaret of Anjou (and I’m still not entirely certain who Margaret of Anjou is, although she was around at the same time and was mentioned in this book). ...more
This is a novel about Richard III of England. He was the youngest of the three (living) York brothers from the “Wars of the Roses” (York vs. 3.5 stars
This is a novel about Richard III of England. He was the youngest of the three (living) York brothers from the “Wars of the Roses” (York vs. Lancaster). His oldest brother, Edward, was King of England and produced two sons, later known as the “Princes in the Tower”. Edward and Richard got along very well, and Richard was named “Protector” to Edward’s oldest son (also Edward) when Edward himself died, but both Edward’s sons later disappeared. To history, many believe that Richard murdered his nephews.
Ok, I guess I’m all over the place with that description. The book was good, but it took me a long time to get “into” it. There are a lot of people with the same name, so that takes getting used to, in addition to getting used to various people’s titles and nicknames! It was at least 1/3 of the way in before I was interested. The war parts of the books don’t really interest me. I find I’m also more interested in historical fiction from a woman’s viewpoint. It was when Anne was more of a focus (she married Richard) that I got more interested, so I did find their relationship a part of the book I really enjoyed. It is a very long book, however. Overall, I’m rating it as “I liked it”, but it took a while to get there. ...more
Isabella of Castile ruled Castile with her husband Ferdinand of Aragon in the mid- to late-15th century. This work of fiction follows her from when shIsabella of Castile ruled Castile with her husband Ferdinand of Aragon in the mid- to late-15th century. This work of fiction follows her from when she was born until about 1492, when she granted Christopher Columbus some funds to explore and just after the Jews were expelled from Castile if they didn't convert to Catholicism.
I didn't know much about Isabella of Castile, beyond her being Katherine of Aragon's and Juana of Castile's (“Mad Juana”) mother and that she went to battle with her army. I really enjoyed this! I listened to the audio and although the narrator had a British accent, otherwise it was fine. It mostly held my interest (though I did find my mind wandering during battle scenes near the end!), but I found the rest very interesting. It seemed that – at least in some things – she was forward thinking (but not in everything). The book had her conflicted about the banishment of the Jews, but as Gortner pointed out in his note at the end (I love author's notes at the end of historical fiction!), we don't really know what she thought personally. I should also admit to not waiting till the end of the book to “find” the author's note – remember, I was listening to the audio, so I couldn't just flip ahead – and just checking out wikipedia for more on Isabella!...more
In the century before Henry VIII, there was a struggle for the English crown, between the Houses of York and Lancaster. This was later called3.5 stars
In the century before Henry VIII, there was a struggle for the English crown, between the Houses of York and Lancaster. This was later called the “Wars of the Roses”.
I've read only a small bit of fiction on this topic, but not much and only fiction. This one is nonfiction, though, and as with most nonfiction, there were a lot of names to remember (and at this time a lot of names (and titles) were used and reused, so it did get confusing sometimes), and it does read slower than fiction. However, I learned about a time and people I really didn't know much or anything about, which is always interesting. And something I know about myself is that I tend to be more interested in historical women, so someone I've learned I'd like to read more about is Margaret of Anjou. Overall, an interesting read, but definitely not quick. ...more
Margaret of Anjou was born in France and later married to King Henry VI of England; he is the King Henry who was “mad” and thought to be an 3.75 stars
Margaret of Anjou was born in France and later married to King Henry VI of England; he is the King Henry who was “mad” and thought to be an ineffective ruler. The had only one son, Edward. As the Yorkists rose up to take the throne at the start of the Wars of the Roses, Margaret did what she could to help her husband win his throne back and to secure the throne for her son for later. This is a fictional account of Margaret's life.
I liked this. I will admit that the first 2/3 of the story didn't hold my attention as much and didn't make me want to keep reading, but that changed in the last 1/3. I've not read anything, until now, specifically about Margaret of Anjou, or even much about the Lancasters at this time. I have read more about the Yorkists, but even so, with all the same names being used so often, I did get confused at times trying to figure out who was who! The book did pick up for me in the last 1/3 of the book (but by then, I was also recognizing more of the people and events that were happening). I always enjoy historical fiction from a woman's point of view (though there were portions of the book told from other points of view than Margaret's, but the bulk of the story was hers).
As always, I appreciated the detailed author's note at the end of the book. ...more
In the late 15th century in England, two heirs to the throne, Edward IV's sons, disappeared after having been kept in the Tower (supposedly for their In the late 15th century in England, two heirs to the throne, Edward IV's sons, disappeared after having been kept in the Tower (supposedly for their protection) by Edward's brother, Richard III, who had taken the throne for himself. Most think that the boys were murdered by Richard. Weir agrees and goes through what she thinks (mostly based on contemporary/primary sources) happened.
The preface, with a summary, pulled me in right away. But then, with a lot of background information needed and “introductions” to let the reader know who's who and to fill in circumstances, it was a little harder to focus. However, after about the first one-quarter to one-third of the book, we came to the main “event”, and it really picked up again for me for the rest of the book. I've not read a lot about the two princes (but a little bit). I'd be surprised if it wasn't Richard who murdered them. It might not be a bad idea to read something with the opposite view, though, just to see what they have to say. ...more
This is meant to be a biography of Anne Neville, King Richard III’s wife. She was married twice, had one son with Richard (but that son died before shThis is meant to be a biography of Anne Neville, King Richard III’s wife. She was married twice, had one son with Richard (but that son died before she did), and she only lived to 28 years old. Her father, Warwick, was also known as “The Kingmaker”. He married both his daughters to two brothers in line to inherit the crown.
Like with many women historical figures, including high-ranking ones, there is very little information to go on, so there are many gaps in time and a lot of guesses as to where she might have been and what she might have been doing, based on what others (Richard, her father…) - that is, the men around her – were doing or where they were. I feel like this is more of a history of the time and place she was alive than an actual biography. I should expect it by now, but it’s still a bit disappointing. On the other hand, it’s also a reminder of some of the people/characters and events of the time period. ...more
The Wars of the Roses is over, with Elizabeth (House of York) having married Henry VII (House of Lancaster) to join the two warring houses fo3.5 stars
The Wars of the Roses is over, with Elizabeth (House of York) having married Henry VII (House of Lancaster) to join the two warring houses for the crown of England. This book starts when Elizabeth is pregnant with her first child (Arthur) and ends with Henry’s death. It follows the births of all their children; the two “pretenders” to the crown pretending to be Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville’s missing princes from the tower – the “rightful” heirs; Katherine of Aragon’s marriage to Arthur and subsequent betrothal to the soon-to-be Henry VIII. Henry VII was always concerned about someone coming along to claim the throne.
It was good, but – especially at first – I found it a bit hard to follow as it followed many different viewpoints of many different characters and transitioned without any indication of a transition! I think it got a bit easier once we were following Henry VIII and his generation, as I know the people and characters better, so I could figure it out. The story moved forward very quickly, as years would pass with only a sentence or two (or nothing, and it’s a few years later). ...more
Before the Tudors, in 15th century England, there was unrest and war between two competing houses, York and Lancaster, for who would rule. Even withinBefore the Tudors, in 15th century England, there was unrest and war between two competing houses, York and Lancaster, for who would rule. Even within the House of York, there were three brothers who warred amongst themselves for who should be king. The oldest, Edward, was king for a time (off and on), and was married to Elizabeth. This story is told from Elizabeth's point of view.
I really liked this. It's a time frame and about people I've read nothing about, and I found the story very interesting. The only thing I didn't like as much was that the ending was a bit abrupt; I assume that's because it is the first in a series....more
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