I’m a great lover of history, and definitely a great fan of Phillippa Gregory’s series of books that dealt with the family of Henry Tudor, or as we know him, King Henry the VIII. She moves masterly back and forth between his beginnings, his first wife, Catharine of Aragon, to his most famous wife, Anne Boleyn. She’s written about Henry’s daughter Queen Elizabeth I and of those who have surrounded the colorful court of the times. Now she has written a beautifully descriptive book in first person of Elizabeth Woodville, who was Henry VIII’s grandmother. She was often referred to as Lady Elizabeth Grey, or disparagingly, the Woodville Dowager Queen.
Elizabeth married King Edward IV, during the destructive and famous civil war of England, called the War of the Roses. During the times a single battle could determine who was king, and who suddenly wasn’t anymore.
The book opens when Elizabeth is a young widow, with two young sons, trying to win back dowry lands from her former in-laws. Phillippa Gregory takes us through court intrigues, murders, executions, war, accusations of witchcraft, and plots of death. All the while treating Elizabeth with great intelligence. She was much more than Edward’s Consort Queen, she carried a great deal of influence that could make or break those in the court surrounding them. Elizabeth gives Edward IV ten children, while she remained steadfastly faithful to the notoriously philandering King. Elizabeth survives it all, with grace, wit, and unimagined strength. Her two young sons are best known of her children, they were The Princes in the Tower. Where they disappeared, and were presumed murdered by their uncle Richard III.
This is a masterfully written account of a woman, who we hear little about. She moves through history, silently grievi
ng the loss of her two young princes in the tower of London.
Phillippa Gregory gives Elizabeth Woodville great respect, tenderness and intelligence, as she weaves the story of her adult life. She gives us her daughter Elizabeth, who will marry Henry VII, who will give the world the colorful destructive life of HenryVIII, and his daughter Elizabeth I, England’s famous and adventurous Queen.
This is the story of a woman who sees her families destiny before they do. At first denying the Tudor’s right to the throne, only to realize in the end she must give in, seeing the one remaining Tudor as the savior of her family and bloodline. She does this through cunning intelligence and a little superstition and witchcraft.
If you are a lover of history, and lover all things related to Henry VIII, this is a story written for you. If you just love a strong heroine, this one hits the mark about a remarkably brave woman.
The Herculean Task: Who was your favorite heroine in history?
About Lee
What a pretty post Lee! I really like all the books and movies about Queen Elizabeth. I love all the details, her heavy hand with feminine touch. I enjoy reading about her clothing, her friendships and relationships.
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This book sounds great! Why were the two princes in the tower?!! That’s a story I haven’t heard. I love absorbing history through fiction, and this looks like a great way to do that!
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I loved this book, this Elizabeth really was remarkable, because she married for love, but found herself using a lot of cunning to stay alive in a violent world, among the King’s family members who hate her..
Misa, the two princes in the tower, were Elizabeth’s two young son’s, Edward and Richard. When her husband dies unexpectedly, of course Edward, the oldest of the two, is to become King, he is about nine at the time. They are taken to the tower of London awaiting his coronation, when his uncle, his father’s brother, turns on the family. They declare Elizabeth’s marriage void, and her ten children bastards, he does this to claim the throne. The two little boys, are never seen again, assumed murdered in the tower by their uncle. It’s sad story, and the worst part of Elizabeth’s life. She was very involved in her childrens lives, and was a hands on mom. Rare for a royal of the time.
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I have always loved Elizabeth I. Before I learned why she did the things she did I loved how she let no man rule her. She was a queen in her own right with no king at her side. Once I did read more and learn about her I realized how sad her life was to have no hero to her heroine.
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Lee, what a beautifully written piece. I think you’ve found your writing heart. Some things never change in the castle. Sadness seems to find its way up the turrets and through the windows no matter what century. Looks like a great book for someone who loves to read about history.
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Any Viking Woman would have to be my Hero. Strong, brave and outspoken. A force to be reckoned with and she will be heard. I am the 311 Member of the Viking hoard in Ohio! LOL
My alter Ego at Faire is a Valkyrie. That’s an easy character for a 6′ woman to pull off. I love it!
I am also a huge fan of Elizabeth I of England. The Virgin Queen. She rocked it!!
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I did it again! I didn’t put my name. I’m the Viking fan!
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Wow, what a sad story, Lee! I hadn’t heard that. Very tragic. Definitely a book I want to read.
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Beautifully written review, Lee. You made me want to read this book and I am a great avoider of anything I think will be sad or end tragically.
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