The White Queen

Philippa Gregory

Average Rating 7/10 (1 Review)

Internationally bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings the tumult and intrigue of The Wars of the Roses to vivid life through the women of the House of Lancaster and the House of York, beginning with the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen. A woman who won the love of a king and ascended to royalty by virtue of her beauty, Elizabeth fought tenaciously for the success of her family - her daughter who would one day unite the warring dynasties, and her two sons whose eventual fate has confounded historians for centuries: the Princes in the Tower. An active player in the power struggles that surrounded her, she made hard and courageous choices, always trying to protect those whom she loved.

Informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills, Philippa Gregory gives an unforgettable voice to an extraordinary woman at the heart of a devastating conflict.

'Gregory has again given the past the kiss of life.'

Review by Hidayah Ismawi (300911) Rating (7/10)

Review by Hidayah Ismawi
Rating 7/10
Widowed with two young sons, Elizabeth Woodville, uses her beauty and cunning to provide for her family and ensure their future. What better way to do so than to marry the King of England. The young King Edward IV, completely enchanted with her beauty takes her as his bride and queen. Elizabeth soon finds out that life as royalty is not simply about the splendours of English court, especially during the tumultuous time of the War of the Roses. Where cousins fought cousins and brother turned on brother to have a claim to the throne. With her family now in constant danger, Elizabeth may pay the ultimate price for her crown.

What I liked about this book:
I have always been a fan of historical fiction and ever since reading The Other Boleyn Girl and The Other Queen, I have enjoyed Ms Gregory’s style of writing. I concede that she strays far from the actual historical facts but this artistic allowance in my opinion certainly makes for an enjoyable read. Elizabeth’s rise from commoner to queen was almost fairy-tale like in quality, and the love between her and the king was realistically portrayed. Certainly the first half of the book was very well told.

What I disliked about this book:
After a while, the book began to drag as plot after plot to topple the king was uncovered. Betrayal after betrayal, until it got to a point that I just wanted the story to end one way or the other. What made it even more tiresome was remembering the minor characters as they all seemed to be called Robert, Richard or George albeit with different titles. In having to follow the timeline of history, the book turned into a series of events instead of remaining as captivating a story as it was at the beginning.

A quote I liked from this book:
"I would give all that I am, to be, just this once, simply irresistible."
Hidayah Ismawi (30th September 2011)