The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

By Eithne Farry  on Tuesday 1 September 2009

• Print
• Share
• Comment

This superior historical fiction is vibrant and emotionally involving, with a vivacious heroine and a tragic back story

Having explored the machinations of the Tudor court, Philippa Gregory takes a step back in time to the Wars of the Roses. At the centre of this embittered battle is Elizabeth Woodville, beautiful, widowed and possessed of supernatural skills. Placing herself in the path of Edward IV, she casts a lustful spell in the king's direction. He's utterly seduced and the couple end up betrothed in a secret ceremony. A passionate match, their relationship is politically problematic. Rival factions, murderous cousins and vengeful claimants to the royal crown mean that Edward and Elizabeth's dynasty is continually under threat in a series of bloody battles and potential coups, which chillingly lead up to the infamous historical mystery of the Princes in the Tower.

(£18.99, Simon & Schuster)

Review by Eithne Farry

Release date: Tuesday 1 September 2009

Have your say ...

↓   ↓

Name

↓   ↓

E-Mail

↓   ↓

Your comments

↓   ↓

Please enter the characters in the image:

IPC Media Limited owner of marieclaire.co.uk will collect your personal information solely to process your request.

Post

• Next Review

  

  Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd Read more...

• Last Review

  

  The Infinities by John Banville  Read more...