OCTOBER 2011 - AudioFile
Bianca Amato’s rich tones turn this book’s three essays into the best kind of nonfiction listening: engaging, informative, and entertaining. These factual accounts will appeal to all listeners, especially those familiar with Gregory’s novels. Here she offers a fascinating account of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, THE LADY OF THE RIVERS (2011). Equally informative, but less colorful, is David Baldwin’s coverage of Elizabeth Woodville, THE WHITE QUEEN (2009), while Michael Jones highlights the righteous piety of Margaret Beaufort, THE RED QUEEN (2010). Amato skillfully handles archival documents, letters, and diaries, presenting full-bodied portraits drawn from “informed speculation.” As more women historians enter the field, the way we see and understand women in history changes. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
This tripartite account treats three formidable women for their roles in the dynastic civil wars known as the Wars of the Roses. Bestselling historical novelist Gregory tells the story of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Henry VIII's great-grandmother. The staunch Lancastrian made her peace with Yorkist Edward IV when he seized power and saw her fortunes soar after he married her daughter Elizabeth Woodville. But later her second husband and their son were executed by the rebel leader earl of Warwick, who tried Jacquetta for witchcraft. University of Leicester historian Baldwin relates the life of Jacquetta's plucky daughter, Elizabeth Woodville, Henry VIII's grandmother, who did her utmost to secure the throne for her son Edward and may have been involved in a rebellion against son-in-law Henry. British historian Jones recounts the story of Margaret Beaufort, a formidable plotter whose personal piety never interfered with her ambition for her son—who became Henry VII despite a tenuous claim to the throne. Although this collection is often repetitious and lacks a consistent voice and cohesive overview on the origins of the Wars of the Roses, it's an engrossing introduction to three courageous matriarchs who shaped English history. Illus.; maps. (Sept.)
The Post and Courier (Charleston)
An engaging and interesting read . . . Fans of Gregory’s novels should enjoy this glimpse into both her creative process and her essays on the three women who served as inspiration for her ‘Wars of the Roses’ novels.
|Los Angeles Times
The publication of two books this season by Philippa Gregory gives us not only two more fascinating portraits of the English Wars of the Roses, it also opens a window onto the way the bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl applies her craft.
From the Publisher
"[Gregory] again brings insight to English history, recreating the power struggle between two of the nation's most notable women in a tale fresh for modern readers. There's no question that she is the best at what she does." —Associated Press
Los Angeles Times
The publication of two books this season by Philippa Gregory gives us not only two more fascinating portraits of the English Wars of the Roses, it also opens a window onto the way the bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl applies her craft.
OCTOBER 2011 - AudioFile
Bianca Amato’s rich tones turn this book’s three essays into the best kind of nonfiction listening: engaging, informative, and entertaining. These factual accounts will appeal to all listeners, especially those familiar with Gregory’s novels. Here she offers a fascinating account of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, THE LADY OF THE RIVERS (2011). Equally informative, but less colorful, is David Baldwin’s coverage of Elizabeth Woodville, THE WHITE QUEEN (2009), while Michael Jones highlights the righteous piety of Margaret Beaufort, THE RED QUEEN (2010). Amato skillfully handles archival documents, letters, and diaries, presenting full-bodied portraits drawn from “informed speculation.” As more women historians enter the field, the way we see and understand women in history changes. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
