Felicia J. (FeliciaJ) reviewed The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Anne of York on + 136 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found this novel a disappointment, unfortunately. I hoped Plaidy would better illuminate the life and character of Anne Neville, daughter to the powerful earl of Warwick, "The Kingmaker," and wife of Richard III. Although the historical Anne had little control over her own fate, she lived in an especially intriguing and colorful age, during the English Wars of the Roses.
However, the Anne of Plaidy's novel was a curiously flat character who spent most of her time fretting about her future, or Richard's destiny, or both. It read a bit like a personal diary kept by a dull woman with no aptitude for writing beyond stating bare facts. Even her frequent declarations of love and devotion for Richard seemed rather muted and uninspiring.
I did appreciate one aspect of the novel. Plaidy did a fine job of making Richard's personality ambiguous toward the end, so I, as a reader, was never sure I could believe Anne's praise of him. Plaidy left the question open of whether Richard murdered his royal nephews, but skillfully suggested Anne might have a blind spot regarding Richard's ambition or his true personality.
However, the Anne of Plaidy's novel was a curiously flat character who spent most of her time fretting about her future, or Richard's destiny, or both. It read a bit like a personal diary kept by a dull woman with no aptitude for writing beyond stating bare facts. Even her frequent declarations of love and devotion for Richard seemed rather muted and uninspiring.
I did appreciate one aspect of the novel. Plaidy did a fine job of making Richard's personality ambiguous toward the end, so I, as a reader, was never sure I could believe Anne's praise of him. Plaidy left the question open of whether Richard murdered his royal nephews, but skillfully suggested Anne might have a blind spot regarding Richard's ambition or his true personality.
Crystal J. (dorolerium) reviewed The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Anne of York on + 212 more book reviews
Many history lovers are familiar with the general story of Richard III, but less so with his queen consort, Anne Neville. As their lives are quite intertwined from the beginning, this story really follows the two of them from early childhood through their adulthood, marriage, and beyond.
The book talks a lot about the political climate during this time in British history we cover threats from the Lancastrians, to the York reign, back to plots against the Yorkists from a variety of individuals. Its a wonder that Richard was even able to hold onto the throne for as long as he was, given the fact that his beloved brother, Edward IV, had so many problems despite his popularity.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
The book talks a lot about the political climate during this time in British history we cover threats from the Lancastrians, to the York reign, back to plots against the Yorkists from a variety of individuals. Its a wonder that Richard was even able to hold onto the throne for as long as he was, given the fact that his beloved brother, Edward IV, had so many problems despite his popularity.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
