Helpful Score: 14
First Line: My father is Sir Richard Woodville, Baron Rivers, an English nobleman, a landholder and a supporter of the true kings of England, the Lancastrian line.
This is the first entry in a new historical series by Gregory centering on the English War of the Roses. My "history" with Philippa Gregory has been a bit uneven. Some of her novels I've enjoyed a great deal, others didn't do much for me. I am not a purist when it comes to reading historical fiction. I always pick up a book in this genre believing that the story will take precedence over the history. As long as there are no glaring errors that throw me out of the story, I am content.
What really makes the world go round? No matter how much we may sing about it or want it, it's certainly not love. No, what makes the world go round are greedy, grasping individuals/families/clans whose thoughts seldom rise from the rut of "I, Me, Mine". A case in point is The White Queen. Gregory tells us of the world as seen through the eyes of Elizabeth Woodville, a young widow whose beauty captivated King Edward IV. As you read, never once forget that Elizabeth's view of her world is a distorted one.
Did you read the first sentence of the book above? From the very first, Elizabeth is shown as a woman who is supremely concerned with position and wealth. When she stood out in the road to wait for the king to ride by, she was merely wanting her husband's lands restored so she wouldn't have to live on the charity of others. When she saw the look on Edward's face, she immediately knew that, if she played her cards right, she might very well obtain a lot more.
Does it sound like I didn't like Elizabeth? It should, because I didn't. When she becomes Queen of England, she and her mother busy themselves giving everyone in the family important positions and power. That's the way it's always been done. They laugh when they marry off young male relatives to old wealthy widows so that they can inherit vast estates and further the family's ambitions. Never once did they seem to think that this behavior would have any repercussions.
When sending her three-year-old son to Wales (the Tudor stronghold), Elizabeth appoints her brother Anthony as the boy's chief advisor. What are her first words about this to her brother? Are they about keeping her little boy safe? Are they about his education, his diet, his happiness? No. "Anthony, there is much profit to be won from Wales." It is to Anthony's credit that, when he accepts the position, he speaks of the little boy and his well-being.
At her husband's death bed, Elizabeth's thoughts are not on losing Edward, but the best way to get her choice as Lord Protector of England accepted.
She calls herself a realist and her brother, Anthony, a dreamer, but Anthony is the one who sees the truth in the court of Elizabeth and Edward. Anthony is the character that I like in this book. He says the symbol of the House of York should not be the white rose, but the old sign of eternity-- the snake eating itself. "They are a house which has to have blood and they will shed their own if they have no other enemy."
Given that I've already admitted to not liking the main character, you'll be forgiven if you think I didn't like the book. But if you saw my rating at the top, you know that's not so. I don't have to like the main character to enjoy the book. All I ask is that the main character is multi-faceted and interesting. Elizabeth is certainly both those things. She is strong-willed, knows exactly what she wants, and grabs for it with both hands-- ultimately bringing disaster down upon her entire family.
There has been talk of Elizabeth and her mother, Jacquetta, using magic several times in the book. Gregory walked a very fine line throughout but in the end, she didn't overplay the magic for me. What did irritate me was the habit Elizabeth had of always referring to the sons of her first marriage as her "Grey sons". But a woman as conscious of wealth, power and position as she would do that. After all, those boys weren't as important as her sons by the King of England-- the Princes in the Tower.
This is a very strong start to Gregory's new series. I certainly look forward to reading the other books as they are published.
This is the first entry in a new historical series by Gregory centering on the English War of the Roses. My "history" with Philippa Gregory has been a bit uneven. Some of her novels I've enjoyed a great deal, others didn't do much for me. I am not a purist when it comes to reading historical fiction. I always pick up a book in this genre believing that the story will take precedence over the history. As long as there are no glaring errors that throw me out of the story, I am content.
What really makes the world go round? No matter how much we may sing about it or want it, it's certainly not love. No, what makes the world go round are greedy, grasping individuals/families/clans whose thoughts seldom rise from the rut of "I, Me, Mine". A case in point is The White Queen. Gregory tells us of the world as seen through the eyes of Elizabeth Woodville, a young widow whose beauty captivated King Edward IV. As you read, never once forget that Elizabeth's view of her world is a distorted one.
Did you read the first sentence of the book above? From the very first, Elizabeth is shown as a woman who is supremely concerned with position and wealth. When she stood out in the road to wait for the king to ride by, she was merely wanting her husband's lands restored so she wouldn't have to live on the charity of others. When she saw the look on Edward's face, she immediately knew that, if she played her cards right, she might very well obtain a lot more.
Does it sound like I didn't like Elizabeth? It should, because I didn't. When she becomes Queen of England, she and her mother busy themselves giving everyone in the family important positions and power. That's the way it's always been done. They laugh when they marry off young male relatives to old wealthy widows so that they can inherit vast estates and further the family's ambitions. Never once did they seem to think that this behavior would have any repercussions.
When sending her three-year-old son to Wales (the Tudor stronghold), Elizabeth appoints her brother Anthony as the boy's chief advisor. What are her first words about this to her brother? Are they about keeping her little boy safe? Are they about his education, his diet, his happiness? No. "Anthony, there is much profit to be won from Wales." It is to Anthony's credit that, when he accepts the position, he speaks of the little boy and his well-being.
At her husband's death bed, Elizabeth's thoughts are not on losing Edward, but the best way to get her choice as Lord Protector of England accepted.
She calls herself a realist and her brother, Anthony, a dreamer, but Anthony is the one who sees the truth in the court of Elizabeth and Edward. Anthony is the character that I like in this book. He says the symbol of the House of York should not be the white rose, but the old sign of eternity-- the snake eating itself. "They are a house which has to have blood and they will shed their own if they have no other enemy."
Given that I've already admitted to not liking the main character, you'll be forgiven if you think I didn't like the book. But if you saw my rating at the top, you know that's not so. I don't have to like the main character to enjoy the book. All I ask is that the main character is multi-faceted and interesting. Elizabeth is certainly both those things. She is strong-willed, knows exactly what she wants, and grabs for it with both hands-- ultimately bringing disaster down upon her entire family.
There has been talk of Elizabeth and her mother, Jacquetta, using magic several times in the book. Gregory walked a very fine line throughout but in the end, she didn't overplay the magic for me. What did irritate me was the habit Elizabeth had of always referring to the sons of her first marriage as her "Grey sons". But a woman as conscious of wealth, power and position as she would do that. After all, those boys weren't as important as her sons by the King of England-- the Princes in the Tower.
This is a very strong start to Gregory's new series. I certainly look forward to reading the other books as they are published.
Helpful Score: 4
I didn't think this book was up to Philippa Gregory's standards. I usually love her books and I just thought this was average. I guess we will see what the rest of the series brings. If you really want a good Philippa Gregory book read the Virgin Earth.
Helpful Score: 3
The White Queen is the first in Gregory's War of the Roses series and I liked it even more than her Tudor books. The main reason for that is that this book isn't straightforward historical fiction, there's a bit of fantasy there too and I enjoy fantasy tremendously. The fantasy elements are based on the fact that the real Elizabeth Woodville and her mother were accused of witchcraft and believed themselves to be the descendants of Melusina, a European river goddess, but Gregory takes it a step further in tying the women's unconventional actions into the plot in a way that this gives the novel a flavor the other books don't have. There's nothing that can be positively identified as witchcraft, just some remarkable coincidences, but the way Gregory tells it there's always the "what if" in the back of the reader's mind. The legend of Melusina itself is told in pieces throughout the book and in echoing the mood and theme of the particular section it amplifies the effect of magic permeating the story.
I'm already used to Gregory's characters being strong and vivid while at the same time very human and I enjoy getting to know them even if I can't relate to them. Edward IV here is a king who sees the big picture and has his country and the future of his family in the forefront of his thoughts at all times. On the day of his wedding to Elizabeth he's already thought about and put plans into place to prepare for all eventualities. Elizabeth's mother is an absolutely remarkable character and I'm glad that we got to see some of her. Strong, intelligent, with her eye on the prize at all times but not hard and cold. I look forward to reading The Lady of the Rivers when it comes out later this year because she will be at the center of that novel. Elizabeth herself is a woman to the tips of her fingernails. She inherited her mother's cleverness and her father's temperament and with time became the matriarch looking out for her family's future, able to look the other way when the matter wasn't serious enough and to demand what she wanted when she believed that her position was threatened.
There's only one thing that made it difficult to keep track of the plot and detracted from the experience: everybody seemed to be Elizabeth, Edward, George, Robert, Richard and Margaret. When there's several of each in every family you know it's time to come up with some more names, just to make talking about each other easier, if for no other reason. But what can you do, that's the way things were.
Gregory gets criticized a lot for not making her novels historically accurate and while I'm no history buff and can't agree or disagree with the critics I can say that her fiction flows naturally and whatever liberties she takes with the facts don't appear to be to the story's detriment. It is fiction after all, and very good fiction at that.
I'm already used to Gregory's characters being strong and vivid while at the same time very human and I enjoy getting to know them even if I can't relate to them. Edward IV here is a king who sees the big picture and has his country and the future of his family in the forefront of his thoughts at all times. On the day of his wedding to Elizabeth he's already thought about and put plans into place to prepare for all eventualities. Elizabeth's mother is an absolutely remarkable character and I'm glad that we got to see some of her. Strong, intelligent, with her eye on the prize at all times but not hard and cold. I look forward to reading The Lady of the Rivers when it comes out later this year because she will be at the center of that novel. Elizabeth herself is a woman to the tips of her fingernails. She inherited her mother's cleverness and her father's temperament and with time became the matriarch looking out for her family's future, able to look the other way when the matter wasn't serious enough and to demand what she wanted when she believed that her position was threatened.
There's only one thing that made it difficult to keep track of the plot and detracted from the experience: everybody seemed to be Elizabeth, Edward, George, Robert, Richard and Margaret. When there's several of each in every family you know it's time to come up with some more names, just to make talking about each other easier, if for no other reason. But what can you do, that's the way things were.
Gregory gets criticized a lot for not making her novels historically accurate and while I'm no history buff and can't agree or disagree with the critics I can say that her fiction flows naturally and whatever liberties she takes with the facts don't appear to be to the story's detriment. It is fiction after all, and very good fiction at that.
Helpful Score: 2
Extremely well researched with wonderfully developed characters. One of Gregory's best!
Helpful Score: 1
This is my second Philippa Gregory book. I enjoyed this one as well. It follows the Rivers family in the early times of the cousin's war. It ended with suspense wondering what happened next so I now am reading the Red Queen to see if it ties up the loose ends. Stay tuned I guess.......
Helpful Score: 1
With this book, Gregory introduced me to the Cousin's War. It begins in the middle of the 15th century where a civil war between cousin's fight each other for the crown. The northerners being the Yorkists (White rose)and the Lancastrians (Red rose).
Every time I open one of her books, I feel as if I'm in another time and place. It's like I'm reading a beautiful diary through chronological events. As the story progresses with the character, you too feel the changes they encounter.
Gregory begins with her as a slightly vulnerable widow and after marrying the handsome Edward, she's a woman of influence, power, and most importantly a mother to the princes in the tower.
Enjoy this book. Gregory does not disappoint for imagery, historical accuracy, and romance!
Every time I open one of her books, I feel as if I'm in another time and place. It's like I'm reading a beautiful diary through chronological events. As the story progresses with the character, you too feel the changes they encounter.
Gregory begins with her as a slightly vulnerable widow and after marrying the handsome Edward, she's a woman of influence, power, and most importantly a mother to the princes in the tower.
Enjoy this book. Gregory does not disappoint for imagery, historical accuracy, and romance!
Helpful Score: 1
Elizabeth Woodville is a widow with two children who plans an encounter with the warring king whose forces killed her husband. The beautiful Elizabeth captures King Edward's heart and they fall in love. Married in a small chapel with few witnesses, she becomes queen when he declares his love for her when he announces the marriage. His mentor, Warwick, is furious because he married without his consent, married a commoner, and a widow. He becomes more furious when the queen's family takes all the plums which he hoped to secure for himself and his friends. Eventually, he decides to support the king's brother, George, unseat the king.
King Edward wins his wars, one after the other even when all seems against him. Yet George plots continually to replace his brother. When Edward can no longer forgive him, he is sentenced to death for treason. The king becomes ill and dies. The story continues with several factions warring with each other to gain the power of the throne.
A fascinating aspect of the novel is how the author wove the myth of Melusina, a European river goddess into the story, adding an element of fantasy which I love. Elizabeth and her mother thought they were descendants of Melusina and are accused of witchcraft time and again. Of course, the weather incidents that affect what happens add intrigue to the story. Did Elizabeth, her mother and daughter conjure the weather events that affected the war? It's all part of the excitement that Gregory brings to this story and I truly enjoyed it.
King Edward wins his wars, one after the other even when all seems against him. Yet George plots continually to replace his brother. When Edward can no longer forgive him, he is sentenced to death for treason. The king becomes ill and dies. The story continues with several factions warring with each other to gain the power of the throne.
A fascinating aspect of the novel is how the author wove the myth of Melusina, a European river goddess into the story, adding an element of fantasy which I love. Elizabeth and her mother thought they were descendants of Melusina and are accused of witchcraft time and again. Of course, the weather incidents that affect what happens add intrigue to the story. Did Elizabeth, her mother and daughter conjure the weather events that affected the war? It's all part of the excitement that Gregory brings to this story and I truly enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book interesting, but confusing. Unfortunately the historic characters all have the same first names (Richard, Edward, Elizabeth, etc.) which is not the author's fault, but it really slows the reader down and forces he or she to re-read pages to make sure which character she is speaking of. Genny
Helpful Score: 1
Even though I dont ordinarily like a book written in 1st person POV, it did not bother me near as much as usual. The White Queen was a vast improvement over The Other Queen although still not as great as her books on Henry VIIIs wives or the royal gardener books which I though were 5 star reads. Even though the novel took place over 20 years, I never reached the point where I really cared about the characters in this story. They seemed pretty flat and frankly not very interesting. This novel did not contain the rich details about the foods, clothing, and parties that I enjoyed so much in the Tudor series. These rich details was what kept me reading as much as the storyline. I loved the intrigue of the Tudor era and though there were some mention of politics in this book not nearly enough that you felt the danger that existed during this time. Gregory tells you about it but you never have that edge of your seat feeling that I got in the Boleyn books. The writing was repetitive to a fault about her ancestor Melusine and I didnt think it really added anything to the storyline. It felt as though the editor said we need some paranormal to draw in the reader so witches and magic was thrown in the mix. It was an interesting read as I was unfamiliar with this era in English history but not a rush out and buy read. So for that reason I gave it a 3 star rating.
Cousins' War
1. The White Queen (2009)
2. The Red Queen (2010)
Cousins' War
1. The White Queen (2009)
2. The Red Queen (2010)
Helpful Score: 1
Read this for my online book club, The Reading Cove. I enjoyed Elizabeth's romance/marriage with King Edward, but all the plotting, scheming & worrying over the throne became very repetitive & stale.
Richards, Edwards, & Georges abound. It was such a chore keeping the players straight. I think this book was about 100-200 pages too long. The allegory of Melusina the water goddess and Elizabeth's being her descendant was completely overdone and pointless.
I think I'm burned out on Philippa Gregory's take on the English royals. I've read them all and after The Other Boleyn Girl, it just feels like it's the same story in each book, only with different characters. Same old scheming, spying, plotting, manipulating and beheading for the throne. Yawn. I think I'll be skipping the rest of this series.
Richards, Edwards, & Georges abound. It was such a chore keeping the players straight. I think this book was about 100-200 pages too long. The allegory of Melusina the water goddess and Elizabeth's being her descendant was completely overdone and pointless.
I think I'm burned out on Philippa Gregory's take on the English royals. I've read them all and after The Other Boleyn Girl, it just feels like it's the same story in each book, only with different characters. Same old scheming, spying, plotting, manipulating and beheading for the throne. Yawn. I think I'll be skipping the rest of this series.
Junelle F. (butterflygrandma) reviewed The White Queen (Cousins' War, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
I liked this book, but it was not as exciting as the Bolyne Books.
Different from the other Philippa Gregory novels about that period in history, but still very good.
Great read!
Even though I dont ordinarily like a book written in 1st person POV, it did not bother me near as much as usual. The White Queen was a vast improvement over The Other Queen although still not as great as her books on Henry VIIIs wives or the royal gardener books which I though were 5 star reads. Even though the novel took place over 20 years, I never reached the point where I really cared about the characters in this story. They seemed pretty flat and frankly not very interesting. This novel did not contain the rich details about the foods, clothing, and parties that I enjoyed so much in the Tudor series. These rich details was what kept me reading as much as the storyline. I loved the intrigue of the Tudor era and though there were some mention of politics in this book not nearly enough that you felt the danger that existed during this time. Gregory tells you about it but you never have that edge of your seat feeling that I got in the Boleyn books. The writing was repetitive to a fault about her ancestor Melusine and I didnt think it really added anything to the storyline. It felt as though the editor said we need some paranormal to draw in the reader so witches and magic was thrown in the mix. It was an interesting read as I was unfamiliar with this era in English history but not a rush out and buy read. So for that reason I gave it a 3 star rating.
I just finished reading this book and allthough, it was good, it just didn't keep my interest like other Philippa Gregory books I've read. I knew nothing of "the War of Roses" and found to be interesting in explaining a part of history. I do look forward to reading The Red Queen soon.
Very entertaining book. Loved it. Lots of mystery, lots on intrigue. Lots of back stabbing and plots. The author included both historical fact and fiction, to make this book a must read.
Excellent. Philippa Gregory is awesome. I read this and the Red Queen out of order, but still really enjoyed both books. Can't wait to read #3.
OMG! I loooved this book! It's a great teaching on the hefty price one must pay in order to achieve one's ambitions! I loved how magic interplayed heavily in the lives of the characters, and how Phillippa Gregory took one incident at Elizabeth Wydville's coronation (some of her Mom's relatives strode into Westminster Abbey carrying shields with Melusine on them, which scandalized the court and made everyone think that she was a witch..)and ran with it, weaving imagination with fact to create an amazing story. A very good book! 'Highly recommended!
This first book in a stunning new series - The Cousins' War - chronicles the lives of women set during the Wars of the Roses. Elizabeth Woodville, a common woman who catches the eye of the newly crowned 19-year-old King Edward IV, marries him secretly and so ascends to the throne of England. As a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition, Elizabeth fights tenaciously for the success of her family from her exalted position as the White Queen - from the House of York.
Yet, as brother turns on brother in the war for the throne of England, Elizabeth's two sons are caught in the middle - the central figures in a mystery that spans five centuries, and still manages to confound historians. The Princes in the Tower of London, whose ultimate fate after their disappearance in 1483, remains unclear to this day.
This was actually my favorite book of the month. The plot was just intellectually stimulating enough to keep my interest engaged until the very end. This is definitely an A+! book, and while it is the first book that I've read by this particular author it most certainly will not be my last.
Yet, as brother turns on brother in the war for the throne of England, Elizabeth's two sons are caught in the middle - the central figures in a mystery that spans five centuries, and still manages to confound historians. The Princes in the Tower of London, whose ultimate fate after their disappearance in 1483, remains unclear to this day.
This was actually my favorite book of the month. The plot was just intellectually stimulating enough to keep my interest engaged until the very end. This is definitely an A+! book, and while it is the first book that I've read by this particular author it most certainly will not be my last.
Great book by Phillippa! I found the story very interesting, and I was fascinated to find out more. Elizabeth Woodville is a very interesting character on her own, but with Gregory's flare she was hard to put down! Towards the end the book was a little repetitive, but still satisfying to read.
I have read several books on the subject and though none can ever claim complete historical accuracy - this was a wonderful bit of storytelling.
Another enjoyable volume from Gregory, this one begins her series on the Wars of the Roses. The story follows Elizabeth Woodville, a largely u
I loved all the Tudor novels Philippa Gregory has written and was very excited that she started a new series of the time before the Tudor years since I knew so little about them.
I found myself confused through most of the book as there are way too many Edwards, Richards, Margarets, and dukes. There is a genealogical chart at the beginning of the book but it didn't cover the main characters in the bookwhich would have been very helpful. I liked this book enough to wade through it, but I also think it could have been much better. The writing was flat and didn't pull the reader in. Not so sure I will read the next in the series.
I found myself confused through most of the book as there are way too many Edwards, Richards, Margarets, and dukes. There is a genealogical chart at the beginning of the book but it didn't cover the main characters in the bookwhich would have been very helpful. I liked this book enough to wade through it, but I also think it could have been much better. The writing was flat and didn't pull the reader in. Not so sure I will read the next in the series.
The White Queen brought the period of the War of the Roses to life. I didn't know anything about this time period in English history. While reading the book, I found myself searching out more information about the people involved in the story. A good read - I highly recommend it!
Jeanne G. (IlliniAlum83) -
An excellent text on the War of the Roses, the conflict between the Lancaster and York families plus their ties to the Tudors, with the thrill of romance thrown in. Interesting inclusion of charms and curses used by the female descendents of the water goddess and how even political stronghorses feared these women's powers. An added bonus is the mystery of the 2 princes in the tower, the attempted rescue of them, and a theory of what really happened that conflicts with Londoners' generally held belief that their Uncle Richard had them killed in order to put himself on the throne.
A very action-packed story compared to most of Gregory's other "queen" novels. Makes me think this one could be made into a movie next!
A very action-packed story compared to most of Gregory's other "queen" novels. Makes me think this one could be made into a movie next!
Great book! Loved this to start with in the series. Read the Red Queen right after and am now onto the Lady of the Rivers.
I know the story well but enjoyed this retelling from Elizabeth's view point. A very enjoyable read!
This book transports you to the time period, and takes you on a journey.
A look into history with excitement and romance throughout.
Another great Philippa Gregory book
I read this book before "The White Queen" series came on tv. it helped me follow the show events.
I really enjoyed learning about the Queen behind the King. It is a book of great information and a romance to make your heart soar.
I love historical fiction and can appreciate all the research Ms. Gregory has done to transport the reader back to this time and tell the story of this real life beautiful and unappreciated Queen.
I gave this book a B +
Check out my full review at:
http://abookofadifferentcolor.blogspot.com
Happy Reading!
Check out my full review at:
http://abookofadifferentcolor.blogspot.com
Happy Reading!
I didn't enjoy reading this book-however, I think that it adequately depicts the change a person goes through when they come into power. The main character starts the book as a common widow who has good principles and refuses to become the king's mistress. She stays strong and the king admires this in her and marries her and she becomes queen. I liked that part. After she becomes queen she turns into a power hungry, ruthless, plotting, revengeful people hater. I really grew to unlove her.
As for the writing style- I found it very unbalanced. There were several pages dedicated to detailing a rainstorm, (that get very redundant) but when she gave birth three times to mere daughters, well that was wrapped up in a sentence.
I did however find it interesting in the author's note at the end that there were a lot of facts in this book. She used a lot of history and then used her imagination to fill in gaps and add intersting magic and spells.
I only read it for book club, and I don't think I'll likely read more.
As for the writing style- I found it very unbalanced. There were several pages dedicated to detailing a rainstorm, (that get very redundant) but when she gave birth three times to mere daughters, well that was wrapped up in a sentence.
I did however find it interesting in the author's note at the end that there were a lot of facts in this book. She used a lot of history and then used her imagination to fill in gaps and add intersting magic and spells.
I only read it for book club, and I don't think I'll likely read more.
I usually love Philippa Gregory's books. However this one was a great let-down! My husband called it the book she wrote to pay the mortgage!
I knew little about the "War of the Roses" and so found this book very interesting. I did not like it as well as the books about Henry VIII's wives though. Like all of Philippa Gregory's novels, this was well-researched.
Another of Gregory's excellent works that fleshes out the lives of English queens.
Good historical look into one of King Henry VIII's mistresses. I enjoyed reading this book.
