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Philippa Gregory
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Book
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Publisher | Simon & Schuster | ||
ISBN | 978-184737457 | ||
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Reviewer
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Ann
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Synopsis
The second book in Philippa's stunning new series, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.
Review
Having profiled the Yorkist Queen, Elizabeth Woodville, in the War of the Roses, Philippa Gregory turns her attention to the Lancastrians and their Queen Margaret Beaufort.
Unfortunately not as good as the White Queen, but may be because the subject matter is not as attractive, apparently in looks or personality, nor as interesting. Started and ended well but got a little boring in the middle.
Still, as one now expects, easy to read and stimulated my interest in finding out more. Little mention of her educational activites, founding schools and colleges. I had to find out more about Jasper Tudor too, a refreshing name amongst the Edwards and Henrys. He married Catherine Woodville, widow of the Duke of Buckingham, bet Margaret wasn't pleased about that !
Looking forward now to the last book in the series - The White Princess, although I understand one about Elizabeth Woodville's mother Jacquetta will come first.
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