Book Review
Jan. 20th, 2026 10:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariThe White Queen
by Philippa Gregory
This historical novel is set during the last couple of decades of the Wars of the Roses and is told mainly from the perspective of Elizabeth Woodville, Edward the IV's queen. They fall in love just about at first sight and get married privately, much to the chagrin of Edward's advisors. Still, Elizabeth and Edward have a successful marriage and produce ten children. Their reign is more rocky, as the York-Lancaster conflict persists. When Edward dies of a fever and Richard usurps the throne, Elizabeth and her children have to navigate a very dangerous and difficult future.
I liked this angle on the Wars of the Roses, given how it concentrates on the events behind and around the battles. Elizabeth is a compelling character. She is fierce in her love and loyalty for Edward and for her family. She is not inherently power-hungry, but once she has power, she is determined to keep it and grow it. She is also very determined to make sure her family gets the full benefit of her position. This does not always make her political life easy, but it does make her a force in the kingdom. Gregory adds a bit of magical realism by showing Elizabeth, her mother, and her daughter using folk magic to influence events, but leaves their efficacy ambiguous. It does add a cool aspect to the story, and a glimpse into how medieval people used and viewed these practices.
by Philippa Gregory
This historical novel is set during the last couple of decades of the Wars of the Roses and is told mainly from the perspective of Elizabeth Woodville, Edward the IV's queen. They fall in love just about at first sight and get married privately, much to the chagrin of Edward's advisors. Still, Elizabeth and Edward have a successful marriage and produce ten children. Their reign is more rocky, as the York-Lancaster conflict persists. When Edward dies of a fever and Richard usurps the throne, Elizabeth and her children have to navigate a very dangerous and difficult future.
I liked this angle on the Wars of the Roses, given how it concentrates on the events behind and around the battles. Elizabeth is a compelling character. She is fierce in her love and loyalty for Edward and for her family. She is not inherently power-hungry, but once she has power, she is determined to keep it and grow it. She is also very determined to make sure her family gets the full benefit of her position. This does not always make her political life easy, but it does make her a force in the kingdom. Gregory adds a bit of magical realism by showing Elizabeth, her mother, and her daughter using folk magic to influence events, but leaves their efficacy ambiguous. It does add a cool aspect to the story, and a glimpse into how medieval people used and viewed these practices.
