Who Would Like This Book:
If you love your history with a dash of drama and romance, "The Lady of the Rivers" is a treat. Philippa Gregory brings to life Jacquetta of Luxembourg - a fascinating but little-known figure in English history - mixing royal intrigue, forbidden love, court politics, and just a hint of magic. Fans of strong, complex female leads and those who can't resist the dangerous glamor of the Wars of the Roses will find themselves easily swept up. It's especially great if you enjoy historical fiction that prioritizes character and emotion over strict accuracy, or if you liked Gregory's more popular books like "The Other Boleyn Girl."
Who May Not Like This Book:
Readers who crave rigorous historical accuracy or dislike anachronisms may find themselves frustrated; Gregory bends facts for drama, and not everyone enjoys the mystical elements or modern feminist overtones threaded through a medieval setting. Some also found the pacing uneven, with long stretches focused on Jacquetta having children and observing events rather than actively influencing them. If you want a tightly-plotted, action-packed novel with a protagonist always at the forefront, or if magic and mythology in your historical fiction are a deal-breaker, this might not be your cup of tea.
About:
'The Lady of the Rivers' by Philippa Gregory follows the life of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, a noblewoman who marries for love, becomes a Lady in Waiting to Queen Margaret of Anjou, and witnesses the struggles during the Wars of the Roses. The story is a blend of historical facts and fiction, portraying Jacquetta's involvement in key historical events and her mystical abilities. The plot is set during a turbulent period in English history, focusing on power struggles, royal intrigue, and personal relationships against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses.
The narrative style of Philippa Gregory in 'The Lady of the Rivers' is a mix of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling. Gregory brings lesser-known historical figures like Jacquetta to life, weaving in elements of magic and mythology to enhance the characters' depth and complexity. Readers are taken on a journey through Jacquetta's life, her relationships, and her role in shaping the events of the time, providing a fresh perspective on familiar historical events.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book has medium content warnings due to discussions of war, violence, and witchcraft.
Has Romance?
Romance is a significant aspect of the story, particularly through the relationship between Jacquetta and Richard Woodville.
From The Publisher:
#1 New York Times bestselling author and "queen of royal fiction" (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory brings to life the story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman of passion and of legend who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the War of the Roses to bring her family unimaginable power.
When the young and beautiful Jacquetta is married to the older Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke's squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke's death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen.
The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta has visions of the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of their royal York rivals. Jacquetta fights for her king and queen, as she sees an extraordinary and unexpected future for her daughter Elizabeth: a change of fortune, the white rose of York, and the throne of England…
Ratings (14)
Incredible (4) | |
Loved It (7) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (44):
Read It (16) | |
Want To Read (19) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (8) |
2 comment(s)
This book was fantastic. Set in 1400s and focuses on Jacquetta of Luxembourgs life and her friendship to queen Margaret. Gripping plot during the war of the roses I didn't want to put this down.
3.5 stars. It's a fascinating time period to read about and I found the main character Jacquetta to be intriguing. Has a nice tone of drama and is an somewhat easy read
What can you read after
The Lady of the Rivers?
About the Author:
Philippa Gregory is the author of many New York Times bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognized authority on women's history. Many of her works have been adapted for the screen including The Other Boleyn Girl. She graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where she is a Regent. She holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and was awarded the 2016 Harrogate Festival Award for Contribution to Historical Fiction. She is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She founded Gardens for the Gambia, a charity to dig wells in poor rural schools in The Gambia, and has provided nearly 200 wells. She welcomes visitors to her website PhilippaGregory.com.
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