Who Would Like This Book:
Ever wanted to dive into the tangled web of court politics, power plays, and fierce ambition during the Wars of the Roses? This is for you! "The Red Queen" paints a vivid portrait of Margaret Beaufort - strong-willed, obsessively pious, and on a mission to place her son on the throne at any cost. Philippa Gregory brings 15th-century England to life with immersive detail, rich atmosphere, and a unique viewpoint from the Lancaster side. If you love unapologetic anti-heroines, real historical suspense, and a story that reads like a ruthless chess game, you’ll be hooked. Especially recommended for fans of historical fiction who love powerful, complex women (even the unlikeable ones!), and readers fascinated by the birth of the Tudor dynasty.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers bounced off the book due to Margaret’s unyielding, sometimes grating personality - she’s piety and ambition dialed up to eleven, which can make her tough to relate to. The story also overlaps heavily with events from "The White Queen," so it might feel repetitive if you’ve read that first. If you prefer your historical fiction with a dash of romance or need deeply sympathetic leads, this one might feel cold or monotonous. And if court intrigue and lengthy political maneuvering aren’t your thing, you could find yourself skimming through the battle-heavy, plot-plotting pages.
About:
'The Red Queen' by Philippa Gregory is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII, during the Wars of the Roses period. The story is narrated from Margaret's perspective, portraying her as a complex and ambitious character who believes it is her destiny to rule England and ensure her son becomes king. The novel delves into Margaret's struggles, marriages, religious fervor, political maneuvers, and ruthless actions to secure her son's claim to the throne amidst the turbulent political landscape of the time. The writing style includes first-person narration, providing insights into Margaret's psychology and portraying her as a flawed yet determined figure.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book may contain triggers related to themes of loss, betrayal, and political violence.
From The Publisher:
The inspiration for the critically acclaimed Starz miniseries The White Queen, #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings to life Margaret Beaufort, heiress to the red rose of Lancaster, who charts her way through treacherous alliances to take control of the English throne.
Margaret Beaufort never surrenders her belief that her Lancaster house is the true ruler of England, and that she has a great destiny before her. Married to a man twice her age, quickly widowed, and a mother at only fourteen, Margaret is determined to turn her lonely life into a triumph. She sets her heart on putting her son on the throne of England regardless of the cost to herself, to England, and even to the little boy. Disregarding rival heirs and the overwhelming power of the York dynasty, she names him Henry, like the king; sends him into exile; and pledges him in marriage to her enemy Elizabeth of York's daughter. As the political tides constantly move and shift, Margaret masterminds one of the greatest rebellions of all time-all the while knowing that her son has grown to manhood, recruited an army, and awaits his opportunity to win the greatest prize in all of England.
The Red Queen is a novel of conspiracy, passion, and coldhearted ambition, the story of a proud and determined woman who believes that she alone is destined, by her piety and lineage, to shape the course of history.
Ratings (12)
Loved It (5) | |
Liked It (6) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (22):
Read It (13) | |
Want To Read (6) | |
Not Interested (3) |
1 comment(s)
The Red Queen brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort mother of King Henry VII. I loved the book and was completely absorbed BUT I could not stand Margaret and wanted to kill her myself lol. Still loving these books and want more.
What can you read after
The Red Queen?
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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