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Most Helpful Favorable Review
18 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
THE WHITE QUEEN
I've always thoroughly enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's fabulous historical novels. Ms. Gregory's last series about the Tudors included such titles as "The Constant Princess", "The Other Boleyn Girl" (remember the great movie from this book?!), "The Boleyn Inheritance" &"The ...Read More
I've always thoroughly enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's fabulous historical novels. Ms. Gregory's last series about the Tudors included such titles as "The Constant Princess", "The Other Boleyn Girl" (remember the great movie from this book?!), "The Boleyn Inheritance" &"The Other Queen" - plus there were two other books that completed this series. Ms. Gregory claims that a chance "taster" history class at the University of Sussex started her on the road to penning her lush, well researched books. The only thing that my history classes in college did were to strengthen my passion for both history (history minor) & reading about history - both fiction and non-fiction. I love to read books in a series because they allow you to really develop a good feel for the subjects & the time period. One of the things I enjoy doing when I am reading historical fiction is to research the true facts - people, places, dates - you get the idea. I like to see how far a writer goes to weave a tale around the truth. Ms Gregory generally writes fiction with a strong non-fiction base to which she adds just a pinch of plausible fiction to round out the story. Highly recommended! Get this book!Show Less
posted by timetraveler-1692- on August 26, 2009
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9 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
Once Again, Gregory Falls Short
As a lover of historical fiction with a particularly keen interest in the Wars of the Roses, I was very eager to read this latest novel of Philippa Gregory. However, upon purchasing the book and beginning to read it, I couldn't help but be very disappointed. The chara...Read More
As a lover of historical fiction with a particularly keen interest in the Wars of the Roses, I was very eager to read this latest novel of Philippa Gregory. However, upon purchasing the book and beginning to read it, I couldn't help but be very disappointed. The characters seem like flat cardboard cutouts of themselves, playing their parts in history with very little emotion conveyed. Gregory writes Elizabeth Woodville's commentary in voices ranging from monotone to vindictive without much in between. All in all, this novel was a rather disappointing read.Show Less
posted by AnabelLancaster on October 20, 2009
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Anonymous
Posted August 26, 2009
I Also Recommend:
THE WHITE QUEEN
I've always thoroughly enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's fabulous historical novels. Ms. Gregory's last series about the Tudors included such titles as "The Constant Princess", "The Other Boleyn Girl" (remember the great movie from this book?!), "The Boleyn Inheritance" &"The Other Queen" - plus there were two other books that completed this series. Ms. Gregory claims that a chance "taster" history class at the University of Sussex started her on the road to penning her lush, well researched books. The only thing that my history classes in college did were to strengthen my passion for both history (history minor) & reading about history - both fiction and non-fiction. I love to read books in a series because they allow you to really develop a good feel for the subjects & the time period. One of the things I enjoy doing when I am reading historical fiction is to research the true facts - people, places, dates - you get the idea. I like to see how far a writer goes to weave a tale around the truth. Ms Gregory generally writes fiction with a strong non-fiction base to which she adds just a pinch of plausible fiction to round out the story. Highly recommended! Get this book!
18 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
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Oscar_Aguilar
Posted August 20, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Lives up to the hype
I have been anxiously awaiting the new Philippa Gregory book THE WHITE QUEEN. Like many, I enjoyed THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL; however, I didn't exactly love the last book that I read by Ms. Gregory. I was sincerely hoping that THE WHITE QUEEN would love up to all its advance billing.
While I definitely enjoy historical fiction, I am sadly lacking in knowledge about England and its Monarchy. As a result, I knew almost nothing about the Plantagenets except for a few small things that appeared as side stories in other novels. I can't tell you how much of this story is fact versus fiction; and frankly, I don't even care. I was fascinated by the story Ms. Gregory told about these characters' lives. THE WHITE QUEEN is better than any televised drama or movie I've ever seen. These characters are smart, determined, and ruthless; and I just loved reading about them.
I thought THE WHITE QUEEN had a little bit of everything; and I'm sure there is something in Elizabeth Woodville' s story that will capture your attention. First, THE WHITE QUEEN is just a fabulous historical story about the Cousins' War. There are so many scenes where brother is pitted against brother for control; and the characters involved have absolutely no idea who they can and can not trust. It was a great, suspenseful ride for the reader too! I also thoroughly enjoyed how Ms. Gregory used facts to tell the story while also embellishing the mysteries and holes in the characters' lives to make a very readable story.
Another part of this story that will keep many readers entertained is the magical and sorcery elements. Elizabeth is said to be the descendant of a mythical water creature called Melusina. Ms. Gregory incorporated the myth of Melusina into the novel and actually used it as a recurring theme/symbol throughout the story. In addition, Elizabeth's mother practiced some examples witchcraft. Some people actually claimed that Elizabeth's mother put a spell on Edward to make him fall in love with her daughter.
One of my favorite elements of the THE WHITE QUEEN was the love story angle. It seemed to me as if there was a perfect blend of romance and history in this book. Not only did THE WHITE QUEEN show the love affair between Elizabeth and Edward, but this book is also demonstrated the love between mothers and their children. More than once, I was amazed by what women did to protect their children especially in the case of Elizabeth and her sons.
THE WHITE QUEEN would make an excellent book club pick. In fact, if your group enjoys historical fiction like mine does, then you should definitely consider this book in the very near future. One added bonus is that the book is around 400 pages (shorter than many historical novels), and it is not at all overwhelming in scope. There is a great reading guide with fifteen questions that really allow you to delve into Elizabeth's life and her actions.
Another recent read that was just outstanding that you should definitely give a look was I Love Yous Are for White People.11 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted October 20, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Once Again, Gregory Falls Short
As a lover of historical fiction with a particularly keen interest in the Wars of the Roses, I was very eager to read this latest novel of Philippa Gregory. However, upon purchasing the book and beginning to read it, I couldn't help but be very disappointed. The characters seem like flat cardboard cutouts of themselves, playing their parts in history with very little emotion conveyed. Gregory writes Elizabeth Woodville's commentary in voices ranging from monotone to vindictive without much in between. All in all, this novel was a rather disappointing read.
9 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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A uper historical fiction tale
Everyone is shocked when twenty-seven years old widow Elizabeth Woodville Grey marries the newly crowned King Edward IV; five years younger than her. He is the House of York while she is the House of Lancaster. With a twist, her family becomes his greatest loyalist backers while his brother George and his advisor Warwick unite in duplicity to steal the throne. A third family of cousins the Tudors wait in the wings while encouraging both sides in the dispute. The War of the Roses begins with the ascension of THE WHITE ROSE as queen.
The key to this super historical fiction is not the often told tale of changing loyalties or heated trysts (a Philippa Gregory norm), but the speculation into Edward and Elizabeth's two sons, the lost princes placed in the Tower by their Uncle Richard. Clearly researched in great depth, Ms Gregory makes her case plausible based on accepted facts. Fans will enjoy the epic WHITE QUEEN as history comes alive, but it is the speculative history that makes this a triumph worth reading amidst a sea of novels as cousins go to war with ironically the long term victor being the third family Tudor.
Harriet Klausner9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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The best Philippa Gregory since The Other Boleyn Girl.
This is an amazing book! Philippa Gregory finally gives the needed attention to the families, the Yorks and Lancastors, who ruled England before the Tudor family. This novel brings to life the bloody history of the War between the Roses when cousins battled each other for the throne of England, and the turbulent environment in which the Tudor began to rise to power. Elizabeth Woodville, who is married to King Edward of England, is the main character who lets the reader see just how much influence a woman in the 1400s can have. It is her sons who become the famous twins in the tower, which history still hasn't solved the mystery of what happened to them. Overall the novel is one of the best Philippa Gregory has written.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Futa_librarian
Posted July 7, 2010
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It is an ok read that is hard to put down
I love Phillippa Gregory and have read almost all of her books! The last few however have somewhat left me down. The White Queen is a return to her previous books in the idea that I was engrossed in it and could not put it down, but it still seems to lack the passion behind The Other B Girl. You could tell during Gregory's books about this era that she was extremely passionate about her characters and had spent a large amount of time studying them. The real life story behind this time period is so vague because of how long ago it was and the lack of documentation that the story just seems to happen. There isn't the amount of detail and storyline that seemed real like Gregory's first few books.
If you love Gregory or like hitorical romance novels, you will enjoy this book - but to say I loved it is a stretch.2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Overall a good read
There's been countless books done on the royal families of England but nobody writes like Gregory. Although we know how it happens in history the way she tells the story you find yourself wanting to read more. However this was nowhere near the page turn the Other Boleyn Girl was but it's still a good read. I will be looking foward to reading the next book in the series.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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A stunning work of fiction that approaches The Other Boleyn Girl in intensity, despite some deviancy from historical accuracy
http://maggiesbookshelf.blogspot.com/2009/11/white-queen.html
Elizabeth Woodville was born little more than a commoner, but by virtue of her beauty alone she became Queen of England, beloved by her husband the king, feared by her enemies and grudgingly admired by her people: a true historical Cinderella. Set against the dramatic and brutal backdrop of one of the longest wars in history, the War of the Roses, this first installment in acclaimed historical fiction writer Philippa Gregory's new series The Cousins War explores the life of this extraordinary woman and one of the most famous mysteries in English history: the Princes in the Tower.
While my personal favorite of Gregory's remains The Other Boleyn Girl for sheer intrigue and powerful plotting, The White Queen is an extraordinary tour-de-force that blends history with fiction so seamlessly that it's hard to imagine a more engaging and interesting read about this period. It's especially nice to see the author leaving the Tudor period for awhile and turning her considerable talents to a little-explored region of English history that is as fascinating as it is confusing.
However, as something of a Tudor scholar myself, I continue to struggle with Gregory's boldness in rearranging history to tell a good story. They are indeed excellent stories, and she makes good cases for more controversial historical theories, but it certainly isn't a history lesson. I began to cringe at the constant repetition of the witchcraft themes in this novel-and while the story of Melusina was certainly fascinating and important to Elizabeth's character, it gets old, too. In a way, they're almost more historical fantasy than historical fiction, despite the author's meticulous research.
All in all, this novel is like watching a train wreck. You know it won't end happily, and that every time of peace and quiet is merely the calm before the storm; which gives it a depressing air that can be exhausting at times. But truly, it's hard to imagine a better tribute to a beautiful and powerful woman so often neglected in history books. Her character brims with life from the first page, from her love for her children (including the doomed Princes) to her stubborn refusal to give up her crown; and I imagine that in the end what I felt was similar to what England felt: awe at the risks she took and pity at how much she lost.2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Bamagrammy
Posted November 15, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Another English History
This book was very engrossing for me as I love anything to do with the Pantagenants and the Tudors and in particular the War of the Roses. Good storyline with lots of good historical facts. Just enough romance to please those who want that in their stories. Just an overall good read.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted November 13, 2009
Interesting re-consideration of an unpopular English queen and the rise of the infamous Richard III
This book took me by surprise. Only halfway through the book did I recognize that the queen of the title is surrounded by family members that were historical figures familiar to us today. The queen herself is extremely self-centered and grasping, but telling the story from her prespective actually makes the book unusually interesting. It's a bit draggy in sections, but overall, it's a very enjoyable read, enough to inspire the reader to pick up a British history to see how the academics view the events, and certainly a spur to purchase future novels about the Platagenets promised in the author's foreword.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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history before the Tudors
Historical fiction (along with chocolate) is my weakness. I love history and almost became a history major in college (perhaps I missed my calling), so, naturally, turning history into a novel has great appeal to me. I've devoured many of Ms. Gregory's books: "The Other Boleyn Girl", "The Boleyn Inheritance", "The Queen's Fool", "The Constant Princess", and the list goes on. She enthralls me anytime she puts pen to paper, and "The White Queen" was no different.
The Tudors were a fascinating family, but it was refreshing to switch gears and turn to the family that came before the Tudors-- the Plantagenets. I don't want to spoil the story for you, but the events happen during a time of strife and civil war and King Edward had to fight to even get the throne, much less stay on it. He marries the beautiful Elizabeth Woodville, who becomes the "White Queen", and drama and adventure ensue.
This book was a birthday gift from my parents, and I cracked it open the second I had a free time and did not stop reading it until the end. Oh, I suppose I went to work and hung out with friends, but that nonsense happened between chapters. The voice of Elizabeth really brought out her character and the trials she had to go through. Weaved in between the action was the story of Melusina, the water goddess, and it fit in so well with the novel you almost didn't even notice it.
Elizabeth was so pragmatic. I think that's what I liked the most. She had her ambitions and when they exceeded her expectations, she just went with the flow and remained her stoic, stubborn self. She loved her family and enjoyed being queen, but she stuck with her opinions and did what she could to attain her goals.
This book is the first of a series about the Plantagenet family, and I'm excited to feed my addiction with the rest of the novels. If you love historical fiction like I do, pick up this novel. And if you have yet to read a Philippa Gregory book, any one of them that you read will make you a fan. Just be warned, though. You may not want to stop reading to do normal everyday tasks...2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted October 10, 2009
writing falls short
When I picked up the book I was drawn in by the interesting cover and plot. However, as I read, the writing made it harder and harder to get into the story. Overall the story was good, but the choppy, bland prose made it a bore.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Enjoyable Reading
Philippa Gregory breaks into new historical territory with her latest series on the Wars of the Roses in 15th-century England. Elizabeth Woodville, wife of King Edward IV, is not as well-known as some notable women in history, and it is she who spins this tale. Part schemer, part enchantress, Elizabeth fights fiercely to protect her children and their royal legacy. After a slow start, the novel builds momentum, and I became totally absorbed. The tale puts an interesting twist on the legend of Elizabeth's sons, the two "lost princes", whose mysterious disappearance remains unresolved centuries later.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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I loved it!
If you are a phillipa gregory fan you will love this book. I believe it is one of the best and on par with the other Boleyn girl. The author makes the character's come alive and makes the reader feel apart of the story.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Disappointing
As a fan of romantic historical fiction, I have heard a lot about Philippa Gregory. But The White Queen, though full of period details, was lacking romance and an exciting plot line. It was slow to get into and the romance between the queen and king Edward was motivated by lust, to say the least. I didnt feel a real emotional bond between the characters, and the side of "witchcraft" that the main character participated in just came off as tacky and unrealistic. I enjoyed the Boleyn Inheritance, and was disappointed after reading this novel.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Philippa Gregory has struck gold with The White Queen.
This was another great book by Philippa Gregory. This story centered the War of the Roses and is the beginning of a new series about this time. The point of view was of Elizabeth Woodville & she met and fell madly in love with Edward of York, King of England. They secretly eloped and then the King acknowledged their marrige that surprisely shocked the whole court. But Elizabeth's risen power & influences expanded her family with wealth and bigger titles. So her and her family as well as for future children belonged to the royal realm. They did but unfortunatly it didn't stay like that for long. The plot keeps thicking with the constant worry of one of King Edward's brothers trying to take over the throne. Including the all of the obsticles Elizabeth and her children goes through. So much happens thru out this captivating tale. It haves rich historical details, some magic, romance & thrills. Also some mystical elements as Elizabeth descended from the line of Melusina, a goddess of water. This gave the females of her family the ability to influence events through magic. I sware the story was entertaining from beginning to the end. When you get to the ending you wouldn't want to finished. I really loved it alot. Philippa Gregory writing for this novel was truely spellbinding. Especially reading it by ear. I sware the audio book made the story pace move pretty fast. I loved Bianca Amato's tone & diction. This is the first book I've heard her narrate others before. So she sounded lovely as always. I would recommend anyone to read or listen to The White Queen. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the next book to this series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted March 25, 2011
Historical fiction - emphasis on fiction
On the surface, Ms. Gregory's novels seem to fill a great historical niche - almost everyone agrees the Tudors are fascinating (how many familiies get their own Showtime series 500 years after they first came to power?). As a Tudor buff ever since I discovered Lady Jane Grey at the age of eight, I did enjoy 'The Other Boleyn Girl'. Mary Boleyn's story isn't well known and was an interesting subject for a historical novel; aspects of the story were really well done, and the movie was entertaining and well cast. However, in the process Ms. Gregory totally defamed Anne Boleyn's character - Anne did, after all, protest her innocence to the end, and there is no proof that she was unfaithful to the king (the accusations of adultery with her own brother were particularly scurrilous, and Ms. Gregory treats them as fact), while history leaves no doubt that Henry VIII committed terrible deeds in his pursuit of a male heir. In 'The White Queen,' she does it again, indiscriminately mixing fantasy and history. Here we have Henry VIII's grandmother Elizabeth Woodville possessing supernatural powers and her innocent daughter Princess Elizabeth of York secretly married to Richard III, who Ms. Gregory also decides to vindicate of killing the little princes in the tower. I'm so tired of novels in which women (especially those in the late Middle Ages) have 'second sight' as a plot device. If you want a truly great story from this period, read 'The Dragon and the Rose' by Roberta Gellis, which much more closely follows the real history: Princess Elizabeth married Henry VII to end the Wars of the Roses, they actually fell in love and were faithful to one another, and every British monarch since has been their direct descendant. There have been many excellent historical novels about the Tudors, but in my view, Ms. Gregory's are not among them - yet she now has an extremely lucrative franchise going. She isn't a bad storyteller but if you want to read these books, keep a copy of 'The Oxford History of the British Monarchy' or Winston Churchill's 'History of the English-Speaking Peoples' close at hand, just to check your facts.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Spacecase420
Posted September 14, 2010
This was a great book!
I love Phillipa Gregory's witing style. I have read other books by her, and out of my favorites (the other boleyn girl, the boleyn inheritence, the constant princess) this one deffinatly takes a place among the top. I could not put this book down!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Words of a Master Storyteller
The first book in the Cousins' War series
This latest series tells the story of the Plantagenets, the first novel is centered around Elizabeth Woodville and her family. Based on facts and mixed with the author's vivid imagination, this historical fiction proves once more that Ms Gregory is more than a researcher, she is also a master storyteller.
Elizabeth cherishes the idea that she is a descendant of the water goddess Melusina and the daughter of a woman believed to be a witch. Applying her magic she charms the previously betroth King Edward into marrying her in secret this allows her to eventually move into the castle. Keeping the throne and staying in power is not easy. Her husband had recently dethroned King Henry thus making him the new target...
The story recounts the struggle for ultimate power during this time period. Although witchcraft plays an important part in this fictional plot it also highlights Elizabeth Woodville influence on history.
I like the way Ms Gregory depicted this era, it is quite entertaining but some may not like the route she took and may prefer the traditional point of view. You will find the characterization is one dimensional.... they are all described as having a wicked side to them.....
This tale is definitely not for the historical buff....1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Reading this as an eBook made the ending a bit unsatisfying...
I am a big fan of Philippa Gregory... The Other Boleyn Girl is one of my favorites. And I happened to think this book was great because it covered a period in time I really didn't know much about. The characters were vivid and interesting, and not completely one-dimensional. BUT...
Since I read this on the Nook, I didn't realize that the end of the book had arrived. As I read the book, I knew that I had 391 pages to read. I remember thinking, as I got to 350 "Oh my, I only have 41 pages left." So imagine my surprise when I got to page 361 and the book ended. It's not just that I felt cheated by losing 30 pages (the rest were for notes and Book Club discussion topics), but when I finished, I felt like I had just finished another chapter, not the entire book. I wanted to know more about the characters, and maybe I just need to read Shakespeare to find out, but it seemed like an odd place to end the book.
Go ahead and read it. I think you'll see what I mean. Had I been holding a hard copy of the book, I would have realized the end was near. I still enjoyed it, but it would have been like if the 4th Star Wars movie had ended when Luke swung across the chasm holding Princess Leia.1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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