Guest review: The Lady of the Rivers
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but my sister enjoys it so I asked her if she’d be interested in The Lady of the Rivers, by Philippa Gregory. Since she’d never read Gregory’s work, she was anxious to give it a try. Here are her thoughts on the book:
Beautiful young Jacquetta of Luxembourg is a descendent of Melusina, the river goddess. As the eldest female of her generation she has inherited the gift of foresight. Tutored in its use by her Great Aunt, she learns that she must be careful with her words and to take care in the world of men. As a young girl she catches the eye of the much older Duke of Bedford, one of the highest ranking men in all of England and France. Uncle to King Henry VI, who at the age of nine months became the youngest person ever to succeed to the throne, he serves as English Regent of France. When the Duke’s wife dies, he immediately arranges to marry the seventeen year old Jacquetta much to her dismay. It’s a loveless marriage, but Jacquetta is young and resilient and makes the most it. She comes to respect and admire her husband and soon takes up his cause.
The Lady of the Rivers, the third installment of the Cousins’ War series, is historical fiction set in England during the time called the War of the Roses when England’s aristocratic families battled for control of the kingdom. If you’re like me, you probably found grammar school history lessons to be tedious and boring. With lots of names and dates to remember your eyes literally rolled back in your head. This book is not at all like that. Philippa Gregory makes history come to life. She is a recognized expert in women’s history. When you think about it women have long been given short shrift in life and in history. She wakens women from history who have often been overlooked in favor of their male contemporaries. Her strong female characters are infused with passion, an earnest sense of duty, and fierce loyalty. Knowing nothing at all about this period in English history, I learned a lot and enjoyed it, too. So if you’re an Anglophile or someone who loves historical fiction be sure to read this book. The next book in the series comes out in August and you’ll want to be prepared.
I was reading this over someones shoulder on the train – and it seemed quite good, if perhaps a little fanciful with some of the foresight elements. I’ve enjoyed her other books though – perhaps I’ll give it a go! Thanks.
I like historical fiction and I’ve been wanting to read this. Glad your sister enjoyed it.
I have never read anything by this author, but I do know that she’s very popular. Glad your sister enjoyed it.
I like Philippa Gregory….thanks for the post.
I’ve never heard of Philippa Gregory, and not much of a historical fiction fan, but I’m glad your sister liked it.
Hooray for sisters and guest reviews – I always ask if any of my family members would like to write a guest post or review but so far no dice.
I enjoy a good historical fiction now and then and this does sound like a worthwhile series.
I have only ever read her YA book. But I am intrigued to read more of her books.
I’ve read quite a few of Phillipa’s work, but have not started this series. I’m still reading off my shelves till Sept. 1st. so maybe after that. I really enjoy historical fiction.
Great review! I’ve been wanting to give Philippa Gregory a try; I’ve heard good things about her books.
I enjoyed this one too
I like the era
These books always sound great and I think if I actually read one I would love them but…I can’t go there yet…thank you Kathy’s sister!
I’m not, erm, an anglophile, but i do love british literature and historical novels (just finished Wolf Hall), so thank you for the recommendation!
So glad that Karen is back!!!! I read the first two books in the series (I think) but now I’m getting very behind.
I still have not read a book by Gregory….though I think I have the White Queen somewhere.
I have been wanting to read this author and this series!!! Great review..I’m intrigued!