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A review by beccaannekent
The Women of the Cousins' War: The Real White Queen and Her Rivals by Philippa Gregory, Michael Jones, David Baldwin
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
This book covers a brief, but interesting history of three women in the “Cousins War” (later known as the War of the Roses”. Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Lady Rivers. Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of Edward IV and Margaret Beaufort, mother to Henry VII. All three played significant roles in this time period’s history, but until recent times have been briefly mentioned due to their sex.
As this is co-authored by three people, each covering the history of one of the subjects, then you can separate this book into three parts.
The introduction, and Jacquetta’s story is given by Philippa Gregory. Who is known for her fictional and almost fantasy based historical novels rather than factual. I must admit, the fictional novels are a guilty pleasure of mine, even though when I read them I know there is limited accurate historical information throughout. I take them as they are.
Unfortunately, although Jacquetta’s story is the least known to me and the one I was most excited to learn more about, Philippa’s non-fictional writing is not as immersive as her fictional. I was bored, particularly in the lengthy introduction, and couldn’t wait to move on.
David Baldwin and Michael Jones’ takes on Elizabeth and Margaret were much more interesting. I was sad that Jones skipped quickly over the Battle of Bosworth with Margaret (potentially due to lack of accounts?), I can’t imagine what her thought processes were knowing her only son was either going to emerge victorious as a King of England or die trying.
Overall, a short but interesting book which would be perfect for anyone beginning to dip their toes into this time period, particularly the Wars of the Roses. I am glad that finally women in history are being brought to the forefront and we can learn more about their impact on such historical events.
As this is co-authored by three people, each covering the history of one of the subjects, then you can separate this book into three parts.
The introduction, and Jacquetta’s story is given by Philippa Gregory. Who is known for her fictional and almost fantasy based historical novels rather than factual. I must admit, the fictional novels are a guilty pleasure of mine, even though when I read them I know there is limited accurate historical information throughout. I take them as they are.
Unfortunately, although Jacquetta’s story is the least known to me and the one I was most excited to learn more about, Philippa’s non-fictional writing is not as immersive as her fictional. I was bored, particularly in the lengthy introduction, and couldn’t wait to move on.
David Baldwin and Michael Jones’ takes on Elizabeth and Margaret were much more interesting. I was sad that Jones skipped quickly over the Battle of Bosworth with Margaret (potentially due to lack of accounts?), I can’t imagine what her thought processes were knowing her only son was either going to emerge victorious as a King of England or die trying.
Overall, a short but interesting book which would be perfect for anyone beginning to dip their toes into this time period, particularly the Wars of the Roses. I am glad that finally women in history are being brought to the forefront and we can learn more about their impact on such historical events.