Title: The Lady of the Rivers
Author: Philippa Gregory
First published October 28, 2011
443 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781416563709 (ISBN10: 1416563709)
Rating: 4.03
Overview
Philippa Gregory, the #1 New York Times bestselling author and master of royal fiction, takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous War of the Roses in her captivating novel, The Lady of the Rivers. Meet Jacquetta, the Duchess of Bedford, who married the older Duke of Bedford and discovered a world of alchemy and intrigue.
When her husband passes away, Jacquetta becomes a wealthy widow and secretly marries her friend, Richard Woodville. Together, they navigate the treacherous Lancaster court, where Jacquetta becomes a loyal friend to the new queen.
As the Woodvilles rise to power, Jacquetta fears the threat from the York rivals and fights for her king and queen. She sees a future for her daughter Elizabeth that is beyond anyone’s expectations: a change of fortune, the white rose of York, and the throne of England.
Don’t miss this epic tale of passion, loyalty, and power.
About the Author
Philippa Gregory is a world-renowned author of historical novels. Her first book, Wideacre, was written while she was pursuing a PhD in eighteenth-century literature, and it quickly became a global bestseller.
This marked the beginning of a new era in historical fiction.
Philippa’s unique talent for blending history and imagination has become her signature style, and she has written many more bestselling novels, including [insert titles]. She has since become a respected authority on women’s history, having graduated from the University of Sussex and obtained her PhD from the University of Edinburgh.
She currently serves as a Regent and was named Alumna of the Year in 2009. Philippa has also received honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex.
In recognition of her contributions to academia, she is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff, and an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck University of London.
As a celebrated author, Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association in 2016. In 2018, her significant lifetime sales across her entire book collection earned her an Honorary Platinum Award from Nielsen.
Philippa invites readers to visit her website, where they can learn more about her work and stay up-to-date on her latest projects. She also maintains an active presence on Facebook.
Editoral Review
Philippa Gregory’s novel, The Lady of the Rivers, published in 2011, is an intricate and captivating work of historical fiction that takes its readers on a journey through the life of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, a French noblewoman in fifteenth-century Europe. Gregory’s mastery of the genre seamlessly blends fact and fiction, weaving detailed historical information with imaginative storytelling, that will transport you to another time and place.
The novel follows a young Jacquetta as she embarks on a journey, starting from her youth in the court of her uncle, the Duke of Burgundy, to her time as a lady-in-waiting for Margaret of Anjou, Queen of England. Along the way, she encounters several powerful men who play an essential role in shaping her life, including her own husband, Richard Woodville, and the Duke of Bedford, who becomes her mentor and protector.
The story takes place against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, a period of civil unrest in England characterized by a struggle for the throne between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Gregory effectively captures the political turmoil and the shifting allegiances of the time and uses it as a backdrop of the story.
This period in history adds significant cultural significance to the book and engages readers who enjoy reading about historical events. Gregory’s writing style is exceptional, her prose is delicately crafted, with an attention to detail that brings the characters and their surroundings to life, making the story seem almost tactile.
The Lady of the Rivers, in particular, is a beautifully written novel, showcasing the author’s meticulous research and understanding of the period. Characters are vividly alive, each with unique personalities and complex motivations.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and have dynamic story arcs. Jacquetta is a compelling protagonist; she is intelligent, resourceful and resilient in the face of danger.
Elizabeth Woodville, who would later become the queen of England (famously called the White Queen) is also an outstanding character, a woman in a world where men dominate, she shows strength and intelligence in maneuvering the nuances of power politics. In conclusion, The Lady of the Rivers is a beautifully written historical novel that skillfully blends fact and fiction, providing readers with a captivating journey through the medieval world.
Philippa Gregory’s attention to detail, character development, and gripping storytelling make this a must-read for anyone interested in history or simply looking for engaging literature. It’s an excellent work that can be considered a masterpiece of the genre.
Highly recommended.
