Review: The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory
The Lady of the Rivers
by Philippa Gregory
This is the third book in the Cousins' War series, preceded by The White Queen and The Red Queen.
In The White Queen, Philippa Gregory introduced the indomitable mother of Elizabeth Woodville, Jacquetta. Now Jacquetta is given
her own novel. Descended from a water goddess, certain powers have been passed through the female line of Jacquetta's family. When she, too, is revealed to have the second sight, she captures the attention of the Duke of Bedford. The Duke marries her immediately, not for her beauty or for money but because he wishes for her to aid his alchemists with her abilities. When he passes away rather suddenly, Jacquetta is left a wealthy and beautiful widow. However, the young woman who was once thought so pure that she could summon unicorns brings about scandal instead, for Jacquetta falls in love with her husband's squire and marries him in secret. The two of them are soon restored to the graces of the young rulers of England, and Jacquetta becomes one of Queen Margaret's closest friends. As the kingdom descends into the chaotic infighting that led to the War of the Roses, Jacquetta and Richard struggle to keep their monarchs safe and their family together.
The early years of Jacquetta's life are definitely the most interesting. For a time, Joan of Arc was imprisoned in her family's home, and the interactions between the girl-knight and Jacquetta are some of the most entertaining moments in the book. The women of Jacquetta's family attempt to “rehabilitate” Joan into a proper young lady - I wonder if this is historical fact? I'd never heard of something like that before, and even if it isn’t true it made for great storytelling.
There are some slow periods in the novel which could not be avoided since the story is being told through Jacquetta's eyes. She was a very fecund woman, having a child nearly annually, so she must spend a lot of time away from court. We get bits and pieces of what happens through her husband and other characters, but it's not the same as it would be if Jacquetta was actually there. But then again, we get to see more of domestic life away from court, which is a refreshing change.
I really liked Jacquetta's second husband, Richard Woodville. He's loyal, clever, loving...basically, he's as perfect as a medieval man can be. The love he and Jacquetta shared was like something out of a fairy tale, and the most poignant moments in the story were their reunions after he had been away at war for months or years. It was rather cruel that two people who cared so deeply for each other had to spend so much time living apart because of the politics of the Crown.
Although this is the third book in the series, it is the first book chronologically, so it stands alone. It ends right where The White Queen begins, transitioning very smoothly, so if you want to start with The Lady of the Rivers I think I would recommend it over reading the books in the order they were published.
4 out of 5 stars
To read more about The Lady of the Rivers, buy it from an independent bookstore or add it to your wishlist click here.
by Philippa Gregory
This is the third book in the Cousins' War series, preceded by The White Queen and The Red Queen.
In The White Queen, Philippa Gregory introduced the indomitable mother of Elizabeth Woodville, Jacquetta. Now Jacquetta is given
her own novel. Descended from a water goddess, certain powers have been passed through the female line of Jacquetta's family. When she, too, is revealed to have the second sight, she captures the attention of the Duke of Bedford. The Duke marries her immediately, not for her beauty or for money but because he wishes for her to aid his alchemists with her abilities. When he passes away rather suddenly, Jacquetta is left a wealthy and beautiful widow. However, the young woman who was once thought so pure that she could summon unicorns brings about scandal instead, for Jacquetta falls in love with her husband's squire and marries him in secret. The two of them are soon restored to the graces of the young rulers of England, and Jacquetta becomes one of Queen Margaret's closest friends. As the kingdom descends into the chaotic infighting that led to the War of the Roses, Jacquetta and Richard struggle to keep their monarchs safe and their family together.
The early years of Jacquetta's life are definitely the most interesting. For a time, Joan of Arc was imprisoned in her family's home, and the interactions between the girl-knight and Jacquetta are some of the most entertaining moments in the book. The women of Jacquetta's family attempt to “rehabilitate” Joan into a proper young lady - I wonder if this is historical fact? I'd never heard of something like that before, and even if it isn’t true it made for great storytelling.
There are some slow periods in the novel which could not be avoided since the story is being told through Jacquetta's eyes. She was a very fecund woman, having a child nearly annually, so she must spend a lot of time away from court. We get bits and pieces of what happens through her husband and other characters, but it's not the same as it would be if Jacquetta was actually there. But then again, we get to see more of domestic life away from court, which is a refreshing change.
I really liked Jacquetta's second husband, Richard Woodville. He's loyal, clever, loving...basically, he's as perfect as a medieval man can be. The love he and Jacquetta shared was like something out of a fairy tale, and the most poignant moments in the story were their reunions after he had been away at war for months or years. It was rather cruel that two people who cared so deeply for each other had to spend so much time living apart because of the politics of the Crown.
Although this is the third book in the series, it is the first book chronologically, so it stands alone. It ends right where The White Queen begins, transitioning very smoothly, so if you want to start with The Lady of the Rivers I think I would recommend it over reading the books in the order they were published.
4 out of 5 stars
To read more about The Lady of the Rivers, buy it from an independent bookstore or add it to your wishlist click here.