I love historical fiction. When I read this genre I imagine that this history is true and I'm actually reading the scandalous life of someone who existed during the time period. It's like finding an old diary and exposing the truths of someone who has long been gone. I think in a way it almost makes me feel smart because I'm not only wrapped up in the story, I'm also learning some history too that the author snuck in.

That being said, this book just didn't do it for me. I think the main reason I didn't enjoy this book is because I couldn't stand the main character, Margaret Beaufort. First she was a religious fanatic who twisted her religion to always benefit her. She claimed that "it is the will of God," when in fact it was just her will and since she assumed she was blessed she thought it impossible for "the will of God" to not be her will as well. It drove me nuts that she was so determined that whatever she wanted was "the will of God: and everyone else was going against God's will.

She was a conniving, arrogant and contemptuous women that throughout the whole novel I kept wanting her side to loose. I actually felt sorry for her husbands.

As for the story itself I felt there was a lot of war. I wanted more out of the story. I wanted court life, scandal, dashing knights and forbidden romance. All I got was strategists and war.

I love Philipa Gregory as an author, so if your looking for a great historical fiction novel I'd pick one of her other novels instead.


The Garden of Books