Title: The Red Queen
Author: Philippa Gregory
Publisher: Touchstone; 1 edition
Publication Date: August 3, 2010
Hardcover: 400 pages
ISBN: 978-1416563723
Genre: Historical Fiction
The second book in Philippa’s stunning new series, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series – The White Queen – but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses.
The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth’s daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.
My Review:
The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory is the second book in her Cousins War series, the first being The White Queen. While I recommend The White Queen because it is an excellent book, one does not need to read it to follow along in The Red Queen. The year is 1453, King Henry VI and Queen Margaret of Anjou are seated on the throne and young Margaret Beaufort, a devoutly religious nine-year-old, is betrothed to Edmund Tudor in the hopes of providing the House of Lancaster an heir to the throne. The Yorkists and Lancastrians are fighting with each other as to who shall control the throne, King Henry’s health is in question, and The Red Queen takes the reader through the War of the Roses 1455-1485, as told by Margaret Beaufort. Philippa Gregory goes a long way into detailing Margaret’s life and many marriages, her thoughts, beliefs, and fears. History has not always portrayed Margaret Beaufort kindly and Gregory goes to lengths to show how her life and opinions were formed from a very young age. I immensely enjoyed this telling of Margaret Beaufort, how The War of Roses began as did 12-year-old Margaret’s short marriage to Edmund Tudor, which in 1457 brought about the heir the Lancasters had hoped it would. The Red Queen is a deeply rich, detailed book filled with charming to loathsome characters and everything in between including excellent battle scenes as well as the retelling of the life Margaret led. I have always been a fan of author Philippa Gregory and while I liked The White Queen, I feel she truly fell into an excellent rhythm with her second in the series, The Red Queen. I would recommend The Red Queen to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and think it is an excellent introduction to historical fiction for those who have not yet made a choice about this genre.
Philippa Gregory was an established historian and writer when she discovered her interest in the Tudor period and wrote the internationally bestselling novel The Other Boleyn Girl. Now she is looking at the family that preceded the Tudors: the magnificent Plantaganets, a family of complex rivalries, loves, and hatreds.
Her other great interest is the charity that she founded nearly twenty years ago: Gardens for The Gambia. She has raised funds and paid for 140 wells for the primary schools of this poor African country. A former student of Sussex university, and a PhD and Alumna of the Year 2009 of Edinburgh University, her love for history and commitment to historical accuracy are the hallmarks of her writing. She lives with her family on a small farm in Yorkshire. She welcomes visitors to her site www.PhilippaGregory.com
Visit the series website for more information.
View video of Philippa Gregory and her series.
There is a WORLDWIDE competition to win 1 of 10 SIGNED copies of the UK hardback – the competition will run for the length of the blog tour, closing at the end of September.
I received a complimentary copy of The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory from Simon & Schuster UK. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
I haven’t been drawn to these “queen” books for some reason, but everyone seems to love Gregory’s work, so I feel like I should try it.
Gregory first drew me in to the genre of the Tudors and my love for historical fiction continued to blossom. The Red Queen is a wonderful look at the War of the Roses from Margaret’s viewpoint. Give her a try.
Jennifer
I have just seen the book, or was it the promo for the book at my local Target. I see her books and I automatically think of you.
I’ve GOT to get this one and it moves to the head of the line in my queue of books ~ and if you say this one is really something, then it must be true. I am now all the more eager to read it.
Thanks — seeing if maybe Sami can pick it up for me today or tomorrow so I have it for the weekend.
Christine,
You will absolutely love it and definitely have snacks and drinks at hand, you will not want to get up.
Thanks for writing that The Red Queen may be read as a stand alone. Enjoy your reviews.
Thank you Tea. The Red Queen can indeed stand by its own merits. The White Queen was a lovely read, but not necessary for The Red Queen (although I liked them both).
I’m a Philippa Gregory fan and enjoyed The White Queen even though I found it a little lacking in emotion. Was so happy to hear that The Red Queen is even better!
Excellent review and I can’t wait to read this book.
Going off Kathy (Bermuda Onion’s) comment, I too am drawn to historical fiction and like you said Jennifer, Philippa Gregory was a part of that love of that genre for me. I can not wait to read these books!