Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham


I received a review copy of this novel from Sourcebooks. This in no way affected my opinions.

A fascinating and gripping novel about Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry IV.

I must admit, I knew next to nothing about this woman, but from what I understand, she hasn't had a very good reputation through the centuries of history. Of course, as is with history, one version or one opinion of someone from somebody often becomes fact and that is how a historical figure is perceived, so I am not so quick to judge Margaret.

The Queen of Last Hopes shows a Margaret who is steadfast, loyal and driven, but is also loving and kind. She fights for her husband and her son's birthright and nothing will stop her. She shows great courage in times of peril and leadership in times of victory.

In The Queen of Last Hopes, we see often from the point of view of Margaret, but we also sometimes see things from other folks' perspective, such as William de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk, Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, and from Margaret's own son Edward, Prince of Wales. This did not hinder the flow of the story at all, if anything, it enhanced it.

This is a brilliant piece of historical fiction and is highly recommended.


2 comments:

Melissa @ Confessions of an Avid Reader said...

I am very much looking forward to reading this one, and am disappointed that a delay at the printer (according to Susan Higginbotham's website) has meant my pre-ordered copy will be shipping later than originally planned :-( Yours is the second positive review I seen for this novel so my anticipation for it is now further heightened.

Have you read any of Susan Higginbotham's other books? I read The Traitor's Wife last year and loved it. Her other novels are all on my must read in 2011 list.

Christy B said...

Well, that stinks!

I read The Traitor's Wife, as well, and really liked it. I haven't gotten to her other books, but do plan on it!