HISTORICAL
FICTION
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Debbie
Wiley
Book Reviews |
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Joan of Arc's Death at the Stake, by Hermann Stilke (1803–1860)
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Melusine's secret discovered, from Le Roman de Mélusine. One of
sixteen paintings by Guillebert de Mets circa 1410
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Extract and symbol key from a 17th century book on alchemy
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BOOK
ILLUMINATIONS
From Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
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The Lady of the Rivers
by Philippa Gregory
Women
have been accused of witchcraft throughout the ages….
Jacquetta of Luxembourg is an often overlooked historical figure. As
the Duchess of Bedford and the mother of Elizabeth Woodville, Jacquetta
learns to navigate between the expected societal norms and the hidden
worlds of alchemy and the unknown. One of Jacquetta’s ancestors is the
river goddess, Melusina, but she quickly learns what happens to those
society fears. From her marriage to the Duke of Bedford to her later
marriage to Richard Woodville, Jacquetta is torn between her heritage
and the expectations of society. The Cousin’s War, also known as the
War of the Roses, only increases the tensions to her.
Philippa Gregory does a phenomenal job at bringing historical time
periods and characters to vivid life. A full biography of Jacquetta
does not exist and so much of the information in the historical records
shows Jacquetta in the context of other situations, as a figure in the
stories of other people’s lives. Philippa Gregory gives a voice to her
and shows the strength of character Jacquetta surely must have had.
I have always been interested in Elizabeth Woodville so the prospect of
learning more about her mother is one that I couldn’t resist.
Jacquetta’s history is fascinating as her second marriage is for love.
Richard Woodville was her first husband’s squire and it is intriguing
to see the rise and fall of Jacquetta’s status in the courts. More
importantly, Philippa Gregory offers up the potentialities of this
obviously strong-willed woman and the influence she had.
Philippa Gregory always delivers a strong story and THE LADY AND THE
RIVERS is no exception! The politics of the time period are richly
described, allowing readers a glimpse into the various factions
operating at the time. Philippa Gregory paints a powerful portrait of a
woman in a time when women were often ignored or discarded at the whim
of a man. Stunning!
Publisher: Touchstone
(October 2011)
Other books in series:
The Cousins' War series
Reviewed
by Debbie, Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
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