Against the backdrop of the English Wars of the Roses (struggle for the English throne between supporters of the House of Lancaster (red rose) and the supporters of the House of York (White Rose) in the years 1455 to 1485) followed the reader the life of Elizabeth Woodville (1437 - 1492). Although Elizabeth comes from a noble family, but it is not befitting for a prince / king. Edward IV (1442 - 1483), however, is so smitten with her that he suggests the reason to the wind and they married in secret, rather than to marry a European princess. Through this politically unwise decision he annoyed many influential Englishmen, especially the "kingmaker" Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who sees his influence wane by Elizabeth and their widely ramified kinship that now occupies the most important position. He is a traitor and turns back to the Lancastrianern to. The plot of the novel covers the 1464 (Marriage of Edward and Elizabeth) to 1485 (just before the decisive battle between Richard III and Henry Tudor. The dramatic events of those years are presented from the perspective of Elizabeth Woodville as a first-person narrative, a new approach, because Elizabeth Woodville has not yet been made to my knowledge on the subject of a historical novel. This queen enjoys the posterity not very good reputation, but is reviled for its ambition for themselves and their families. In the novel this trait is significantly : Elizabeth's priorities are power and political influence (for her entire family), which makes it look pretty cool and calculating the other hand, one can empathize to some extent in them, considering in what a dangerous time she lives with the value measure of.. Nowadays it is you can not measure. wink: Philippa Gregory has thoroughly researched and adheres largely to the facts. Where these are sketchy, it contributes its own speculation / interpretation, which they expressed in a detailed afterword.
The English edition also includes a "Reading Group Guide" with numerous questions for discussion for the audience as well as an interview with the author. Furthermore, contain a comprehensive bibliography, which lists the best-known works on the subject of the Wars of the Roses and their schillerndster figures. Preceded by the novel are a map of England with the places and years of the various battles and a pedigree of Lancaster / York family. I missed a people directory of other fictional characters. That would be - especially for the non-immigrant in English history reader - a great help in order not to lose track between all Richards, Edwards etc. "The White Queen" is the first of a trilogy. The second volume of Margaret Beaufort, the mother Henry Tudor, is already under the title "The Red Queen" appeared (not yet available in the German language?), The third volume is to be with Elizabeth of York (wife of Henry Tudor) deal.
I enjoyed this book very much. If you bring a strong interest in English history and time for further research has, I recommend reading like. Who but a romantic love story expects will not be happy with the book.
