The Red Queen
A Novel
-
-
4.0 • 669 Ratings
-
-
- $12.99
Publisher Description
The inspiration for the critically acclaimed Starz miniseries The White Queen, #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings to life Margaret Beaufort, heiress to the red rose of Lancaster, who charts her way through treacherous alliances to take control of the English throne.
Margaret Beaufort never surrenders her belief that her Lancaster house is the true ruler of England, and that she has a great destiny before her. Married to a man twice her age, quickly widowed, and a mother at only fourteen, Margaret is determined to turn her lonely life into a triumph. She sets her heart on putting her son on the throne of England regardless of the cost to herself, to England, and even to the little boy. Disregarding rival heirs and the overwhelming power of the York dynasty, she names him Henry, like the king; sends him into exile; and pledges him in marriage to her enemy Elizabeth of York’s daughter. As the political tides constantly move and shift, Margaret masterminds one of the greatest rebellions of all time—all the while knowing that her son has grown to manhood, recruited an army, and awaits his opportunity to win the greatest prize in all of England.
The Red Queen is a novel of conspiracy, passion, and coldhearted ambition, the story of a proud and determined woman who believes that she alone is destined, by her piety and lineage, to shape the course of history.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Nobody does the Tudors better than Gregory (The Other Boleyn Girl), so it should come as no surprise that her latest the War of the Roses as seen through the eyes of Henry VII s mother is confident, colorful, convincing, and full of conflict, betrayal, and political maneuvering. Gregory gives readers Margaret Beaufort in her own words, from innocent nine-year-old to conspiring courtier who stops at nothing to see her son on England s throne. Gregory devotees will note the difference between the supernaturally gifted Yorkist White Queen and Lancastrian Margaret, who, despite saintly aspirations, grows worldly through three marriages; a powerless widow at 13, remarried and separated from her only son by 15, it is not until she s 29 that Margaret is ready to realize her most audacious ambitions. Gregory clones have made historical novels from a woman s perspective far too familiar to make this seem as fresh as her earlier works. Yet, like Margaret Beaufort, Gregory puts her many imitators to shame by dint of unequalled energy, focus, and unwavering execution.
Customer Reviews
Another treat from Phillipa!!!
Again, Gregory has placed my mind in trance from the first several pages and effectively held it for the duration of the book. As always, at the end of any one of her novels, I feel completely satisfied. Well done, indeed.
What a refreshing perspective
A unique and interesting voice makes a familiar story fresh.
It’s the best one in the series so far.
Marvelous!
Onto my third book related to the White Queen "series". The writing is so passionate and the imagery so strong that you feel you are there.
I read the White Queen and now I am enthralled.
Plans are to read all of Philippa's books, I can't put them down.
Marvelous work!