Name: The Red Queen (War of the Roses #2)
ISBN: 9781416563723

The Red Queen (War of the Roses #2)

britt

this is an insult to margaret beaufort and women everywhere. i had to stop reading this about 70 pages in. because like what the fawk. there is no sympathy for her and i don't doubt that margaret was a schemer, because she was, but why did phillipa gregory turn her into a horrible person? there was truly no nuance in this book.

I know most people have did not like this book, but Id like to remind all of you that we shouldn't judge a book by its protagonist. 

Yes, Margaret Beaufort is probably one of the worst protagonists ever. She's cold, calculating, bitchy, self-absorbed, shallow, insecure, obsessive and most likely insane. First, she likens herself to Joan of Arc, and she truly believes she can hear God and uses Him as an excuse for her evil doings. I guess her hard childhood, which includes a horrible and uncaring mother, being married and impregnated at twelve, fatal childbirth and a loveless life is the reason for her behavior. Also, her world back then was ruthless and cold so her single minded cruelty wasnt out of place. her determination was astounding, especially the way she was willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve her goals. I dont approve of her actions, but I totally get what drove her to do them. 

But let's not ignore how Gregory kept the plot thrilling and suspenseful. Even through all the historical references, and the long conversations, I wasnt bored. Its not an easy task to tell this tale from first person. Although at the last part of the book where Margaret was in prison for a long span of time, the author switched back and forth between Henry & Margarets POV's to be able to catch up on the happenings outside, which was very awkward. We can see, though, that she truly has done her research (although some people pointed out a few historical errors). Its nice to know that the characters you've gotten attached to (yes I was attached to her, and I love her bittersweet love story with Jasper)actually were real. The delicious deceptions were mean but very clever, and most of the time I was surprised at her insecurity towards Elizabeth Woodville. That was a really huge driving force on Margaret. 

So anyway, I liked the book. Im not very partial to historical fiction, but this has me in a grip. I really want to read more about the Wars of he Roses and the Tudor Court.

Maria Banning

This one was a slow start for me simply because I was bored with Margaret's piety and absolute certainty that she was of God and for God. About 100 pages in I finally started to get interested and was amazed at the lengths she went to in placing her son on the throne. All in all it was a good read.

erin s

i don’t hate this book, but i do hate margaret beaufort

Carla Aquino

All I can say is that Margaret Beaufort is bat shit crazy! She is so full of herself with claims to being so holy, but how can a woman so evil, jealous, and vain about her "royal line" make claims such as the ones portrayed in this book and then turn around and bring God into it....the woman is insane! The entire time I was rooting for her downfall simply because she pissed me off the entire book. Goodness only knows how she will act now that she is in the royal court.

Roos Kuijper 

Van alle boeken die ik heb gelezen van Philippa Gregory (zeven in totaal) vind ik dit het minste boek. En dat heeft van alles te maken met het hoofdpersonage: Margaretha Beaufort. God, wat heeft dit mens me op mijn zenuwen gewerkt. En dat komt door haar geloof. Ze is enorm gelovig en heeft ook een enorm hoge dunk van zichzelf. Het is moeilijk om van Margaretha te houden, zoals ik wel van Gregory’s andere personages ben gaan houden.

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The Red Queen (War of the Roses #2)

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