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Queens of England #8
The Reluctant Queen
s/t: The Story of Anne of York
In 1470, a reluctant Lady Anne Neville is betrothed by her father, the politically ambitious Earl of Warwick, to Edward, Prince of Wales. A gentle yet fiercely intelligent woman, Anne has already given her heart to the prince’s younger brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Unable to oppose her father’s will, she finds herself in line for the throne of England—an obligation that she does not want. Yet fate intervenes when Edward is killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury. Anne suddenly finds herself free to marry the man she loves—and who loves her in return. The ceremony is held at Westminster Abbey, and the duke and duchess make a happy home at
Middleham Castle, where both spent much of their childhood. Their life is idyllic, until the reigning king dies and a whirlwind of dynastic maneuvering leads to his children being declared illegitimate. Richard inherits the throne as King Richard III, and Anne is crowned queen consort, a destiny she thought she had successfully avoided. Her husband’s reign lasts two years, two months, and two days—and in that short time Anne witnesses the true toll that wearing the crown takes on Richard, the last king from the House of York.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
In 1470, a reluctant Lady Anne Neville is betrothed by her father, the politically ambitious Earl of Warwick, to Edward, Prince of Wales. A gentle yet fiercely intelligent woman, Anne has already given her heart to the prince’s younger brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Unable to oppose her father’s will, she finds herself in line for the throne of England—an obligation that she does not want. Yet fate intervenes when Edward is killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury. Anne suddenly finds herself free to marry the man she loves—and who loves her in return. The ceremony is held at Westminster Abbey, and the duke and duchess make a happy home at
Middleham Castle, where both spent much of their childhood. Their life is idyllic, until the reigning king dies and a whirlwind of dynastic maneuvering leads to his children being declared illegitimate. Richard inherits the throne as King Richard III, and Anne is crowned queen consort, a destiny she thought she had successfully avoided. Her husband’s reign lasts two years, two months, and two days—and in that short time Anne witnesses the true toll that wearing the crown takes on Richard, the last king from the House of York.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 1990
About the author
Jean Plaidy
221 books1,539 followersEleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 12, 2023
"Trebuie sa lupti pentru ce e drept. Tragedia apare atunci cand triumfa raul."
Imbinand istoria si fictiunea romanul infatiseaza Razboiul celor Doua Roze, dintre Roza cea Alba, Casa de York si Roza cea Rosie, Casa Lancaster ce avea drept miza tronul Angliei.
Cartea debuteaza cu Anne de York fiind foarte bolnava, scriind in jurnalul sau si stiind ca moartea este foarte aproape. Sotul ei, Richard de York este regele Angliei, insa vremurile sunt tulburi pentru ca Henry Tudor, vlastarul casei Lancaster pandeste oportunitatea de a urca pe tron.
Ne intoarcem apoi la copilaria lui Lady Anne Neville si aflam ca este fiica celebrului si temutului "Facator de Regi", contele de Warwick. Acesta il aseaza pe tron pe Edward al IV-lea, fratele mai mare al lui Richard, care este trimis la castelul Middleham pentru a deprinde arta razboiului. Aici il vede prima data Anne si se indragosteste de el.
Cand regele Edward o ia de sotie pe Elizabeth Woodville, contele de Warwick se infurie si isi casatoreste fata cea mare, pe Isabel, cu George de York, pe care va incerca sa-l faca rege. Neavand sorti de izbanda, machiavelicul conte incheie o alianta cu insetata Margaret de Anjou, logodind-o pe Anne cu fiul acesteia. Insa Edward, printul de Wales este invins in batalia finala si Anne ajunge inapoi la casa York unde se reintalneste cu Richard. Acesta o cere in casatorie si ea devine ducesa de Glouchester. Ea va naste un baiat, pe Edward, iar sora ei o aduce pe lume pe celebra Margaret Pole, care va fi decapitata de Henry al VIII-lea.
Cand regele moare, Richard devine regentul printului Edward, insa nu se multumeste cu asta si se incoroneaza ca rege. Anne devine astfel regina Angliei si moare ca regina.
Romanul este placut de citit, avand ca personaje domnite, cavaleri, regi, regine si prezentand obiceiurile si modul lor de viata, facandu-i pe cititori sa viseze. Din pacate nu reuseste sa creeze personaje puternice, desi se straduieste sa creeze un portret impunator al contelui Warwick si unul ambitios al Margaretei de Anjou, insa naratoarea, Lady Anne Neville este foarte stearsa si plata, iar pentru ca ea povesteste ajungi sa te plictisesti si chiar sa adormi cu cartea in mana, trezindu-te cand aceasta cade. Asadar n-am glumit cand am afirmat ca te face sa visezi...
Nu stiu cat de mult este istorie si fictiune, unele lucruri despre protagonisti si evenimente istorice le cunosteam, altele nu, neputand a le verifica pe toate. Cartea trebuie citita avand in vedere acest aspect. Pentru alte romane historical fiction va recomand scriitoarea Philipa Gregory.
Atasez in incheiere cateva citate care mi-au placut si pe care le-am selectat evident dupa ce m-am trezit:
"Trebuie sa aperi adevarul, dar atunci cand este periculos sa-l spui, este mai bine sa nu o faci."
"Asadar trebuie sa ne rugam pentru victorie in timp ce ne pregatim pentru infrangere."
"Cred ca loialitatea este cea mai importanta calitate si eu asta ii ofer lui Eduard."
"Nu cred ca incearca sa fie populara. Vrea doar sa fie regina Angliei si asta deja e un plan ambitios."
"Mama si bunica mea m-au invatat sa ma bazez doar pe mine, a spus ea. Este cea mai buna lectie pe care o poate primi orice femeie."
"... iar frumusetea este unul din darurile Domnului. Este atat de utila, iti ofera privilegii deosebite. Este admirata si tratata cu blandete peste tot."
"Arata ca un rege si actiona ca un rege, iar atunci cand facea greseli, o facea tot ca un rege."
Imbinand istoria si fictiunea romanul infatiseaza Razboiul celor Doua Roze, dintre Roza cea Alba, Casa de York si Roza cea Rosie, Casa Lancaster ce avea drept miza tronul Angliei.
Cartea debuteaza cu Anne de York fiind foarte bolnava, scriind in jurnalul sau si stiind ca moartea este foarte aproape. Sotul ei, Richard de York este regele Angliei, insa vremurile sunt tulburi pentru ca Henry Tudor, vlastarul casei Lancaster pandeste oportunitatea de a urca pe tron.
Ne intoarcem apoi la copilaria lui Lady Anne Neville si aflam ca este fiica celebrului si temutului "Facator de Regi", contele de Warwick. Acesta il aseaza pe tron pe Edward al IV-lea, fratele mai mare al lui Richard, care este trimis la castelul Middleham pentru a deprinde arta razboiului. Aici il vede prima data Anne si se indragosteste de el.
Cand regele Edward o ia de sotie pe Elizabeth Woodville, contele de Warwick se infurie si isi casatoreste fata cea mare, pe Isabel, cu George de York, pe care va incerca sa-l faca rege. Neavand sorti de izbanda, machiavelicul conte incheie o alianta cu insetata Margaret de Anjou, logodind-o pe Anne cu fiul acesteia. Insa Edward, printul de Wales este invins in batalia finala si Anne ajunge inapoi la casa York unde se reintalneste cu Richard. Acesta o cere in casatorie si ea devine ducesa de Glouchester. Ea va naste un baiat, pe Edward, iar sora ei o aduce pe lume pe celebra Margaret Pole, care va fi decapitata de Henry al VIII-lea.
Cand regele moare, Richard devine regentul printului Edward, insa nu se multumeste cu asta si se incoroneaza ca rege. Anne devine astfel regina Angliei si moare ca regina.
Romanul este placut de citit, avand ca personaje domnite, cavaleri, regi, regine si prezentand obiceiurile si modul lor de viata, facandu-i pe cititori sa viseze. Din pacate nu reuseste sa creeze personaje puternice, desi se straduieste sa creeze un portret impunator al contelui Warwick si unul ambitios al Margaretei de Anjou, insa naratoarea, Lady Anne Neville este foarte stearsa si plata, iar pentru ca ea povesteste ajungi sa te plictisesti si chiar sa adormi cu cartea in mana, trezindu-te cand aceasta cade. Asadar n-am glumit cand am afirmat ca te face sa visezi...
Nu stiu cat de mult este istorie si fictiune, unele lucruri despre protagonisti si evenimente istorice le cunosteam, altele nu, neputand a le verifica pe toate. Cartea trebuie citita avand in vedere acest aspect. Pentru alte romane historical fiction va recomand scriitoarea Philipa Gregory.
Atasez in incheiere cateva citate care mi-au placut si pe care le-am selectat evident dupa ce m-am trezit:
"Trebuie sa aperi adevarul, dar atunci cand este periculos sa-l spui, este mai bine sa nu o faci."
"Asadar trebuie sa ne rugam pentru victorie in timp ce ne pregatim pentru infrangere."
"Cred ca loialitatea este cea mai importanta calitate si eu asta ii ofer lui Eduard."
"Nu cred ca incearca sa fie populara. Vrea doar sa fie regina Angliei si asta deja e un plan ambitios."
"Mama si bunica mea m-au invatat sa ma bazez doar pe mine, a spus ea. Este cea mai buna lectie pe care o poate primi orice femeie."
"... iar frumusetea este unul din darurile Domnului. Este atat de utila, iti ofera privilegii deosebite. Este admirata si tratata cu blandete peste tot."
"Arata ca un rege si actiona ca un rege, iar atunci cand facea greseli, o facea tot ca un rege."
April 25, 2021
Jean Plaidy's Queens of England series give fascinating insight into the lives of their subjects, and combine richly human and sensitive portrayals with attention to detail, and a love of English history.
The story of Anne Neville, the sensitive and intelligent daughter of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who as a little girl falls in love with Richard, Duke of Gloucester, second son of the Duke of York, later to be Richard III.
A balanced account of Richard III, portraying him as neither the devil portrayed by Shakespeare and Thomas Moore or the saint that some believe him to have been
Essentially a man changed by power.
The real villains of the peace are George, Duke of Clarence, brother of Richard' and King Edward IV.
Anne is forced to be betrothed to Prince of Wales Edward, and exiled in France, later becomes a war of Clarence and imprisoned in a cook shop in Chepeside on the orders of Clarence, rescued by Richard, and finally the two are married.
But turmoil continues to shadow her life as events put Richard on the throne and political intrigue and conflict continue to dog England.
The circumstances of the murder of the two princes in the tower are left open as are the circumstances of Anne's own death at the end of the novel.
Rich characterization and depth.
The story of Anne Neville, the sensitive and intelligent daughter of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who as a little girl falls in love with Richard, Duke of Gloucester, second son of the Duke of York, later to be Richard III.
A balanced account of Richard III, portraying him as neither the devil portrayed by Shakespeare and Thomas Moore or the saint that some believe him to have been
Essentially a man changed by power.
The real villains of the peace are George, Duke of Clarence, brother of Richard' and King Edward IV.
Anne is forced to be betrothed to Prince of Wales Edward, and exiled in France, later becomes a war of Clarence and imprisoned in a cook shop in Chepeside on the orders of Clarence, rescued by Richard, and finally the two are married.
But turmoil continues to shadow her life as events put Richard on the throne and political intrigue and conflict continue to dog England.
The circumstances of the murder of the two princes in the tower are left open as are the circumstances of Anne's own death at the end of the novel.
Rich characterization and depth.
March 19, 2017
I got what I wanted on this, which is more context for understanding the rise of Richard III.
As far as I can tell, Jean Plaidy sticks with historical record. I had to look up Anne’s kidnapping (the cookshop caper) to see if it actually occurred; I presume much is grafted on to a scant record. I don’t know if Anne visited the imprisoned Margaret of Anjou (but I was surprised her request was to visit Margaret and not her mother).
Like the other Plaidy books I’ve read, the story is linear. The people are somewhat linear too, but she fleshes out major roles and relationships, such as Richard’s loyalty to Edward IV; the Duke of Warwick’s wealth (from his wife) and power; the tenacity of Queen Margaret and how the Woodville marriages inflamed those of higher birth.
This is highly readable and if you are interested in understanding the War of the Roses, Plaidy books provide a good foundation.
As far as I can tell, Jean Plaidy sticks with historical record. I had to look up Anne’s kidnapping (the cookshop caper) to see if it actually occurred; I presume much is grafted on to a scant record. I don’t know if Anne visited the imprisoned Margaret of Anjou (but I was surprised her request was to visit Margaret and not her mother).
Like the other Plaidy books I’ve read, the story is linear. The people are somewhat linear too, but she fleshes out major roles and relationships, such as Richard’s loyalty to Edward IV; the Duke of Warwick’s wealth (from his wife) and power; the tenacity of Queen Margaret and how the Woodville marriages inflamed those of higher birth.
This is highly readable and if you are interested in understanding the War of the Roses, Plaidy books provide a good foundation.
Read
December 27, 2008I wish I had known that Plaidy was going to leave out huge parts of Anne Neville's life in this fictionalization.
I just couldn't bring myself to read this, it seemed a little silly to me that Plaidy would omit Anne's first marriage.
And I didn't care for the style, too much information communicated to the reader in dialogue, I didn't care for her characterization of Richard. I loved Sharon Kay Penman's version of the story and I couldn't reconcile the two versions, I'll have to try again some day when Penman's story isn't so fresh in my mind.
I just couldn't bring myself to read this, it seemed a little silly to me that Plaidy would omit Anne's first marriage.
And I didn't care for the style, too much information communicated to the reader in dialogue, I didn't care for her characterization of Richard. I loved Sharon Kay Penman's version of the story and I couldn't reconcile the two versions, I'll have to try again some day when Penman's story isn't so fresh in my mind.
October 12, 2022
This is a fictional biography of Anne Neville told as a first person narrative. Anne is writing her story near the end of her life. She is told that her husband, King Richard III is coming to see her and knows that this will probably be the last time she will look on his face. Her memories then turn to the first time she saw him when he was sent to Middleham Castle to learn the arts of war and chivalry from her father, the Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker. He is shown to be physically weak and socially awkward. He broods and Anne was the only one he would let near him.
The book does not say anything new and different about Anne or the people in her life, but is fairly effective in highlighting them: Richard's inadequacy compared to his two handsome brothers as well as his loyalty to his brother King Edward IV; the Kingmaker's use of his vast wealth to gain popular acclaim; Margaret of Anjou's determination and ferocity.
The one great fault with this book is that consists of secondhand accounts of events told to Anne. There is a long section in which Margaret of Anjou recounts her life and marriage to Henry VI. She even recounts the old myth about the origin of the war of the roses and the plucking of the red and white roses. On far too many occasions Anne relates events based on what Richard told her and what she found out later. Other reviewers have noted that as a result, there is too much "telling" the reader what happened rather than "showing" us. The whole tone of the book is passive, and that certainly includes Anne's character.
Anne also seems to have a habit of repeating things over again. Finally, Anne's time as queen is given rather short shrift, and the book ends rather abruptly with Anne’s doubts about Richard's love and his relationship with his niece taking up about 2 pages. Since this is a novel about Anne Neville, one would certainly expect more ink spent on her than on Margaret of Anjou's woes.
Not a bad book, but there are certainly better books about Anne Neville.
The book does not say anything new and different about Anne or the people in her life, but is fairly effective in highlighting them: Richard's inadequacy compared to his two handsome brothers as well as his loyalty to his brother King Edward IV; the Kingmaker's use of his vast wealth to gain popular acclaim; Margaret of Anjou's determination and ferocity.
The one great fault with this book is that consists of secondhand accounts of events told to Anne. There is a long section in which Margaret of Anjou recounts her life and marriage to Henry VI. She even recounts the old myth about the origin of the war of the roses and the plucking of the red and white roses. On far too many occasions Anne relates events based on what Richard told her and what she found out later. Other reviewers have noted that as a result, there is too much "telling" the reader what happened rather than "showing" us. The whole tone of the book is passive, and that certainly includes Anne's character.
Anne also seems to have a habit of repeating things over again. Finally, Anne's time as queen is given rather short shrift, and the book ends rather abruptly with Anne’s doubts about Richard's love and his relationship with his niece taking up about 2 pages. Since this is a novel about Anne Neville, one would certainly expect more ink spent on her than on Margaret of Anjou's woes.
Not a bad book, but there are certainly better books about Anne Neville.
December 17, 2008
This is a most unpleasant book. It is badly written with no insight into the psyches of the persons with whom it deals. I gave up on it when the author referred to Richard of Gloucester as "the Little Duke". It is true he was no giant like his brother Edward nor so tall as his other brother George, but I doubt anyone during his time had the temerity to refer to him as 'little'.
This is the sort of book which appeals chiefly to the devotees of soppy, illiterate romance fiction. It is not a biography in the true sense of the word but a sort of beach book loosely based on a mostly unknown life. Bah! Not worth the time.
This is the sort of book which appeals chiefly to the devotees of soppy, illiterate romance fiction. It is not a biography in the true sense of the word but a sort of beach book loosely based on a mostly unknown life. Bah! Not worth the time.
February 24, 2012
History is written by the victors, which is why I have to give the finger to Mr. Shakespeare and his "Richard III." In reality, Richard III and his beloved Anne were two of the most charming, sweet, and tragic lovers in history. This is a beautiful version of their story, if you aren't familiar with it, start here. Anne of York was the only queen of England to have also been a kitchen maid, a gentle, intelligent lady who saw her happiness ripped away time and again, and her story (and Richard's) is utterly fascinating.
May 20, 2021
This is a novel about Anne Neville that in general not present anything new, I will not say that it is bad but I cannot say that it is great I wish we could had more creativity in novels like this because I think that is what this book is missing.
This book begins with Anne on the brink of death, she waits to see Richard for the last time, Anne naturally has fears and doubts that is when she begins to remember her life and we read the main events that we believe or know in Anne's life, who in this book is the perfect sweet girl who loves Richard in a simple and a little silly way, he also loves her in the same simple way, basically their love is born since they spend part of their childhood together in Middleham, not there a great story behind they only talk short dialogues and love was born. After the political problems separate them, they are reunited by the twists of fate, their love drives them throughout their lives, they manage to marry and in general you do not read anything impressive, not there an overflowing passion or an interesting love or fights or anything , the main problem is that in this book Anne does not stand out in her personality or attitude she was always the same sweet submissive girl, I did not connect with her , and it was hard for me to believe that Richard fell in love with her, but he did not have a great personality either he is almost a saint well at least it is what we see from Anne's eyes why she tells the story from her point of view.
The second problem with this book is that you read more about the things that happen but you do not read the events, the dialogues are short and simple, the scenes are not detailed or long, for example you read how Anne says that she thinks Richard has told her about love many times but you never read that and the same happens throughout the book.
However, I highlighted three things about the book that distinguish it from another and that gave it an interesting touch:
-Anne doesn't marry Edward of Lancaster, they only get engaged and in fact she barely knows him so their relationship is not horrible, she is scared about what might happen when she gets married but she does not hate him - (Historically everything I have read tells me that Anne had a complete marriage with Edward but this is a novel and this change works)
-Margaret of Anjou was not a horrible witch with Anne, it is true that she hated Anne's father Warwick, but over time she realizes that the two have things in common they went to a foreign land to marry young so a bond grows special friendship between them - (Impossible to believe and totally fanciful)
- Anne does not take illegitimate children and Richard's lover so lightly, despite the fact that it happened before they got married, Anne feels more than jealousy and doubts that he loves her because in fact he has not told her, she also thinks that more than a lover and bastards Richard has a family, in the end he clarifies that it is only "a special friendship" common in the young nobles and that it was only while he was waiting for her -
Another thing is that in the end Anne if she doubts that Ricardo could be attracted to his niece EOY, her doubts are brief but they still present a twist although it has already been done in other books and more than anything here it is a conjecture that Anne makes in her imagination since Richard does not give reasons.
Outside of those changes the story is the typical pink version and I'm sorry but a bit boring, something else Anne was an important duchess and queen in a turbulent time, so it would be great to read about a woman, not just a girl in love, we have very little information about her and the events of her life are open to interpretation here we have the same that you will find in almost all of Anna's fiction books. Other characters are simple and few can generate emotion, even so I cannot say that it is a bad book because it is well done and it is a very short and quick story to read.
Although in general it is historically attached to the facts, this book lacks heart, the author did not get involved with the story and it shows.
This book begins with Anne on the brink of death, she waits to see Richard for the last time, Anne naturally has fears and doubts that is when she begins to remember her life and we read the main events that we believe or know in Anne's life, who in this book is the perfect sweet girl who loves Richard in a simple and a little silly way, he also loves her in the same simple way, basically their love is born since they spend part of their childhood together in Middleham, not there a great story behind they only talk short dialogues and love was born. After the political problems separate them, they are reunited by the twists of fate, their love drives them throughout their lives, they manage to marry and in general you do not read anything impressive, not there an overflowing passion or an interesting love or fights or anything , the main problem is that in this book Anne does not stand out in her personality or attitude she was always the same sweet submissive girl, I did not connect with her , and it was hard for me to believe that Richard fell in love with her, but he did not have a great personality either he is almost a saint well at least it is what we see from Anne's eyes why she tells the story from her point of view.
The second problem with this book is that you read more about the things that happen but you do not read the events, the dialogues are short and simple, the scenes are not detailed or long, for example you read how Anne says that she thinks Richard has told her about love many times but you never read that and the same happens throughout the book.
However, I highlighted three things about the book that distinguish it from another and that gave it an interesting touch:
-Anne doesn't marry Edward of Lancaster, they only get engaged and in fact she barely knows him so their relationship is not horrible, she is scared about what might happen when she gets married but she does not hate him - (Historically everything I have read tells me that Anne had a complete marriage with Edward but this is a novel and this change works)
-Margaret of Anjou was not a horrible witch with Anne, it is true that she hated Anne's father Warwick, but over time she realizes that the two have things in common they went to a foreign land to marry young so a bond grows special friendship between them - (Impossible to believe and totally fanciful)
- Anne does not take illegitimate children and Richard's lover so lightly, despite the fact that it happened before they got married, Anne feels more than jealousy and doubts that he loves her because in fact he has not told her, she also thinks that more than a lover and bastards Richard has a family, in the end he clarifies that it is only "a special friendship" common in the young nobles and that it was only while he was waiting for her -
Another thing is that in the end Anne if she doubts that Ricardo could be attracted to his niece EOY, her doubts are brief but they still present a twist although it has already been done in other books and more than anything here it is a conjecture that Anne makes in her imagination since Richard does not give reasons.
Outside of those changes the story is the typical pink version and I'm sorry but a bit boring, something else Anne was an important duchess and queen in a turbulent time, so it would be great to read about a woman, not just a girl in love, we have very little information about her and the events of her life are open to interpretation here we have the same that you will find in almost all of Anna's fiction books. Other characters are simple and few can generate emotion, even so I cannot say that it is a bad book because it is well done and it is a very short and quick story to read.
Although in general it is historically attached to the facts, this book lacks heart, the author did not get involved with the story and it shows.
June 24, 2017
“The Reluctant Queen” is Anne Neville, second daughter of the famous “King Maker”, the Earl of Warrick, and wife of England’s controversial King Richard III.
We see the Wars of the Roses through Anne’s eyes. At least that’s the idea. In fact, for much of the time we read Anne’s second-hand account of events. Sometimes this is done via dialogue, such as when Margaret of Anjou relates her early years with Henry VI, all of which is more for the reader’s benefit than Anne’s, while it’s not really significant to Anne’s story. Other times we have Anne saying, “I heard later …” or “Richard told me that …”, which is sometimes necessary, but often it’s not.
The problem with this is that it creates a passive story. We hear reported speech. We’re “told” instead of “shown”.
After detailing much of Anne’s early life, the author skips on to about a decade later. Why? Wouldn’t it make more sense to have cut – or at least reduced – the amount of the other characters’ back stories and focused on her heroine?
This is a first-person narrative, thus one expects to experience that character’s life, not hear second-hand accounts of the other cast members’ past endeavours.
Okay, you may argue that Ms Plaidy skipped over ten years or so because she felt nothing much of interest happened during that time, or because so little is known of Anne Neville from that period, but this is where an author with a good imagination conjures up something to entertain the reader.
She proves she can do this during a spell were Anne winds up in a cookshop. This is the least likely section in the whole book to hold any truth, yet it’s one of the most engaging parts. This could’ve been expanded and made even better.
Novels that feature Richard III tend to be either for or against the former king. Few strike a realistic balance. Some authors paint him too black, and Ms Plaidy is one who paints him too white. This doesn’t ruin her characterisation of Richard by any means, but it does spoil it a little.
I’ve read many different books on the Wars of the Roses – fiction and non-fiction – and this one ranks somewhere in the middle. Despite all the above criticisms, “The Reluctant Queen” does have merit, and it was worthwhile reading it … but just the once.
We see the Wars of the Roses through Anne’s eyes. At least that’s the idea. In fact, for much of the time we read Anne’s second-hand account of events. Sometimes this is done via dialogue, such as when Margaret of Anjou relates her early years with Henry VI, all of which is more for the reader’s benefit than Anne’s, while it’s not really significant to Anne’s story. Other times we have Anne saying, “I heard later …” or “Richard told me that …”, which is sometimes necessary, but often it’s not.
The problem with this is that it creates a passive story. We hear reported speech. We’re “told” instead of “shown”.
After detailing much of Anne’s early life, the author skips on to about a decade later. Why? Wouldn’t it make more sense to have cut – or at least reduced – the amount of the other characters’ back stories and focused on her heroine?
This is a first-person narrative, thus one expects to experience that character’s life, not hear second-hand accounts of the other cast members’ past endeavours.
Okay, you may argue that Ms Plaidy skipped over ten years or so because she felt nothing much of interest happened during that time, or because so little is known of Anne Neville from that period, but this is where an author with a good imagination conjures up something to entertain the reader.
She proves she can do this during a spell were Anne winds up in a cookshop. This is the least likely section in the whole book to hold any truth, yet it’s one of the most engaging parts. This could’ve been expanded and made even better.
Novels that feature Richard III tend to be either for or against the former king. Few strike a realistic balance. Some authors paint him too black, and Ms Plaidy is one who paints him too white. This doesn’t ruin her characterisation of Richard by any means, but it does spoil it a little.
I’ve read many different books on the Wars of the Roses – fiction and non-fiction – and this one ranks somewhere in the middle. Despite all the above criticisms, “The Reluctant Queen” does have merit, and it was worthwhile reading it … but just the once.
November 14, 2011
I had somewhat low expectations when I began listening to the audiobook production for this novel. I have never been particularly interested in Anne Neville or her husband Richard III but I thought I’d give the novel a try.
I am glad I did because it was one of the more enjoyable novels by Plaidy that I’ve read. Anne is gentle and sweet and unassuming. Her husband, Richard III, is less loveable but the love between then seemed so natural nonetheless.
I was very interested to see how Plaidy would handle the controversy over Richard III’s seizure of the thrown and the fate of the young princes, his nephews, whom he displaced in favor of himself. I figured it would be very difficult to portray this story from the point of view of someone who loved Richard but Plaidy did it gracefully.
I’ve been reading a lot of politically-charged his fic lately and this novel was relatively less political than my recent reads so I found that refreshing. Plaidy’s novels all follow a certain format which, at times, I find comforting, and at other times, I find a little boring. Nonetheless they are always worth reading. I always love to see how the pioneering his fic writers handled their historical characters. I recommend this novel to lovers of his fic. It’s not the best novel I’ve ever read but it’s comfortable and enjoyable and a his fic classic.
I am glad I did because it was one of the more enjoyable novels by Plaidy that I’ve read. Anne is gentle and sweet and unassuming. Her husband, Richard III, is less loveable but the love between then seemed so natural nonetheless.
I was very interested to see how Plaidy would handle the controversy over Richard III’s seizure of the thrown and the fate of the young princes, his nephews, whom he displaced in favor of himself. I figured it would be very difficult to portray this story from the point of view of someone who loved Richard but Plaidy did it gracefully.
I’ve been reading a lot of politically-charged his fic lately and this novel was relatively less political than my recent reads so I found that refreshing. Plaidy’s novels all follow a certain format which, at times, I find comforting, and at other times, I find a little boring. Nonetheless they are always worth reading. I always love to see how the pioneering his fic writers handled their historical characters. I recommend this novel to lovers of his fic. It’s not the best novel I’ve ever read but it’s comfortable and enjoyable and a his fic classic.
June 29, 2021
Though in some way it reminds of an young adult novel, especially when it explains through the charachters dialogues all the events of the Cousins War, as if it was necessary to introduce young people to history, I liked this book. The thing that bothered me most was the hastened and abrupt ending, that left me a little astonished and perplexed.
January 17, 2009
Wars of the Roses
April 21, 2020
Once again, I really enjoyed this historical read by Jean Plaidy. I know there are lots of options out there for books on the history of the monarchy and many say these aren't the best options, but I really love it that they're clean and chock full of history.
When I read the back-o'-the-book blurb, I thought it sounded very sympathetic to Richard III. I've never really liked him and must admit I think he's good for the death of his nephews. However, I was willing to give the story a chance to change my mind. To be honest---I still think he's guilty.
The story runs the whole course of Anne's life and, as per usual for Plaidy, she's a young and inquisitive teen who turns into a very strong and influential wife over her husband. I liked reading about Anne's friendship with Margaret d'Anjou---it reminded me of my own relationship with my step-mother-in-law. Once she became romantically involved with Richard, the story took the usual Plaidy turn, having him being mostly good and making many decisions based on his love for her. I think this is overly romanticized but I do like it that the author tends to see the best in everyone. I'm looking forward to ordering and reading the next in this series of the queens of England.
When I read the back-o'-the-book blurb, I thought it sounded very sympathetic to Richard III. I've never really liked him and must admit I think he's good for the death of his nephews. However, I was willing to give the story a chance to change my mind. To be honest---I still think he's guilty.
The story runs the whole course of Anne's life and, as per usual for Plaidy, she's a young and inquisitive teen who turns into a very strong and influential wife over her husband. I liked reading about Anne's friendship with Margaret d'Anjou---it reminded me of my own relationship with my step-mother-in-law. Once she became romantically involved with Richard, the story took the usual Plaidy turn, having him being mostly good and making many decisions based on his love for her. I think this is overly romanticized but I do like it that the author tends to see the best in everyone. I'm looking forward to ordering and reading the next in this series of the queens of England.
February 21, 2023
O carte in care dragostea este mai presus de orice uneltiri. Este vorba despre povestea de iubire dintre Anne Neville si Richard, duce de Gloncester, respectiv regele Richard al III-lea si sotia sa Anne de York.
Desi tatal ei o logodeste impotriva vointei cu Eduard, soarta nu ii este potrivnica. Acesta moare intr-o batalie si astfel este libera sa il aleaga de sot pe cel pe care il iubeste.
Dar intr-o lume avida de bani si putere, fericirea unei femei blande si cu suflet mare trece prin multe incercari. Anne ii va ramane alaturi lui Richard pana la sfarsitul zilelor, viata lor fiind incercata de numeroase comploturi de la palat dar si de Razboiul celor Doua Roze.
Desi tatal ei o logodeste impotriva vointei cu Eduard, soarta nu ii este potrivnica. Acesta moare intr-o batalie si astfel este libera sa il aleaga de sot pe cel pe care il iubeste.
Dar intr-o lume avida de bani si putere, fericirea unei femei blande si cu suflet mare trece prin multe incercari. Anne ii va ramane alaturi lui Richard pana la sfarsitul zilelor, viata lor fiind incercata de numeroase comploturi de la palat dar si de Razboiul celor Doua Roze.
January 4, 2019
O altă parte interesantă a istoriei pe care o admir atât, cea a Angliei. Recomand cu mare drag!
February 9, 2021
This is a book I went after. I had watched The White Queen and Anne of Neville was depicted as a stronger women than she is in Shakespeare's Richard III. In the White Queen, she urges Richard to take the throne for himself and to rule.
I was curious about the youngest daughter of the Kingmaker, the Earl of Warwick. What was it? Totally innocent and seduced by Richard III whom Shakespeare makes a monster and who eventually disposes of her like he has disposed of others (no proof he did) or were they childhood friends who fell in love like in The White Queen with Anne dying not poisoned but because she was of frail nature.
A rumor was spread at the time she started being sick that Richard had incestuous designs on his niece, Elizabeth of York, and wanted Anne dead so he could marry Elizabeth. This was also never proven.
I just started reading the book on December 26th and presently Anne and Richard are pre-teens, close friends and the discussion is mostly about how the Earl of Warwick and Edward IV had a falling out because of Elizabeth Woodville and how the Earl of Warwick is organizing behind Edward's back the wedding of George, Duke of Clarence, Edward's brother to his oldest daughter Isabel.
This was a real good book and no wonder, written by jean Plaidy.
In this book, Anne tells us her own story in her own words. She depicts for us a different picture of Richard of Gloucester that Shakespeare and history has given us.
Anne says he's loyal, honest, a good man though not handsome or as charming as his older brother Edward IV whom Shakespeare had us believing Richard hated.
We can see from Anne's words that being the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, the kingmaker, wasn't as easy as one would think.
She falls for Richard when they are still quite young and he seems to share her feelings. They are not blessed with many sons and their only son dies in his 11th year.
Anne herself becomes very sick thus the suspicion that her own husband is poisoning her to get rid of her so he can remarry with a younger woman who will give him heirs.
But from what Anne shared with us, Richard never wanted the crown and reluctantly just like she did accepted it. Richard was happier living in the north of England at the Warwick Estate.
From Anne again we find out that the Duke of Clarence was not a victim, but a vile schemer, plotter, very ambitious, wanting to seize the crown from Edward who many times forgave him.
Clarence's marriage to Isabel, Anne's unfortunate older sister who dies in childbirth, was one where Clarence pretended to love his wife so he could have her fortune and through her father replace Edward on the throne.
Anne even tells us how Clarence who wants her fortune also is ready to lock her up in a cookshop where people act like she's a deranged young maid thinking she is some great lady. She is rescued by Richard who gets permission from Edward to marry her.
In this book, we see a different Richard III than the one who has been thought to be a villain, the murderer of his nephews and lusting after his own young niece Elizabeth of York.
Richard had no reason to kill his nephews. He already knew them to be bastards as it seems the marriage of Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV was a sham. Edward faked a marriage because he wanted her and she wouldn't surrender to him without the bonds of Holy Matrimony.
One of the nobles at court knew of another marriage Edward had contracted which was still valid. His between Dame Eleonor Butler, related to one of the great nobles of England, who eventually took the veil. Even then she would have had to die for Edward to be allowed to remarry. Obviously Edward didn't seek an annulment or couldn't more likely because the marriage was consumed.
Edward must still have loved Elizabeth Woodville to have her crowned and to decide that their children would be his heirs. Edward trust Richard so much that he named him Lord Protector should he die before his son another Edward to become Edward V, one of the 2 princes who died in the Tower.
It was a real picture learning of Anne's life through her own words.
I highly recommend that book.
-
I was curious about the youngest daughter of the Kingmaker, the Earl of Warwick. What was it? Totally innocent and seduced by Richard III whom Shakespeare makes a monster and who eventually disposes of her like he has disposed of others (no proof he did) or were they childhood friends who fell in love like in The White Queen with Anne dying not poisoned but because she was of frail nature.
A rumor was spread at the time she started being sick that Richard had incestuous designs on his niece, Elizabeth of York, and wanted Anne dead so he could marry Elizabeth. This was also never proven.
I just started reading the book on December 26th and presently Anne and Richard are pre-teens, close friends and the discussion is mostly about how the Earl of Warwick and Edward IV had a falling out because of Elizabeth Woodville and how the Earl of Warwick is organizing behind Edward's back the wedding of George, Duke of Clarence, Edward's brother to his oldest daughter Isabel.
This was a real good book and no wonder, written by jean Plaidy.
In this book, Anne tells us her own story in her own words. She depicts for us a different picture of Richard of Gloucester that Shakespeare and history has given us.
Anne says he's loyal, honest, a good man though not handsome or as charming as his older brother Edward IV whom Shakespeare had us believing Richard hated.
We can see from Anne's words that being the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, the kingmaker, wasn't as easy as one would think.
She falls for Richard when they are still quite young and he seems to share her feelings. They are not blessed with many sons and their only son dies in his 11th year.
Anne herself becomes very sick thus the suspicion that her own husband is poisoning her to get rid of her so he can remarry with a younger woman who will give him heirs.
But from what Anne shared with us, Richard never wanted the crown and reluctantly just like she did accepted it. Richard was happier living in the north of England at the Warwick Estate.
From Anne again we find out that the Duke of Clarence was not a victim, but a vile schemer, plotter, very ambitious, wanting to seize the crown from Edward who many times forgave him.
Clarence's marriage to Isabel, Anne's unfortunate older sister who dies in childbirth, was one where Clarence pretended to love his wife so he could have her fortune and through her father replace Edward on the throne.
Anne even tells us how Clarence who wants her fortune also is ready to lock her up in a cookshop where people act like she's a deranged young maid thinking she is some great lady. She is rescued by Richard who gets permission from Edward to marry her.
In this book, we see a different Richard III than the one who has been thought to be a villain, the murderer of his nephews and lusting after his own young niece Elizabeth of York.
Richard had no reason to kill his nephews. He already knew them to be bastards as it seems the marriage of Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV was a sham. Edward faked a marriage because he wanted her and she wouldn't surrender to him without the bonds of Holy Matrimony.
One of the nobles at court knew of another marriage Edward had contracted which was still valid. His between Dame Eleonor Butler, related to one of the great nobles of England, who eventually took the veil. Even then she would have had to die for Edward to be allowed to remarry. Obviously Edward didn't seek an annulment or couldn't more likely because the marriage was consumed.
Edward must still have loved Elizabeth Woodville to have her crowned and to decide that their children would be his heirs. Edward trust Richard so much that he named him Lord Protector should he die before his son another Edward to become Edward V, one of the 2 princes who died in the Tower.
It was a real picture learning of Anne's life through her own words.
I highly recommend that book.
-
June 4, 2009
I went searching for a blurb of the story at Random House's site and this what I found is what is written above- I must say that I am a bit puzzled, Anne was not bethrothed to the older brother of her childhood love and Plaidy certainly never made that mistake...
The Reluctant Queen is part of a series Plaidy wrote about the Queens of England and it’s the story of Anne Neville, Richard III’s queen. The story is told in the first person and reads like a memoir, as she lays sick and feeling death approach, Anne Neville recounts her life from childhood to Queen of England.
She was the youngest daughter of the Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker, and along with her sister Isabel the richest heiress of England. She spent her childhood in Middleham Castle, one of her father’s properties, and where she met Richard of Gloucester, the youngest son of the Duke of York and brother of the future Edward IV. Plaidy follows the usual route of showing them as a sort of childhood sweethearts but Anne is soon as a political pawn by her father.
After Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville the relationship between him and Warwick becomes strained, the Earl wanted to be the power behind the throne and Edward wants to follow his own way. Eventually Warwick changes his allegiance and supports Margaret of Anjou. As Anne’s sister had been married to Clarence, Edward VI’s brother to strengthen political ties, so Anne is married to Margaret’s son Henry in 1470. I found it a bit odd that Plaidy only mentions a betrothal and not a marriage as I was under the impression from other reads that Anne had indeed married Henry. However, when they arrive in England to fight for Henry’s claim to the throne the Earl of Warwick is dead, after the Battle of Tewksbury so is Henry and Anne becomes first a prisoner, and afterwards went to live with her sister Isabel and the Duke of Clarence.
Apparently, Clarence wanted to prevent Anne from marrying again and wanted her to stay as his ward so he could control the whole of the Warwick fortune. However, Anne and Richard wanted to marry and to prevent that Clarence has Anne kidnapped. It’s only after Richard finds her working as a maid in a common shop that she is taken to sanctuary and they finally marry in 1472.
After her marriage Anne and Richard settle in Middleham Castle. Richard is Governor of the North and they have one child, Edward. While telling her story Anne notes that Middleham is where she feels at home and was most happy. But after Edward IV’s death, when Richard is appointed Lord Protector for his nephews they have to travel to London. Being this Anne’s story, we only see Richard of Gloucester through her loving eyes. But after he becomes king and their son dies Anne is filled with doubts and insecurities. She feels the end is near and is haunted by rumours that the king is poisoning her to marry his niece. I found it interesting that Plaidy really makes us feel that the future will be bleak for both of them.
I thought the story was very well written in the sense that it is very clearly explained how the Wars of The Roses started and the complex political events of that time. It was less so when it comes to explain why and how Richard III became king. I had a bit of a problem with Anne as she at times seemed just too perfect. While she may be the object of admiration, I didn’t feel much empathy with her and I missed having a strong character to identify with and feel passionate about.
For readers already familiarized with the Wars of The Rose this book will probably not bring anything new but if you are just starting on the subject it might make for an interesting read.
Grade: 4/5
The Reluctant Queen is part of a series Plaidy wrote about the Queens of England and it’s the story of Anne Neville, Richard III’s queen. The story is told in the first person and reads like a memoir, as she lays sick and feeling death approach, Anne Neville recounts her life from childhood to Queen of England.
She was the youngest daughter of the Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker, and along with her sister Isabel the richest heiress of England. She spent her childhood in Middleham Castle, one of her father’s properties, and where she met Richard of Gloucester, the youngest son of the Duke of York and brother of the future Edward IV. Plaidy follows the usual route of showing them as a sort of childhood sweethearts but Anne is soon as a political pawn by her father.
After Edward IV’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville the relationship between him and Warwick becomes strained, the Earl wanted to be the power behind the throne and Edward wants to follow his own way. Eventually Warwick changes his allegiance and supports Margaret of Anjou. As Anne’s sister had been married to Clarence, Edward VI’s brother to strengthen political ties, so Anne is married to Margaret’s son Henry in 1470. I found it a bit odd that Plaidy only mentions a betrothal and not a marriage as I was under the impression from other reads that Anne had indeed married Henry. However, when they arrive in England to fight for Henry’s claim to the throne the Earl of Warwick is dead, after the Battle of Tewksbury so is Henry and Anne becomes first a prisoner, and afterwards went to live with her sister Isabel and the Duke of Clarence.
Apparently, Clarence wanted to prevent Anne from marrying again and wanted her to stay as his ward so he could control the whole of the Warwick fortune. However, Anne and Richard wanted to marry and to prevent that Clarence has Anne kidnapped. It’s only after Richard finds her working as a maid in a common shop that she is taken to sanctuary and they finally marry in 1472.
After her marriage Anne and Richard settle in Middleham Castle. Richard is Governor of the North and they have one child, Edward. While telling her story Anne notes that Middleham is where she feels at home and was most happy. But after Edward IV’s death, when Richard is appointed Lord Protector for his nephews they have to travel to London. Being this Anne’s story, we only see Richard of Gloucester through her loving eyes. But after he becomes king and their son dies Anne is filled with doubts and insecurities. She feels the end is near and is haunted by rumours that the king is poisoning her to marry his niece. I found it interesting that Plaidy really makes us feel that the future will be bleak for both of them.
I thought the story was very well written in the sense that it is very clearly explained how the Wars of The Roses started and the complex political events of that time. It was less so when it comes to explain why and how Richard III became king. I had a bit of a problem with Anne as she at times seemed just too perfect. While she may be the object of admiration, I didn’t feel much empathy with her and I missed having a strong character to identify with and feel passionate about.
For readers already familiarized with the Wars of The Rose this book will probably not bring anything new but if you are just starting on the subject it might make for an interesting read.
Grade: 4/5
May 6, 2009
I enjoyed this book. One must keep in mind some details are going to be left out or glossed over very quickly. Having read The Sunne in Splendour beforehand, I try to keep in my not all books concerning Richard III can be as wonderfully detailed as that masterpiece.
I liked hearing the story, pared down as it is, from Anne's point of view. This is an enjoyable work of historical FICTION. An easy, quick read which I think was worth the time.
I liked hearing the story, pared down as it is, from Anne's point of view. This is an enjoyable work of historical FICTION. An easy, quick read which I think was worth the time.
August 17, 2010
Interesting that the accusation of poison by Richard is not put to rest. Anne even has her own doubts. I like the Richard of this book. Faithful, loving...the princes seem to still be alive. And this book knocked Elizabeth Woodville a notch or two off the pedestal she has been placed on in my mind.
July 2, 2018
Always fascinating to compare how Jean Plaidy and Philippa Gregory tell the same story in slightly different ways. By reading different authors versions of the same stories, I'm able to glean some facts and different interpretations.
October 4, 2015
Not the best I've read about Anne Neville although I love Jean Plaidy interesting at some points and boring at others.
June 12, 2022
I feel like half of the women who become Queen of England are reluctant (see almost every single Tudor queen except for the first two). Anne Neville is one such woman who would rather never see the glittering court. She's so reluctant that, as part of a condition of marrying Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, she must give up several estates that were slated to be hers after her father's death, and she is perfectly happy to do this. Despite this reluctance to be queen (and for good reason), Anne was still a determined person. However, this is much more evident earlier in the novel. By the end, Anne is a shadow of a person and of a character.
As the daughter of the great Kingmaker, the Earl of Warwick, Anne is at the center of the turbulent War of the Roses. While she is too young to be an active player at this point, Plaidy has given Anne some unique insights that make her something more than a historian. She is skeptical, loyal, and demure, as complex and interesting as the charismatic Edward IV or ambitious Warwick. As Anne ages, she becomes more determined, bordering on stubbornness as she strives to marry her beloved Richard while managing to have an open enough mind to sympathize with both her sister Isabel and Margaret of Anjou, as they navigate their lives and opposing desires.
Her devotion to Richard is sweet and romantic, and his affection for her is the stuff of fairy tales. Honestly, I think they're my favorite royal couple. Everything I read of them illustrates they had a mutual respect and love for one another, and he was far more faithful compared to his brother Edward, whose marriage to Elizabeth Woodville is legendary. Their union was constantly something to root for without it becoming Anne's dominant personality trait, as so often happens in Plaidy's novels.
However, Anne's complexity goes downhill as soon as Anne becomes queen. Now that she's reached the highest position in the realm, she becomes almost invisible. The narration is still told from Anne's perspective, but it is exclusively concerned with Richard's side of things. Major historical events are glossed over with barely a reaction from Anne. Most significantly, the deaths of their nephews in the Tower. It's hinted at that there are "rumors" that the boys are dead, but it's hinted they're not actually dead yet, and there's no reference at all to their actual deaths, which is just bizarre to me. Additionally, it's known that there seemed to be a flirtation between Richard of Gloucester and his niece Elizabeth of York. Elizabeth and Anne both arrive at a Christmas festivity dressed in the same gown, and Anne just blithely accepts that she is being replaced. She showcases no emotion when she confronts Richard about it, which is also strange. While it's known this happened, it's unclear if Anne was "in" on it or not. Philippa Gregory writes about the same experience in her novel The Kingmaker's Daughter, and there, she presents Anne as more active and of manipulating Elizabeth to suit Richard's needs. So, it was disappointing, to say the least to find Anne so passive in this book, especially when she's in the role of queen, which should give her more agency and privileges then she's ever had before.
The weird rushing of the ending of the book is a major reason why I rated this novel only three stars. Another reason is due to the historical inaccuracies in the book. I already mentioned the boys in the Tower and the Elizabeth of York issues. The other major inaccuracy is that Plaidy posits that Anne Neville was never actually married to Margaret of Anjou's son. I know she despised the guy, but it is weird that a part of history is just scrubbed out. There really wasn't a need to, as Anne's feelings would not have changed, so it's just strange.
For these two reasons, I rated the book 3/5 stars. The historical inaccuracies from false claims to omitting major events make it hard to enjoy this book at times, even though the first 2/3 of it are quite riveting. The lackluster ending really did this book a disservice, which is such a shame, as both the character and the time period are so fascinating.
As the daughter of the great Kingmaker, the Earl of Warwick, Anne is at the center of the turbulent War of the Roses. While she is too young to be an active player at this point, Plaidy has given Anne some unique insights that make her something more than a historian. She is skeptical, loyal, and demure, as complex and interesting as the charismatic Edward IV or ambitious Warwick. As Anne ages, she becomes more determined, bordering on stubbornness as she strives to marry her beloved Richard while managing to have an open enough mind to sympathize with both her sister Isabel and Margaret of Anjou, as they navigate their lives and opposing desires.
Her devotion to Richard is sweet and romantic, and his affection for her is the stuff of fairy tales. Honestly, I think they're my favorite royal couple. Everything I read of them illustrates they had a mutual respect and love for one another, and he was far more faithful compared to his brother Edward, whose marriage to Elizabeth Woodville is legendary. Their union was constantly something to root for without it becoming Anne's dominant personality trait, as so often happens in Plaidy's novels.
However, Anne's complexity goes downhill as soon as Anne becomes queen. Now that she's reached the highest position in the realm, she becomes almost invisible. The narration is still told from Anne's perspective, but it is exclusively concerned with Richard's side of things. Major historical events are glossed over with barely a reaction from Anne. Most significantly, the deaths of their nephews in the Tower. It's hinted at that there are "rumors" that the boys are dead, but it's hinted they're not actually dead yet, and there's no reference at all to their actual deaths, which is just bizarre to me. Additionally, it's known that there seemed to be a flirtation between Richard of Gloucester and his niece Elizabeth of York. Elizabeth and Anne both arrive at a Christmas festivity dressed in the same gown, and Anne just blithely accepts that she is being replaced. She showcases no emotion when she confronts Richard about it, which is also strange. While it's known this happened, it's unclear if Anne was "in" on it or not. Philippa Gregory writes about the same experience in her novel The Kingmaker's Daughter, and there, she presents Anne as more active and of manipulating Elizabeth to suit Richard's needs. So, it was disappointing, to say the least to find Anne so passive in this book, especially when she's in the role of queen, which should give her more agency and privileges then she's ever had before.
The weird rushing of the ending of the book is a major reason why I rated this novel only three stars. Another reason is due to the historical inaccuracies in the book. I already mentioned the boys in the Tower and the Elizabeth of York issues. The other major inaccuracy is that Plaidy posits that Anne Neville was never actually married to Margaret of Anjou's son. I know she despised the guy, but it is weird that a part of history is just scrubbed out. There really wasn't a need to, as Anne's feelings would not have changed, so it's just strange.
For these two reasons, I rated the book 3/5 stars. The historical inaccuracies from false claims to omitting major events make it hard to enjoy this book at times, even though the first 2/3 of it are quite riveting. The lackluster ending really did this book a disservice, which is such a shame, as both the character and the time period are so fascinating.
October 25, 2019
This was an extremely difficult book to rate and I was torn between whether to give it two or three stars. So, I guess, that'll make it a 2.5-star rating...
On one hand, I was eager to learn more about Anne Neville's life, but never could really connect to her, on the other, the bland, emotionless style of writing vexed me to no end and was the reason, I guess, why I couldn't connect to Anne. The conversations, and there are many of them since most of the story is told by means of repeating conversations in a hind-sight fashion, are all very wooden much like in a badly scripted soap opera. Especially the early years where a friendship between her and Richard is formed reads more like a rough script than a story. One really doesn't get a sense of how any feelings could develop in the first place.
The sad thing is, that this could've been a much better book if the writing hadn't been so devoid of anything that makes a good novel. Yes, this is based in history and Anne Neville was a real person and many of those things portrayed here are said to have taken place (including the cookshop-incident) but it's not a scientific work so why not use a little of that creative freedom and make something that is outstanding?
On that sideline, Anne Neville was never referred to as Anne of York, unless the author merely wanted to imply that she belonged to the House of York. But with that said there was an Anne of York, who was actually Richard's eldest sister, not his wife. He himself was never called Richard of York either (that would've been his father and later his younger nephew) but Richard of Gloucester, so after their marriage that would've made the main character of this book Anne of Gloucester. Also the constant reference to the 'Wars of the Roses', which was a term coined much later and would not have been used at the time to refer to this conflict got on my nerves eventually. Besides, the red rose was not even the emblem of the House of Lancaster at the time but only emerged after the Battle of Bosworth when Henry VII sought a means to symbolise the union of both houses (by his marriage to Elizabeth of York) and eventually merging them to become the famous Tudor Rose.
As said, I liked the overall story, but unfortunately, it appears that the author could not decide whether she wanted to write a history book or a novel and consequently got stuck somewhere in-between not succeeding in either attempt.
On one hand, I was eager to learn more about Anne Neville's life, but never could really connect to her, on the other, the bland, emotionless style of writing vexed me to no end and was the reason, I guess, why I couldn't connect to Anne. The conversations, and there are many of them since most of the story is told by means of repeating conversations in a hind-sight fashion, are all very wooden much like in a badly scripted soap opera. Especially the early years where a friendship between her and Richard is formed reads more like a rough script than a story. One really doesn't get a sense of how any feelings could develop in the first place.
The sad thing is, that this could've been a much better book if the writing hadn't been so devoid of anything that makes a good novel. Yes, this is based in history and Anne Neville was a real person and many of those things portrayed here are said to have taken place (including the cookshop-incident) but it's not a scientific work so why not use a little of that creative freedom and make something that is outstanding?
On that sideline, Anne Neville was never referred to as Anne of York, unless the author merely wanted to imply that she belonged to the House of York. But with that said there was an Anne of York, who was actually Richard's eldest sister, not his wife. He himself was never called Richard of York either (that would've been his father and later his younger nephew) but Richard of Gloucester, so after their marriage that would've made the main character of this book Anne of Gloucester. Also the constant reference to the 'Wars of the Roses', which was a term coined much later and would not have been used at the time to refer to this conflict got on my nerves eventually. Besides, the red rose was not even the emblem of the House of Lancaster at the time but only emerged after the Battle of Bosworth when Henry VII sought a means to symbolise the union of both houses (by his marriage to Elizabeth of York) and eventually merging them to become the famous Tudor Rose.
As said, I liked the overall story, but unfortunately, it appears that the author could not decide whether she wanted to write a history book or a novel and consequently got stuck somewhere in-between not succeeding in either attempt.
April 2, 2020
As much as I did find this novel entertaining, I find it to be the weakest from Plaidy that I've read so far.
I don't necessarily mind when authors leave out events in historical fiction. Really, it's a necessary evil, else the book be a 10-pound brick. That being said, leaving out Anne's marriage to Edward was a little galling. I understand why she might have wanted to fast-forward through it to get to her main subject matter, but to write it out of Anne's history completely was really off-putting and not very Plaidy.
The only word I can think of to describe Plaidy's Richard is diluted. He felt really hollow and watered-down and without cause. He was basically faultless and anything questionable that he did do seemed to have an excuse. I'm really not a fan of either a monstrous Richard or an completely idealistic one and this one was way too idealistic to me.
Lastly, this novel really should have been written in third-person. I couldn't count how many times a chapter Anne prefaced an event by saying "later Richard had told me that--" or "I only found out later that--". I find this extremely irritating. If the author wanted to write within a state of omniscience she shouldn't have chose a first-person perspective.
Overall, an entertaining read if you're willing to overlook some irksome elements.
I don't necessarily mind when authors leave out events in historical fiction. Really, it's a necessary evil, else the book be a 10-pound brick. That being said, leaving out Anne's marriage to Edward was a little galling. I understand why she might have wanted to fast-forward through it to get to her main subject matter, but to write it out of Anne's history completely was really off-putting and not very Plaidy.
The only word I can think of to describe Plaidy's Richard is diluted. He felt really hollow and watered-down and without cause. He was basically faultless and anything questionable that he did do seemed to have an excuse. I'm really not a fan of either a monstrous Richard or an completely idealistic one and this one was way too idealistic to me.
Lastly, this novel really should have been written in third-person. I couldn't count how many times a chapter Anne prefaced an event by saying "later Richard had told me that--" or "I only found out later that--". I find this extremely irritating. If the author wanted to write within a state of omniscience she shouldn't have chose a first-person perspective.
Overall, an entertaining read if you're willing to overlook some irksome elements.
May 14, 2019
The Reluctant Queen is fictional biography of Anne Neville, Queen of England and daughter to the Kingmaker. Anne, the youngest daughter of the Earl of Warwick, grew up in a country at war. Throughout her life she is faced with conflict after conflict. All she wants to do is marry Richard and live quietly in the country. Her life is anything but quiet.
Anne Neville is one of those women in history that lived a complicated and difficult life. She was constantly being pushed and pulled by her father, her mother, her mother-in-law, her brother-in-law, her sister, etc. I can not help but pity her. Her life never seemed to be her own until she marries Richard, but that peace is ended with the death of King Edward.
I enjoy Plaidy's novelization of this historic lady. I do wish her years as Queen of England was covered more in the book. The book focuses more on her time before becoming queen.
I do compare Plaidy's writing to Phillipa Gregory's books. They both cover the same time periods and they include the same characters. I must say Gregory's books are more enjoyable, but Plaidy covers more unique characters. Anne Neville was just a minor character in Gregory's series, while Plaidy gives her an entire novel.
Anne Neville is one of those women in history that lived a complicated and difficult life. She was constantly being pushed and pulled by her father, her mother, her mother-in-law, her brother-in-law, her sister, etc. I can not help but pity her. Her life never seemed to be her own until she marries Richard, but that peace is ended with the death of King Edward.
I enjoy Plaidy's novelization of this historic lady. I do wish her years as Queen of England was covered more in the book. The book focuses more on her time before becoming queen.
I do compare Plaidy's writing to Phillipa Gregory's books. They both cover the same time periods and they include the same characters. I must say Gregory's books are more enjoyable, but Plaidy covers more unique characters. Anne Neville was just a minor character in Gregory's series, while Plaidy gives her an entire novel.
January 24, 2019
An excellent re-telling of the dramatic life of Anne Neville. I’ve always found her story to be fascinating. Her father, the Earl of Warwick, was central to court intrigue, plotting and scheming as he tried to play “the kingmaker”. He seemed to have no qualms about using his daughters as pawns in the plans that he set into motion. This novel did an excellent job capturing Anne’s voice and sharing her tumoltuous life with the reader as she is raised high, thrown down, raised high once again. It shares the suffering that she endures from the scheming of others, her loves and her losses, and the greed and corruption of the royal court that she can never seem to escape. Very well written! I can’t wait to read more in her series!
July 7, 2022
This is a story about the War of the Roses from the view of Anne of York, wife of Richard III, one of the most (if not the most) villainized kings of England.
Plaidy does a good job of making Anne and Richard seem like regular people with regular concerns who just get caught up in other's ambitions. Anne isn't an instigator or a manipulator as women are often seen in the War of the Roses, but she is not a doormat either. She's a watcher. She sees people for who they are and not just the mask they wear. She recognizes their faults no matter what side they are on.
The only fault is the book gets repetitive with information at times but I'd barely bring it down half a star for that. It also has an abrupt ending but people die when they die.
Plaidy does a good job of making Anne and Richard seem like regular people with regular concerns who just get caught up in other's ambitions. Anne isn't an instigator or a manipulator as women are often seen in the War of the Roses, but she is not a doormat either. She's a watcher. She sees people for who they are and not just the mask they wear. She recognizes their faults no matter what side they are on.
The only fault is the book gets repetitive with information at times but I'd barely bring it down half a star for that. It also has an abrupt ending but people die when they die.
January 18, 2021
Historical fiction is my favorite genre, with the War of the Roses and the following Tudor period being my favorite era. I had high hopes for this novel but it fell extremely short. The book is super repetitive. Plaidy repeats information over and over again, having Anne tell us the same information or feeling about something a couple of paragraphs after she just said it. It is written in a very passive tone and is hard to root for any of the characters despite the real life drama that occurred during the protagonists lifetime.
August 23, 2018
A very enjoyable book, though these are historical fiction in that the author includes a lot of their internal thoughts, and conversations, and some of the dates don't seem to match up. But, certainly a much different view of Richard III than we normally see. Now I want to visit there castle, though it is in ruins!
March 2, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even if it was a bit more romanticized then I believe the relationship between Anne Neville and Richard III truly was. I love this author and so far she has not disappointed.
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