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Roan Rose
Rose gives her heart and a lifetime of service to the doomed House of York. Born to a peasant midwife, she is taken to nearby Middleham Castle by the Countess of Warwick, in the same way we might adopt a puppy. Here she becomes poppet and companion to Anne Neville. Here she also meets Duke Richard, Edward IV's youngest brother, who is undergoing his knightly training. The children form a friendship which will carry them into adulthood, although--often painfully--Rose is never regarded as an equal. Balancing the needs of those she serves against the claims of her own family are Rose's never-ending dilemma.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2012
15 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Waldron
23 books33 followersJuliet Waldron was baptized in the Yellow Spring of a unique Ohio farm town. After some years in an upstate New York farmhouse with a resident ghost, she began to travel with her Auntie Mame mother, who flamboyantly adored history and grand opera.
Returning to the States, got married and raised sons, eventually working at jobs ranging from artist's model to power-suited Merrill Lynch “girl.” Then, she went off the deep end and began to write. She enjoys putting what she has learned about people, places and relationships into her stories. She has granddaughters she'd like to see more often, several cats, and just celebrated her 51th wedding anniversary with a guy who rides a Hayabusa and hasn't lost her off the back yet.
Returning to the States, got married and raised sons, eventually working at jobs ranging from artist's model to power-suited Merrill Lynch “girl.” Then, she went off the deep end and began to write. She enjoys putting what she has learned about people, places and relationships into her stories. She has granddaughters she'd like to see more often, several cats, and just celebrated her 51th wedding anniversary with a guy who rides a Hayabusa and hasn't lost her off the back yet.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 7, 2018
Perfect for my love of history
I have recently been introduced to the areas of York and Gloucester from the Geneology of my family's past. I was thrilled to read this historically based novel and devour the past. I am not sure how much was based on historical fact but it was a deeply moving story!
I have recently been introduced to the areas of York and Gloucester from the Geneology of my family's past. I was thrilled to read this historically based novel and devour the past. I am not sure how much was based on historical fact but it was a deeply moving story!
June 5, 2013
I received this book as a First Read through Goodreads.
I liked this book a great deal. I'm kind of obsessed with Richard III, and have read several books about him recently. This novel was one of the better ones. Meticulously researched and detailed, it hit most of the salient details of the lives and deaths of Richard and his wife, Anne Neville. My few quibbles were minor, such as the breadth of Rose's vocabulary. I do realize, of course, that she grew up around and learned from her betters, but still. Overall, it was an approachable and gripping read. Even though I knew what was to come, I was eager to see what happened. I really enjoyed the twist near the end.
I liked this book a great deal. I'm kind of obsessed with Richard III, and have read several books about him recently. This novel was one of the better ones. Meticulously researched and detailed, it hit most of the salient details of the lives and deaths of Richard and his wife, Anne Neville. My few quibbles were minor, such as the breadth of Rose's vocabulary. I do realize, of course, that she grew up around and learned from her betters, but still. Overall, it was an approachable and gripping read. Even though I knew what was to come, I was eager to see what happened. I really enjoyed the twist near the end.
November 9, 2017
Of all the skills Juliet Waldron draws upon as a writer of historical fiction, none stands out more powerfully than her sense of time and place. In Roan Rose the reader is transported through tiny details of dress and setting into a late medieval world that comes alive with stark and vivid realism. A castle, a peasant’s squalid hut, the field after the brutal carnage at the Battle of Bosworth — all pulse with sight and smell and sound. This is not to say that the people who populate this wonderfully imagined book aren’t likewise endowed. With a mixture of historical and fictional characters, the story of peasant-born Rose’s surprising lifelong relationship with Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and Lady Anne Neville (later King Richard III and his queen) is a joy to read and hard to put down.
Filtered through Rose’s point of view, the historical events have a marked Ricardian perspective. (And what could be more timely, given the recent discovery of “the king in the carpark?”) Richard comes across as a man true to his era, complete with faults and strengths, in a way that will make us in the 21st century pause to consider the 500 years of bad press that has been the lot of the last Plantagenet king and the last English king to die in battle.
But this is Rose’s story even more than it is about giving a much maligned king his due. It is a story of honor and loyalty…and deep, abiding love. Through Waldron’s stellar prose and Rose’s eyes, we experience the inequities of 15th century life from both sides of the class divide, as Rose grows from a child of ten into a woman. We suffer with her and feel her joys and fears while she hacks out an often hard and bitter life as a woman of intelligence and sensibilities in a time when it was tough enough just staying alive.
Filtered through Rose’s point of view, the historical events have a marked Ricardian perspective. (And what could be more timely, given the recent discovery of “the king in the carpark?”) Richard comes across as a man true to his era, complete with faults and strengths, in a way that will make us in the 21st century pause to consider the 500 years of bad press that has been the lot of the last Plantagenet king and the last English king to die in battle.
But this is Rose’s story even more than it is about giving a much maligned king his due. It is a story of honor and loyalty…and deep, abiding love. Through Waldron’s stellar prose and Rose’s eyes, we experience the inequities of 15th century life from both sides of the class divide, as Rose grows from a child of ten into a woman. We suffer with her and feel her joys and fears while she hacks out an often hard and bitter life as a woman of intelligence and sensibilities in a time when it was tough enough just staying alive.
May 5, 2023
After I've read this book about 10 years ago - and recalling almost nothing save that I didn't like it - I've decided to read it again. Has my judgement changed? Yes and no. The flaws of this novel are still gigantic to me, but maybe I was able to appreciate the pros more.
This is the story of Rosalba, a commoner from a problematic family, living in a Yorkshire village. One day she is sent to live in Middleham, to be Anne Neville's pet companion, though sometimes she seems more a nurse to young Anne, and I don't find very logical that the 5 years old precious daughter of the Earl of Warwick's security shall be trusted upon a 10 years old, while her nurse is elsewhere all the time. Anyway the two girls build a solid relationship, which later becomes a saffic love of sort. At Middleham they also become acquainted with Dickon, the King's younger brother, a frail, dark and small boy (a bit trite, considering that the novel came out way after Richard's finding and reinterment). Dickon and Anne are devoted to each other, but he also kisses Rosalba once and she seems to fall in love with him.
Years go by, and Rosalba shares the fortunes of the Nevilles, goes with Anne in France and supports her during her marriage to Edward of Lancaster, though is not clear here if the boy is the usual spoiled and cruel brat or a tender husband, if Anne loved him or not. I had the feeling the author wanted somehow to stay in the middle. Then, after Tewksbury the girls are in George of Clarence's household, where the Duke is spiteful and hideous.
Anne is hidden away in a house of ill repute, and it's about to be sold to the regulars of the place, which I didn't find credible. If Clarence hid her away, he wouldn't have gone that far, at least for the sake of his own neck. While searching for her Richard pick Rosalba's "flower" once, but later Anne comes to know it and forces Rosalba to marry a soldier in Richard's service who was courting her. Then she goes back to Middleham village but, very coherently, not to the castle. She's after all a peasant, and being married she will now stay with her husband and children. She's not really in contact with Richard or Anne for the next 10 years. Anne and Richard are finally married after a very long stand, like 4 years, which is longer than historically. Being an ordinary woman, Rosalba now stays out of all the political events, because she has no cause to, she only hears what is common knowledge among the common people, and again I found this really coherent and believable. Also, Richard and Anne have very little cause or time to think about her, and thankfully we don't have the forced and ridiculous love story between the prince and the pauper, Richard loves and cares for Anne, besides he has his duties as Lord of the North, and has no cause to think of Rosalba, also he must be aware of their social distance.
Then Edward IV dies and Richard and Anne goes to London, Rosalba is chosen by Anne to accompain her, and here again I can't find the logic. Anne ignored her for 10 years, and now she needs her? No explanation is given. Indeed, Rosalba cannot fit in the court environment, nor she really has a role to play, so she soon goes back to Middleham and goes on with her life. She's again summoned at court when Anne is ill to tend her, much for her husband's rage. This could be a little more credible, though I find hard to believe Anne was not attended by the best doctors in the realm. But ok, I accept that maybe she trusted Rosalba's skills better. And the comes the part the ruined everything for me: Rosalba stays at court after Anne's death and, though married, becomes Richard's lover. Richards also admits that he had tons of women since Anne's death, which is not true nor accurate according to what we know from History. It's even hinted he had an affair with Elizabeth of York, which again is not true etc. Richard also stops believing in God, which, given his piety, I frankly find outrageous. Yes, he may have had doubts, is only human, but I don't believe for a second he refused God. By the way why he's so besotted with Rosalba, a peasant who lived 13 years in a hut, and who must be 1000 miles away from the idea a nobleman could have of an ideal of woman, closer to him as for social stance? No explanation given, but he chooses her instead of tons of gentleborn women. Of course, Rosalba is pregnant and will give birth to an imaginary posthumous boy. And she even endures her husband's wrath and violence, is ready to kill, to protect the memory of her "one true love". I'm not sure when and why Richard became her one true love. This part is really not well explained.
So, what I liked of this book? First of all the writing, even if it's told in first person, it works very well. Then Rosalba's story, the fact that she lived a life apart from Richard and Anne and that much of the story is told from a peasant's point of view. I liked to read about the view, the lives and the beliefs of the common men and women of the time.
The credibility of Rosalba's husband's charachter, though maybe sometimes too much emphasised (he goes from a would be rapist to a good husband and patient father, and then again to a cold father and nearly murderous husband), but it's a medieval man (not of the best I suppose, but there were fellow like him... and still are), and it's also credible he's cynic enough to change sides when he suits his survival.
I liked that Rosalba is not a Mary Sue, nor beautiful. She's just an ordinary woman, confident and skilled in her midwife-herbalist job; insecure, simple and compliant when it comes to speak to nobles. She's aware of her social condition and of social rules. In general, really credible. I liked, for the most part, Richard's nuanced portrait.
What I didn't like? I could totally have done without the last part, after Anne's death, for the reasons mentioned above. I think it's out of tone with the rest of the book and it was frankly ridiculous and unnecessary; indeed it follows the path of previous novels about Richard's mistresses and it seems taken and attached with glue from a different book altogether.
I didn't like George of Clarence's portrait, which is so villainous it almost seems a spoof. Not nuanced at all, and the guy doesn't get a single good trait.
The historical accuracy is not the best, but the book is not really about History, more about Rosalba's story, so not a big deal here. What annoyed me more is that some details that would have lent more credibility to Richard and Anne's personal lives, as seen from Rosalba's point of view, are overlooked. An example is the boyhood mock tournament in Middleham, where Richard is nearly killed. I don't think Warwick would have allowed his most precious ward something so dangerous, and mock tournaments are just that: a mock. Richard's friend are not present in the book, not once named, apart from the brief mention of Francis Lovell at the beginning. Their role is taken over but John Parr, a fictional esquire. Similarly several Anne's ladies in waiting are named, all of them fictional apart from Margaret Neville. But it would suit more the narrative to cast in the role her true ladies, like Anna Lovell, Joyce Percy, her Fitzhugh cousins and other northern noble ladies well documented in her retinue. Historical details are really simplified, sometimes wrong, but it's ok, because that's what a real Rosalba would do as an outsider, hear incorrect rumors or not know the whole story. What I found funny though, is Rosalba's list of men executed by Richard, and the Marquess of Dorest's name unexpectedly pops up.
In short, this is a decent book, one of the best in the subgenre of Richard III's mistresses, but has it flaws. If I close my eyes and pretend the last part doesn't exist, I liked it well enough.
This is the story of Rosalba, a commoner from a problematic family, living in a Yorkshire village. One day she is sent to live in Middleham, to be Anne Neville's pet companion, though sometimes she seems more a nurse to young Anne, and I don't find very logical that the 5 years old precious daughter of the Earl of Warwick's security shall be trusted upon a 10 years old, while her nurse is elsewhere all the time. Anyway the two girls build a solid relationship, which later becomes a saffic love of sort. At Middleham they also become acquainted with Dickon, the King's younger brother, a frail, dark and small boy (a bit trite, considering that the novel came out way after Richard's finding and reinterment). Dickon and Anne are devoted to each other, but he also kisses Rosalba once and she seems to fall in love with him.
Years go by, and Rosalba shares the fortunes of the Nevilles, goes with Anne in France and supports her during her marriage to Edward of Lancaster, though is not clear here if the boy is the usual spoiled and cruel brat or a tender husband, if Anne loved him or not. I had the feeling the author wanted somehow to stay in the middle. Then, after Tewksbury the girls are in George of Clarence's household, where the Duke is spiteful and hideous.
Anne is hidden away in a house of ill repute, and it's about to be sold to the regulars of the place, which I didn't find credible. If Clarence hid her away, he wouldn't have gone that far, at least for the sake of his own neck. While searching for her Richard pick Rosalba's "flower" once, but later Anne comes to know it and forces Rosalba to marry a soldier in Richard's service who was courting her. Then she goes back to Middleham village but, very coherently, not to the castle. She's after all a peasant, and being married she will now stay with her husband and children. She's not really in contact with Richard or Anne for the next 10 years. Anne and Richard are finally married after a very long stand, like 4 years, which is longer than historically. Being an ordinary woman, Rosalba now stays out of all the political events, because she has no cause to, she only hears what is common knowledge among the common people, and again I found this really coherent and believable. Also, Richard and Anne have very little cause or time to think about her, and thankfully we don't have the forced and ridiculous love story between the prince and the pauper, Richard loves and cares for Anne, besides he has his duties as Lord of the North, and has no cause to think of Rosalba, also he must be aware of their social distance.
Then Edward IV dies and Richard and Anne goes to London, Rosalba is chosen by Anne to accompain her, and here again I can't find the logic. Anne ignored her for 10 years, and now she needs her? No explanation is given. Indeed, Rosalba cannot fit in the court environment, nor she really has a role to play, so she soon goes back to Middleham and goes on with her life. She's again summoned at court when Anne is ill to tend her, much for her husband's rage. This could be a little more credible, though I find hard to believe Anne was not attended by the best doctors in the realm. But ok, I accept that maybe she trusted Rosalba's skills better. And the comes the part the ruined everything for me: Rosalba stays at court after Anne's death and, though married, becomes Richard's lover. Richards also admits that he had tons of women since Anne's death, which is not true nor accurate according to what we know from History. It's even hinted he had an affair with Elizabeth of York, which again is not true etc. Richard also stops believing in God, which, given his piety, I frankly find outrageous. Yes, he may have had doubts, is only human, but I don't believe for a second he refused God. By the way why he's so besotted with Rosalba, a peasant who lived 13 years in a hut, and who must be 1000 miles away from the idea a nobleman could have of an ideal of woman, closer to him as for social stance? No explanation given, but he chooses her instead of tons of gentleborn women. Of course, Rosalba is pregnant and will give birth to an imaginary posthumous boy. And she even endures her husband's wrath and violence, is ready to kill, to protect the memory of her "one true love". I'm not sure when and why Richard became her one true love. This part is really not well explained.
So, what I liked of this book? First of all the writing, even if it's told in first person, it works very well. Then Rosalba's story, the fact that she lived a life apart from Richard and Anne and that much of the story is told from a peasant's point of view. I liked to read about the view, the lives and the beliefs of the common men and women of the time.
The credibility of Rosalba's husband's charachter, though maybe sometimes too much emphasised (he goes from a would be rapist to a good husband and patient father, and then again to a cold father and nearly murderous husband), but it's a medieval man (not of the best I suppose, but there were fellow like him... and still are), and it's also credible he's cynic enough to change sides when he suits his survival.
I liked that Rosalba is not a Mary Sue, nor beautiful. She's just an ordinary woman, confident and skilled in her midwife-herbalist job; insecure, simple and compliant when it comes to speak to nobles. She's aware of her social condition and of social rules. In general, really credible. I liked, for the most part, Richard's nuanced portrait.
What I didn't like? I could totally have done without the last part, after Anne's death, for the reasons mentioned above. I think it's out of tone with the rest of the book and it was frankly ridiculous and unnecessary; indeed it follows the path of previous novels about Richard's mistresses and it seems taken and attached with glue from a different book altogether.
I didn't like George of Clarence's portrait, which is so villainous it almost seems a spoof. Not nuanced at all, and the guy doesn't get a single good trait.
The historical accuracy is not the best, but the book is not really about History, more about Rosalba's story, so not a big deal here. What annoyed me more is that some details that would have lent more credibility to Richard and Anne's personal lives, as seen from Rosalba's point of view, are overlooked. An example is the boyhood mock tournament in Middleham, where Richard is nearly killed. I don't think Warwick would have allowed his most precious ward something so dangerous, and mock tournaments are just that: a mock. Richard's friend are not present in the book, not once named, apart from the brief mention of Francis Lovell at the beginning. Their role is taken over but John Parr, a fictional esquire. Similarly several Anne's ladies in waiting are named, all of them fictional apart from Margaret Neville. But it would suit more the narrative to cast in the role her true ladies, like Anna Lovell, Joyce Percy, her Fitzhugh cousins and other northern noble ladies well documented in her retinue. Historical details are really simplified, sometimes wrong, but it's ok, because that's what a real Rosalba would do as an outsider, hear incorrect rumors or not know the whole story. What I found funny though, is Rosalba's list of men executed by Richard, and the Marquess of Dorest's name unexpectedly pops up.
In short, this is a decent book, one of the best in the subgenre of Richard III's mistresses, but has it flaws. If I close my eyes and pretend the last part doesn't exist, I liked it well enough.
October 22, 2021
Is this another novel about Richard's III mistress? Mmm yes and not....
First I must confess that this was far better than I expected, indeed I was ready to get mad for another stupid bad done love story but this book is more complex than that, and this is one of those rare occasions when I'm agree with the rating that this book has in Amazon.
SPOILERS***
This novel tells the story of Rosalba who is a commoner from a very poor and dysfunctional family, they live near of Middleham and when she is a child a miracle appears in Rosalba's life when soon she found herself serving Neville's family , the most powerful in England at that moment, there she will improve her skills in medicine, learn about life and also eat and live extremely better, she is positioned to serve the youngest daughter Anne Neville. Rosalba is few years older and of course very different from Anne who seems have everything in life, basically Rose will be her pet, but Anne's sweet nature will allow them to build a friendship, being her confident Rose met "Dickon" (later Richard III) And fastly she can see the strong feeling between them despite they are children, later Dickon leaves the house marking clear his loyalty for his brother but at the same time his feelings for Anne, not without kiss Rose what this book explains is something that the young nobles do with the commoners in that castle, Rose doesn't take it so easy and started loving him, this can sound silly but the author made her job and made this believable, Rose has been mistreated for many people specially man and Richard is respectful, sweet, handsome and practices chivalry, plus she is very young so it makes sense, events around are happening years as well, Rose is slowly positioned in other tasks so she and Anne stop being together all the time but the friendship keep going ahead , indeed with Anne now being a teen considered a woman the book gives the impression that the feeling is placed right on the fine line that divides friendship and love between women, there is no action but the feeling between them becomes too deep at times, this part could have been weird but its pretty well done and keeps the friendship as an innocent unbreakable bound, believable for all the danger they face together specially when they suddenly go to France, and Anne gets married with Edward of lancaster, this has an interesting twist, Anne does what she must and yes Edward and she hate each other but after some intimacy Edward changed his behavior, Anne is missing her Dickon, but in some point get to love Edward and cries for his death, indeed when Richard came to see that she is well after the battle she feels confussion in her heart, this could sound ilogical as has been done in other books but guess what? here is well presented, yes Edward is a bloodthirsty lancaster while Anne is a Yorkist, but he is a teenager with hormones who bumps into a pretty girl who is presented to him as a challenge, and sex catches him somehow, to her the emotional support that he gives her in the hardest moments plays a good part, and I will explain better with words from the book.
"To be young, to be suddenly wrenched away from every loyalty you have been taught! Then, to lie naked, if even for the briefest span, in the arms of a handsome prince who tells you that you are beautiful, that he loves you in spite of your father, in spite of his mother! Who is to say what may happen in a fifteen-year-old’s heart?"
Next thing is the hard time Anne faces being in the middle of George and Richard, first here I will give kudos to the author for the way she presented George as an alcoholic and a powerful one, too villain?? Well maybe but is good for the story and I truly could imagine him as a human being with a head full of ambition and a serious addiction who despite Anne is smart can almost convince her ,that Richard killed the prince Edward, sounds silly? Well it is not, because human being idealizes something when doesn't have time to see the negative, again I will bring words from the book:
"What to say? That if she'd failed to birth sons, Edward of Lancaster would have put her away in a heart-beat? That as soon as the thrill of bedding her lovely self wore off, this pitiless young man would quickly discover that he also ‘loved’ others? Privately, I was of the opinion that if Richard of Gloucester had slit Prince Edward's throat—even, exactly—as George said—it was for the best."
Anne's time as a maid is realistic even dark I would said, but we don't read much of it, in that point Richard and Rose sleep together only once but they swear be very worry for Anne, this could sound hypocrite and it is but again has an interesting background, first he is weak, desire was there between them but the most important thing, Richard was hurt because Anne did her best to be a good wife for Edward of lancaster and about the consumation of course , and more than that as the book said :"Would her lack of virginity matter? I supposed it was foolish to worry. The land was still attached to the lady, after all. However, I knew that a dream Richard had been holding like a treasure had been lost. Duty had cheated these courtly lovers"
Now the question, between Richard and Anne was a matter of love or convenience? Well the book found the logical explanation a human and natural one without risking their love complicated story: "Even if his motives were not unmixed, patience was the honorable course. I gave him credit for respecting her fears, but, in truth, my lady had nowhere else to go—except to a nunnery! The duke, however, was sufficiently tender of my lady's feelings to present himself as a suitor."
Things take a long time to be settle between Richard and George , so Anne stayed in Sanctuary a good time, their relationship improves while Rosa is around but she is not the typical idiot lover dreaming with the man she can't have actually she can't be like that since she also loves Anne so she expressed: "I tasted bitterness. Anne and Richard! They were still so much of my world, but all the time I was less and less of theirs"
After what happened between Richard and Rose, as is understandable for the time and according how our characters behave , Richard gaves Rose a marriage which she doesn't want but has not choice, so Rosa goes back to Middleham married to a Richard's man called Hugh, and that stops the love triangle Richard/Anne/Rose) that is very peculiar because everyone has feelings for everyone, Rose made her own life far from Anne and Richard, and not Rose isn't the mother of the known illegitimate children of Richard, from this point that is half of the book the story changes and we will read about her life as a medieval wife, and mother, with all the difficulties that can exist, her husband is not the devil (at least not since the beginning) but is far of being a sweet lover, again here we have a realistic portrait of a medieval soldier who changed sides in order to survive and who can be brutal even towards Rose, they don't live bad but many things happened in their family that keeps the story interesting enough, time to time Rosa goes to Anne, the bound between the girls is there but Anne now as a Duchess, with many other things to do and Rose is not part of Anne's world anymore, but with the little view she has we have a good idea of her life and marriage that is described this way:"The affection they shared, so obvious, was commented upon by all. It was as if they were country cousins who'd married for love."
Political things happen but as a common person Rose knows the basics, is until Richard becomes protector and then King that she is requested by Anne Neville now the queen, Rose doesn't stay with them during their reign because she has not place in the court she is not good enough to be lady in waiting or other position this is also a realistic thing, Anne isn't the perfect angel she is a high born lady that knows and makes clear the differences between she and a commoner ,despite the love and all the feelings Rose is what she is ,even Richard see things very clear he is definitely not a XXI century gentleman, he is not a spoiled brat but he understands that Rose is not in their level and he is too busy with the kingdom to be worry about a servant, rumors, rebellions, and losses come to the royal couple, but the common people are confuse specially when is about the princes this part shows how the common people really didn't care of those things they just wanted to be in peace and have food , Anne is dying when Rose come to help her and they say good bye to each other, this part is emotional but Anne not just shows sadness also fears and anger, so this is a good version of her last days, depressive but congruent for the story and her reality, the true is that wasn't a good time for Anne and Richard, less for Rose who suffers first Anne's temperament and later Richard's whose state of mind during his last months is very complex and again the author give us the perfect context and I can explain with words from book:"At that instant I believed, as some among the court already did, that since Anne’s death he had gone mad"
The book never showed a perfect sweet Richard, he was presented as a man of his time more good than most of them, a faithful husband, dutiful father, respectful person and with a lot of qualities but also failures specially after took the crown, and during his last months we read about a desperate man who stops believing in god and doesn't fear him anymore, is disappointed of him and life, this part is extremely well done and believe me when I say I have read a lot of books from this topic and is rare to find the full portrait and very well established as himself expressed: "The king no longer fears God. God does not speak so the king can hear. God most assuredly does not listen to these endless prayers his subjects offer. His justice is blind, his mercy is the hangman's—a sharp knife busy in the gut—until his obedient servant can vainly cry out no more."
Once Anne is gone Rosalba stays with Richard until the end and yes they become lovers again but there is nothing like a silly unexplained love, just a woman in love, a man needy of peace and Anne's practical petition to Rosalba, Richard lost the control of everything but tries to remember the young Dickon he was, at this point my complain is that I found something that from my point of view was totally unnecessary, the thing that happened between Richard and his niece, Richard doesn't love her and will not marry her because thankfully this Richard knows how to think and never forgets about the Titulus Regius, so he used her as did with other girls , this part annoyed me and I will say it again this is one of those things about Richard III that are stupid to believe and disgusting, but even if this reduced my appreciation of the book, doesn't change the fact that the argument is well used in this book and the course of the story makes this less bad, that doesn't make it better but at least is convincing, above all because the Richard that died in Bosworth was a shadow of the man he used to be, after all what happened to him. His death is also detailed as a cruel and unfair thing.
The last part of the book we read how Rosalba and Richard's son( born after Boswtorth and a son that Richard didn't even get to know about ) tried to live again after all the changes, but things doesn't go well, Rosalba basically goes from heaven to hell, her life is ugly, her marriage is cruel, and her life is full of tragedies, until the last page the book is emotional and enjoyable but sad. Anyway was awesome to read from this perspective a story that can be repetitive, the ending for all the characters make me congratulate the author, and the way that witchcraft is added to that story is rational and there is nothing absurd about it, the abuse is also present, that part is strong but realistic for the time and isn't not common read about this topics in a novel. Rosalba as a main character is a good option because she is complex not a saint, impossible to be in those times, she could be the worst person when she was provoked and fight hard in her way, but she could be good and loyal, not a perfect wife or mother but who could be in that situation? And better of that ,never pretended to be perfect and isn't any Mary Sue.The last quote that I loved because express perfectly the biggest question about Richard that many people have, and was his fictional son who did it.
"Am I a king’s bastard, son of an evil usurper, a man whose hands were stained with the blood of his two young nephews? Or am I the bastard son of "Good Duke Richard," a lord of whom the wise old men of York still spoke with reverence? This was a Lord, the old men said, who had taken trouble to see justice done, even to the humblest of his subjects"
I won't lie, I liked this book a lot and I don't regret paying for it, because gave me one of the best stories of the war of two roses at least one that was self published and surprised me for be logical, exiting and entertaining, but there are things that made me give this 4 stars:
1 the timeline is not right, the mistakes are not aweful but there is not reason for them for example: George was executed after french campaign not before, Anne and Richard didn't married in 1476.
2 things that were left in the air: and the countess? And where is the author's note ?
3 the unnecessary thing of Richard and EOY the point of his mind status was already proved.
4 the dialogues sometimes where difficult to follow and I reread in order to understand when someone finished talking.
The book isn't accurate 100 percent but follows the history in a decent manner and the author gave me the idea that she is not a crazy Ricardian but still she presented a decent even positive version of him, a hard worker man who tried to carry justice to everyone and who was betrayed and suffered several losses enough to drive any person crazy, not and idiot blind in love living in a stupid fantasy as many recent novels, so I would recommend this book specially if you want a interesting story, indeed in my opinion this book is far better done that other more famous about similar topic and it's cheaper so don't waste your time in books like "a rose for the crown" or "by loyalty bound" and better is this at least you learn about medieval medicine, food and how hard was life not just for royals.
First I must confess that this was far better than I expected, indeed I was ready to get mad for another stupid bad done love story but this book is more complex than that, and this is one of those rare occasions when I'm agree with the rating that this book has in Amazon.
SPOILERS***
This novel tells the story of Rosalba who is a commoner from a very poor and dysfunctional family, they live near of Middleham and when she is a child a miracle appears in Rosalba's life when soon she found herself serving Neville's family , the most powerful in England at that moment, there she will improve her skills in medicine, learn about life and also eat and live extremely better, she is positioned to serve the youngest daughter Anne Neville. Rosalba is few years older and of course very different from Anne who seems have everything in life, basically Rose will be her pet, but Anne's sweet nature will allow them to build a friendship, being her confident Rose met "Dickon" (later Richard III) And fastly she can see the strong feeling between them despite they are children, later Dickon leaves the house marking clear his loyalty for his brother but at the same time his feelings for Anne, not without kiss Rose what this book explains is something that the young nobles do with the commoners in that castle, Rose doesn't take it so easy and started loving him, this can sound silly but the author made her job and made this believable, Rose has been mistreated for many people specially man and Richard is respectful, sweet, handsome and practices chivalry, plus she is very young so it makes sense, events around are happening years as well, Rose is slowly positioned in other tasks so she and Anne stop being together all the time but the friendship keep going ahead , indeed with Anne now being a teen considered a woman the book gives the impression that the feeling is placed right on the fine line that divides friendship and love between women, there is no action but the feeling between them becomes too deep at times, this part could have been weird but its pretty well done and keeps the friendship as an innocent unbreakable bound, believable for all the danger they face together specially when they suddenly go to France, and Anne gets married with Edward of lancaster, this has an interesting twist, Anne does what she must and yes Edward and she hate each other but after some intimacy Edward changed his behavior, Anne is missing her Dickon, but in some point get to love Edward and cries for his death, indeed when Richard came to see that she is well after the battle she feels confussion in her heart, this could sound ilogical as has been done in other books but guess what? here is well presented, yes Edward is a bloodthirsty lancaster while Anne is a Yorkist, but he is a teenager with hormones who bumps into a pretty girl who is presented to him as a challenge, and sex catches him somehow, to her the emotional support that he gives her in the hardest moments plays a good part, and I will explain better with words from the book.
"To be young, to be suddenly wrenched away from every loyalty you have been taught! Then, to lie naked, if even for the briefest span, in the arms of a handsome prince who tells you that you are beautiful, that he loves you in spite of your father, in spite of his mother! Who is to say what may happen in a fifteen-year-old’s heart?"
Next thing is the hard time Anne faces being in the middle of George and Richard, first here I will give kudos to the author for the way she presented George as an alcoholic and a powerful one, too villain?? Well maybe but is good for the story and I truly could imagine him as a human being with a head full of ambition and a serious addiction who despite Anne is smart can almost convince her ,that Richard killed the prince Edward, sounds silly? Well it is not, because human being idealizes something when doesn't have time to see the negative, again I will bring words from the book:
"What to say? That if she'd failed to birth sons, Edward of Lancaster would have put her away in a heart-beat? That as soon as the thrill of bedding her lovely self wore off, this pitiless young man would quickly discover that he also ‘loved’ others? Privately, I was of the opinion that if Richard of Gloucester had slit Prince Edward's throat—even, exactly—as George said—it was for the best."
Anne's time as a maid is realistic even dark I would said, but we don't read much of it, in that point Richard and Rose sleep together only once but they swear be very worry for Anne, this could sound hypocrite and it is but again has an interesting background, first he is weak, desire was there between them but the most important thing, Richard was hurt because Anne did her best to be a good wife for Edward of lancaster and about the consumation of course , and more than that as the book said :"Would her lack of virginity matter? I supposed it was foolish to worry. The land was still attached to the lady, after all. However, I knew that a dream Richard had been holding like a treasure had been lost. Duty had cheated these courtly lovers"
Now the question, between Richard and Anne was a matter of love or convenience? Well the book found the logical explanation a human and natural one without risking their love complicated story: "Even if his motives were not unmixed, patience was the honorable course. I gave him credit for respecting her fears, but, in truth, my lady had nowhere else to go—except to a nunnery! The duke, however, was sufficiently tender of my lady's feelings to present himself as a suitor."
Things take a long time to be settle between Richard and George , so Anne stayed in Sanctuary a good time, their relationship improves while Rosa is around but she is not the typical idiot lover dreaming with the man she can't have actually she can't be like that since she also loves Anne so she expressed: "I tasted bitterness. Anne and Richard! They were still so much of my world, but all the time I was less and less of theirs"
After what happened between Richard and Rose, as is understandable for the time and according how our characters behave , Richard gaves Rose a marriage which she doesn't want but has not choice, so Rosa goes back to Middleham married to a Richard's man called Hugh, and that stops the love triangle Richard/Anne/Rose) that is very peculiar because everyone has feelings for everyone, Rose made her own life far from Anne and Richard, and not Rose isn't the mother of the known illegitimate children of Richard, from this point that is half of the book the story changes and we will read about her life as a medieval wife, and mother, with all the difficulties that can exist, her husband is not the devil (at least not since the beginning) but is far of being a sweet lover, again here we have a realistic portrait of a medieval soldier who changed sides in order to survive and who can be brutal even towards Rose, they don't live bad but many things happened in their family that keeps the story interesting enough, time to time Rosa goes to Anne, the bound between the girls is there but Anne now as a Duchess, with many other things to do and Rose is not part of Anne's world anymore, but with the little view she has we have a good idea of her life and marriage that is described this way:"The affection they shared, so obvious, was commented upon by all. It was as if they were country cousins who'd married for love."
Political things happen but as a common person Rose knows the basics, is until Richard becomes protector and then King that she is requested by Anne Neville now the queen, Rose doesn't stay with them during their reign because she has not place in the court she is not good enough to be lady in waiting or other position this is also a realistic thing, Anne isn't the perfect angel she is a high born lady that knows and makes clear the differences between she and a commoner ,despite the love and all the feelings Rose is what she is ,even Richard see things very clear he is definitely not a XXI century gentleman, he is not a spoiled brat but he understands that Rose is not in their level and he is too busy with the kingdom to be worry about a servant, rumors, rebellions, and losses come to the royal couple, but the common people are confuse specially when is about the princes this part shows how the common people really didn't care of those things they just wanted to be in peace and have food , Anne is dying when Rose come to help her and they say good bye to each other, this part is emotional but Anne not just shows sadness also fears and anger, so this is a good version of her last days, depressive but congruent for the story and her reality, the true is that wasn't a good time for Anne and Richard, less for Rose who suffers first Anne's temperament and later Richard's whose state of mind during his last months is very complex and again the author give us the perfect context and I can explain with words from book:"At that instant I believed, as some among the court already did, that since Anne’s death he had gone mad"
The book never showed a perfect sweet Richard, he was presented as a man of his time more good than most of them, a faithful husband, dutiful father, respectful person and with a lot of qualities but also failures specially after took the crown, and during his last months we read about a desperate man who stops believing in god and doesn't fear him anymore, is disappointed of him and life, this part is extremely well done and believe me when I say I have read a lot of books from this topic and is rare to find the full portrait and very well established as himself expressed: "The king no longer fears God. God does not speak so the king can hear. God most assuredly does not listen to these endless prayers his subjects offer. His justice is blind, his mercy is the hangman's—a sharp knife busy in the gut—until his obedient servant can vainly cry out no more."
Once Anne is gone Rosalba stays with Richard until the end and yes they become lovers again but there is nothing like a silly unexplained love, just a woman in love, a man needy of peace and Anne's practical petition to Rosalba, Richard lost the control of everything but tries to remember the young Dickon he was, at this point my complain is that I found something that from my point of view was totally unnecessary, the thing that happened between Richard and his niece, Richard doesn't love her and will not marry her because thankfully this Richard knows how to think and never forgets about the Titulus Regius, so he used her as did with other girls , this part annoyed me and I will say it again this is one of those things about Richard III that are stupid to believe and disgusting, but even if this reduced my appreciation of the book, doesn't change the fact that the argument is well used in this book and the course of the story makes this less bad, that doesn't make it better but at least is convincing, above all because the Richard that died in Bosworth was a shadow of the man he used to be, after all what happened to him. His death is also detailed as a cruel and unfair thing.
The last part of the book we read how Rosalba and Richard's son( born after Boswtorth and a son that Richard didn't even get to know about ) tried to live again after all the changes, but things doesn't go well, Rosalba basically goes from heaven to hell, her life is ugly, her marriage is cruel, and her life is full of tragedies, until the last page the book is emotional and enjoyable but sad. Anyway was awesome to read from this perspective a story that can be repetitive, the ending for all the characters make me congratulate the author, and the way that witchcraft is added to that story is rational and there is nothing absurd about it, the abuse is also present, that part is strong but realistic for the time and isn't not common read about this topics in a novel. Rosalba as a main character is a good option because she is complex not a saint, impossible to be in those times, she could be the worst person when she was provoked and fight hard in her way, but she could be good and loyal, not a perfect wife or mother but who could be in that situation? And better of that ,never pretended to be perfect and isn't any Mary Sue.The last quote that I loved because express perfectly the biggest question about Richard that many people have, and was his fictional son who did it.
"Am I a king’s bastard, son of an evil usurper, a man whose hands were stained with the blood of his two young nephews? Or am I the bastard son of "Good Duke Richard," a lord of whom the wise old men of York still spoke with reverence? This was a Lord, the old men said, who had taken trouble to see justice done, even to the humblest of his subjects"
I won't lie, I liked this book a lot and I don't regret paying for it, because gave me one of the best stories of the war of two roses at least one that was self published and surprised me for be logical, exiting and entertaining, but there are things that made me give this 4 stars:
1 the timeline is not right, the mistakes are not aweful but there is not reason for them for example: George was executed after french campaign not before, Anne and Richard didn't married in 1476.
2 things that were left in the air: and the countess? And where is the author's note ?
3 the unnecessary thing of Richard and EOY the point of his mind status was already proved.
4 the dialogues sometimes where difficult to follow and I reread in order to understand when someone finished talking.
The book isn't accurate 100 percent but follows the history in a decent manner and the author gave me the idea that she is not a crazy Ricardian but still she presented a decent even positive version of him, a hard worker man who tried to carry justice to everyone and who was betrayed and suffered several losses enough to drive any person crazy, not and idiot blind in love living in a stupid fantasy as many recent novels, so I would recommend this book specially if you want a interesting story, indeed in my opinion this book is far better done that other more famous about similar topic and it's cheaper so don't waste your time in books like "a rose for the crown" or "by loyalty bound" and better is this at least you learn about medieval medicine, food and how hard was life not just for royals.
January 25, 2013
The reigns of Edward IV and Richard III together form a period of English history that was dense with intrigue, personal ambitions and animosities that resulted in public catastrophies, murders and, ultimately, regime change. Numerous authors and historians have addressed the mysteries and complexities of this time with varying degrees of plausibility.
In Roan Rose, Juliet Waldron explores life in that late Plantagenet era with truly exceptional skill and thoroughness. Her character, Rosealba -- who is freckled and thus is called "Roan" as a similarly marked horse would be termed -- is perfectly situated as an observer of the times, first as a country girl, the daughter of a midwife and healer, then as a serving maid to the young Anne Neville as she and Richard of Gloucester, later to be Richard III, spend their childhood together at Middleham Castle.
But probing the reasons why the in-laws of Richard's brother, King Edward IV, were so hated and feared, why the royal favor they received led to political disaster for them and for their allies -- and many other people as well -- ultimately resulting in mayhem and such political disaffection that the lords of England permitted the Plantagenets to be replaced by the slim claim on the Crown put forth and won by Henry Tudor -- is not the business Waldron takes in hand.
As with most historical novels these days, her principal interest is the lot of women in the past. Not only does she portray the hard lot of common women, but she has a clear sighted view of the sense of duty that enabled noble women to acquiesce in their arranged marriages, marriages that had everything to do with politics and finance and nothing to do with love.
The role of one's place in society dominated all else in the lives of well brought up aristocrats. And marriage was the occasion for the most emphatic expression of one's duties.
It was Edward IV's disregard of this that began the train of events that led ultimately to the Tudor victory. And along the way led to the utter corruption of the Crown's government, the beheading of the Crown's finest and most capable nobles, the death of the young heirs to the throne and the abandonment of the Plantagenet cause by its supposed remaining supporters on the final battlefield.
Philippa Gregory's The White Queen addresses this complex period, but like so much writing in our time, is diverted from history by that powerful magnet of women's romance. Thus Elizabeth Woodville is transformed from the spearhead of her family's disastrous drive for power into a romantic beauty with magical capabilities and no more than a protective mother's love of her children.
Waldron's book is more realistic and far more rich in evoking life, from country village to castle, in late Plantagenet England. Though she avoids the Woodvilles, and even avoids exploring just how the gentle young Richard of Gloucester becomes the frightened, desperate tyrant who beheads Hastings and acquiesces in the blame for the "disappearance" of the princes, she gives us a thoroughly believable Anne Neville and Roan Rose.
I would give Roan Rose five starts, but that I prefer to read more politics and less of the hard life of women in the past.
In Roan Rose, Juliet Waldron explores life in that late Plantagenet era with truly exceptional skill and thoroughness. Her character, Rosealba -- who is freckled and thus is called "Roan" as a similarly marked horse would be termed -- is perfectly situated as an observer of the times, first as a country girl, the daughter of a midwife and healer, then as a serving maid to the young Anne Neville as she and Richard of Gloucester, later to be Richard III, spend their childhood together at Middleham Castle.
But probing the reasons why the in-laws of Richard's brother, King Edward IV, were so hated and feared, why the royal favor they received led to political disaster for them and for their allies -- and many other people as well -- ultimately resulting in mayhem and such political disaffection that the lords of England permitted the Plantagenets to be replaced by the slim claim on the Crown put forth and won by Henry Tudor -- is not the business Waldron takes in hand.
As with most historical novels these days, her principal interest is the lot of women in the past. Not only does she portray the hard lot of common women, but she has a clear sighted view of the sense of duty that enabled noble women to acquiesce in their arranged marriages, marriages that had everything to do with politics and finance and nothing to do with love.
The role of one's place in society dominated all else in the lives of well brought up aristocrats. And marriage was the occasion for the most emphatic expression of one's duties.
It was Edward IV's disregard of this that began the train of events that led ultimately to the Tudor victory. And along the way led to the utter corruption of the Crown's government, the beheading of the Crown's finest and most capable nobles, the death of the young heirs to the throne and the abandonment of the Plantagenet cause by its supposed remaining supporters on the final battlefield.
Philippa Gregory's The White Queen addresses this complex period, but like so much writing in our time, is diverted from history by that powerful magnet of women's romance. Thus Elizabeth Woodville is transformed from the spearhead of her family's disastrous drive for power into a romantic beauty with magical capabilities and no more than a protective mother's love of her children.
Waldron's book is more realistic and far more rich in evoking life, from country village to castle, in late Plantagenet England. Though she avoids the Woodvilles, and even avoids exploring just how the gentle young Richard of Gloucester becomes the frightened, desperate tyrant who beheads Hastings and acquiesces in the blame for the "disappearance" of the princes, she gives us a thoroughly believable Anne Neville and Roan Rose.
I would give Roan Rose five starts, but that I prefer to read more politics and less of the hard life of women in the past.
November 3, 2014
Roan Rose tells the story of the War of The Roses from a unique perspective, that of Anne of York’s (queen to Richard III). Unlike most books of the Wars of the Roses, which focuses on the politics and machinations of the nobility, this novel shows how the war affected the peasants. Rose, who at ten, leaves her poor household and abusive father to become the servant of Anne of York. There she forms a bond between her and falls in love with the young Richard. The novel then continues to the rise and fall of Richard III’s reign.
Rose’s life before she came to Middleham was a hard life. Her father resents her, her mother and her family because they were not the sons he wanted. Because of this, he abused his family and treated them less than cattle. Her life changes when she goes to Middleham. There she learns about the hardships of her class. She treats Anne like a sister, yet she falls for Richard knowing that because of their class it cannot happen. She also learns life changing lessons from the servants that she foreshadows would help her when she has to go back to poverty after Richard III’s death. Rose is a strong heroine and she overcomes trials and hardships.
This book is sympathetic to Richard. Because Rose loves him, she sees his good qualities and defends his controversies, though sometimes she is suspicious of him. I found her love for Richard a bit uncomfortable. For she loves her best friend, Anne, yet she wants Richard for herself. That doesn’t seem to be fair to Anne. There are also some scenes of domestic abuse that I did not like. Yet, it is important to the novel because it shows the pressure that women had in that time.
Overall, this is a very human account of The Wars of The Roses for it shows Rose’s struggles, pain, joys, and triumphs. It is about friendship, love, choices, and hope. It is also about how to make the best of your situation. The novel is very well-written, and I like how we see the life of Anne of York and Richard III from the perspective of an average woman. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the War of The Roses, Longbourn, and fans of Downton Abbey.
(Note: I received a copy of this book for a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
Rose’s life before she came to Middleham was a hard life. Her father resents her, her mother and her family because they were not the sons he wanted. Because of this, he abused his family and treated them less than cattle. Her life changes when she goes to Middleham. There she learns about the hardships of her class. She treats Anne like a sister, yet she falls for Richard knowing that because of their class it cannot happen. She also learns life changing lessons from the servants that she foreshadows would help her when she has to go back to poverty after Richard III’s death. Rose is a strong heroine and she overcomes trials and hardships.
This book is sympathetic to Richard. Because Rose loves him, she sees his good qualities and defends his controversies, though sometimes she is suspicious of him. I found her love for Richard a bit uncomfortable. For she loves her best friend, Anne, yet she wants Richard for herself. That doesn’t seem to be fair to Anne. There are also some scenes of domestic abuse that I did not like. Yet, it is important to the novel because it shows the pressure that women had in that time.
Overall, this is a very human account of The Wars of The Roses for it shows Rose’s struggles, pain, joys, and triumphs. It is about friendship, love, choices, and hope. It is also about how to make the best of your situation. The novel is very well-written, and I like how we see the life of Anne of York and Richard III from the perspective of an average woman. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the War of The Roses, Longbourn, and fans of Downton Abbey.
(Note: I received a copy of this book for a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
March 6, 2013
Love and war might both be like chess, and the analogy is appealing. Lowly pawn Rose is plucked from her abusive home to serve as friend to the Kingmaker’s daughter, and so begins a relationship where the pawn strides bravely across the board, only to seem lost, then queened and lost again. It’s the time of the War of the Roses. The Kingmaker will lose his footing on the road to controlling the throne. Military weaknesses will be probed. Sneak attacks will demolish almost certain victories. Alliances will shift. And Rose will rise and fall between village poverty and lordly castle, learning on the way to care for the sick, heal the dying, and offer support to the embattled powers of the land.
With evocative descriptions of scenery (I love Yorkshire), recreating village life and luxurious castle with equal conviction, offering fascinating details and insights into healthcare, childcare, family ties, politics and more, Juliet Waldron’s Roan Rose is a truly fascinating epic tale of one woman’s survival.
With great power comes great responsibility of course—responsibilities not always shouldered well by the world’s leaders, then or now. But small powers include responsibility too, and this novel shines in the ethical trials of a woman who knows how to heal and save, and who loves too deeply to betray but ends up torn in two. The chess game didn’t convince me, but the rest of the story did. And people are more important than pawns anyway.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to “buy” a free ecopy of this novel.
With evocative descriptions of scenery (I love Yorkshire), recreating village life and luxurious castle with equal conviction, offering fascinating details and insights into healthcare, childcare, family ties, politics and more, Juliet Waldron’s Roan Rose is a truly fascinating epic tale of one woman’s survival.
With great power comes great responsibility of course—responsibilities not always shouldered well by the world’s leaders, then or now. But small powers include responsibility too, and this novel shines in the ethical trials of a woman who knows how to heal and save, and who loves too deeply to betray but ends up torn in two. The chess game didn’t convince me, but the rest of the story did. And people are more important than pawns anyway.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to “buy” a free ecopy of this novel.
June 29, 2014
If you love historical fiction, you need to put Juliet Waldron's books on your reading list. This is the third book of hers that I've read and I have to say, she's now one of my favorite authors in this genre, she puts some of the more well known writers to shame with her attention to detail.
It is a novel of hardship and love and of The War Of The Roses. Like Juliet's other books, you need time to read this one. I get totally absorbed in the story, but I always find myself wanting to learn more.
This is a novel of Richard III a King that I've not read much about, so this was uncharted territory. He's the final Plantagenet king and he was only king for a brief period of time. History paints him as evil though Juliet paints him in a different light with just a foreshadowing of what he did to acquire the throne of England.
Rose is an interesting character whose life gets weaved in with Richard as well as with Anne Neville, the woman that would be his queen. Rose it truly a devoted servant that loves her mistress, perhaps a bit too much. There were times when I really wanted to choke for her for her actions. Her treatment of her husband was horrid, yet she didn't marry him because she wanted to.
If you are a lover of historical fiction, this is a book you want to read. (As well as Juliet's others)
It is a novel of hardship and love and of The War Of The Roses. Like Juliet's other books, you need time to read this one. I get totally absorbed in the story, but I always find myself wanting to learn more.
This is a novel of Richard III a King that I've not read much about, so this was uncharted territory. He's the final Plantagenet king and he was only king for a brief period of time. History paints him as evil though Juliet paints him in a different light with just a foreshadowing of what he did to acquire the throne of England.
Rose is an interesting character whose life gets weaved in with Richard as well as with Anne Neville, the woman that would be his queen. Rose it truly a devoted servant that loves her mistress, perhaps a bit too much. There were times when I really wanted to choke for her for her actions. Her treatment of her husband was horrid, yet she didn't marry him because she wanted to.
If you are a lover of historical fiction, this is a book you want to read. (As well as Juliet's others)
June 3, 2015
I loved this book. It's my favorite of all the books I've read by Ms. Waldron so far.
This is the story of Rosalba Whitby, a peasant girl who becomes a companion to Anne Neville, future wife of Richard III. It's written in Rosalba's POV and I literally became immersed in her life and times thanks to the author's attention to detail and description.
Richard III is not portrayed as the monster history has made him out to be, rather a product of the political intrigue at the time.
Wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
This is the story of Rosalba Whitby, a peasant girl who becomes a companion to Anne Neville, future wife of Richard III. It's written in Rosalba's POV and I literally became immersed in her life and times thanks to the author's attention to detail and description.
Richard III is not portrayed as the monster history has made him out to be, rather a product of the political intrigue at the time.
Wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
September 5, 2016
Disappointing. It read more like a very rough draft than a finished story.
The author, proofreaders,etc need to pay attention. There are so many spelling/grammar/wording, etc errors the storyline gets lost. Or did the author simply start writing whatever popped into her head without worrying about where she was going with it?
The author, proofreaders,etc need to pay attention. There are so many spelling/grammar/wording, etc errors the storyline gets lost. Or did the author simply start writing whatever popped into her head without worrying about where she was going with it?
November 15, 2019
The saga begins at the end of the War of the Roses. It is written in the first person from the viewpoint of Rosalba, aka the Roan Rose, a ten-year-old peasant taken from her home by Anne Beauchamp, Countess of Warwick, to serve her frail younger daughter five-year-old, Anne. Rosalba’s, mother, a herbalist and a midwife, had taught Rosalba some of her skills. While Anne is with the countess, Mistress Ash expands her knowledge, which will be in demand throughout her life. In the Earl and Countess’s household, Rosalba meets Dlckon, the future King Richard. Her first impression of him ‘in this castle world of the well-fed and strong he alone appeared to be thin and small for his age. Not only that, nature had not formed him well for he carried one shoulder high.’ Ms Waldron brings her characters to life. Through Rosalba the reader knows Dickon and Anne will marry, and is aware of Rosalba’s concerns, her relationship with Lady Anne and the future King Richard both of whom she loves. Whenever she is required to, she serves them until the king’s death at Boswell.
Throughout Roan Rose I enjoyed Ms Waldron’s word pictures that swept me back into times gone by. For example: ‘In the courtyard knight and squire rode brightly caparisoned horses. When they trained in the house all the sons of the nobility wore the badges of the Nevilles. Today, because of the tourney, they wore their own badges, signs of proud lineage. I saw the crests of each family.’
Roan Rose held my interest from beginning to the end which brought tears to my eyes.
Throughout Roan Rose I enjoyed Ms Waldron’s word pictures that swept me back into times gone by. For example: ‘In the courtyard knight and squire rode brightly caparisoned horses. When they trained in the house all the sons of the nobility wore the badges of the Nevilles. Today, because of the tourney, they wore their own badges, signs of proud lineage. I saw the crests of each family.’
Roan Rose held my interest from beginning to the end which brought tears to my eyes.
May 11, 2020
“Magnificent historical saga.”
Juliet Waldron has long been one of my favourite historical writers and this book places her firmly as one of the best in my opinion, holding my interest from first page to last.
Roan Rose documents the life of Rosalba Whitby, daughter of a brutish father and a mother who is a healer, herbalist, and importantly a skilled midwife. By a twist of fate, ten-year-old Rosalba, already efficient in skills passed on from her mother, is taken from her lowborn life into the home of the Duchess of Warwick who wishes her to become her daughter Anne’s nursemaid and companion. Already pledged as husband to an old man chosen by her father, Rose is only too happy to leave her old life behind, and become a servant in a grand house. These are turbulent times when women are chattels, whether peasants daughters or princesses—bartered by powerful men who rule their destiny.
Above and beyond the treachery, brutality and power struggles during those times, this is a story of one woman’s unswerving adoration and service to Anne Neville, later to become for just a short time the Queen of England. It is also a love triangle, as both women also pledge undying love to one man, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became King of England in 1483.
Juliet Waldron has long been one of my favourite historical writers and this book places her firmly as one of the best in my opinion, holding my interest from first page to last.
Roan Rose documents the life of Rosalba Whitby, daughter of a brutish father and a mother who is a healer, herbalist, and importantly a skilled midwife. By a twist of fate, ten-year-old Rosalba, already efficient in skills passed on from her mother, is taken from her lowborn life into the home of the Duchess of Warwick who wishes her to become her daughter Anne’s nursemaid and companion. Already pledged as husband to an old man chosen by her father, Rose is only too happy to leave her old life behind, and become a servant in a grand house. These are turbulent times when women are chattels, whether peasants daughters or princesses—bartered by powerful men who rule their destiny.
Above and beyond the treachery, brutality and power struggles during those times, this is a story of one woman’s unswerving adoration and service to Anne Neville, later to become for just a short time the Queen of England. It is also a love triangle, as both women also pledge undying love to one man, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became King of England in 1483.
March 4, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. The princes in the tower, King Richard III, the war of the roses - this is all a splendid backdrop for the story of a very ordinary woman, living through extraordinary times. When Rose becomes handmaiden to Anne Neville, she is only twelve, and Anne is ten. The girls grow up together. The story is told through Rose - and it's hard to put down once you've started. Ms. Waldron makes the time period come alive, and you grow to care about all the characters. A unique view on historical events and a plucky, likable heroine make this a must read.
December 22, 2013
Roan Rose, born into a hard-working, harsh family, is expected to win her father a large dowry (large for their class, that is) but instead faces a different destiny. She has been trained to be a healer and midwife at the basic skills level and thereby attracts the attention of the Countess of Warwick. The Countess takes Rose to be a companion and healer to her daughter, Anne Neville, yes, the daughter to the noble Kingmaker. The time span of Rose’s story takes the reader through the infamous War of the Roses historical period, the conflict covering every facet of the enmity between the Houses of Lancaster and York. Anne, who worships her father, immediately adores Rose, thus leading to a life-long friendship with Rose, but not one without some period of strife.
Richard of Gloucester, the brother of King Edward resides with the Neville family, a usual practice ensuring a royal son is properly trained for royal duties. His closeness to Anne is obvious but perhaps never to be as royalty must marry royalty to insure political benefits for all concerned. The endless conflicts between King Edward IV’s natural family versus the Woodville/Rivers family versus the Warwick clan, with each family’s numerous supporters and enemies, are the chief focus of this novel.
However, there are twists and turns in this story unique to this author’s depiction. Ceremonies are described with minute detail as to appearance, decorations, flora and fauna, ceremonies, lists of notable families in attendance with all of their servants, etc. that are fascinating to follow. Clarence, King Edward’s brother, is portrayed as the most despicable, evil, drunk and sadistic lout one could possibly imagine.
Another unique quality is the way the author manages to convey Richard’s supposedly cruel transformation upon claiming the crown after Edward’s death, with the additional mystery of the missing Princes in the Tower and the reasons for betrayers to change sides out of sheer greed or survival. The word “poignant” is almost an understatement throughout the entire novel.
Readers who love natural homeopathy techniques and medicines will love the extensive descriptions of what flowers and herbs are used for specific illnesses or problems in the 15th Century.
Rose, as well as a good friend, is also depicted as a romantic character in quite a surprising way, one not well-developed in other novels (although others write of Richard’s earlier liaison with Kate Haute). Rose, Anne, Richard also focus on how their religious souls are in jeopardy as so much of what happens in this novel is sinful or heretical, with a touch of the “old ways” or pagan rituals and beliefs.
A surprising amount of the story concerns the cruel suffering Anne Neville experiences as she is shuffled around as a political tool. The social issue of woman treated poorly is given fair treatment in these characters and the expediency of male will and actions thoroughly depicted and satirized. Finally, the atmosphere of the times – rich v. poor status the main division – is clearly delineated but in a way that shows the attitudes of contentment and hatred regarding living, work, health and other conditions.
This reviewer absolutely loved this novel and shortage of space here prevents me from sharing more (plus we don’t want spoilers for those not familiar with this famous historical albeit fictional account), but suffice to say Juliet Waldron is one very talented writer and I look forward to reading more of her books. Highly, highly recommended, delightful historical fiction!
Richard of Gloucester, the brother of King Edward resides with the Neville family, a usual practice ensuring a royal son is properly trained for royal duties. His closeness to Anne is obvious but perhaps never to be as royalty must marry royalty to insure political benefits for all concerned. The endless conflicts between King Edward IV’s natural family versus the Woodville/Rivers family versus the Warwick clan, with each family’s numerous supporters and enemies, are the chief focus of this novel.
However, there are twists and turns in this story unique to this author’s depiction. Ceremonies are described with minute detail as to appearance, decorations, flora and fauna, ceremonies, lists of notable families in attendance with all of their servants, etc. that are fascinating to follow. Clarence, King Edward’s brother, is portrayed as the most despicable, evil, drunk and sadistic lout one could possibly imagine.
Another unique quality is the way the author manages to convey Richard’s supposedly cruel transformation upon claiming the crown after Edward’s death, with the additional mystery of the missing Princes in the Tower and the reasons for betrayers to change sides out of sheer greed or survival. The word “poignant” is almost an understatement throughout the entire novel.
Readers who love natural homeopathy techniques and medicines will love the extensive descriptions of what flowers and herbs are used for specific illnesses or problems in the 15th Century.
Rose, as well as a good friend, is also depicted as a romantic character in quite a surprising way, one not well-developed in other novels (although others write of Richard’s earlier liaison with Kate Haute). Rose, Anne, Richard also focus on how their religious souls are in jeopardy as so much of what happens in this novel is sinful or heretical, with a touch of the “old ways” or pagan rituals and beliefs.
A surprising amount of the story concerns the cruel suffering Anne Neville experiences as she is shuffled around as a political tool. The social issue of woman treated poorly is given fair treatment in these characters and the expediency of male will and actions thoroughly depicted and satirized. Finally, the atmosphere of the times – rich v. poor status the main division – is clearly delineated but in a way that shows the attitudes of contentment and hatred regarding living, work, health and other conditions.
This reviewer absolutely loved this novel and shortage of space here prevents me from sharing more (plus we don’t want spoilers for those not familiar with this famous historical albeit fictional account), but suffice to say Juliet Waldron is one very talented writer and I look forward to reading more of her books. Highly, highly recommended, delightful historical fiction!
November 10, 2014
Rosalba Whitby is born during a tumultuous time, the War of the Roses has been disrupting the life in the English countryside for years. Rose is the oldest of her mother's children and learns the trade of herbs and healing from her mother. When Countess Warwick arrives in town in need of aid, Rose's mother is called and Rose is brought along to aid the ailing Countess. Impressed with Rose, the Countess decides that Rose will make a good companion for her daughter, Anne Neville. At the age of 10, Rose is reluctant to leave her mother and home; however, the placement will save her from a brutal father and early marriage. Growing up intimately with Anne Neville and Richard Plantagenet, Rose becomes an intimate to their secrets. She also bears a secret and shared love for the to-be King, Richard. As she grows up, Rose must struggle with her love and allegiance between her charge Anne, who is promised to Richard and the growing love of the King that will be forever remembered in infamy.
Rich in historical detail that pulled me into the countryside, castles and battlefields of the War of the Roses, Roan Rose is an entertaining piece of historical fiction that shows a different side to Richard III. In the light of the women who love him, Richard is not cast as the entirely evil and power-hungry King that is usually portrayed. Through Rose's eyes, Richard is seen from a young boy who is a bit weaker that the other's, but must try that much harder, Richard is consistently sweet and caring to his much younger cousin, Anne and her maid, Rose. As Rose, Richard and Anne grow, the difficulty in the decisions that Richard must make are evident. Rose is a strong willed, intelligent character. It was interesting to see her fate as she was taken from the countryside and woven into the fates of the future King and Queen only to find herself right back where she came from. With an interesting twist at the end, Rose's story is sure to delight.
This book was provided for free in return for an honest review.
Rich in historical detail that pulled me into the countryside, castles and battlefields of the War of the Roses, Roan Rose is an entertaining piece of historical fiction that shows a different side to Richard III. In the light of the women who love him, Richard is not cast as the entirely evil and power-hungry King that is usually portrayed. Through Rose's eyes, Richard is seen from a young boy who is a bit weaker that the other's, but must try that much harder, Richard is consistently sweet and caring to his much younger cousin, Anne and her maid, Rose. As Rose, Richard and Anne grow, the difficulty in the decisions that Richard must make are evident. Rose is a strong willed, intelligent character. It was interesting to see her fate as she was taken from the countryside and woven into the fates of the future King and Queen only to find herself right back where she came from. With an interesting twist at the end, Rose's story is sure to delight.
This book was provided for free in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2014
If your either a Richard III fan or your a war of the Roses fan then I highly recommend this. Juliet Waldron's *Roan Rose* is amazing. Its kind of a tear jerker, only because I love the main character in this and wanted her life to turn out better then it did. I really grew to love this character, Rose. Rose was the daughter to the local midwife/healer, which she find out that her mother was passing this trade down. Rose goes to live with the Neville's, after she and her mother help deliver a still born boy for Elizabeth Neville. Rose becomes the companion to Anne Neville. The books follows Rose throughout her child hood and all way to adult hood. Richard III plays a huge part in this. Rose falls for Richard, but he is meant for Anne, which is kind of sad, because I actually like the pairing of Rose/Richard. Just to add, though the story is fiction, Juliet Waldron gives a realistic perspective in describing the world and era that Rose lived in. I highly recommend this, you won't be disappointed.
June 16, 2014
This is my second book by Juliet Waldron, she is a new to me author and I really enjoyed Mozart's Wife. I loved the beginning of this book, we meet Rosalba, a young girl of 10. At that age it was very easy to connect with her, to feel what she was going through as she made that first journey to meet Anne Neville. To leave her mother and little sisters behind, to begin a new life elsewhere, knowing that she had no choice in the matter.
I've never read anything about Anne Neville as a young child and I found this book to be a refreshing change. Watching her (Anne) grow up was interesting, as well as her relationship with Richard. So many books portray Richard in such a bad light, that this was a refreshing change.
The authors attention to detail really brought this story to life and shows the amount of research that went into this book. Even though I knew how this was all going to end I still enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down. Definitely an author I will be reading more of.
I've never read anything about Anne Neville as a young child and I found this book to be a refreshing change. Watching her (Anne) grow up was interesting, as well as her relationship with Richard. So many books portray Richard in such a bad light, that this was a refreshing change.
The authors attention to detail really brought this story to life and shows the amount of research that went into this book. Even though I knew how this was all going to end I still enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down. Definitely an author I will be reading more of.
July 11, 2014
This is the first medieval novel that I've read in years. I'm certainly glad that I did. Rose is a peasant, and I definitely enjoyed seeing the 15th century from her viewpoint. Too many novels focus on the kings and queens and leave out how the common folk lived. Rose serves Lady Anne and is very dedicated. To her misfortune, Rose falls in love with Richard, the Duke of Gloucester--a love that can never be.
Having an interest in the healers of past eras myself, I especially liked where Rose learns about herbs, midwifery, and healing. Then near the end, it was frightening to see the transformation of Richard upon his becoming king. All in all, an excellent story that I definitely recommend.
Having an interest in the healers of past eras myself, I especially liked where Rose learns about herbs, midwifery, and healing. Then near the end, it was frightening to see the transformation of Richard upon his becoming king. All in all, an excellent story that I definitely recommend.
September 19, 2016
One of the best historical fiction!
Well researched and the best, in my opinion, to get a glimpse of the Richard III. It portrays him as a sweet and just young man who were a brave and an excellent Duke who also loved Anne Neville. Once his brother Edward dies and the kingship is at stake, his paranoia, not totally unfounded, overtakes him and becomes the "evil king." I savored this book the second time around and took my time with it. I absolutely loved it!
Well researched and the best, in my opinion, to get a glimpse of the Richard III. It portrays him as a sweet and just young man who were a brave and an excellent Duke who also loved Anne Neville. Once his brother Edward dies and the kingship is at stake, his paranoia, not totally unfounded, overtakes him and becomes the "evil king." I savored this book the second time around and took my time with it. I absolutely loved it!
March 26, 2016
Another perspective of Richard III.
Interesting historical perspective of the times of the War of the Roses that tore into the very fabric of the lives of the ordinary people of England. It provides another view of the life of Richard III and those in his life, both commoner and royal.
Interesting historical perspective of the times of the War of the Roses that tore into the very fabric of the lives of the ordinary people of England. It provides another view of the life of Richard III and those in his life, both commoner and royal.
February 16, 2013
Wonderful historical fiction. Richard III is chronicled from age 11 to his death by a servant of his beloved Queen Anne's. Period details were excellent but not overdone. The plot and characters wouldn't let me put it down.
February 18, 2015
Interesting perspective of the War of Roses from a servant's view. There are not too many novels that give you some insight to how average folk lived. The book kept my attention, but I was disappointed with the last bit of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2015
It is a book worth reading for those who enjoy historical fiction in the times of the war of roses, it is writen from the point of view of a peasant that was loyal to Anne Neville and her husband the duke of Gloucester who would become king Richard the third.
November 18, 2013
I thought was well done and it kept me turning the pages.
August 6, 2016
It's fiction. But a really good story based around historical events.
February 6, 2016
Very well done story about Richard III with some romantic fiction thrown in. Good pacing, well Wooten and wonderful characters. Couldn't ask for more!
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