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Sprigs of Broom #1
By Lesley J. Nickell The White Queen of Middleham: an Historical Novel About Richard III's Wife Anne Neville
Based on the life of Anne Neville, wife of Richard III.
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First published January 1, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 27, 2013
Imagine trying to explain succession wars to a child:
“Well, honey, Upper Class Twit A has 5/8’s a cup of royal blood and Upper Class Twit B has 4/7’s a cup of royal blood, and their wives have been egging them on a bit, so loads and loads of lower class men are going to kill each other and wrack havoc on the physical and economic landscape, just so someone can wear a shiny crown.”
Poor Anne Neville doesn’t even get this much from any of the adults in her life. The book follows Anne from her childhood to her death, and for the first third of the book, seeing the War of the Roses from a child’s point of view only underlines just how stupidly tragic and confusing the whole thing was.
The book holds firm to Anne’s point of view, making clear that for anyone in that time period, they were not going to have a playbill to follow along, no CNN coverage of events, no history book to see the big overall picture – all we get is what Anne can see – and she is, poor dear, rather short.
As Anne gets older the book winds up in Romance Novel territory: The Meet Cute! The Awkwardness! The Separation! The Misunderstandings! The Reunion! The Passion! The Passion! The Passion! The Babies Happily Ever After!
Richard here is literally a knight in shining armor, riding to the rescue of the distressed damsel.
Except it was so well done I loved every minute of it. But time marches on, and history insists that these two crazy kids aren’t going to enjoy their happily ever after for long.
And,
Also, bonus, in my library copy, someone had penciled in notes on the family tree at the back to note who gets beheaded by the incoming Tudors.
February 20, 2022
I decided to revisit one of the first novels about Anne Neville that I ever read, and I am glad I did because I don't think I fully appreciated just how good it is the first time around. We are introduced to Anne as a very timid and sickly child. She is afraid of crowds, afraid of the demons that she suspects lurk in the shadows, afraid of the merciless Queen Margaret, and especially afraid of her father, the Earl of Warwick, who always seems to be dissatisfied with her. She is even disturbed by the teasing of her giant golden cousin, Edward. Having been a somewhat timid child myself, the description of her childish fears rings true. Not that I was ever quite as shy as Anne is described as being, but then again I was not surrounded by such imposing figures as the Earl of Warwick and Edward IV.
When the king's youngest brother Richard, is installed in Warwick's household for his knightly training, it is not surprising that Anne feels an affinity with this quiet, serious boy. A mutual attachment develops which is disrupted when Anne's father rebels, forcing Anne into marriage with the Queen Margaret's son. Anne is subject to humiliation, the uncertainties of war, and machinations of her brother-in-law, the Duke of Clarence, who places her into a cook shop as a lowly scullery maid. In the face of these adversities, Anne withdraws into herself, and her failure to display any emotion draws the enmity of her fellow kitchen drudges. Her "flat affect," not uncommon with traumatized, depressed people also seems realistic.
It is only after she marries Richard does she develop the strength of character to fulfill her duties as Duchess of Gloucester. A rift occurs in her relationship when he insists that his two bastard children come to live with them at Middleham after the death of their mother. Anne refuses to have anything to do with these children until she comes upon the girl, Kate, looking down at her infant son, Edward, and says to Anne: "Baby asleep now. . . Kate wants to see blue eyes. Wake up soon?" Of course, Anne's heart melts, and she takes both children to her heart, and Kate eventually becomes a confidante.
Her marriage faces a further test when Richard decides he has an obligation to assume the throne. But what of his obligations to her and their son? Anne thinks that "[t]heir son is to be another sacrifice to the insatiable crown of England. In the loneliness of discovering how far divided from hers was Richard's vision of the future, she began to cry." Richard becomes remote as he is focussed on carrying out his duties, while she must undertake the duties of a queen--tasks for which she has no appetite. Away from London, they both assume their former ease, and enjoy the celebration in York of their son as Prince of Wales. After their son dies, Richard eventually resumes his duties as king, But Anne "just lies there, not weeping, not eating, not speaking." Richard has no words of comfort for her, but Kate tells him that she does not need comfort, that she must be forced back into living. Anne tells him that she is no use him, only a burden. "Any purpose I had in your life has gone now." He replies that he needs her now to help decide a dispute between two broiderers from the town about a girl prentice who ran away from the other. That did the trick , calling upon her fellow-feeling toward the persecuted and helpless. Finally, facing death herself, Anne resolved to make a good end, and "[f]or the first time in their lives together, she could offer [Richard] strength and compassion. In the weeks or months remaining to her she must teach him not to be afraid, as she was not afraid, and give him enough love to sustain him through his loss of her. She must share with him her serenity of acceptance."
The novel does become a bit tiresome in dwelling on Anne's and her son's sickliness. Also somewhat absurd is Anne's idea that Richard should wed his niece after she is gone. An idea that Richard quickly nixes as undermining his claim to the throne. I have seen this suggestion in other books about Anne, and it is puzzling. Is the first wife's approval supposed to make incest acceptable? However, in showing the ups and downs of her relationship with Richard and the gradual emergence of her own strength of character this novel stands out from other Anne Neville books.
When the king's youngest brother Richard, is installed in Warwick's household for his knightly training, it is not surprising that Anne feels an affinity with this quiet, serious boy. A mutual attachment develops which is disrupted when Anne's father rebels, forcing Anne into marriage with the Queen Margaret's son. Anne is subject to humiliation, the uncertainties of war, and machinations of her brother-in-law, the Duke of Clarence, who places her into a cook shop as a lowly scullery maid. In the face of these adversities, Anne withdraws into herself, and her failure to display any emotion draws the enmity of her fellow kitchen drudges. Her "flat affect," not uncommon with traumatized, depressed people also seems realistic.
It is only after she marries Richard does she develop the strength of character to fulfill her duties as Duchess of Gloucester. A rift occurs in her relationship when he insists that his two bastard children come to live with them at Middleham after the death of their mother. Anne refuses to have anything to do with these children until she comes upon the girl, Kate, looking down at her infant son, Edward, and says to Anne: "Baby asleep now. . . Kate wants to see blue eyes. Wake up soon?" Of course, Anne's heart melts, and she takes both children to her heart, and Kate eventually becomes a confidante.
Her marriage faces a further test when Richard decides he has an obligation to assume the throne. But what of his obligations to her and their son? Anne thinks that "[t]heir son is to be another sacrifice to the insatiable crown of England. In the loneliness of discovering how far divided from hers was Richard's vision of the future, she began to cry." Richard becomes remote as he is focussed on carrying out his duties, while she must undertake the duties of a queen--tasks for which she has no appetite. Away from London, they both assume their former ease, and enjoy the celebration in York of their son as Prince of Wales. After their son dies, Richard eventually resumes his duties as king, But Anne "just lies there, not weeping, not eating, not speaking." Richard has no words of comfort for her, but Kate tells him that she does not need comfort, that she must be forced back into living. Anne tells him that she is no use him, only a burden. "Any purpose I had in your life has gone now." He replies that he needs her now to help decide a dispute between two broiderers from the town about a girl prentice who ran away from the other. That did the trick , calling upon her fellow-feeling toward the persecuted and helpless. Finally, facing death herself, Anne resolved to make a good end, and "[f]or the first time in their lives together, she could offer [Richard] strength and compassion. In the weeks or months remaining to her she must teach him not to be afraid, as she was not afraid, and give him enough love to sustain him through his loss of her. She must share with him her serenity of acceptance."
The novel does become a bit tiresome in dwelling on Anne's and her son's sickliness. Also somewhat absurd is Anne's idea that Richard should wed his niece after she is gone. An idea that Richard quickly nixes as undermining his claim to the throne. I have seen this suggestion in other books about Anne, and it is puzzling. Is the first wife's approval supposed to make incest acceptable? However, in showing the ups and downs of her relationship with Richard and the gradual emergence of her own strength of character this novel stands out from other Anne Neville books.
February 16, 2016
History meets Romance and time travels through the eyes of one historical icon as love is tested in the midst of a ferocious battle to reign.
Not to be confused with the 2009 novel titled The White Queen written by Philippa Gregory, The White Queen of Middleham is the first in ‘The Sprigs of Bloom’ series written by Lesley J Nickell and was first published in 1978. Since its original publication date, it went out of print only to be revived by Mereo Books in September 2014.
The White Queen of Middleham documents the life, love and loss of Anne Neville, daughter of Richard Neville before becoming Princess of Wales as wife of Edward of Westminster and finally reigning as Queen of England as the wife of King Richard III.
Within the novel Anne is a timid child constantly ignored by her mother, patronised by her eldest sister and bullied by her formidable farther Warwick the Kingmaker. She is forever a pawn in the games of politics as the Houses of Lancaster and York fight for the throne.
As her father’s fortunes continue to turn, Anne faces hardship and is moved from one refuge to the next. She is forced to marry Edward, Prince of Wales but upon his death, is placed in the hands of George, Duke of Clarence. Upon arrival, Anne is hidden away as a London kitchen maid for fear of posing a threat to George’s upcoming Warwick inheritance.
Of course, every Damsel in Distress needs a Knight in shining armour and the third son of the ambitious Duke of York, later Richard III, becomes that hero. Though their love is almost wrecked by the War of Roses, it culminates in great happiness; they marry and become the last Plantagenet reign in England .
In the midst of a ‘happily ever after’, the novel soon descends into heartbreak. The death of Anne’s only son is followed shortly by her own which rocks the reader from the inside. Lesley’s writing, especially towards the end is beautifully descriptive and heartfelt and in places, extremely lyrical.
There is no doubt that a remarkable amount of research has gone into the writing of this novel. The depth of passion the author feels for this time period is observed through the beautifully well written story that follows. Through a third person narration, the audience are captivated and extremely moved by the living life of Anne. Although not much is documented about her in historical archives, Lesley Nickell has managed to capture Anne in immense detail.
Nickell has surprisingly challenged Shakespearean characteristics of Richard, Duke of Gloucester within the novel too – turning him from vicious monster to a heroic soldier and a saving grace for Anne. This is one of the highlights to the novel as a whole.
So, whether you’re a romance fan, historical fan or are just willing to pick up something different, The White Queen of Middleham is the perfect book for all. A great pleasure to read; educational and extremely enjoyable.
Not to be confused with the 2009 novel titled The White Queen written by Philippa Gregory, The White Queen of Middleham is the first in ‘The Sprigs of Bloom’ series written by Lesley J Nickell and was first published in 1978. Since its original publication date, it went out of print only to be revived by Mereo Books in September 2014.
The White Queen of Middleham documents the life, love and loss of Anne Neville, daughter of Richard Neville before becoming Princess of Wales as wife of Edward of Westminster and finally reigning as Queen of England as the wife of King Richard III.
Within the novel Anne is a timid child constantly ignored by her mother, patronised by her eldest sister and bullied by her formidable farther Warwick the Kingmaker. She is forever a pawn in the games of politics as the Houses of Lancaster and York fight for the throne.
As her father’s fortunes continue to turn, Anne faces hardship and is moved from one refuge to the next. She is forced to marry Edward, Prince of Wales but upon his death, is placed in the hands of George, Duke of Clarence. Upon arrival, Anne is hidden away as a London kitchen maid for fear of posing a threat to George’s upcoming Warwick inheritance.
Of course, every Damsel in Distress needs a Knight in shining armour and the third son of the ambitious Duke of York, later Richard III, becomes that hero. Though their love is almost wrecked by the War of Roses, it culminates in great happiness; they marry and become the last Plantagenet reign in England .
In the midst of a ‘happily ever after’, the novel soon descends into heartbreak. The death of Anne’s only son is followed shortly by her own which rocks the reader from the inside. Lesley’s writing, especially towards the end is beautifully descriptive and heartfelt and in places, extremely lyrical.
There is no doubt that a remarkable amount of research has gone into the writing of this novel. The depth of passion the author feels for this time period is observed through the beautifully well written story that follows. Through a third person narration, the audience are captivated and extremely moved by the living life of Anne. Although not much is documented about her in historical archives, Lesley Nickell has managed to capture Anne in immense detail.
Nickell has surprisingly challenged Shakespearean characteristics of Richard, Duke of Gloucester within the novel too – turning him from vicious monster to a heroic soldier and a saving grace for Anne. This is one of the highlights to the novel as a whole.
So, whether you’re a romance fan, historical fan or are just willing to pick up something different, The White Queen of Middleham is the perfect book for all. A great pleasure to read; educational and extremely enjoyable.
September 27, 2020
The story of Anne Neville if we think deep about it , is so interesting and mysterious she was a princess for his father choices , then she became in a traitor at the age of 15 , then after be in the middle of two royal brothers she became in the wife of a Duke ,then the queen of England, those are the perfect elements to create a great story and this is a great book and the way that it tells the story of Anne is awesome, I really enjoy every page, the end is so sad but at the same time is lovely and brilliant ,I read it twice , the only thing that I don't love is the fact that many parts could have been more detailed, but in general is great you don't even need to know a lot about history and you will not get unnecessary information
Something interesting about this book is that Richars is a man almost perfect and I usually dont like him being a saint or a monster but in this book is so well done that it doesn't bothered me much .
The love, but specially the passion that we read here wow I love it , even the tragedy , you have all in the story of Anne Neville that definitely is tragic, but this novel also shows her happiness and made justice to the story of this queen.
Something interesting about this book is that Richars is a man almost perfect and I usually dont like him being a saint or a monster but in this book is so well done that it doesn't bothered me much .
The love, but specially the passion that we read here wow I love it , even the tragedy , you have all in the story of Anne Neville that definitely is tragic, but this novel also shows her happiness and made justice to the story of this queen.
November 4, 2013
I re-read this book recently, having read it when it was first published in 1978. I'd forgotten just how good it is - in particular the evocation of place and time. It's also very moving, particularly the later chapters. Highly recommended.
October 6, 2009
1.5 stars. First person Anne Neville story - yawn...
January 11, 2019
A very tender and sympathetically wonderful reimagining of the life of Anne Neville.
June 6, 2020
A wonderful read the story of Anne Neville wife of Richard III
March 6, 2026
This captivating narrative delves into the life of Anne Neville, the daughter of Warwick, known as 'the Kingmaker,' a figure whose political machinations shaped the course of English history. The story unfolds during a tumultuous period marked by the Wars of the Roses, where Anne finds herself maneuvering through the treacherous landscape of power struggles and alliances. It vividly portrays how noble girls and women of her era were often treated as pawns in political games, their fates determined by the ambitions of the men around them.
Amid this backdrop of intrigue and manipulation, the tale also explores the possibility of genuine love for Anne. Despite the constraints and expectations placed upon her, her relationship with Richard III reveals the depth of her emotions and desires, presenting a nuanced view of her character.
With its skillful writing and rich historical context, this book offers a compelling read that appeals not only to those passionate about the history of the House of York but also to anyone interested in the often-overlooked roles that women played in shaping history.
Amid this backdrop of intrigue and manipulation, the tale also explores the possibility of genuine love for Anne. Despite the constraints and expectations placed upon her, her relationship with Richard III reveals the depth of her emotions and desires, presenting a nuanced view of her character.
With its skillful writing and rich historical context, this book offers a compelling read that appeals not only to those passionate about the history of the House of York but also to anyone interested in the often-overlooked roles that women played in shaping history.
December 3, 2017
Another view of the last period of the Wars of the Roses
The main character is Anne Neville , the least known of the Royals and nobles in the well documented power struggle.
The author chose to depict her as the victim of repression but she does not seem capable of relating normally with her surroundings or other humans.Was she autistic ? Much later she seems to be normalized , after great suffering , by TLC and the love of a good man.
For this and several other reasons , I would prefer that the explication given at the end of the book concerning the author and the time lapse since it was published , be used as an introduction.
The main character is Anne Neville , the least known of the Royals and nobles in the well documented power struggle.
The author chose to depict her as the victim of repression but she does not seem capable of relating normally with her surroundings or other humans.Was she autistic ? Much later she seems to be normalized , after great suffering , by TLC and the love of a good man.
For this and several other reasons , I would prefer that the explication given at the end of the book concerning the author and the time lapse since it was published , be used as an introduction.
August 29, 2017
Historical greatness
1st i would recommend to anyone interested in the 15th centery history. This was a wonderful story. It really demonstrates that women were of no value except for money. I really read this fast as I was hooked from the beginning. I did get confused just beyond half way because so many had the same name. Children were named after the King, the Queen and great uncles. I did miss, it is was stated, what Queen Ann's son died from. It was probably what happened to Queen Ann also.
1st i would recommend to anyone interested in the 15th centery history. This was a wonderful story. It really demonstrates that women were of no value except for money. I really read this fast as I was hooked from the beginning. I did get confused just beyond half way because so many had the same name. Children were named after the King, the Queen and great uncles. I did miss, it is was stated, what Queen Ann's son died from. It was probably what happened to Queen Ann also.
November 9, 2019
As my third book based on Anne Neville, and my eleventh book on the war of the Roses, I would say I'm more than a casual fan. This book was very good, descriptive, with excellent prose. One thing I found interesting was how much of a pawn, specifically in this book, Anne was, and how much she accepted her fate as a pawn. This was a more tragic story, and caught me slipping near the end (I cried three times), but it was still an excellent read.
August 17, 2020
Well Researched
A story of a basically unknown queen who deserved better. Ms. Nickell does her best to rectify that slight. This is the first novel I've encountered that does not portray Richard III in a bad light. Refreshing to read new approaches to Richard's life.
A story of a basically unknown queen who deserved better. Ms. Nickell does her best to rectify that slight. This is the first novel I've encountered that does not portray Richard III in a bad light. Refreshing to read new approaches to Richard's life.
July 26, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
September 9, 2017
Very moving
Compelling reading, history as it should be taught. I would recommend this book to all readers who enjoy history being brought to life.
Compelling reading, history as it should be taught. I would recommend this book to all readers who enjoy history being brought to life.
July 9, 2022
Amazing romantic/historical fiction about Anne Neville
August 5, 2023
The White Queen of Middleham was slow and drawn out. Nothing exciting really keeps the reader engaged. Anne's sister was not interesting and took to much away from Anne's character/story.
September 5, 2014
Originally published in 1974, The White Queen of Middleham has recently been republished and tells the story of Anne Neville, younger daughter of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, and wife to King Richard III.
As a delicate child, Anne is often sick and confused. Her world is one where almost all women are ruled by their menfolk. Remaining ignorant of the great events occurring around her adds to her feelings of inadequacy, and she contemplates entering the Church. But she meets Richard, Duke of Gloucester and falls in love. As her father’s fortunes rise and fall Anne’s life becomes a hard journey from one refuge to another; an enforced, loveless marriage to the precocious Edward, Prince of Wales and on his death at Tewkesbury, Anne is placed in George, Duke of Clarence’s care. She is hidden as a London kitchen maid, but is rescued by Richard, and at last her life changes for the better.
Lesley Nickell has written a magnificent insight into the character, whose frailties are apparent throughout the book. One minor criticism: through 340 pages the tale is told via Anne’s eyes, her thoughts, feelings and reactions to events, yet on three short occasions the point of view narrative switches to another character. A re-edit would sort this.
This is not a novel of battles, bloody deaths, or the politics of the time. Anne was not witness to these, she hears of them through other parties. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy a good characterisation of an inconsequential woman living through the disruption of changing times.
How Ms Nickell deals with the question of the Princes in the Tower, I will leave for the reader to discover.
As a delicate child, Anne is often sick and confused. Her world is one where almost all women are ruled by their menfolk. Remaining ignorant of the great events occurring around her adds to her feelings of inadequacy, and she contemplates entering the Church. But she meets Richard, Duke of Gloucester and falls in love. As her father’s fortunes rise and fall Anne’s life becomes a hard journey from one refuge to another; an enforced, loveless marriage to the precocious Edward, Prince of Wales and on his death at Tewkesbury, Anne is placed in George, Duke of Clarence’s care. She is hidden as a London kitchen maid, but is rescued by Richard, and at last her life changes for the better.
Lesley Nickell has written a magnificent insight into the character, whose frailties are apparent throughout the book. One minor criticism: through 340 pages the tale is told via Anne’s eyes, her thoughts, feelings and reactions to events, yet on three short occasions the point of view narrative switches to another character. A re-edit would sort this.
This is not a novel of battles, bloody deaths, or the politics of the time. Anne was not witness to these, she hears of them through other parties. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy a good characterisation of an inconsequential woman living through the disruption of changing times.
How Ms Nickell deals with the question of the Princes in the Tower, I will leave for the reader to discover.
August 28, 2015
Ever since the opening chapters of Sharon Kay Penman’s “The Sunne in Splendour” I’ve been fascinated by Anne Neville, not least because she reminds we who enjoy life in an age of antibiotics and three-day illnesses, how fragile life was in the 15th Century.
Her sexual rejection by her first husband also rings very true to readers used to compliant women who accepted that their only role was to marry well (though not necessarily for them) and to produce heirs for the husbands.
I suppose that being a Ricardian helps but even a serial doubter can resist the Richard Ms Nickell paints, a strong man capable of extreme tenderness. As one who enjoys the writing of Ms Penman and is tired of the filmic targets of Dr Gregory’s books, I found Lesley Nickell’s book undoubtedly more “girlie”. However, she shows a talent for writing beautifully about very emotional scenes and the last chapter leading to Anne’s death is simply sublime.
Like others I await Ms Nickell’s view on the Two Princes although it would be foolish to ignore the signposts pointing at Buckingham that she’s already erected.
Her sexual rejection by her first husband also rings very true to readers used to compliant women who accepted that their only role was to marry well (though not necessarily for them) and to produce heirs for the husbands.
I suppose that being a Ricardian helps but even a serial doubter can resist the Richard Ms Nickell paints, a strong man capable of extreme tenderness. As one who enjoys the writing of Ms Penman and is tired of the filmic targets of Dr Gregory’s books, I found Lesley Nickell’s book undoubtedly more “girlie”. However, she shows a talent for writing beautifully about very emotional scenes and the last chapter leading to Anne’s death is simply sublime.
Like others I await Ms Nickell’s view on the Two Princes although it would be foolish to ignore the signposts pointing at Buckingham that she’s already erected.
Read
August 26, 2014Review from the Historical Novel Society:
Lesley Nickell has written a magnificent insight into the character, whose frailties are apparent throughout the book. One minor criticism: through 340 pages the tale is told via Anne’s eyes, her thoughts, feelings and reactions to events.
This is not a novel of battles, bloody deaths, or the politics of the time. Anne was not witness to these, she hears of them through other parties. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy a good characterisation of an inconsequential woman living through the disruption of changing times.
How Ms Nickell deals with the question of the Princes in the Tower, I will leave for the reader to discover.
Lesley Nickell has written a magnificent insight into the character, whose frailties are apparent throughout the book. One minor criticism: through 340 pages the tale is told via Anne’s eyes, her thoughts, feelings and reactions to events.
This is not a novel of battles, bloody deaths, or the politics of the time. Anne was not witness to these, she hears of them through other parties. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy a good characterisation of an inconsequential woman living through the disruption of changing times.
How Ms Nickell deals with the question of the Princes in the Tower, I will leave for the reader to discover.
February 23, 2015
interesting novel
This was quite the interesting story but unfortunately it was very poorly formatted for the Kindle app. The paragraph breaks were horrendous and it just made it a struggle to read.
However, if you can get past that random line breaks and word splits, the tale itself is quite intriguing. I enjoyed the character of Anne although at times she's so timid it made me want to scream. Then the sudden temperament change when her husband's children by his mistress are brought into Middleham seemed so out of character that I didn't really believe it was even the same woman the author was talking about. Regardless, I enjoyed the thought of true love in the royal family.
This was quite the interesting story but unfortunately it was very poorly formatted for the Kindle app. The paragraph breaks were horrendous and it just made it a struggle to read.
However, if you can get past that random line breaks and word splits, the tale itself is quite intriguing. I enjoyed the character of Anne although at times she's so timid it made me want to scream. Then the sudden temperament change when her husband's children by his mistress are brought into Middleham seemed so out of character that I didn't really believe it was even the same woman the author was talking about. Regardless, I enjoyed the thought of true love in the royal family.
November 1, 2015
Ideally I'd give this three and a half stars, but since I can't, I've rounded it up to 4.
I liked pretty much everything up until when Anne was Queen (even the hugely exaggerated kitchen story!), but then I got a little bored. It wasn't as much of a page-turner in this section, but then it picked up again at the end.
Anne's death (as it always does in any book) brought tears to my eyes. It was incredibly well written and heartfelt and although it sounds slightly macabre, it was one of the best parts of the book. You could really feel the emotional connection between each character and this just made it so much sadder!
I didn't love this as much as I did The Sunne in Splendour, but I liked it all the same.
I liked pretty much everything up until when Anne was Queen (even the hugely exaggerated kitchen story!), but then I got a little bored. It wasn't as much of a page-turner in this section, but then it picked up again at the end.
Anne's death (as it always does in any book) brought tears to my eyes. It was incredibly well written and heartfelt and although it sounds slightly macabre, it was one of the best parts of the book. You could really feel the emotional connection between each character and this just made it so much sadder!
I didn't love this as much as I did The Sunne in Splendour, but I liked it all the same.
September 14, 2017
Enjoyable novel about my favourite Queen. Not much is known about Anne Neville personally, so of course folk can draw what conclusions they wish. Whatever the case, the poor lass endured much hardship in her short life. Nickells did an excellent job crafting a moving and believable narrative of how the events of Anne’s life may have unfolded. And made me bawl my eyes out on multiple occasions.
October 10, 2012
Delicate bio/novel on Anne Neville, Queen of England to King Richard III. Wish I could find a copy to own for my personal library.
February 14, 2015
It was a little long and drawn out for my taste.
Read
April 1, 2015Hard to start. Had to go find a list of the English kings. To many Edwards. Rather cool considering they just reburied Richard the third.
July 26, 2015
Wow, the ending is magnificent
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its unique perspective of Anne Neville. The ending had me bawling because of its raw intensity.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its unique perspective of Anne Neville. The ending had me bawling because of its raw intensity.
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