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Blood and Roses
1460:
The English Crown – a bloodied, restless prize.
The one contender strong enough to hold it? A woman. Margaret of Anjou: a French Queen in a hostile country, born to rule but refused the right, shackled to a King lost in a shadow-land.
When a craving for power becomes a crusade, when two rival dynasties rip the country apart in their desire to rule it and thrones are the spoils of a battlefield, the stakes can only rise. And if the highest stake you have is your son?
You play it.
Blood and Roses: the story of a woman caught up in the pursuit of power, playing a game ultimately no one can control…
The English Crown – a bloodied, restless prize.
The one contender strong enough to hold it? A woman. Margaret of Anjou: a French Queen in a hostile country, born to rule but refused the right, shackled to a King lost in a shadow-land.
When a craving for power becomes a crusade, when two rival dynasties rip the country apart in their desire to rule it and thrones are the spoils of a battlefield, the stakes can only rise. And if the highest stake you have is your son?
You play it.
Blood and Roses: the story of a woman caught up in the pursuit of power, playing a game ultimately no one can control…
372 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2016
3 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Hokin
35 books238 followersWelcome to my author page and my novels, including the Hanni Winter series which is the newest of the pack. I write books set primarily in Berlin, covering the period from 1933 up to the fall of the Berlin Wall and dealing with the long shadows left by war. I am a story lover as well as a story writer and this period really fascinates me. Writing about it also means that I get to spend a lot of time in Berlin, which is my second favourite city - my favourite is Buenos Aires.
I am from the North of England but now live very happily in Glasgow with my American husband. If I'm not at my desk you'll most probably find me in the cinema, or just follow the sound of very loud music.
I'd love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me, so jump in via my website https://www.catherinehokin.com/ or on my Cat Hokin FB page or on twitter @cathokin
I am from the North of England but now live very happily in Glasgow with my American husband. If I'm not at my desk you'll most probably find me in the cinema, or just follow the sound of very loud music.
I'd love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me, so jump in via my website https://www.catherinehokin.com/ or on my Cat Hokin FB page or on twitter @cathokin
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 15, 2017
Being a huge English history buff, one thing has always stood out. Two bloody and costly civil wars were fought over the fact that men just couldn't handle a strong woman on or near the throne. Granted, the men were of their time and beliefs; however if they only saw the future they'd know that three of the greatest rulers of Britannia were in fact, female - including two named Elizabeth. Under these three amazing women, the country actually flourished, ushering an age of learning and exploration.
Unfortunately such hindsight did not exist, hence there was Matilda and Stephen, then the Wars of the Roses, which featured Margaret of Anjou versus damn near every opportunistic lord in England. These women had the misfortune of being stronger and wiser than their male counterparts in eras where such traits were frowned upon.
Margaret of Anjou has pretty much been dragged through the historical mud, almost a caricature of the 'evil power hungry Jezebel'. However, people in real life are not always so cut and dried. Here is a Margaret of Anjou thrust on a stage she was not ready for. Married to a pretty useless king, needing an heir (as was her duty as queen), and mistrusted for being French - Margaret had to become ruthless in order to save a king who has no interest in kingship, and to hold the throne for a son that she went through desperate measures to conceive. It's a hell of a story.
What I enjoyed most about this novel, is how real it reads. The Margaret depicted here is a complex woman surrounded by men, few of whom can be trusted. A warrior queen forced to play the real game of thrones. Speaking of which, George R.R Martin has said that he based his Song of Ice and Fire series on the Wars of the Roses (one reason I enjoyed the books as much as I did).
Unfortunately such hindsight did not exist, hence there was Matilda and Stephen, then the Wars of the Roses, which featured Margaret of Anjou versus damn near every opportunistic lord in England. These women had the misfortune of being stronger and wiser than their male counterparts in eras where such traits were frowned upon.
Margaret of Anjou has pretty much been dragged through the historical mud, almost a caricature of the 'evil power hungry Jezebel'. However, people in real life are not always so cut and dried. Here is a Margaret of Anjou thrust on a stage she was not ready for. Married to a pretty useless king, needing an heir (as was her duty as queen), and mistrusted for being French - Margaret had to become ruthless in order to save a king who has no interest in kingship, and to hold the throne for a son that she went through desperate measures to conceive. It's a hell of a story.
What I enjoyed most about this novel, is how real it reads. The Margaret depicted here is a complex woman surrounded by men, few of whom can be trusted. A warrior queen forced to play the real game of thrones. Speaking of which, George R.R Martin has said that he based his Song of Ice and Fire series on the Wars of the Roses (one reason I enjoyed the books as much as I did).
May 6, 2018
Catherine Hokin has done a tremendous amount of research and crafted it into this debut novel. She is careful to keep the life experience of Margaret realistic with no prescient emotions in the presence of characters who will later become significant in English history. We understand many of Margaret's drives and the reasons for her enmity to many of her contemporaries. Almost every character is a real documented historical person. This is a very good attempt to make sense of a decades long tussle for power up and down the country with an unfit king on one side and a series of charismatic leaders on the other.
I enjoy reading history and also historical novels. I found too much history in this novel! Obviously that's a ridiculous statement so perhaps I mean that there is too little fiction. One of the things I enjoy about fiction set in times past is the detail of locations and people; the buildings and furniture, food and clothes, technology and culture. I want to feel I'm really there. I want to be able to create my own movie. Blood and Roses rather disappointed me in that regard. Hearing the news of recent events from the mouths of messengers and political views in dialogue with advisors isn't sufficient for me. I wanted to pull away from Margaret's perspective and hear what the townspeople think, see the impact of civil war on local economies, understand the shifts in popular opinion.
I enjoy reading history and also historical novels. I found too much history in this novel! Obviously that's a ridiculous statement so perhaps I mean that there is too little fiction. One of the things I enjoy about fiction set in times past is the detail of locations and people; the buildings and furniture, food and clothes, technology and culture. I want to feel I'm really there. I want to be able to create my own movie. Blood and Roses rather disappointed me in that regard. Hearing the news of recent events from the mouths of messengers and political views in dialogue with advisors isn't sufficient for me. I wanted to pull away from Margaret's perspective and hear what the townspeople think, see the impact of civil war on local economies, understand the shifts in popular opinion.
May 14, 2018
Before reading this book I had never heard of Margaret of Anjou, however after reading this I’m glad I do. Margaret was a strong woman in a world full of powerful men, and this book documents her struggles during her marriage to Henry VI and how she lived her life (which was really interesting)
A well-researched and well written book. If you like historical fiction then this is one for you.
A well-researched and well written book. If you like historical fiction then this is one for you.
May 12, 2018
I do love a historical fiction and this book certainly didn’t disappoint. Telling the story of Margaret of Anjou from her point and of her transition from a young girl doing what was expected of her to the strong, woman in charge she became the author made me feel I was actually there. I felt her anger and frustration along with her hopes and dreams. With just the right amount of fact mixed with the descriptions this was a delightful read - thank you
April 23, 2018
Thanks to TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this book. An extremely interesting exploration into History that took me a little while to get into but turned into an extremely satisfying read.
May 11, 2018
A fascinating account of the life of Margaret of Anjou beginning with her wedding to King Henry VI in 1445 at the age of 15, leading to her involvement in the War of the Roses and her eventual exile in France in 1481.
I thought this was a well put together and nicely paced retelling of such an ambitious and formidable queen's role in history. The research and effort which has gone into it is admirable. The story is told in a straight-forward, uncomplicated and easy to follow style. I found it an entertaining and imaginative interpretation which kept me turning the pages. It certainly brought Margaret to life for me.
A very interesting, absorbing and enjoyable read - it's an excellent piece of story telling! I think fans of Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy would like this one.
I thought this was a well put together and nicely paced retelling of such an ambitious and formidable queen's role in history. The research and effort which has gone into it is admirable. The story is told in a straight-forward, uncomplicated and easy to follow style. I found it an entertaining and imaginative interpretation which kept me turning the pages. It certainly brought Margaret to life for me.
A very interesting, absorbing and enjoyable read - it's an excellent piece of story telling! I think fans of Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy would like this one.
May 14, 2018
This historical fiction novel is about Margaret of Anjou’s life, and is told in her voice from her point of view; you get the feeling of being in her head and hear her thoughts on events as they happen. The author has obviously done a lot of research into both the time period and into Margaret’s life. The book reads well and flows nicely, keeping the reader interested until the end. I enjoyed the book and feel I know more about Margaret of Anjou’s life now. Definitely a novel worth reading.
April 14, 2016
Striving to make Margaret of Anjou a sympathetic character is a task that few authors have taken on. Conn Iggulden did an admirable job with her younger years in Stormbird, and Susan Higginbotham successfully created a Margaret that the reader understands if not always feels sorry for in The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou. Catherine Hokin set out in this novel to establish that, while Margaret may not have been a saint, neither were the power players she found herself surrounded by.
Let's face it. It isn't entirely possible to turn Margaret from she-wolf into prim princess, but Hokin demonstrates how her hand was forced. Margaret may not have always responded to events the way she should have, but she was fiercely loyal to a husband who continuously failed her, a son who never reached his potential, and, in her own way, a country that never accepted her. Watching Margaret thrust into a situation that was impossible from the beginning creates a little bit of sympathy for her, even in the heart of the most devoted Yorkist.
Part of what makes the reader appreciate Margaret's position is the more negative portrayal of those she is opposed to. By leaving Edward of March his golden sheen but also exposing some of the ruthlessness and cruelty beneath, one can more easily understand why Margaret continued to fight against him when everyone else accepted his rule.
She is stubborn or devoted, depending on how you look at her. She makes some really bad decisions, regretting some of them and justifying others. She is a mother who would do anything for her child . . . . no matter who his father might be.
On the topic of Prince Edward's paternity, Hokin takes a rather different track than any I've read previously. I won't give anything away, but (whether I agree or not) at least it's unique.
I appreciate the author's goal of propping up the reputation of Margaret of Anjou, a woman who was dealt a losing hand right from the get-go. Still, it is challenging to feel sorry for one who caused so much death and destruction. Even with the York boys given rather nasty personalities in this novel, I couldn't help but wonder how many lives would be saved if Margaret would simply accept her defeat. Of course, eventually she is left with no other choice.
I thank Catherine Hokin for my copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
Let's face it. It isn't entirely possible to turn Margaret from she-wolf into prim princess, but Hokin demonstrates how her hand was forced. Margaret may not have always responded to events the way she should have, but she was fiercely loyal to a husband who continuously failed her, a son who never reached his potential, and, in her own way, a country that never accepted her. Watching Margaret thrust into a situation that was impossible from the beginning creates a little bit of sympathy for her, even in the heart of the most devoted Yorkist.
Part of what makes the reader appreciate Margaret's position is the more negative portrayal of those she is opposed to. By leaving Edward of March his golden sheen but also exposing some of the ruthlessness and cruelty beneath, one can more easily understand why Margaret continued to fight against him when everyone else accepted his rule.
She is stubborn or devoted, depending on how you look at her. She makes some really bad decisions, regretting some of them and justifying others. She is a mother who would do anything for her child . . . . no matter who his father might be.
On the topic of Prince Edward's paternity, Hokin takes a rather different track than any I've read previously. I won't give anything away, but (whether I agree or not) at least it's unique.
I appreciate the author's goal of propping up the reputation of Margaret of Anjou, a woman who was dealt a losing hand right from the get-go. Still, it is challenging to feel sorry for one who caused so much death and destruction. Even with the York boys given rather nasty personalities in this novel, I couldn't help but wonder how many lives would be saved if Margaret would simply accept her defeat. Of course, eventually she is left with no other choice.
I thank Catherine Hokin for my copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
April 4, 2016
‘The English have always thought of me as French. They have called me a French Princess not an English Queen and hated me for it no matter how much I felt and protested my loyalty to them. Well then, I shall be what they hate.’
In her debut novel Catherine Hokin attempts to uncover in Blood and Roses the life of Margaret of Anjou (Marguerite d’Anjou) in a fictional account of a dark period in history and the sparks that started the War of the Roses.
The story starts with the exiled Margaret of Anjou sent into exile in 1481 and imprisoned she is setting the record straight by writing her own life story. As it turns out history will not forget Margaret of Anjou.
She is to be the wife of Henry VI, and as she enters the court of the king the storm clouds are gathering over the court of Henry VI. The story covers the periods between 1435 to 1480 and the dynasty of the throne the backdrop being the bloody battles that took place that we know as the War of the Roses.
What Catherine Hokin attempts to uncover here is her story the French Queen born to rule but denied to the right and the protagonist to the War of the Roses. A gripping fictional account of a Queen refused the right to rule married to a King regaled as a saint. What they don’t realise is that Margaret is a strong and determined woman.
The failed attempt at conceiving a child and heir to Henry VI, we learn of Margaret acquiring the services of a husband of one of the women attending her and conceives a son (Edward). Henry is rarely seen because of the severity of his illness she slowly starts to assume control of the throne but the storm is gathering with plots to take the throne by force if required. Behind the plot is Richard, The Duke of York.
The is played out among the bloody battlefields of England and the stakes are high, the throne, the nation. Margaret will do anything to keep this and what of her son?
The research by Hokin is meticulous and she turns Blood and Roses into an epic historical work of fiction on the life of Margaret of Anjou, wife, queen and mother and leader of the Lancastrian forces in the War of the Roses a remarkable read that had me transfixed from the start.
If you think history is boring you should read Blood and Roses an outstanding debut novel on a remarkable if much wronged woman.
My thanks to Caterine Hokin for a copy of Blood and Roses in return for a review.
In her debut novel Catherine Hokin attempts to uncover in Blood and Roses the life of Margaret of Anjou (Marguerite d’Anjou) in a fictional account of a dark period in history and the sparks that started the War of the Roses.
The story starts with the exiled Margaret of Anjou sent into exile in 1481 and imprisoned she is setting the record straight by writing her own life story. As it turns out history will not forget Margaret of Anjou.
She is to be the wife of Henry VI, and as she enters the court of the king the storm clouds are gathering over the court of Henry VI. The story covers the periods between 1435 to 1480 and the dynasty of the throne the backdrop being the bloody battles that took place that we know as the War of the Roses.
What Catherine Hokin attempts to uncover here is her story the French Queen born to rule but denied to the right and the protagonist to the War of the Roses. A gripping fictional account of a Queen refused the right to rule married to a King regaled as a saint. What they don’t realise is that Margaret is a strong and determined woman.
The failed attempt at conceiving a child and heir to Henry VI, we learn of Margaret acquiring the services of a husband of one of the women attending her and conceives a son (Edward). Henry is rarely seen because of the severity of his illness she slowly starts to assume control of the throne but the storm is gathering with plots to take the throne by force if required. Behind the plot is Richard, The Duke of York.
The is played out among the bloody battlefields of England and the stakes are high, the throne, the nation. Margaret will do anything to keep this and what of her son?
The research by Hokin is meticulous and she turns Blood and Roses into an epic historical work of fiction on the life of Margaret of Anjou, wife, queen and mother and leader of the Lancastrian forces in the War of the Roses a remarkable read that had me transfixed from the start.
If you think history is boring you should read Blood and Roses an outstanding debut novel on a remarkable if much wronged woman.
My thanks to Caterine Hokin for a copy of Blood and Roses in return for a review.
May 4, 2018
Variety it's said, is the spice of life. And having read this gem when the book I read prior related to Facebook, I must concur. I've been steeped in history for days enjoying(although I'm not a sadist!)learning about the life and times of Marguerite of Anjou. What a woman! Power driven and determined to wear the crown of the Queen of England, the lengths she's willing to go through to achieve her dream are staggering! Poor Henry V1 - about as far removed from 'King' material as his wife is as coming across as a shy compliant doormat. It certainly kept me riveted. Why could Miss Henry(I kid you not), my long long ago teacher have made History so interesting? Some historical tomes are difficult to read, but the print and use of spacing made this book a pleasure! I've read a lot of Philippa Gregory titles, and looks like Catherine Hokin is more than able to equal her gift for writing this genre. I would have awarded five stars but for a couple of spelling errors which were a little distracting. Sorry!
April 11, 2019
Historical fiction is a genre I only dip into occasionally. So, when I do, I have high expectations because the genre has to compete with my favourites for my time.
This novel revolves around Margaret of Anjou. Hers was a name, like many wives of Kings, that I was vaguely aware of, but knew nothing else. Margaret's story, like that of many royal brides, has been ignored by history. The author has brought her back to life and, I must say, has done it very well.
I won't go into the plot, because I've read too many reviews that hint too much and spoil the narrative as a result. All I will say is if you're looking for a novel that resurrects the life of someone who's life shouldn't have been forgotten anyway, then I suggest you start with Blood and Roses. It's given me a taste for the genre and for knowing more about history's forgotten queens and princesses. They were more than just decoration and baby-making machines.
I'm looking forward to the author's next novel. She writes very well. She's truly brought Margaret of Anjou back to life.
This novel revolves around Margaret of Anjou. Hers was a name, like many wives of Kings, that I was vaguely aware of, but knew nothing else. Margaret's story, like that of many royal brides, has been ignored by history. The author has brought her back to life and, I must say, has done it very well.
I won't go into the plot, because I've read too many reviews that hint too much and spoil the narrative as a result. All I will say is if you're looking for a novel that resurrects the life of someone who's life shouldn't have been forgotten anyway, then I suggest you start with Blood and Roses. It's given me a taste for the genre and for knowing more about history's forgotten queens and princesses. They were more than just decoration and baby-making machines.
I'm looking forward to the author's next novel. She writes very well. She's truly brought Margaret of Anjou back to life.
May 27, 2018
Interesting historical novel written from the point of view of Margaret of Anjou. Previously I had read novels that focused more on the York side of the Wars of the Roses, and it was fascinating to now have the opposite viewpoint. The novel spanned almost her entire life, giving a great overview of what she lived through. I definitely recommend this to any lovers of historical fiction from this period of history.
June 3, 2018
If you love a good historical story this is for you. The way the author describes everything from the weather, the clothing or the battles and intrigues made them real. This book had me wanting more from the begining and looking for even more details online, as I'm not british i only knew a little about the period the book is set in but now have a better understanding and interest. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes historical books. thanks for the great read
May 6, 2018
I’m a big fan of the Tudor period. And I have been partial to the York kings.. however Blood and Roses made me realise that Margaret of Anjou was a fascinating woman and for 30 years this country was at war simply because men hated strong women and unfortunately it is still true! A superb read once you get into it and quite heart breaking too.
February 7, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"An action-packed thrill-a-page novel this is not. An interesting exploration into Margaret’s life and marriage it is – and a very good exploration at that."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"An action-packed thrill-a-page novel this is not. An interesting exploration into Margaret’s life and marriage it is – and a very good exploration at that."
November 11, 2017
I won this in goodreads giveaway. It took me while to get into it,but when I did it was a great and interesting read.
January 20, 2016
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2016...
Blood and Roses is Catherine Hokin’s debut novel, a gripping historical fiction novel based on Margaret of Anjou, wife to Henry VI. Set in the 1400s, Blood and Roses addresses the historical period of the Wars of the Roses, and what it was like to be in Margaret’s position at that time with the power, the pressure and the conflict. I can’t claim to have started reading Blood and Roses with a great deal of Wars of the Roses knowledge - any real interest in history that I have has come in recent times from the various engaging historical novels I’ve chosen to read – but Blood and Roses was a highly compelling retelling and a really impressive debut that I powered my way through in one sitting.
Margaret was once a naïvely optimistic young woman ahead of her marriage to Henry VI, King of England. Marriage would put her in the position of power, of respect, of providing an heir to the throne. As the story goes, we see a real development in Margaret’s attitude as she discovers her life isn’t going to work out quite as simple as that. Once married, Henry is very withdrawn from her, his only talk is of God and he looks to have little, if any, interest in his wife, instead becoming a ghostly figure of little affection. The answer is – of course – for Henry and Margaret to have a son, as it is expected that with marriage comes the new heir. But as the years pass, the loveless, sexless marriage sees that no child is conceived and in turn, Margaret’s character and temperament changes. I found the desperation she possessed fascinating to read, and how it led her to make choices she’d once have never considered, becoming more selfish and manipulative with each passing day. She was an interesting character to read about.
Catherine’s storytelling showed use of a ton of research – from the characters to their allegiances and betrayals, the conflict and the battles, the judgment and representation of Margaret, the dialogue and the insight into life in that period of time. I would have loved a bit more detail on the style of that time to allow a stronger picture of appearances and settings to form in my mind, but that’s really just a minor point because I was enjoying the narrative so much, I ended up wanting more. The sign of a good historical book – for me – is when the moment you’ve finished, all you want to do is Google and consume more information and background on the era you’ve been reading about and that’s exactly what I did here because Catherine quite effortlessly drew me into the story of the Wars of the Roses, making me want to learn more.
As I settled into the story and the narrative progressed, the tension within the characters built up, as did the power games, and I was more and more hooked with every turn of the page. Set in a time where women are merely seen to be there to give birth and little else, it was satisfying seeing Margaret attempt to take control and change the course of history. For readers who know the history, the author’s creative manner of filling in the gaps provides a few surprises to the plot and the style of writing is in such a way that the pace pulls you in, commandeering your attention right through to the end where there’s the momentary need to remind yourself to take a breath. Blood and Roses is an extremely engrossing read and I for one am looking forward to reading future books from this author.
(review copy)
February 2, 2016
So much has been written in recent years about the War of the Roses and all too predictably, the focus is always on the ambitions of the men who would be King, so it's rather interesting to have something written about one of the more important female figures in this volatile Game of Thrones, namely that of Margaret of Anjou. She is all too often described by the vulgar sobriquet of the 'she-wolf of France' which, of course, immediately conjures a woman who had no moral scruples and a man’s lust for battle.
The start of Blood and Roses takes the reader back to a more peaceful Margaret, back to a time when she was a young girl with hopes and dreams of falling in love and raising a family. The dream was rapidly shattered when a political alliance to the pious and unpredictable King Henry VI became little more than a sham marriage, and a rather sad place where her pretty dreams diminished and died. A sexless marriage made her hope of providing England with a much longed for heir an impossible task. However, Margaret was never without ambition and whilst there has always been speculation about the father of her son, the author's clever interpretation of his paternity in Blood and Roses is an interesting one and if you know your history, the story becomes entirely plausible.
The author writes with authority about a subject about which she is clearly passionate. Her impeccable research allows the story to develop with rich historical detail and most certainly, Margaret of Anjou’s indomitable spirit comes across quite forcibly. Whilst I'm still not altogether sure that I liked Margaret any more by the end of the novel, I still find her an incredibly 'cold' character, but, it must be said, in the hands of this accomplished author, there is no doubt that Margaret’s sad and rather unhappy story comes alive.
The start of Blood and Roses takes the reader back to a more peaceful Margaret, back to a time when she was a young girl with hopes and dreams of falling in love and raising a family. The dream was rapidly shattered when a political alliance to the pious and unpredictable King Henry VI became little more than a sham marriage, and a rather sad place where her pretty dreams diminished and died. A sexless marriage made her hope of providing England with a much longed for heir an impossible task. However, Margaret was never without ambition and whilst there has always been speculation about the father of her son, the author's clever interpretation of his paternity in Blood and Roses is an interesting one and if you know your history, the story becomes entirely plausible.
The author writes with authority about a subject about which she is clearly passionate. Her impeccable research allows the story to develop with rich historical detail and most certainly, Margaret of Anjou’s indomitable spirit comes across quite forcibly. Whilst I'm still not altogether sure that I liked Margaret any more by the end of the novel, I still find her an incredibly 'cold' character, but, it must be said, in the hands of this accomplished author, there is no doubt that Margaret’s sad and rather unhappy story comes alive.
February 21, 2016
This is the author's debut historical novel based mainly on the life of Margaret of Anjou, who was brought over from France to marry Henry VI.
Margaret was around 14 years old when it was decided she was to come to England to marry Henry VI Henry was a devoutly religious man, who had no interest in marrying but everyone around him kept telling him he needed to produce an heir. Henry was more interested in praying from dawn to dusk.
This book covers the period of the War of the Roses in around 1400s. I must admit, I do love a bit of history, but this was even further back than I remembered at school!
Margaret marries Henry and you read about how she tries desperately for Henry to lover her and given her position, trying to produce an heir. Henry was having none of it and basically told Margaret that if an heir was to be conceived, she would have to pray for a miracle!
This leads to Margaret having to do desperate measures in order to get pregnant and i;m sure you can guess what happens!
This is a book not only about history, but about the relationship between a mother and her son and the trials they had to endure to basically stay alive.
If you love a bit of history then this is a great book for you. I did find there were a lot of characters to deal with, buth other than that a real insight into how you had to watch your back and be strong to hold on to power in England during the 1400s!!
Margaret was around 14 years old when it was decided she was to come to England to marry Henry VI Henry was a devoutly religious man, who had no interest in marrying but everyone around him kept telling him he needed to produce an heir. Henry was more interested in praying from dawn to dusk.
This book covers the period of the War of the Roses in around 1400s. I must admit, I do love a bit of history, but this was even further back than I remembered at school!
Margaret marries Henry and you read about how she tries desperately for Henry to lover her and given her position, trying to produce an heir. Henry was having none of it and basically told Margaret that if an heir was to be conceived, she would have to pray for a miracle!
This leads to Margaret having to do desperate measures in order to get pregnant and i;m sure you can guess what happens!
This is a book not only about history, but about the relationship between a mother and her son and the trials they had to endure to basically stay alive.
If you love a bit of history then this is a great book for you. I did find there were a lot of characters to deal with, buth other than that a real insight into how you had to watch your back and be strong to hold on to power in England during the 1400s!!
September 8, 2016
Catherine Hokin's Blood and Roses tells the story of the War of the Roses from the perspective of Margaret of Anjou. Married to Henry VI at the age of 15, Margaret lived and ruled through one of the most turbulent times in English history.
I particularly enjoyed this book because the character and voice of Margaret are marvelously well done. The story is told with interjections from Margaret late in life and these snippets add a great deal of atmosphere and foreboding as events play out. Margaret is often an unsympathetic person - demanding, quarrelsome and unkind - but she is also a woman thrust into an impossible marriage, struggling to survive in a world led by violent and ambitious men. This is a great read. Anyone who loves dramas like The White Queen, will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
I particularly enjoyed this book because the character and voice of Margaret are marvelously well done. The story is told with interjections from Margaret late in life and these snippets add a great deal of atmosphere and foreboding as events play out. Margaret is often an unsympathetic person - demanding, quarrelsome and unkind - but she is also a woman thrust into an impossible marriage, struggling to survive in a world led by violent and ambitious men. This is a great read. Anyone who loves dramas like The White Queen, will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
Read
November 7, 2016Not for me.
May 14, 2018
Though a huge fan of historical fiction, I haven't read much about the period this book is set in. This one has certainly whetted my appetite for the genre!
Presenting the story of Marguerite of Anjou, both as her own thoughts at the end of her life and as an account of her life from girlhood, this book attempts to explain events from her perspective.
Primed to grow up to be a strong woman from childhood, 15 yo Marguerite hardly has time to enjoy her position as the Queen of England after her marriage to the King Henry VI, before the reality of her situation crashes into her dream state.
A husband who is not interested in her, a king who has no interest in ruling and a kingdom whose people look at her as a French sympathiser combine to isolate her.
As the years pass without the much coveted heir, her position is weakened more and more until she takes things into her own hands and her son is born.
However, with the king's condition worsening, she has to protect her son and also prevent other claimants to the Crown from usurping it.
Being a woman, there are few options available to her but she tries to do all she can to gather supporters.
What it took to get and hold power in those times and the sacrifices and conspiracies that shaped royalty are very well portrayed.
A very interesting read that tells the story of a woman who may not have been right all the time but who didn't give up easily and fought till the very end.
Presenting the story of Marguerite of Anjou, both as her own thoughts at the end of her life and as an account of her life from girlhood, this book attempts to explain events from her perspective.
Primed to grow up to be a strong woman from childhood, 15 yo Marguerite hardly has time to enjoy her position as the Queen of England after her marriage to the King Henry VI, before the reality of her situation crashes into her dream state.
A husband who is not interested in her, a king who has no interest in ruling and a kingdom whose people look at her as a French sympathiser combine to isolate her.
As the years pass without the much coveted heir, her position is weakened more and more until she takes things into her own hands and her son is born.
However, with the king's condition worsening, she has to protect her son and also prevent other claimants to the Crown from usurping it.
Being a woman, there are few options available to her but she tries to do all she can to gather supporters.
What it took to get and hold power in those times and the sacrifices and conspiracies that shaped royalty are very well portrayed.
A very interesting read that tells the story of a woman who may not have been right all the time but who didn't give up easily and fought till the very end.
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