Women of the Wars of the Roses: Jacquetta Woodville, Margaret of Anjou & Cecily Neville

by Sylvia Barbara Soberton

Jacquetta Woodville, Margaret of Anjou and Cecily Neville are among the best-known female figures during the Wars of the Roses, a dynastic conflict that raged in England from 1455 to 1485. Jacquetta was the mother of Edward IV’s much-hated commoner queen, Elizabeth Woodville, and she is most prominent in this triple biography. Jacquetta’s story is inevitably linked to the lives of two other Margaret of Anjou, Henry VI’s queen, and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, mother of Edward IV and Richard III. Set against the rich background of fifteenth-century court life are the interwoven stories of these three women whose relationships were tested by the changing loyalties of their husbands, sons and daughters.

Genres: History, Biography, Medieval History, Nonfiction, British Literature

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

Reviews

[Melisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good overview of the wars of the Roses. I was disappointed in the information given in the book. I was expecting a book with rich details about the lives of the three main women mentioned in the description. Yet, all that was given were a few tidbits of personal information with a general focus on the cousin's war. The only part that actually gave me new information were the last two sections about Jacquetta's family. Only recommended for someone who is looking for a cursory understanding of this era in history.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent deep dive into what these women were doing throughout the War of the Roses to try and guide events behind the scenes while the men were busy with unimaginatively simply slaughtering each other.

[Finuala · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75

I'm guessing others might have marked it more highly because this information is new *to them*, but almost nothing is new here and I don't honestly see the point of this book. The concept of the relationships between Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Margaret of Anjou and Cecily, Duchess of York being tested by the changing loyalties of their families really isn't explored. There's nothing to explain what, if anything, may have passed between them by way of what we'd have called a relationship other than the other two waiting on Margaret of Anjou. And yes, women's stories often don't survive well, but that's my point: the information on these women is mostly to be gleaned from the lives of their menfolk and that only takes us so far. If this has a place, it's as a kind of Women of the Wars of the Roses 101. But really, there are better books out there on these remarkable women, so I'd recommend those instead.

[Mary Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clear, concise and crisp overview of the lives of three prominent women during the Wars of the Roses is very worthwhile. What I previously knew about Jacquetta Woodville, Margaret of Anjou and Cecily Neville I mostly picked up from historical novels and television. Now I know I want to read more in depth about the women of the Wars of the Roses. This book was an excellent place to start.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all those who enjoy the history of the women of War of Roses.

I have read everything from Philipa Gregory to Hillary Mantel. I have has problems keeping names and positions. With multiple Richard's, Henry's, Edward's, Margaret's, and Elizabeth's. As well as their ceremonial titles which changed often. This book, while a more than adequate retelling of the War of the Rose's, allowed me to put the names, titles, and familiar association together. The author has done her research admirably and developed a narrative that holds the reader's attention.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise introduction / overview of the significant events in the wars of the roses focusing on these 3 women and their points of view. Admittedly not in great depth or groundbreaking (as criticised by some other reviewers) but perfectly adequate and enjoyable to someone learning about this time period and wanting to gain an understanding of the facts (rather than conjecture) surrounding these formidable and important women. Very enjoyable.

[Vincent Chenzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Validates the detail in White Queen and The White Princess series as being quite factual even though enhanced for dramatic effect. Always hard to follow who's who when there are so many Edwards, Henrys, Richards, Elizabeths, and Johns esp when the Jacquetta and Richard Woodville had two Richards and two Johns!

[me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good but more of an overview/introduction than an in-depth study of the women. I liked that it seemed quite sympathetic to all three ladies, and it's quite an easy read in terms of style. I hadn't been keen on some other works by this writer but this one was enjoyable and I feel like I learned a bit about them, particularly Cecily Neville who I haven't read much about before.

[Liz Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I only wish there was more recorded information on the feminine heroes of this book, but I guess that was just the times. Excellent book and would def recommend and plan on reading more from the author.

[Анастасія Байдаченко · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasant reading! Recommend

Good quality! Pleasant reading for light history lovers and great woman biographies fans. Author proposes very interesting insight for Jacquetta's and Richard's children birth order

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Some books I have read from this period jump around all over the place & my poor amateur brain can't cope. This book is really easy to read & process.

[caffeinated reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

How terribly disappointing: a condensed history of the 30-year war with copious references to Philippa Gregory's historical fiction works on the Houses of York and Lancaster.

[Susanna Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise and easy to follow. Well done!

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in ages

[Amanda Veazey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting material, lackluster presentation.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview but not a lot of detail about the day to day lives; consult Alison Weir for that, perhaps.

[Kasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good, compact, comprehensive and thorough work.

[Donna Dilworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

only so so, but at least it wasshort