What is the significance of the legend of Melusina? Anthony dismisses Elizabeth's belief in Melusina and in her own mystical abilities as 'part fairy tale and part Bible and all nonsense' (page 239). Are her actions justifiable or not? How does she feel about the choices she made?ħ. Elizabeth makes some questionable moral choices, such as standing silently by while her husband and his brothers murder Henry IV and knowingly putting a page boy in harm's way by sending him to the Tower in place of her son. What are the most apparent differences between the two families? What similarities do they share?Ħ. Compare the Plantagenets and the House of York with the Woodvilles. Does Elizabeth, in fact, place her ambition ahead of her children's well-being? How does she regard her daughters versus her sons?ĥ. What is your view of Elizabeth as a daughter, a sister, and a mother? Her daughter Elizabeth says to her, 'You love the crown more than your children' (page 312). What are your thoughts on Edward and Elizabeth as monarchs? How adept is Elizabeth at playing the political game, both before and after Edward's death?Ĥ. Anthony tells Elizabeth that she and Edward are creating enemies by distributing wealth to their 'favorites, not the deserving' (page 204). How does Elizabeth and Edward's clandestine marriage change England's political landscape?ģ.

Do they marry for love? Did you find it surprising that Edward defied his mentor Warwick and upheld his secret marriage to Elizabeth? Why or why not?Ģ. Discuss Elizabeth's first few encounters with Edward and her motives for seeking him out. If you like Philippa Gregory, historical fiction or just well written absorbing books, you'll love this fabulous start to a new seriesġ. I also enjoyed the relationship Elizabeth had with her mother her children and her King. An interesting twist is the sub plot on the mystical powers of Elizabeth and her mother in effect adding another dimension to two strong women playing a dangerous game in a world controlled by men. There's also a fair share of manipulation, scheming and plotting for the Throne and arranged marriages for securing positions of power. As with her previous stories, there is plenty of betrayal, adultery and deceit.

Her notes at the end of the book do state however that there is more fiction in this novel than her previous ones but it is because the records are lacking for this period. From my perspective, that of a 'non historian', it appears Gregory has done quite a bit of research. Well all I can say is it's a great read with multi faceted characters, an intriguing plot and fascinating details of a turbulent dangerous time in English history.

I loved them all except for 'The Other Queen', her last book so I was truly hoping this one did not disappoint. PBR Book Review:I was so intrigued by 'The Other Boleyn Girl', my first exposure to this author, that I devoured everything I could find by Philippa Gregory.

The white queen philippa gregory series