Lady of the Rivers

The Lady of the Rivers
Phillipa Gregory
Simon & Schuster Ltd - September 15, 2011

Summary (from Amazon.com):

A story rich in passion and legend, The Lady of the Rivers is the story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the Wars of the Roses. When Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke’s squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke’s death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen.
 
The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of their royal York rivals. As Jacquetta fights for her king and her queen, she can see an extraordinary and unexpected future for her daughter Elizabeth: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York. . . .

Review

I previously read White Queen when it was released a few years ago and I enjoyed it. While I was shelving the new books (I work at a library!), I saw The Lady of the Rivers and decided to give it a shot. I especially enjoy a good historical book with a strong, female protagonist, and as I began reading, I was lunged into the story following Jacquetta; especially the moments where her "ancestor", the mermaid Melusina, was spoken of. At the beginning of the story Jacquetta's family is guarding Joan of Arc from the English that wanted her brought to justice. Jacquetta learns very young that the time that she is in, woman who seek power are easily brought down. While Joan did not, she watches other women she respects, women who are learned, are easily persecuted because of it.

While I know that Phillipa Gregory is known for her strong female leads, after Jacquetta marries the duke, it is as if she becomes stale. She falls into place like the other ladies of her time. Even after her husband dies and she remarries, it is almost as if the book then turns to focus more on Margaret of Anjou than Jacquetta herself. I know Ms. Gregory is probably doing that to fills holes, as Jacquetta was probably not very well documented, but none the less, if that was her plan, then she should have written the book about Margaret instead.

The Lady of the Rivers is a good read, but it tends to drag on, especially with the constant use of titles and Lords and lands. Margaret also tends to make the book feel a lot longer, just because of her childish behavior. I felt that the whole "middle" of the book was just a grueling process. I wish that it had been more interesting like the beginning and the end.

It was an okay read, it made me feel as if I could have easily skipped a few pages and still known what was going on, but Gregory does a great job of bringing a strong female voice to Jacquetta.

3/5