The White Princess by Philippa Gregory

The White Princess by Philippa Gregory features Elizabeth of York in this “Cousins’ War” series of books by the author. Filled with political intrigue, drama, and real historical facts, this novel is one that fans of historical fiction should definitely check out!

Book Description

“Philippa Gregory, #1 New York Times best­selling author and “the queen of royal fiction” (USA Today), presents the latest Cousins’ War novel, the remarkable story of Elizabeth of York, daughter of the White Queen.

When Henry Tudor picks up the crown of England from the mud of Bosworth field, he knows he must marry the princess of the enemy house—Elizabeth of York—to unify a country divided by war for nearly two decades.

But his bride is still in love with his slain enemy, Richard III—and her mother and half of England dream of a missing heir, sent into the unknown by the White Queen. While the new monarchy can win power, it cannot win hearts in an England that plots for the triumphant return of the House of York.

Henry’s greatest fear is that somewhere a prince is waiting to invade and reclaim the throne. When a young man who would be king leads his army and invades England, Elizabeth has to choose between the new husband she is coming to love and the boy who claims to be her beloved lost brother: the rose of York come home at last.” – The White Princess

My Thoughts

The White Princess is another fine addition the “Cousins’ War” series of books based on the historical events of the royals in England during the late 1400s. Philippa Gregory is one of the best authors of this time period that I have read, and she does not disappoint with this novel.

This is the story of Elizabeth of York, the daughter of the “White Queen” who is forced to marry Henry Tudor to end the civil war that had been going on for almost two decades. She seems to be one of the pawns in the story, and a bit clueless on how things work around her. However, she is still an important person in the series who should not be forgotten.

Historical fact and fiction is weaved together to make this story (and all of Gregory’s novels in the series) extremely interesting and real page turners. You can really see the passion and love of this time period when reading her novels, and that to me is a huge bonus to her works of art. If history classes were this interesting, I’m sure people would have learned more, and gotten better grades! I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The White Princess, Touchstone, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.