Dont be fooled by the new book jacket, this is not a love story. From the back cover And though their union was born from political necessity, it became a wonderful love story Huh? You have to wonder sometimes what is going through the publishers heads the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York a love match?
Originally published as Uneasy Lies the Head, this book covers the reign of Henry VII following the defeat of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. With a very tenuous claim on the throne of England Henry marries Elizabeth of York, eldest daughter of Edward IV, in an effort to strengthen his claim. Despite keeping peace in the country and restoring the empty coffers, Henry is always fearful of conspiracies to challenge his reign with pretenders to the throne claiming to be one of the lost princes in the tower.
So much of this book is known history, weve all read enough of the Tudors I dont need to rehash it all again. The book takes the reader from the beginning of Henrys reign until the end and at his death and the assumption to the throne of his son Henry VIII. Although I did enjoy this book very much, it was a bit dry at times, especially at the beginning, and those not familiar with the Wars of The Roses might have a difficult time picking up the story.
Henry was nicely portrayed as a parsimonious penny pincher always worried about threats to his crown, the younger Henry a bit too full of himself and his knightly responsibilities, Katharine of Aragon suitably pious and obedient my only complaint was the how Elizabeth of York was portrayed. A virtually non-existent character, the few times she was in the storyline she was quite vapid and very forgettable. She was pretty much there for the procreation of children. All in all a pleasant read, not the best but not the worst either. 3.5/5 stars.
If they told it like it was - unsexy, they'd not get the sales!
