The Lady of the Rivers ~ Philippa Gregory

Philippa Gregory has, once again, written a keeper. I have never read a book by this author that I haven't enjoyed, but this one has definitely risen to the top as my favorite. It is one of those books that a reader can get lost in: Jacquetta's life becomes a part of the reader's reality. It is such a joy to read a book that recognises the power women have always held, even when it wasn't widely acknowledged. And the love that existed between Jacquetta and Richard is inspiring and delightful.

 

I don't know what lapse in my education left me unaware of Jacquetta, Dowager Duchess of Bedford, Lady of the Rivers, descendant of Melusina the river goddess. Learning about the War of the Roses in school would have been much more interesting had there been a unit on her, for sure! (And yes she was a real person and the book is based on historical fact.)

 

In case you also missed out in history class, Jacquetta of Luxembourg was born in about 1415 and at the age of 17 was married to John of Lancaster, first Duke of Bedford. This alliance to the Lancasters would be one she honoured even in times of trial and disaster for the family. She became the second most powerful woman in England and ancestor to the present British monarchy. From all accounts she was a strong willed woman who followed her heart no matter the cost. She is said to have dabbled in witchcraft, just a bit - or maybe more, who knows for sure.

 What we do kow about her life sparks the imagination and Philippa Gregory used that spark to create a work of literary art.

This is the third book in the series:  The cousins War

Robyn S