I’m a historical fiction junkie anyway, and “Lady of the Roses” was right up my alley. I truly enjoyed this read from a well-versed writer.
Fifteen-year-old Isobel is an orphan, and her guardianship has been turned over to Marguerite d’Anjou, the Queen of England and wife to Henry VI. The War of the Roses wages on, with Lancastrians fighting against Yorkists. Isobel sides with the Lancastrians, and she fits in well at court.
But when Sir John Neville arrives at court, he turns Isobel’s world upside down. They are instantly drawn toward each other, but he’s a York. Knowing their relationship could never work, she tells him there is no hope, even though it breaks her heart to do so.
Intelligence comes her way that enemies of the Nevilles are planning to ambush the party as they travel. Disguised as a nun, Isobel makes her way to the place where the Nevilles are staying, and warns them. John sees right through her disguise, and she admits that yes, she does love him.
Arranging a marriage between a Lancastrian and a York, however, proves to be tricky, and it’s only through a miracle that they are able to wed. All their sacrifices are worth it, though, as they start their marriage, truly in love and truly happy.
Isobel now sides with the Yorks, which does not put her in good standing with the Queen. As the war continues, the true natures of the combatants are revealed. Marguerite is cruel, using her husband’s infirm state as her excuse to rule England with an iron fist. Isobel’s own uncle is given a measure of power, which he uses to torture and torment the people, earning him the nickname “The Butcher of England.” Through it all, Isobel and John must cling to each other for their very sanity.
This book is beautifully written. I never once felt myself pulled out of the story by a misplaced word or phrase that wasn’t historically accurate. For those who are concerned about content, I do remind you that this era in England’s history was difficult. Enemies found pleasure in tormenting those who opposed them, and some measure of this does exist in the book, although it is described in a straightforward manner and is not embellished just for the shock value. I might suggest you skip over the bottom portion of page 76.
(This book was published in 2008 by the Penguin Group.)
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