The conflict between the white rose of York and red rose of the Tudors continues in Philippa Gregory’s last book in her The Cousins’ War series.
The sixth and final installment, titled The King’s Curse, follows the life of Margaret Pole, cousin to Elizabeth of York and daughter of the late George Duke of Clarence. She is also the niece of the late King Richard III who was killed defending his throne from Henry Tudor, later to be known as Henry VII.
Margaret’s deep connection to the royal throne plagues her whole life. Henry’s mother married her to a low-born knight to keep her away from the throne and prevent her from being a threat to her son. She not only watches her brother die, but she loses her husband as well, forcing her and her five children into poverty.
Through the crowning of Henry VIII, Margaret has the chance to climb out of the gutter and restore her family to their proper place. As her cousin’s son losses heir after heir, she is reminded of the curse lingering on the Tudor throne, done by Elizabeth of York and her mother: the line shall end in a barren daughter.
It’s an amazing read that engages the reader with its compelling protagonist, mysterious theme, and tragedy. Gregory gives readers a chance to see a woman struck down to poverty build a new life for herself, one that protects her children and lets her see a bright future for her grandchildren.
The King’s Curse also shows the downfall of Henry’s reign and what Margaret has to do to survive it. As a devout Catholic, Margaret watching the churches and abbeys be destroyed causes her great pain. It’s something that, even if the reader isn’t religious, can feel deeply.
Margaret shows that whatever the world may throw at you, thanks to an unruly king and enemies littering the country, you must keep on fighting to live. Don’t give in to death for one moment.
Margaret’s story will draw readers in and keep them there until they are begging for there to be one more page left.
The sixth and final installment, titled The King’s Curse, follows the life of Margaret Pole, cousin to Elizabeth of York and daughter of the late George Duke of Clarence. She is also the niece of the late King Richard III who was killed defending his throne from Henry Tudor, later to be known as Henry VII.
Margaret’s deep connection to the royal throne plagues her whole life. Henry’s mother married her to a low-born knight to keep her away from the throne and prevent her from being a threat to her son. She not only watches her brother die, but she loses her husband as well, forcing her and her five children into poverty.
Through the crowning of Henry VIII, Margaret has the chance to climb out of the gutter and restore her family to their proper place. As her cousin’s son losses heir after heir, she is reminded of the curse lingering on the Tudor throne, done by Elizabeth of York and her mother: the line shall end in a barren daughter.
It’s an amazing read that engages the reader with its compelling protagonist, mysterious theme, and tragedy. Gregory gives readers a chance to see a woman struck down to poverty build a new life for herself, one that protects her children and lets her see a bright future for her grandchildren.
The King’s Curse also shows the downfall of Henry’s reign and what Margaret has to do to survive it. As a devout Catholic, Margaret watching the churches and abbeys be destroyed causes her great pain. It’s something that, even if the reader isn’t religious, can feel deeply.
Margaret shows that whatever the world may throw at you, thanks to an unruly king and enemies littering the country, you must keep on fighting to live. Don’t give in to death for one moment.
Margaret’s story will draw readers in and keep them there until they are begging for there to be one more page left.