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Who was Elizabeth of York, daughter of King Edward IV, wife of King Henry VII, and mother of King Henry VIII? Loved by her father, Elizabeth leads an early life of warmth and happiness, reveling in those special family moments despite her father’s weighty role as King Edward IV of England. The machinations of her mother, Elizabeth Woodville, provide a sharp contrast as Elizabeth’s worldview is shaped by the differences and it’s easy to see why she’s later known as Elizabeth the Good. However, England is in a time of turmoil and Elizabeth will see her father’s reign end and experience the reigns of both Richard III as and her eventual husband, Henry VII. Step inside Elizabeth’s world and see THE KING’S DAUGHTER, the first Tudor Queen…. Sandra Worth brings historical characters to vivid life in THE KING’S DAUGHTER. The lush details and clear narrative voice of Elizabeth create a tale that draws the reader into a time long past. It’s a tribute to the author that she still made me cry at the death of Arthur despite knowing the historical facts of the time period. That’s the trademark of a good author, one who can still make you feel emotions even when you know what is to come. The role of women at the end of the Medieval era and the advent of the Tudor period was a precarious one. Elizabeth’s transition from a child to a young woman coincides well with the change in the historical time frame. Sandra Worth provides excellent characterization of the dangers women face during these tumultuous and ever changing times as Bess Woodville, Lady Margaret Beaufort, and Elizabeth are all merely coping in the best ways they know how. Survival is paramount to all three, but only Elizabeth strives to reach above the pettiness and air of death that permeates the time period. Her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for the overall good of others provides an interesting comparison to the philosophy espoused by Henry VII and subsequently taught to Henry VIII. Sandra Worth provides a very solid case for her perspectives on the various historical figures Elizabeth encounters. One could argue other interpretations but the context is certainly fitting for how the events played out. THE KING’S DAUGHTER is highly recommended! Reviewed by Debbie |
The King’s Daughter: A Novel of the First Tudor Queen Rating:
Posted January 2009 |
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