READ THIS: The Rose Of York: Love & War by Sandra Worth Our Coverage Sponsored by Paul Mayer Attitudes
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Through the years, countless books have been written on the Wars of the Roses. The epic struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York has captivated the minds of authors and readers alike for centuries. And of all of the political figures of that era, perhaps none is surrounded by as much intrigue as Richard III. Immortalized as the most villainous of villains by Shakespeare, the mere mention of his name conjures images of a cruel, ruthless, humpbacked monster. However, many scholars have questioned that portrait of Richard, and much has also been written in his defense. In The Rose Of York: Love & War, the first in a series of three books about Richard III, author Sandra Worth presents a much more complete picture of the Yorkist king. Spanning the period of time from Richard's childhood through the birth of the son he has with his wife, Lady Anne Neville, Love & Wargives readers a three-dimensional, complex character, as opposed to the ferocious, bloodthirsty leader portrayed by Shakespeare and others. Orphaned as a child, and forced to grow up far too quickly, the Richard we see in this book witnesses horrors no child should ever witness, sees loyalties betrayed and hopes dashed, and above all, remains loyal and true to those closest to his heart. The story told in the book is the story of the enduring love between Richard and Anne, against all odds and despite the battles that pit their families against each other. And indeed, not only Richard, but all of the characters in the story are portrayed as living, breathing people who face real choices. It is a remarkably well-rounded and refreshing take on a tale that has been told many times, and Worth's compelling rendering of it will keep readers enthusiastically engaged right through the very end!
The history of Richard the Third as always been portrayed him as 'evild doer’ reflecting his murder of this two nephews aged 9 and 12 whose bones were found in the tower of London in 1674. He was also accused of poisoning of his wife. This first book follows his sad childhood as an outsider until his death at Bosworth field. You really get to experience his childhood through the words of the author. Tragic is the loss of childhood great love Anne Neville, the daughter of the Earl of Warwick. Even with his evil persona the author portrays him with loyalty, kindness to the poor and knightly chivalry. This first book is a woman’s novel filled with plots, mystery and intrigue. I do not know that the next three books in the trilogy will tell of his life but so far the author has been gentle on a monster.
I love reading books that take place in some historical setting. In The Rose of York: Love and War, King Richard is portrayed to be a lonely, but honorable young man. I found his story line left me feeling very sorry for him and wanting more for him. When I found that this was a debut novel from the author, plus the first of a trilogy, I couldn't believe it. I can't wait to read the second novel. As I was reading, I knew this takes place in historical England, it makes me want to visit having never been before. I've had several friends who are leaving for vacation and were asking for good books to read. I immediately responded with this book. If you know anyone looking for a good read, I would recommend this book.
This is the first of a trilogy " The Rose of York", and will carry you through the annals of history on a charging steed. Meet the young Plantagenet, Richard in the pages of the first one entitled "Love & War". His oft-maligned reputation was cemented with Shakespeare's play, but here, he is human, not monstrous. With his remains just having been found (and the findings confirmed) in England, Richard needs to be humanized. Ms. Worth does an excellent job of setting the stage, and telling the story. Young heirs to the throne, courtly manners, Kingmakers are herein painted with brushstrokes of breathing real colors. The Houses of York, Lancaster, and Neville, 1399-1465 unfold with their true historical significance, but with a slant towards their sometimes mis-understood characters. This book might well alter your perception of those times, and will surely give you a refresher course in English history.
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William Shakespeare’s deformed tyrant in the eponymous Richard III in reality shaped modern democracy. Over 500 years ago this last King of England to die on the battlefield extended the scope of trial by jury and an impressive body of laws designed to protect the innocent. Yet, was Richard III a victim of a victorious Tudor smear campaign? Did he kill his nephews? Murder his wife?
Sandra Worth, a world-traveler and political science expert, reveals a timeless love story set amid England’s fifteenth century Wars of the Roses. Profound issues of love and hate, war and peace, justice and prejudice, right and wrong are viewed through a fictional lens in her highly-acclaimed first novel, The Rose of York: Love & War.
The Rose of York: Love & War is the first of a series of novels and recreates Richard’s tumultuous early years and his love affair with Anne Neville, the traitor’s daughter he made his queen.
“The lessons we learn from history as it pertains to our own lives and times are invaluable,” says Worth, “such as the importance of character and the destructive power of greed. Mankind doesn’t change. The rapacious nobles of the fifteenth century who looted the country and destroyed thousands of lives are no different from the gluttonous CEO’s of today, but at least we have a process by which some of them can be brought to justice. Today the personal feuds of our rulers don’t drag us into war.
“The story of Richard III is not simply history; it is our story, too. Like us, they loved, hated, witnessed injustice, knew war and struggled with right and wrong. Their choices were harsher than ours because they lived in a brutal era, when passions made policy, and royal feuds ended in war. Thanks to the sacrifices of men like Richard III, we are blessed with the tools to avoid a similar fate.
