By: Anne Easter Smith Publisher: Touchstone Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Touchstone Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 592 Publication Date: February 12, 2008
Product Description: History tells us that the intelligent, wealthy, and powerful Margaret of York had everything any woman could want, except for love. The acclaimed author of A Rose for the Crown takes us between the lines of history and into her heart.
It is 1461: Edward, son of Richard of York, ascends to the throne, and his willful sister, Margaret, immediately becomes a pawn in European politics as Edward negotiates her marriage. The young Margaret falls deeply in love with Anthony Woodville, the married brother of Edward's queen, Elizabeth. But Edward has arranged for his sister to wed Charles, son of the Duke of Burgundy, and soon Margaret is setting sail for her new life. Her official escort: Anthony Woodville.
Margaret of York eventually commanded the respect and admiration of much of Europe, but it appears to history that she had no emotional intimate. Anne Easter Smith's rare gift for storytelling and her extensive research reveal the love that burned at the center of Margaret's life, adding a new dimension to the story of one of the fifteenth century's most powerful women.
(Bad) Fiction, Not Historical - No Stars I was not only completely bored by the time I finished this book, I was also angry when I read the author's notes at the end and found that the entire love story between Margaret and Anthony never existed. She made it up. Wasn't that the basis of this entire book? Per her notes, she did say that two highly-qualified researchers of Margaret said it may have been possible because both Margaret and Anthony liked books. Huh???
The author even says in her notes she would be disappointed when her own research came up with facts that didn't fit in with the story she wanted to tell.
Case in Point: Margaret at one times adopts the care of a boy. In the book, this was put forth as the son of her murdered brother, George. Again, at the end, the author says there's no records that this was so (meaning, once again, she made it up). Actual records do show that Margaret did overtake the care of a boy, but later records have no mention of him.
As an avid reader of both historical fiction and non-fiction of English and European royalty and families, I'm well aware that certain liberties have to be taken in the form of fictional characters, conversations, and events. However, in my opinion, this was nothing more than a fictional novel where the author made an authentic person the main character, and then made up a story around her actual whereabouts and family.
If you want fiction, laced with boring stories about made-up ladies-in-waiting's arguments and secrets, and a some explicit sex scenes, this is your book. Otherwise, don't waste your time.
I tried to give no stars to this book, but I was required to give at least one.
Not loving it I'm a voracious English history reader, and historical fiction is a great way to learn about the basic facts about who was who and what the major dramatic points were. I got this book to help me understand more about the War of the Roses.
This book is not keeping my attention. I am having trouble getting into the lead character and her daily activities, crushes, friends (like her silly little sidekick, Fortunata). It's lacking in passion and suspense for me.
This is my first try with this author, not sure if I will go back for more.
Daughter of York
"History is delicious and engaging in Daughter of York. Anne Easter Smith's fresh writing and captivating personages draw her readers so deeply into fifteenth century Europe, they will find it difficult to return to the present. Walk with Margaret of York through a world meticulously researched and imaginatively recreated by Smith and indulge yourself in a splendid journey." --- Eleanor Garrell Berger, author of Stepping Out: A Tenderfoot's Guide to the Principles, Practices, and Pleasures of Countryside Walking
A real stinker I really disliked this novel. It was supposedly researched, but there is so much speculation in the plot that she might as well have written some trashy "historical" romance and just made up the people and the situations. The gratutious sex was not appreciated, either. Read another author's works, such as Sharon Kay Penman. This one is not worth spending time on.
Historical Fiction at it's best! Thank you again Anne Easter Smith..another delightful read. I could not put this book down. I loved the characters and did not feel like I was muddling through history. Altho I liked "Rose for the Crown" (if you haven't read this, drop everything and get this book) a little better, I would never short change "York". It was such fun putting this family together again and it was very heplful to have read the "Rose" first. I love a book that transports me to another time and place and this one certainly does. The descriptions of the setting were vivid and clearly imaginable. The characters are very interesting and I felt as if I knew them well. I loved the intrigue (one of the authors definite strong points). I would and have recommend this book to any one who enjoys a good read but especially to a lover of historic fiction.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
