The Queen of Last Hopes

This is an engrossing novel about the life and struggles of this Medieval queen, wife to the Lancastrian King Henry VI, battling to maintain her weak husband's throne against the Yorkist threat. I must say it is quite refreshing to read a novel of the Wars of the Roses set from a firmly pro-Lancastrian perspective, as the pro-Yorkist point of view has tended to be more popular with authors who write in the first person and/or take sides. Politics aside, I liked at a human level the sympathetic portrayal of Henry VI, a man beset my mental health problems and unfit to be a warrior king, but a very decent and humane man (he founded Eton College, originally as a school for boys from poorer background). Most of the novel is told from show more Margaret's first person perspective, which does have the disadvantage that dramatic battles usually happen "off stage" and are recounted in retrospect by variously victorious or defeated survivors. That said, some of the chapters are recounted from the point of view of male characters, such as Somerset, Prince Edward and Henry VI himself, but this gives rise to the paradox that these characters are narrating episodes where they die at the end - so how could they be narrating them? In a dramatic sense, I guess this does not matter too much, but it jarred a bit with me, and the episodes could have perhaps transferred to the third person before their denouements. This is a bit of a nitpick, though - this was a very good read. show less

I was first introduced to this author earlier this year, and I’ve been working through her stuff throughout. She has a real gift for historical fiction that I’ve had pleasure in experiencing. This addition is no exception.

Again, she is able to give life to her historical figures like few others can. I was especially impressed with Henry. History likes to forget him as the mad, weak king. You’re left with an image of a muttering, sad wreck of a man staring off into space and not acknowledging anyone or anything. Yet, there was so much more to him. Yes, that happened for a time, but overall he was just a gentle soul who really wasn’t made for the harsh times he lived in. I liked seeing his depth of courage and his quietly solid show more convictions that Susan portrayed.

Then, of course, there’s Margaret. Young, inexperienced for the position she was thrust into, but brave and loyal to the end, she brings the reader into her struggle and life with an iron will in a velvet glove. If ever there was a woman in history who deserved the name of “she-wolf”, it was her (and I mean that as a compliment). Sucking me into her struggle and tumultuous life from page one, her characterization is to die for.

There’s the great setting and building up of the political situation of the turbulent Wars of the Roses as well. The reader gets a real sense for what’s happening where and how it affects all the different parties involved. I was able to keep everything straight which is a hard thing to do in this time period for me. The author brings to life the great battles and struggles along with the intimate life at court.

Another great winner from Higginbotham, I loved Margaret’s and Henry’s characters; they really breathed with life. The author also excels with the setting and historical details. I look forward to exploring this author’s other works and any future ones. I know that she has one coming out in 2016 that’s already on my most-anticipated list. Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers, especially for those who love the crazy world of the Wars of the Roses. show less

The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou The Queen of Last Hopes tells the story of Margaret of Anjou and the reign of Henry VI from the rarely heard perspective of the Lancastrians. I think nearly every historical novel I've read that takes place during the reign of Henry VI has demonized Margaret of Anjou so this was such a new and refreshing viewpoint that it read like a story I was completely unfamiliar with. From the beginning, Margaret seemed like such a weak and foolish woman, so quick to naively trust and ally with people without fully considering possible long term consequences. However, throughout the story, I began to sympathize with her even when I didn't always agree or when I knew she was making fatal errors show more in judgment. Susan Higginbotham did such a wonderful job of humanizing this queen who so many have portrayed as being a ruthless queen responsible for the deaths of thousands in her incessant wars. Several times, near the end, I was moved to tears by the narration of what I already knew was going to happen. I listened to The Queen of Last Hopes on audio from Audible narrated by Nicole Quinn. This is the first audio narration I've listened to from Quinn but hopefully it will not be the last. Quinn does a phenomenal job with the multiple perspectives, accents, and personalities in The Queen of Last Hopes, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in this era of court intrigue, scandal, war, and betrayal. Her stellar performance enhanced a story that was already incredible.I haven't yet read any of Higginbotham's previous novels, but I would compare her writing favorably with some of my favorite authors in this genre such as Alison Weir and Jean Plaidy as far as historical detail. I think where Higginbotham really excels is in writing historical figures in a way that allows a reader to connect to them. I found each of the characters to be fully realized and with all too human flaws and feelings. I am looking forward to enjoying more of Higginbotham's historical novels and would highly recommend The Queen of Last Hopes to all fans of historical fiction. show less

The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou The Queen of Last Hopes tells the story of Margaret of Anjou and the reign of Henry VI from the rarely heard perspective of the Lancastrians. I think nearly every historical novel I've read that takes place during the reign of Henry VI has demonized Margaret of Anjou so this was such a new and refreshing viewpoint that it read like a story I was completely unfamiliar with. From the beginning, Margaret seemed like such a weak and foolish woman, so quick to naively trust and ally with people without fully considering possible long term consequences. However, throughout the story, I began to sympathize with her even when I didn't always agree or when I knew she was making fatal errors show more in judgment. Susan Higginbotham did such a wonderful job of humanizing this queen who so many have portrayed as being a ruthless queen responsible for the deaths of thousands in her incessant wars. Several times, near the end, I was moved to tears by the narration of what I already knew was going to happen. I listened to The Queen of Last Hopes on audio from Audible narrated by Nicole Quinn. This is the first audio narration I've listened to from Quinn but hopefully it will not be the last. Quinn does a phenomenal job with the multiple perspectives, accents, and personalities in The Queen of Last Hopes, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in this era of court intrigue, scandal, war, and betrayal. Her stellar performance enhanced a story that was already incredible.I haven't yet read any of Higginbotham's previous novels, but I would compare her writing favorably with some of my favorite authors in this genre such as Alison Weir and Jean Plaidy as far as historical detail. I think where Higginbotham really excels is in writing historical figures in a way that allows a reader to connect to them. I found each of the characters to be fully realized and with all too human flaws and feelings. I am looking forward to enjoying more of Higginbotham's historical novels and would highly recommend The Queen of Last Hopes to all fans of historical fiction. show less

The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou The Queen of Last Hopes tells the story of Margaret of Anjou and the reign of Henry VI from the rarely heard perspective of the Lancastrians. I think nearly every historical novel I've read that takes place during the reign of Henry VI has demonized Margaret of Anjou so this was such a new and refreshing viewpoint that it read like a story I was completely unfamiliar with. From the beginning, Margaret seemed like such a weak and foolish woman, so quick to naively trust and ally with people without fully considering possible long term consequences. However, throughout the story, I began to sympathize with her even when I didn't always agree or when I knew she was making fatal errors show more in judgment. Susan Higginbotham did such a wonderful job of humanizing this queen who so many have portrayed as being a ruthless queen responsible for the deaths of thousands in her incessant wars. Several times, near the end, I was moved to tears by the narration of what I already knew was going to happen. I listened to The Queen of Last Hopes on audio from Audible narrated by Nicole Quinn. This is the first audio narration I've listened to from Quinn but hopefully it will not be the last. Quinn does a phenomenal job with the multiple perspectives, accents, and personalities in The Queen of Last Hopes, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in this era of court intrigue, scandal, war, and betrayal. Her stellar performance enhanced a story that was already incredible.I haven't yet read any of Higginbotham's previous novels, but I would compare her writing favorably with some of my favorite authors in this genre such as Alison Weir and Jean Plaidy as far as historical detail. I think where Higginbotham really excels is in writing historical figures in a way that allows a reader to connect to them. I found each of the characters to be fully realized and with all too human flaws and feelings. I am looking forward to enjoying more of Higginbotham's historical novels and would highly recommend The Queen of Last Hopes to all fans of historical fiction. show less

I first fell in love with Susan Higginbotham's novels last summer when I read The Traitor's Wife while on vacation in San Francisco. Even since I've devoured every one of her other novels and been hungry for more. Just the way that she portrays history with so much accuracy, detail and overall beauty is delightful. Not only that, but she manages to build compelling characters that come to life on each page. While I admit that I haven't loved any of Higginbotham's other works as much as The Traitor's Wife, they have still been great.

The Queen of Last Hopes is no different. This time, Higginbotham dives into The War of the Roses (aka "The Cousins' War"), exploring it through the eyes of Margaret of Anjou. Margaret, a French princess, is show more married to King Henry VI of Lancaster to build much-needed political ties between France and England and bring piece to the two nations' constant warring. What Margaret finds in England is discord between the House of Lancaster and its cousins, the House of York. When King Henry struggles with being declared unfit to rule, Margaret must protect her son and herself from the ambitious York family and the plots that ensue.

The Queen of Last Hopes follows a fascinating and strong woman through her tumultuous life. While I have "seen" Margaret of Anjou portrayed in other novels before, this is the first time I've read something that took her on as a main character and really did her justice. Instead of being portrayed as some cutthroat matriarch (which, she somewhat was), she's given an opportunity to tell her side of the story here and just be a little more human. I really enjoyed reading about Margaret's strength, intelligence and cunning when dealing with plots, foes and other issues believed to be outside the world of women at that time.

Higginbotham's powerful prose and historical detail continue to shine through in Queen of Last Hopes, complete with great characters and a gripping voice that kept me enthralled from the first page. But be warned -Queen of Last Hopes may not be what some readers expect. While there is some of the classical historical romance here, it's certainly not at the forefront of the novel, which is reserved for battles, intrigue and the fascinating, yet frequent changes in loyalty (and leadership) between York and Lancaster. show less

This book is going on my shelf as one of my all time favorites. Was great to have a book told from the other side as so many of the books are on the York side and do not favor Margaret. I remember telling my French husband while watching the White Queen series that I have to read more about "that woman". Although if you watch the show and read the book you may respect her will but you will not care for her. In this book, you will come to like and appreciate her very much.

The writing is exceptional and it is hard book to put down - as you can see I read it in two days! Another must read!