Daughter of York

Anne Easter Smith is one of my favorite historical novelists (and I've read an awful lot of historical fiction). This might be the 3rd or 4th novel of hers I've read and it's another winner. She has the formula down so perfectly --- with enough factual history, everyday detail about medieval life, and winning dialog to make her characters completely believable.

I picked up this book because, although I've read a lot about the Wars of the Roses, I didn't know much about Margaret of York, sister to England's king Edward IV. Margaret is married off to the Duke of Burgundy to form a political alliance for her brother. It's not a very happy marriage but through Margaret's life in Burgundy we get to learn a bit of the history of that dukedom show more (that only lasted about a century), as well as witness the ongoing politics going on back in England between Edward IV, his brother the Duke of Clarence, his cousin Richard Neville the Kingmaker, and Margaret of Anjou, wife of rival Lancaster king Henry VI. King Louis of France is also in the mix.

Smith's Margaret is smart, learned, and politically astute in an era when women were usually relegated to the background. Her brain earns her the admiration of both her advisors and the people she helps govern.

Some aspects of the novel are the invention of the author, as the reader learns in the afterword. But don't read that before you read the novel. Enjoy Smith's combination of fiction and fact first. Then, you can find out which parts are made up. show less

Anne Easter Smith is one of my favorite historical novelists (and I've read an awful lot of historical fiction). This might be the 3rd or 4th novel of hers I've read and it's another winner. She has the formula down so perfectly --- with enough factual history, everyday detail about medieval life, and winning dialog to make her characters completely believable.

I picked up this book because, although I've read a lot about the Wars of the Roses, I didn't know much about Margaret of York, sister to England's king Edward IV. Margaret is married off to the Duke of Burgundy to form a political alliance for her brother. It's not a very happy marriage but through Margaret's life in Burgundy we get to learn a bit of the history of that dukedom show more (that only lasted about a century), as well as witness the ongoing politics going on back in England between Edward IV, his brother the Duke of Clarence, his cousin Richard Neville the Kingmaker, and Margaret of Anjou, wife of rival Lancaster king Henry VI. King Louis of France is also in the mix.

Smith's Margaret is smart, learned, and politically astute in an era when women were usually relegated to the background. Her brain earns her the admiration of both her advisors and the people she helps govern.

Some aspects of the novel are the invention of the author, as the reader learns in the afterword. But don't read that before you read the novel. Enjoy Smith's combination of fiction and fact first. Then, you can find out which parts are made up. show less

3.5 Stars

Margaret of York is one of those historical figures that just makes history interesting by her sheer force of personality, even if the work that portrays her doesn’t quite live up to her. This one excels at making her strong will and political acumen shine through; yet some of the storytelling and writing choices made by the author keep this from being one of the greats about this fascinating historical figure.

Smith is known for her attention to details and historical realism. This work is no different. Colorful medieval jousts, court scenes, and weddings make their appearances as expected. Everything is lovingly described and portrayed.

Margaret is someone most people nowadays haven’t heard of; only someone really show more interested in the Middle Ages would have heard of this dragon lady. I’ve only heard of her as I adore strong female figures from that time period, and she’s one of the strongest. She basically held together one of the strongest and richest kingdoms of the late Middle Ages after her husband died through sheer force of will and determination. Her smarts and connections preserved the duchy for her step-daughter for at least a few more decades after Charles’ death.

I love what Smith did in portraying her. Margaret’s never been more forceful and resilient against incredible odds and prejudices. A brutally abusive marriage and a society that didn’t appreciate her genius illustrate her strength of character when facing such. I love an intelligent medieval woman who knows how to work the system and earns the respect of those around her due to more than just her pretty face. Margaret is one of those women that made things happen.

Yet for all this strong frontal character and a great medieval background for her, the author made some story flow and telling options that kept this from reaching a great level. The ending left something to be desired. The author chose to leave off telling Margaret’s story at an odd place, knowing all the drama in her life coming that the author chose to leave out. While I can understand the want to leave the story ending on a positive note, the author choosing where they did made this story feel incomplete and with a sudden drop of an ending with no resolution. Maybe someone completely unfamiliar with Margaret’s story wouldn’t notice this odd ending, but I definitely did.

Also, a trait I found annoying was the author’s habit of inserting side paragraphs/speeches describing what was happening or an outsider’s impressions of people and places. You’d be immersed into a vivid scene, flowing along with the story, when suddenly we’d get a completely different POV describing how beautiful or wise Margaret was or something along those lines. Usually, it was to further describe and praise Margaret. I found these side speeches annoying; they pushed me out of the narrative more than they added anything to the flow.

A great story and primary lead make this an enjoyable read, but I’ve come across better in the genre. I loved the historical details and Margaret; she alone makes for a great tale. This one is a great escape for lovers of medieval historical fiction. The items that irked me may not bother another. show less

Margaret was an intelligent, resourceful woman who coped with the political turmoil of the time better than most men. But, as women were used as chattel in those times, Margaret was no different and was married off to Charles the Bold of Burgundy, a brutal, horrible man who abused her. The book is a long but interesting read about Margaret’s work on behalf of her brother, King Edward, in treaties with Burgundy. The Duchess of Burgundy becomes one of the fifteenth century's most dynamic women

I enjoyed the book as I didn't really know much about Margaret but this truly is historical fiction because I don't believe there was ever anything, at least in what I've read, that ever connected these two together in any fashion. It was an enjoyable and easy read but I only gave it 4 stars because I feel that the ending was rather abrupt. I understood why the author ended it that way (she explains at the end of the book), but I would have rather it had continued and you will see what I mean if you choose to read it. I would recommend the book as I do like Anne Easter Smith.

I found the somewhat soppy romance part of this book boring and I think unlikely, but the life of Margaret of Burgundy was reasonably well done. The book is clearly in the romance category and so those looking for solid historical fiction will be disappointed.

Edward IV's sister Margaret is not a historical figure one reads about very often. She's one of those characters always on the fringe of the main story. It's a shame as she had quite an interesting life! I loved this book. It is well written and certainly not repetitive in subject matter.