"I was wanting to try a certain author and wished I knew someone who had read her works so I could get a recommendation when it occurred to me that having a “YOU ask the question” Booking Through Thursday might be fun. Each participant could ask a question they’ve wanted to discuss with other readers. Perhaps, like me, you’d like a recommendation of a certain author’s best work, or perhaps you LOVE a certain genre or series but no one else you know does and you’d just like to discuss it with someone. Or perhaps you want to try a new genre and would like recommendations from seasoned readers."
Hum I am not sure how to approach this weeks discussion but I decided to feature a book that I have noticed that not too many people have read or even heard of. My all time favorite novel by Robin Maxwell "To The Tower Born". The reason I bring this novel to light is I read this quite some time ago (early last year) and to this day I still find myself thinking about it. It was an intriguing story of Elizabeth Woodville, Elizabeth York, and the prince's in the tower. I find that any novel I read set with in this time frame I compare to "The Tower Born" and so far nothing has even come close to beating it in my book.
"The disappearance of the young York princes, Edward and Richard, from the Tower of London in 1483 has been debated for more than five centuries. It has stirred the imaginations of numerous writers from Shakespeare to Josephine Tey and posited the question: Was Richard III the boys' murderer, or was he not?
"In a novel rich in mystery, color, and historical lore, Robin Maxwell offers a new, controversial perspective on this tantalizing enigma. The events are witnessed through the eyes of quick-witted Nell Caxton, only daughter of the first English printer, William Caxton, and Nell's dearest friend, "Bessie," daughter of the King of England, sister to the little princes, and founding ancestress of the Tudor dynasty. With great bravery and heart, the two friends navigate this dark and dangerous medieval landscape in which the king's death sets off a battle among the most scheming, ambitious, and murderous men and women of their age, who will stop at nothing to possess the throne of England."
As far as series are concerned I have had my eye on a few. One being Laurien Willig's Carnation Series, and the other The Guenevere novels by Rosalind Miles. I have heard wonderful things about Guenevere but not so much on the carnation series.
"I was wanting to try a certain author and wished I knew someone who had read her works so I could get a recommendation when it occurred to me that having a “YOU ask the question” Booking Through Thursday might be fun. Each participant could ask a question they’ve wanted to discuss with other readers. Perhaps, like me, you’d like a recommendation of a certain author’s best work, or perhaps you LOVE a certain genre or series but no one else you know does and you’d just like to discuss it with someone. Or perhaps you want to try a new genre and would like recommendations from seasoned readers."
Hum I am not sure how to approach this weeks discussion but I decided to feature a book that I have noticed that not too many people have read or even heard of. My all time favorite novel by Robin Maxwell "To The Tower Born". The reason I bring this novel to light is I read this quite some time ago (early last year) and to this day I still find myself thinking about it. It was an intriguing story of Elizabeth Woodville, Elizabeth York, and the prince's in the tower. I find that any novel I read set with in this time frame I compare to "The Tower Born" and so far nothing has even come close to beating it in my book.
As far as series are concerned I have had my eye on a few. One being Laurien Willig's Carnation Series, and the other The Guenevere novels by Rosalind Miles. I have heard wonderful things about Guenevere but not so much on the carnation series.
What a timely posting! I recently finished White Queen and was not as excited about it as anticipated. I do, however, find Elizabeth Woodville and her family's story. I would love to try out this novel instead. Thanks so much for your recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI loved that it is written from Elizabeth of York's point of view:
ReplyDeletewell her and her friend Nell.
Robin put a whole different spin on it. The type of book where you anxiously await to see what the heck could possible happen next. A bonus was that she portrayed Elizabeth Woodville more like what she really was, mean as heck!
I LOVED it!
I've read the Pink Carnation series and have enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendation of To The Tower Born.
ReplyDeleteI had heard it was kind of "fluffy" but I am one of those that likes fluffy.
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think of it if you get a chance to read it.
I read both the Carnation series (still have to read the latest installment The Night Jasmine) and the Guinevere series. Carnation is light and fluffy and actually in some ways more detailed sexually then other books I have read. While they are not bodice rippers they do have a bit more then I was use to. I would say they are the closest to romance novels Ive read. Overall the series is fun and some books are certainly better then others. I like Carnation and Tulip the best.
ReplyDeleteThe Guinevere series is good too. I think part of my view is tainted as I read Queen of Camelot first and loved it and so I see Guinevere, Arthur, and Lancelot in a different view then how they are portrayed by Miles. I read that this series is closest to the real legend that was written. Overall the series was good but I recommend Queen of Camelot so much more.
I definitely want to read To the Tower Born sometime as i am fascinated by the lost prince story.
I have read one Maxwell book and liked it very much. Not this one though.
ReplyDeleteBooking Through Discussions
Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteI started carnation but did not get too far before I got caught up with another book. I did not get to anything sexual yet but I am interested to see how it pan's out. Romance I can do I just hate the cheezy covers that usually accompany them.
I did not know that Miles is closets to the legend. I do want to read Queen of Camelot. I think that is what inspired me to get this one started.
I also loved Robin Maxwell's most recent release Signora Da Vinci, a powerful story of a mothers love for her son. A brave woman.
I have also heard very mixed reviews of the Pink Carnation series, so I haven't decided if I will get into it yet. To The Tower Born sounds like a great read, I have added it to my wish list. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have read about 30 pages into Carnation and it was good so far but could easily go bad. I have gotten a lot of mixed feelings on it too.
ReplyDeleteTower born is my favorite though. I just need to get my hands on a copy for myself.
So funny, I was getting "To the Tower Born" from PBS the same week.. I am so interested in te theories.. And yes obviously some are far fetched but I am one of those who has an open mind and enjoys exploring all possibilites. The time period is so interesting in itself for me, I love to read anything at all in the genre anyway. I don't know why it took me so long to find out about the book, I had known about her other books but this one had fallen through the cracks for some reason, and yet this is the story that intrigues me more than even Anne or Elizabeth (her other books).. Now that I finally have this one I hope to get to actually READ IT danngit
ReplyDeleteI do not mind a far fetched one as long as it is not too radical like Carrolly Erickson's Memoirs of Mary, she actually escaped and went to Rome to visit the Pope. Dumb I thought.
ReplyDeleteThis one is more of a believable one and no magic either. Deception and plotting are always best done by the royals.