The Last White Rose: A Novel of Elizabeth of York

Elizabeth of York is one of the most fascinating women in history who has not been spoken of much, perhaps because her life has always been overshadowed by the male relatives around her. Pursued by her uncle, the notorious Richard III; finally married to Henry VII, first of the Tudor dynasty; and mother of Henry VIII, just as notorious as Richard but for very different reasons, she has often been the one in the background. Luckily, books and TV shows have recently brought her into greater prominence. Alison Weir’s new novel is only the latest.

Weir has made a name for herself among fans of the Tudors, and while I am only interested rather than fascinated, I have read some of her work on Henry’s wives. This book left me unimpressed. While Elizabeth led an interesting life, the book felt closer to being a biography than a novel. This was especially true at the beginning, during her childhood. Every event was relayed to the audience only through her overhearing the adults actually involved in them discussing the matters. This improved as the book went on, but even then, scenes were often short snippets. I’d like a book that brings her more to life.