Crown of Roses [Paperback]

Valerie Anand (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The tumultuous years leading to the reign of Richard III and, on his death, the ascension to the English throne of the first Tudor Henry are conveyed with authoritative detail in this engrossing historical novel by the author of King of the Wood. Edward IV is shakily enthroned and England is torn in the York-Lancaster civil strife, when, at age 14, Petronel is unable to produce the male heir which would be her only value to Lionel, who will follow his king to Bosworth field. The period is marked by blood and death in public and in private. The scheming of rival factions at court, the rivalry of the king's brothers, Richard and Clarence, and the unhappy role of royal women are vividly illuminated, particularly through the eyes of John Alcock, bishop and important civil servant, but a figure curiously neglected by historians. As brought to life by Anand in this compulsively readable narrative, he is a key figure in the 15th-century tragedy which Richardians cogitate on to this day.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing; New edition edition (May 2, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747233446
• ISBN-13: 978-0747233442
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,115,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Sublime and Ridiculous, December 14, 2007

By 

Elizabeth R. Michaels "gloriana78" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Crown of Roses (Paperback)

I thought this novel was very uneven. The sections which revolved around Elizabeth Woodville, Edward IV, their son and Bishop John Alcock were written with a depth of character and insight rarely found in historical fiction.

But the Petronela story, while at first quite interesting, with its insights into the role of Medieval women, eventually became a little absurd. I don't want to give any spoilers, but the name given to her son was just silly, and far from subtle.

It's frustrating to read such an uneven novel

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars CROWN OF ROSES is NOT Valerie Anand's best work..., July 18, 2006

By 

Kimberly Gelderman (Spring Lake, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Crown of Roses (Paperback)

I've really enjoyed all of Valerie Anand's historical fiction novels until now. This book was not the same caliber as her other novels have been (THE DISPUTED CROWN, KING OF THE WOOD, THE NORMAN PRETENDER & GILDENFORD). As I read these books the pages fairly flew by. However, that is not the case with this novel.

The story is set in King Edward IV and Richard III's England, as narrated, for the most part, by Petronel Faldene Eynesby. She was married to a much older man, Lionel Eynesby, a spiteful sour wife-abusing husband.

The most exciting parts in the book are when Petronel Eynesby has an affair, I won't reveal who here, and then eventually becomes a spy, albeit all too briefly, for Edward IV in France.

The story actually has more than one narrator, which might or might not have made the storyline more verbose and uninteresting overall. I just couldn't get motivated while reading this and turning the pages came at an excruciatingly slow pace. If you want to read historical fiction that draws you in the very beginning and holds your attention until the very end read the above mentioned titles by this author, those you will not be disappointed in!