Customer Reviews

Crown of Roses

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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

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!