Tuesday, December 10, 2013

The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory


Inside Look
Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta has always had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she meets his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and recognizes her own power in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the “wheel of fortune” before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.

Did I Love It?
I was browsing the books in Target the other day and this book caught my eye. The cover was beautifully created and the description sounded so powerful and intriguing, I knew I had to read it.
I have not read anything on Jacquetta before this book, so I was free to read unencumbered, wondering what she was like and what liberties the author took upon writing this story.
I found one of the most enthralling parts of the book to be at the beginning, when Jacquetta was young and keeping company with Joan of Arc. I am not sure if this is historically accurate, but at any rate I just could not put the book down. I also adored the love between Jacquetta and Richard. Their love for each other was romantic and beautiful. I love how she searches for Richard after each battle and how they embrace as if they are new lovers. I caught myself sighing after these scenes. Their love will definitely leave you sighing for more.
The story itself seemed to revolve around events surrounding Jacquetta, instead of the lady herself. This is attributed to the fact that she had a total of 14 children and was in confinement throughout parts of the book.
A sweeping story of passion, power and legend, The Lady of the Rivers is a compelling book that left me with a connection that I won’t soon forget

Gracefully Yours,
Elle

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