A Look Back At History

Care to delve deeper into the historical world of the 15th-16th centuries? Say no more:A Dangerous Inheritance (2012) by Alison WeirThough a prominent historian in her field and thus typically a non-fiction writer, Weir’s foray into fiction is brilliant. Detailing the parallel experiences of women across a timespan of eighty years, the tragic consequences of being connected to the Plantegenets is explored in this novel. Definitely worth a gander. The Cousin’s War (Series 2009-2012) by Philippa GregoryAbsolutely redeeming herself, Gregory details the experiences of the royal dynasty from Henry VIII’s grandparents onwards. This is truly a fantastic series and I can’t recommend it enough. Each novel details the same story from a different woman’s perspective allowing for plenty of secrets previously hidden to take turns emerging. There is also an excellent TV series adaptation called The White Queen starring Rebecca Ferguson and the always god-like Max Irons. (Son of Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack but more importantly, God willing, my future husband). Wars of the Roses (Trilogy 2013-2016) by Conn IgguldenFor those who find the female-led historical fiction semi-trying or too catered towards the chic-lit audience (sometimes a fair criticism but more often? not) then this is the series for you. It also focuses on the fight for the crown in the Cousin’s War but is primarily concerned with detailing the politics and battles themselves.