Daughter of York by Anne Easter Smith
Margaret of York leaves England in the late 15th century, during the last turbulent years of the War of the Roses, to be wed to Charles of Burgundy. Margaret of York’s marriage cements the relationship with Burgundy, forming a barrier to Louis of France, who manipulates behind the scenes for his country’s advantage. Saddened to leave her brothers, Edward IV, George of Clarence, and Richard of York, Margaret understands her duty; she has harbored dreams of romantic love, a scenario unlikely for one of royal birth, whose marriage is arranged for political advantage, love incidental and rare. The Duke of Burgundy is an ambitious, warlike man, determined not to be like his womanizing father. Not at his best when dealing with the weaker sex, Charles does not require much of Margaret, nor does he give much. Quickly realizing that her marriage will be far from what she had imagined, Margaret adapts, affectionately welcoming Charles’s daughter, Mary, his heir, learning the language of her subjects and moving frequently from place to place to keep the peace with Charles’ constant demands for more troops and taxes to fund his aggressions.
Easter Smith portrays a courageous, lonely woman who is beloved by her people, unable to bear children, and brutalized by her husband. Ably written from the perspective outside England, the second half of the lengthy novel is more rewarding than the first, Margaret coming into her own through a series of challenges that she must face alone.
Anne Easter Smith has a wonderful gift with words; the characters spring off the pages as she unfolds the story of Margret, her early life in England, and her marriage and life in Burgundy. A real page-turner; with lots of intrigues, human emotions, and history!
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