The Queen’s Rival Anne O'Brien
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 7:09 AM
The author employs a distinctive narrative style to illuminate the experiences of mothers, wives, daughters, and all women who bear the burdens of wars initiated by men. Through richly embellished letters and detailed chronicles, she weaves together the poignant stories of women who have suffered the dire consequences of their male relatives’ ambitions and greed during England’s War of the Roses, which erupted in the tumultuous 15th century. During this era, women had exceedingly limited control over their own lives and destinies, a struggle that resonates with many women today in various corners of the world.
The narrative draws powerful parallels between the lives of these women and those of Duchess Cecily, her extended family, and the poorest of women who found themselves caught in the ruthless crossfire of men vying for power. The tales, while steeped in sorrow, also reveal moments of love, hope, humor, and suspense that characterize the lives of both Yorkist and Lancastrian women. The dynamics of sibling rivalry emerge vividly, as the author masterfully depicts the bickering between sisters who were obligated to marry men chosen for them, highlighting their lack of agency in shaping their futures.
Ms. O’Brien skillfully introduces a vast array of characters and the sweeping events of the conflict, aptly named the "Cousins' War," since most of the contenders for the English throne were the second and third-generation descendants of Edward III and his wife, Philippa of Hainaut. Queen Philippa, renowned for her fierce loyalty and maternal strength, bore nearly a dozen children, whose male heirs began to fiercely compete for sovereign power when King Henry VI, whose reign was marked by a tragic descent into mental illness—likely schizophrenia inherited from his French grandfather—was incapacitated.
Although readers unacquainted with the intricacies of 15th-century English history may find themselves initially overwhelmed by the multitude of characters introduced through the letters, the engaging narrative gradually clarifies as it unfolds the complex story of Duchess Cecily. As her tale progresses, the broader historical context and personal struggles of these women come to life, ultimately revealing their resilience in the face of relentless adversity.
