The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou

Susan Higginbotham

Jan 2011 · Sourcebooks, Inc.

About this ebook

A man other than my husband sits on England's throne today.

What would happen if this king suddenly went mad? What would his queen do? Would she make the same mistakes I did, or would she learn from mine?

Margaret of Anjou, queen of England, cannot give up on her husband—even when he slips into insanity. And as mother to the House of Lancaster's last hope, she cannot give up on her son—even when England turns against them. This gripping tale of a queen forced to stand strong in the face of overwhelming odds is at its heart a tender tale of love.

Award-winning author Susan Higginbotham will once again ask readers to question everything they know about right and wrong, compassion and hope, duty to one's country and the desire of one's own heart.

Praise for Susan Higginbotham

"A beautiful blending of turbulent history and deeply felt fiction, Susan Higginbotham's The Queen of Last Hopes brings alive an amazing woman often overlooked or slandered by historians. Higginbotham has given readers of historical fiction a gift to treasure." —Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The Irish Princess

"A compelling, fast paced, and well-written saga that is destined to both entertain and educate anyone interested in the spirited and fascinating Margaret of Anjou for generations to come!" —D. L. Bogdan, author of Secrets of the Tudor Court

"The Queen of Last Hopes is an inspiring novel of a woman who, in the face of betrayal and loss, would not surrender. Susan Higginbotham brings Margaret of Anjou to life and tells the story of the Frenchwoman who was one of the strongest queens England has ever known." —Christy English, author of The Queen's Pawn and To Be Queen

Ratings and reviews

ISBN: 978-1-4022-4281-6 Sourcebooks Landmark Published: 2011 Trade Paperback, 332 pages Reviewed by Sandra This novel about little-known Margaret of Anjou is written from the viewpoint of several narrators. In essence it describes in great detail the beginning of what history has termed “the Wars of the Roses,” that is, the incessant fighting that occurred between two aspirants to the throne of England, the House of Lancaster and the House of York. The events take place during the years 1444 through 1482. It begins with the marriage of 15-year-old passionate, proud, strong-willed Margaret of Anjou to Henry VI of England of the House of Lancaster. He is a gentle, sweet, somewhat ineffective king, more interested in religion than military matters. By the time they marry his mental state is unstable and by the time their only son is born Henry suffers a complete breakdown. Rumors and innuendo swirl around Margaret because it is believed that the king is unable to father children. Margaret fails to gain the love and respect of the people. When the king is deposed, and the rival Yolkiest takes the throne, Margaret fights to maintain the English crown for her son. Betrayals, horrible deaths of supporters, deeply-felt losses all contribute to the eventual decline and defeat of the House of Lancaster. When her husband dies in the Tower (was he murdered?) and their son dies in battle, Margaret is broken in spirit. Her aspirations for her son come to nothing in the end. She lives out her days in France and is buried there. It was somewhat difficult to follow all of the names of people in the novel, many of whom had names and titles that differed. I had to keep referring back to the beginning of the book where the various players are listed. This novel is very fast-moving and detailed. Good insight is given into the life of this strong French woman who became a Queen of England. Historical novel fans will enjoy this book.

About the author

Susan Higginbotham writes her own historical fiction blog, Medieval Woman, and is active on Twitter. She is also a member of the Historical Novel Society and is a regular contributor to its publications. Susan co-founded the bulletin board Historical Fiction Online, a popular website for lovers of historical fiction. She lives in North Carolina with her family.