amusedAnother book in the Thursday Next series. I am sorry to say, I have found it rather bland. Not bad, but not exciting either. Although the idea of a reality show based on "Pride and Prejudice" was rather funny. In a sad way, because I am quite ready to believe that such a thing is possible on the modern TV.
Philippa Gregory "The Kingmaker's Daughter" 3/5
I am a big fan of Philippa Gregory, and I was very excited when she decided to move from the Tudors to the Plantagenets. Her latest book, however, was somewhat disappointing. I know, that Elisabeth Woodville is her favourite, and that is absolutely apparent. Anne Neville - the narrator and the main protagonist remains a bit of a cardboard. I could not get a feel for her likes and dislikes, passions and hobbies, anything really, beyond her love to her son and sister and her desire to become the queen.
Also, this is a historical novel, and the atmosphere is very important. So, when Richard compares his brothers to (and I quote) "Cain, who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage"... I am not overly versed in the Bible stories, but even I know, that Cain killed his brother Abel, and that it was, in fact, Esau, who sold his birthright. I am sure, that in the Middle Ages, even a peasant would know all this stories, not to mention a very well educated royal Duke.
Sure, it is a minor detail, but it spoiled the book somewhat.
I will probably read the next book anyway. It is supposed to be about the princess Elisabeth (the one who went on to marry Henry VII), and therefore might be better.
