The final novel in the Cousins’ War series, the basis for the critically acclaimed Starz miniseries, The White Queen, by #1 New York Times bestselling author and "the queen of royal fiction” (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory tells the fascinating story of Margaret Pole, cousin to the "White Princess,” Elizabeth of York, and lady-in-waiting to Katherine of Aragon. Regarded as yet another threat to the volatile King Henry VII’s claim to the throne, Margaret Pole, cousin to Elizabeth of York (known as the White Princess) and daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, is married off to a steady and kind Lancaster supporter—Sir Richard Pole.
For his loyalty, Sir Richard is entrusted with the governorship of Wales, but Margaret’s contented daily life is changed forever with the arrival of Arthur, the young Prince of Wales, and his beautiful bride, Katherine of Aragon. Margaret soon becomes a trusted advisor and friend to the honeymooning couple, hiding her own royal connections in service to the Tudors. After the sudden death of Prince Arthur, Katherine leaves for London a widow, and fulfills her deathbed promise to her husband by marrying his brother, Henry VIII. Margaret’s world is turned upside down by the surprising summons to court, where she becomes the chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine. But this charmed life of the wealthiest and "holiest” woman in England lasts only until the rise of Anne Boleyn, and the dramatic deterioration of the Tudor court.
Margaret has to choose whether her allegiance is to the increasingly tyrannical king, or to her beloved queen; to the religion she loves or the theology which serves the new masters. Caught between the old world and the new, Margaret Pole has to find her own way as she carries the knowledge of an old curse on all the Tudors."
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ISBN:2147483647
Author:Philippa Gregory
Gracey Eunice –
“Sad to say but I now believe death has a sign, you just don’t know it. And death proves a lot of things, for one, how much people love a lifeless body.” Sharon Gwada.
Best Before ‘09 is a captivating blend of laughter and tears. Sharon’s childhood stories easily drew me in, in the introductory chapters. Her ability to capture the innocence and humor of those early years was so relatable and funny. However, the laughter quickly turned into a lump in my throat as the story took a heartbreaking turn, chronicling her brothers’ battles with kidney disease. While the ending wasn’t the happy ending I hoped for, Sharon’s ability to share such a personal journey with openness and easy writing style makes Best Before ‘09 an unforgettable read. This is a bittersweet story of resilience, love, and loss, with a delicate balance of humor.
💯Recommend.
Gordon Owino –
Your book, BEST BEFORE 09, is truly exceptional. It revolves around themes of sadness, yet once readers embark on its journey, they find it impossible to put down. The manner in which you depict events is flawless, with a seamless flow and impeccable descriptions that captivate the reader’s attention. Your adept manipulation of emotions is noteworthy; transitioning from sorrow to joy with a single sentence is a testament to your skill as a writer. The
portrayal of African culture, particularly through the lens of your mother’s influence, adds another layer of depth to the narrative. Her approach to disciplining her children is both intriguing and culturally significant.
I am grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with Gwas through your book. Memories of our shared experiences flood my mind as i was reading, such as the days spent climbing umbrella trees during school breaks, with Gwas leading the way with his expertise and infectious singing. The recitation of the familiar stanza, “isn’t it I am a monkey,” became a cherished tradition, and these moments are now etched in my memory
The scene where Lavy discovers your father’s letter, requesting a house transfer, brought genuine laughter. Your depiction of this scenario was masterful and highly amusing.
Within the pages of your book, I felt like a member of your family, experiencing a range of emotions from laughter to tears. The revelation of Tonny’s chronic kidney disease was particularly heartbreaking, prompting me to question the unfairness of life’s challenges.
Thank you for this poignant and thought-provoking book. It offers a multifaceted perspective on life, juxtaposing the ideals we aspire to with the realities we face. While I yearned for answers about Gwas’s life until the very end, I am grateful for the closure your book provided. Gwas’s strength and resilience throughout his journey are truly inspiring.
There are two endings in life, as in movies, jobs, sports, vacations, children,(relationships😂) and books; the one we desire and the one we get. BEST BEFORE 09 encourages readers to confront this truth and embrace the complexities of life’s journey.
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. It is a profound and enriching read that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. Thank you.
Michael Obado –
In this poignant memoir, the author takes us on an emotional roller coaster as she chronicles her brother’s battle with kidney failure, transplant, and the subsequent complications that arose. While the book explores a heart-wrenching subject, it is also filled with moments of hope and resilience.
Through her raw and authentic storytelling, the author delves into the complexities of dealing with a loved one’s illness, and the impact it has on the entire family. The reader is taken on a journey that showcases the strength of human spirit and the unwavering power of love.
This book is a testament to the author’s ability to capture the essence of her brother’s struggle, sharing with readers the highs and lows, the triumphs and setbacks. Despite the inevitable outcome, there is a subtle yet profound message of encouragement and determination that permeates every page.
Heartbreaking, yet ultimately uplifting, this memoir will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or faced the challenges of illness. It serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
Overall, this book beautifully captures the complexities of life, loss, and love, leaving the reader inspired to find strength in the face of adversity.
Rehema Zuberi –
The concept around the cover of this book plus the title is nothing short of genius. The colours blend well and it would fall into the category of pretty books if the content in it was not so heart wrenching.
I started reading this book on a night I knew very well I would not have time to continue. I stopped at page 8 and went on to my activities. When I picked it up again two or three times more. I knew I wouldn’t be able to do much else until I closed it to a finish.
There is profoundness to the text. I saw myself in the way I think about death. The opening page of chapter 12 titled A Cry For Help felt like I was the one who wrote it. It is exactly how I view death and its oncomings.
Sharon writes likes an observer, she is there but she is also a little removed from it. Her short sentences are enjoyable and it reads as if she is telling it to herself. The deception of these short sentences however, is one does not see the aching hit and in the end, you are left with so much agony to the happenings.
The fourteen chapters have titles which I liked the ring of. They are mostly short and play around with words and/or phrases which is something I liked to figure out while reading.
There is knowledge of a doom as one reads through the chapters. There is sickness. There are a lot of hospital visits. There is lack of finances. There are accidents. The last three chapters were the hardest for me as I could not get over the punches that kept coming.
This book felt like how one should tackle grief, with clear knowledge that there can never be a manual. It is short of 160 pages but packed with a lot that needs unpacking.