"The Vision of a Tragic Hero"
What destiny awaits a King who bases his rule on Malory's
account of King Arthur or the chivalric myth and romance
of Tristan and Iseult? How much does one embrace idealism
while practically dealing with the more demoralizing
situations one meets on a daily basis? The Rose of York:
Fall From Grace is potent reading for contemporary readers
for just that reason - for how many leaders and citizens
of any nation yearn for a country of justice, compassion,
and nobility? And how many, like King Richard III, are
scarred and disillusioned by the ancient good vs. evil
battle that ever looms to threaten that heroic vision? Fall from Grace, the last book in The Rose of York series,
depicts a visionary man assuming the crown of England in a
time fraught with the treachery of his deceased brother's
wife, Bess Woodville and the innumerable disgruntled men
and women she has swayed to her dream of wresting the
throne from Richard. The mystery thickens with the
disappearance of Edward's children! The agony deepens with
two more deaths that will plunge Richard into doubt and
depression. Foreign powers hasten to take advantage of the
King's agony. Worse than the threats are the rumors that
turn the nation against King Richard. This brief outline
barely touches the poignant depth of this beautiful story
of a man whom history does not know whether to bless or
curse and whom few realize gifted the Western world with
the code of legal justice still practiced today. 'Tis a grand job you have done, Sandra Worth, in this
trilogy. This is a deeply moving, well-written book that
should become required reading for anyone seeking to know
the heights of what a true ruler can imagine and attempt
to create, no matter what vicissitudes of life threaten! Keep writing, Ms. Worth - you are a rare talent at
creating meaningful, accurate and literary, historical
fiction! Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on March 14, 2007
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Courtesy Crystal Reviews
Posted March 15, 2007
SummaryDefying Shakespeare's portrayal of Richard III, this prize-
winning, well-researched novel concludes the ROSE OF YORK
series winners of a notable ten awards. Set in Malory's
England, it traces Richard's remarkable reign, his passion
for justice, and his undying devotion to Anne, and delves
into the still-unresolved mystery of his nephews'
disappearance. A stirring saga of courage, sacrifice, and
love.
|