Yes it is refreshing but to me it undermines some of the ruthlessness and the lengths the pair would go to establish the Tudor dynasty. Of course, there are numerous characters who only make fleeting appearances – but I do feel as though some have been softened down and there is certainly a slightly more sympathetic reading of Henry VII and Margaret Beaufort’s characters then I have read before that was really surprising. Given its attention to detail in terms of facts surrounding important aspects of the expansive period of history that this novel covers, it feels as though the characters themselves feel slightly overlooked in places and could use a little more depth. Thankfully, given her extensive knowledge of this period of history, historian and author Alison Weir gives the reader a thorough insight into the dangerous kingdom that Elizabeth of York grew up in and eventually alongside her husband Henry VII ruled. It’s no easy task to want to write a novel about a historical figure particularly when there might be perhaps little written evidence of what this character is like, which might give the author a little more freedom in how to bring them to life but it has to be balanced with historical insight as well. Alison Weir vividly brings to life the dangerous times that Elizabeth of York lived through from childhood to create a compelling portrait of a fascinating part of history.

Alison weir the last white rose