The Lady of the Rivers
The Lady of the Rivers is a historical novel released in 2011 by Philippa Gregory, forming part of her The Cousins' War collection. The story is told through the perspective of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, mother to Elizabeth Woodville, and depicts the era during the rule of Lancastrian monarch Henry VI. This book serves as a prequel to Gregory's The White Queen, which centers on Elizabeth Woodville’s tenure as Queen consort of England.
Plot
At the age of 14, Jacquetta, hailing from an aristocratic lineage that traces back to the water deity Melusine, begins mastering her mystical abilities under the guidance of her great-aunt Jehanne, known as the Demoiselle of Luxembourg. During this time, she forms a friendship with Joan of Arc, who is confined within her uncle’s fortress, and witnesses Joan’s execution carried out by the English-supported ecclesiastical authorities.
By 17, Jacquetta weds John, Duke of Bedford, who acts as both uncle and regent to King Henry VI in France. On their wedding night, the Duke discloses his intention to keep her chaste so he can exploit her family’s supernatural gifts in alchemical pursuits aimed at transmuting iron into gold. After his passing, Jacquetta finds herself a wealthy widow at 20. She secretly marries Richard Woodville, the Duke’s squire, before the king can arrange another marriage for her. Their union leads to the birth of their first child, Elizabeth, while they remain banished from court.
Eventually pardoned and reinstated at court, Jacquetta and Richard become trusted counselors to Henry VI and his French queen, Margaret of Anjou, who is related to Jacquetta. Despite their allegiance, Margaret and Henry face increasing dissent and rebellion. Rumors circulate that the queen’s pregnancy involves an affair with Edmund Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Somerset. When Henry lapses into a coma, Jacquetta stays steadfastly by Margaret’s side throughout this unstable period.
Following Henry’s recovery, England erupts into civil conflict between Lancastrian and Yorkist factions led by Richard of York. Margaret commands forces against the Yorkists but suffers defeat and escapes to France. Jacquetta returns to Grafton manor accompanied by a widowed Elizabeth, who petitions the new monarch Edward IV for restoration of her estates—thus paving the way for The White Queen.
Critical reception
Publishers Weekly commended the novel for its depiction of "spirited women confronting powerful men," bringing historical figures and events vividly to life with dramatic intensity and emotional nuance. The review emphasizes Gregory’s talent for enlivening history—largely accurate—by giving credence to rumors often dismissed by scholarly historians.
AudioFile honored the audiobook version of The Lady of the Rivers with its Earphones Award, describing the narrative as "fabulous" and praising narrator Bianca Amato for her engaging performance that skillfully complements Gregory’s mix of meticulous research and creative storytelling.