The White Queen

I was about 14 when I first read Katherine janthea and hoped for a long time that John of Gaunt would come riding up and sweep me away

I read the White Queen and also the Kingmaker's Daughter, about The Duke of Warwick's daughter Anne Neville who married Richard III. Really enjoyed them both, particularly the latter with the recent discovery of Richard III's bones. I didn't do the Wars of the Roses at school and reading both these books gave me the impetus to read up about that era. Will probably read the other books in "The Cousins' War" series. Saw the 1st part of the White Queen last night, it seems to be true to the book, so far, will probably stick with it hope it doesn't deviate too much. I believe Phillipa Gregory set out to make them historically accurate but the setting in episode 1 was a bit too romantic and idyllic for me.

I recorded it and only watched it last night. I know that life wasn't like that in those times, but it wouldn't make good television.

I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the rest of the series - although I agree there is an awful lot of sex. Gets a little boring so I just fast forward!!

Deedaa I loved 'Katherine' It was one of my favourite books.

I#m sure they must know not to put zips in. I'm not very well up on medieval fastenings, but I did think the dress was very well fitted - her mother must have had a very good dressmaker in her household.
In Anya Seton's "Katharine" country life for the minor gentry always seemed very muddy - I can't believe it had changed much in a couple of generations.

Oooooh. I'm quite happy to inflict it on mine. I'd just come to the end of a weekend of man telly and he went fishing all day Sunday. Protest? He wouldn't dare!

I agree all rather dragged out compared to book. Great big solid mansion does not look plausible home of Northamptonshire minor gentry. etc etc
9 more!! Would not dream of inflicting on OH.

From memory I thought it was following the book pretty well.

I trotted off to look for my copy of the White Queen - then remembered I'd borrowed it from the library (which is most annoying as I can't remember the ending!) but I would guess that she knew the king would be passing as he'd stayed at a neighbouring hall the previous night which is why she had to be up early. Surely stewards would have ridden ahead to prepare accommodation on the route?

DH also remarked on the zip like appearance on the dress, but you could just see the hooks on the wristbands so perhaps it was just a really good fit. Costume departments are usually pretty particular about that these days.

I agree about too much rumpy pumpy but it could have been worse.

I quite liked the books and so far this was better than I expected but everybody looks so very 21st century don't they? I saw an interview with the actress playing Elizabeth and she looked much more medieval as herself than she did in the costume and makeup. Also how was her dress fastened? It looked as if it was zipped up the back. Edward seemed terribly young, but I suppose he was. Didn't see much sign of scoliosis in the Duke of Gloucester, perhaps they'll play it up a bit later. Don't know if I'll stick with it - depends what the competition is.

My OH is a bit like yours Pittcitty especially with world war 2 programmes. "THEY" get it all wrong, and I point out that he was not all that old during that war, and memories play tricks, but of course he is always right (even when he is wrong). He also forgets that I was alive during the war years, and spent them living in London, so know a thing or two!

I enjoyed it too, although I prefer my history straight and not littered with soft porn scenes! Just hope they don't mess around with the books too much.

My OH always spoils historical drama for me by interjecting, "It wouldn't have been like that", "He gets killed pretty soon" etc. I've told him to apply for the job of historical advisor but he prefers to be an armchair critic.
I enjoyed it and also the jokes on Twitter about it being sponsored by Persil or a posh Coronation Street.

I think everyone knew when the King would be passing if it was a Royal Progress which was done as a PR exercise so they wanted everyone to see him, but not if he was going off to war. But, then again, I've often wondered how people knew what was happening at one end of the country from another eg where to go to look for work, but people seemed to find out these things. The S.O. commented that he didn't think their homes looked right [and he's not into history] so I told him not to look on it as history but a bit of fun. And it is a part of history that I know nothing about so I'm just going to delve into the gospel that is wikipedia to find out more....[I just love the clothes from that time, although the King's white tunic was far too white..and the horses were beautiful..we met someone many years ago that trained horses for these sort of programmes, I wonder if it was him; think he was called [obviously] Le Chevalier]

I agree with Mollie, the trailers were very uninspiring. I caught up with pre recorded programmes and had an early night.

Nellie, Edward VI was Henry VIII's son wasn't he? Do you mean Edward IV?

The majic element is very much part of the book jo8- so should be part of the series. I enjoyed it - and looking forward to the rest. I read both the White and the Red Queen, and enjoyed both.

It clashed with Miss Marple............no contest

Isn't that what we all read the historical novels for?! OMG, is it just me?

I liked the sex scenes. Wouldn't be the same without them.

I'm sure the book must have explained how she knew he would be riding by, but I'm blowed if I can remember

I watched, not overly impressed, as I too wondered how she knew the King would pass by that particular spot on that particular day, and the bedroom scenes were a bit boring - we do all know what happens there don't we? Not sure that I shall stick with the next 9 episodes, it will have to buck up a bit, I think.

I read all the books and quite enjoyed this, although I found Elizabeth's smug expressions a bit annoying (I am easily annoyed )
I love all the snowy white, floaty clothes as if, and impossibly handsome young men though

I enjoyed it. It was a nice follow on from the Tudors that I've been watching. Decided not to be so sniffy about historical things but just let it wash over me [which it did]. I think they do the bedroomy scenes to appeal to the American market [apologies to our American members]. Puzzled as to how she knew that the king would be passing by on that day and at that time though .

Jacquetta, Elizabeth's mother, was actually charged with witchcraft, a very serious thing in those days. Clearly she overcame the charges but there was always gossip...

J08 I believe there was a lot of suspicion expressed in writing at the time that Elizabeth's mother dabbled in witchcraft.
Also it was quite widely rumoured that Edward VI was the son of an archer.
I agree about the bedroom scenes. Totally pointless. I think they have to put these sexy scenes in a lot of TV and film dramas just to entertain the groundlings.

It was really good. Not too keen on the magic element though.