Join us as we welcome Annie Garthwaite to discuss her latest novel The King's Mother, a sweeping and richly evocative account the Wars of the Roses, told through the eyes of the women who suffered and shaped them.Named ‘Book of the Month’ by The Times on publication, The King’s Mother takes us from the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of the Tudor age. “This,” says Annie, “is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition - of all they can build and all they can destroy.”1461. Through blood and battle Edward has gained England’s throne – king by right and conquest – eighteen years old and unstoppable. Cecily has piloted his rise to power and stands at his shoulder now, first to claim the title King’s Mother.But to win a throne is not to keep it and war is come again. As brother betrays brother, and trusted cousins turn treacherous, other mothers rise up to fight for other sons. Cecily must focus her will to defeat every challenge. Wherever they come from. Whatever the cost.For there can be only one King, and only one King’s Mother.An intimate and gripping novel perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel, Maggie O’Farrell and Madeline Miller.“A Triumph!”The Times“An electrifying read!” The Daily Mail“Bold, unique, gripping” Ferdia Lennon“A novel in a class of its own” AK Blakemore“The new Wolf Hall” Costanza Casati“Immersive and transporting” Elizabeth FremantleBook Blurb
Annie Garthwaite is the acclaimed author of two novels that bring the women of the Wars of the Roses to life. Cecily was named a 'top pick' by The Times and Sunday Times, a 'Best Book of 2021' by independent bookshops and Waterstones, and has recently been optioned for television. The King's Mother was named ‘Book of the Month’ by The Times immediately upon publication. Annie came to writing after a 30-year international business career, determined to cast light on a female history so often overlooked. She has written for newspapers and magazines including The Guardian, Aspects of History, History Today, and Historia. She is also Vice-Chair of the Mortimer History Society and, in 2025, is a judge for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.
