Red and White: A Tale of the Wars of the Roses

by Emily Sarah Holt

"Red and White: A Tale of the Wars of the Roses" by Emily Sarah Holt is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, focusing on the tumultuous lives of noble families during this period of conflict. The story begins with the experiences of young characters, notably Frideswide and Dorathie, who are drawn into the personal and political upheaval that characterizes their world, indicating themes of loyalty, love, and the impacts of civil strife. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to two sisters, Frideswide and Dorathie, who are facing the impending separation from their older sisters due to the call of duty to serve noble ladies. Dorathie expresses her fears of loneliness, while Frideswide reassures her with the notion of duty as a source of happiness. As the opening progresses, it subtly paints the harsh realities of the Wars of the Roses, illustrating the deep divisions within families and the complexities of allegiance. The domestic struggles of the characters are intertwined with the larger historical events, setting the stage for a tale that promises to blend personal drama with the broader strokes of a nation's strife.