Cecily
An epic feminist retelling of the War of the Roses
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:10th Mar '22
Should be back in stock very soon

In Cecily, a woman's defiance during the Wars of the Roses reveals her strength and ambition amidst political turmoil and personal sacrifice.
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1431, Cecily follows the life of a remarkable woman navigating the treacherous waters of political intrigue and familial loyalty. As England continues its century-long conflict with France, Cecily finds herself entangled in the dangerous machinations of a corrupt government that seeks to undermine her family. With her husband, the loyal duke of York, branded an enemy, Cecily must summon all her courage and cunning to protect her loved ones from the growing threats that surround them.
As the king's mental state deteriorates, plots against the York family take shape, forcing Cecily to make difficult choices. The line between survival and ambition blurs, leading her to question whether she is willing to risk treason to secure a place of power for her family. Through intimate portrayals of both closed bedchambers and bloody battlefields, Cecily illustrates the often-overlooked roles women played during the Wars of the Roses, revealing their strength and resilience in a world dominated by men.
An epic feminist retelling, Cecily shines a light on a historical figure who has long been forgotten. The novel invites readers to explore the complexities of ambition, loyalty, and the fight for agency in a turbulent time, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intricacies of history and the untold stories of women within it.
A startling heroine -- Sarah Moss
In vigorous, direct prose Garthwaite grippingly resurrects a remarkable woman * Sunday Times *
Utterly compelling, this brilliant novel shines a light into a dark corner of our history and reclaims the voice and story of a powerful and forgotten woman. A phenomenal read. I loved it -- Liz Hyder, author of The Gifts
Has the new Hilary Mantel arrived? * Sunday Telegraph *
I look forward to hearing more from Annie Garthwaite and Cecily * Times *
Cecily is a vivid and compelling portrait of a formidable figure from the 15th century and a heroine for our times * Big Issue *
In Garthwaite's hands, Neville proves as Machiavellian, manipulative and era-defining as any man * Noon *
Cecily stalks the corridors of power like a female Thomas Cromwell. A vividly female perspective on the Wars of the Roses - what a feat -- Imogen Hermes Gowar
An extraordinary achievement . . . I could touch and breathe Cecily's world as if I was walking in her shadow -- Carol McGrath
CECILY is the WOLF HALL for the 2020s... marks the start of a stellar career -- Manda Scott
ISBN: 9780241990971
Dimensions: 197mm x 128mm x 23mm
Weight: 268g
384 pages