"The Lady of the Rivers" is a historical novel by Philippa Gregory that delves into the life of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, the mother of the future Queen Elizabeth Woodville. Set in the tumultuous times of 15th-century England, the story follows Jacquetta as she navigates the complex social and political landscape amidst the Wars of the Roses. Her noble birth and unique lineage position her as a significant player in the royal intrigues of the period.
The narrative explores Jacquetta's connection to the mystical and the supernatural, as she is portrayed as having a capacity for healing and divination. These abilities, tied to her ancestry, pose challenges in a time when women's power is often dismissed. Her relationships, especially with her husband, John, and later with powerful figures like King Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou, illustrate the struggles and strategies women employed to assert their influence despite societal constraints.