Grisly Grisell; Or, The Laidly Lady of Whitburn: A Tale of the Wars of the Roses

"Grisly Grisell; Or, The Laidly Lady of Whitburn" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a historical fiction set during the Wars of the Roses, where we meet young Grisell Dacre, daughter of the Baron of Whitburn, whose life takes a turn after an accident caused by her childhood friend, Leonard Copeland. The story starts in a lively Manor-house, where an explosion injures Grisell, leading to her care under the Countess of Salisbury and talks of a political marriage to Leonard, all while tensions rise between their families. The novel introduces themes of identity and acceptance, especially for Grisell, who faces concerns about her appearance and future amidst social pressures, setting the stage for her journey in a historically rich and character-driven narrative.