This reviewer is very thankful not to be in the dating scene at this time if this novel represents a contemporary view. High hopes at the intellectualThis reviewer is very thankful not to be in the dating scene at this time if this novel represents a contemporary view. High hopes at the intellectual and witty start turned to disappointment and even bafflement by the middle and the end. Perhaps Rahmani was too ambitious trying to cover the flaws in the educational and political systems, the mistreatment of women and ethnicities, and the homophobic reactions in both the USA and Iran. Should she have stuck to the rom-com genre? Maybe. The shift in the story did not deepen it, nor did support it. The writing style begins by not treating the reader as an idiot, but then gets so weighted down in cleverness it loses the storytelling element. There seemed no purpose in the dating scenes. There seemed to be a hurried conclusion. There seemed to be several quotable lines. There seemed to be no reader investment in the final relationship. There seemed to be a point where the word ‘liquid� became way over used.
Best Character: The never met father Worst Character: The self-absorbed, not charming, immature protagonist Best Part: The discussion of Pride and Prejudice Worst Part: The casualness of the drug use ...more
[Spoiler Alert] What a disappointment. This reviewer, a longtime fan of the Maisie Dobbs series, anticipated the usual thought-provoking novel with an [Spoiler Alert] What a disappointment. This reviewer, a longtime fan of the Maisie Dobbs series, anticipated the usual thought-provoking novel with an engrossing mystery. Boy, ‘The Company of Ghosts� fell flat. Actually, more than flat. It was boring, and so tediously, repetitive, be it Massie’s thoughts or the themes presented.
The supporting cast, we encounter many people from her past which is a plus being the final novel in the series, (with their relationship explained multiple times) are given uninspired dialogue and/or little to do. One of our characters summarizes the plot for us and it seems exciting: “So, we’ve got one of MacFarlane’s secret departments involved, as well as a possible assassin, Scotland Yard being told to let go, a load of Nazi toffs and four orphans� (trained in mortal combat) and it was still humdrum.
But that was just the first 75% of the book, the remainder created the weakest moments of a weak book, Robin worries that he is a “killer who does not know who he is.� If only he knew that he was not descended from generations of murderers then he would find “some sort of calm.� And low-and-behold, Maisie has the opening to tell him all about his biological parents -----so he can accept the fact that he is a killer. What?!
Winspear’s foreshadowing concerning many of the characters was good as it gave the reader a clue to what their lives will be like beyond the series.
With apologies about ‘spoilers,� this reviewer feels compelled to comment on elements of the book which are so unlike Winspear’s earlier endeavors. --If adoption is so acceptable and Anna is considered the daughter and grandchild of those who love her, why is the ending focused solely on biological connections? Why does Robin say about the man who raised him “and my father—well, the man I thought was my father…� Well, Maisie thinks she is Anna’s mom, is that not true? --Mark Scott is very hard to accept as Maisie’s love interest and one thinks Winspear felt the same way because of the continued assurances of how everyone agrees with how great he is: Sir Julian “welcomed her new American husband into the family, to the point where she thought Mark had filled some of the ache in Julian’s heart, lifting the sadness at losing his son.� Mark gave an “account of himself with the cricket team, and was not backward in coming forward when it came to getting in the first round at the pub afterwards, word went around that he was a “good’un� after all.� Frankie, a man who worked with horses his entire life, is not considered good enough to judge a horse before Maisie buys it for Anna—they must wait until Mark is there. Did Winspear need to give James feet of clay (he may have been interested in Maisie because of her bank account and left Enid high and dry because his parents sent him off to Canada—he could have left that life and gotten a menial job to support her and the baby) so Mark looks better? --Blah blah blah, had it with a few repetitive themes or discussions within pages of each other Will’s diet Priscilla and her sons leaving home, her G and T, her comments about going through rough times with Maisie, how good she is with young people�. Recapping the very thin storyline Look to the future not the past Dragons (or at least change the title of the book) Mark interrupting Maisie each time she went to read the letters—not sure why Winspear did that --Maisie does say, “I know that� a lot and does cut off several characters who are in full ‘mansplain� spate which is a refreshing reversal of typical male to female characters. The other interesting bit, is that unlike most novels where the male protagonist is wanted by every female he encounters, here we have a collection of former, potential boyfriends of Maisie still letting her know (despite the marital status of those involved) they like her. And yet, they “ended up � losing you to a Yank.�
Is it sad to see the end of Maisie Dobbs? Yes and no. Yes, for the many offerings in the series that tied historical events with personal stories with our intelligent, resilient Maisie. No, because the last few books, especially this title, have seen the loss of some of the satisfying plots and the energy of Maisie. ...more
Although this reviewer has not read many Agatha Christie novels, one does know that most of the crimes take place in restricted areas: country houses,Although this reviewer has not read many Agatha Christie novels, one does know that most of the crimes take place in restricted areas: country houses, small-towns or trains with a ‘traditional� structure of a whodunit. Here Christie uses a serial killer, extensive psychological profiling, and as Poirot and Hastings comment, anticipated murder scenes they must go to. Christie provided plenty of twists and red herrings (some that were ignored when Poirot gave his explanation.)
Strongest Weakness: It did seem a bit slow going in the middle of the book at the same time we were seeing less of Poirot.
Reader Confession: Very early after the introduction of the killer, this reviewer guessed he was a prime suspect due to the fact of what he gained upon the death of his loved one. Hope that wasn’t a spoiler.
Thankful Show of Humanity: Girl calling Cust was something this reviewer had not anticipated and was surprised. Glad her faith in humanity came through (was not surprised about Thora’s true motives).
Best Line: “Speech, so a wise old Frenchman said to me once, is an invention of man’s to prevent him from thinking.� ...more
This historical novel was well-researched, educational and engaging. The reader cannot help become agitated over the fact that during ones years of foThis historical novel was well-researched, educational and engaging. The reader cannot help become agitated over the fact that during ones years of formal education, few (maybe even no) works by Margaret Fuller were ever assigned. Over shadowed by her male contemporaries, this 19th -century journalist, editor, women’s rights advocate and reviewer deserves modern recognition for her contributions to the Transcendentalist movement.
A few issues this reviewer had with the book were: 1) The most read person in America never wrote anything when she was at Waldon expect letters which were mostly to her mom. 2) More events of her life could have been explored (visits to prisons, the Indigenous tribal areas, Chicago) and less time on the fake romances with Emerson and Hawthorne and the tension she creates with other females. Always knew it was time for her to leave, and then she came back. 3) This suddenly came up and then was beat to the ground, “The Much that always wants More.� 4) Sometimes the relaying of the people Fuller interacted with took on the tone of name dropping rather than authentic encounters in her life. 5) Despite Pataki’s thorough writing, this reviewer did not acquire any great emotional response to Fuller despite her intelligence and bravery. One wonders if it was because the beginning started at the end, so we knew the tragic outcome of her life.
A few compelling scenarios of the book were: 1) Fuller knew she was a threat to men due to her independence of spirit and calls for liberty. Very similar to the themes of women and minorities in “How the South Won the Civil War.� 2) Continuing with the current theme that was in the book of “how the south Won the Civil War,� was Fuller’s view on marriage. She has “no interest in captivity. Until our great and free society should see fit to declare that freedom ought to apply not only to men but also to women, I cannot see that marriage would be a state I could abide.� This is the duality of America. Belief in equality, formed on the idea all have rights, yet women and minorities are excluded. 3) When Fuller administers the ‘drug� to Lidian, who we assume is drug dependent, it called to mind another book recently read, “Ten Drugs: How Plants, Powders, and Pills have Shaped the History of Medicine,� and its coverage of laudanum as with the related illness of Sophia Peabody Hawthorne and her mercury poisoning. 4) Losing Fuller’s manuscript on the evolution in Italy was a tragedy, but it was interesting that in the author notes, she is given full credit for her documentation of the women’s rights movement in her work, “Woman in the nineteenth Century�.
A few interesting quotes from the book were: 1) Edgar Allan Poe. He even published what, I daresay, reads as a sort of compliment: “Humanity is divided into men, women, and Margaret Fuller. 2) “Just as lovely as the creeping clematis are the purple asters and the goldenrod that bloom together in their summer splendor.� A tie in with another book this reviewer recently red, “Braiding Sweetgrass.� The author there wanted to know why those flowers bloomed together. 3) “Once again I feel as if the men around me do not understand. I am the sole breadwinner in my life� without wages, I will have no bread.� Emerson with a bit of a blemish here—Fuller is not paid to edit the newsletter because she is female. 4) “Beloved scents: old leather bindings, tight-pressed paper, dust that lines the thousands of bookshelves.� Ah, the scent of a library or book store! ...more
Set in a very exotic Caribbean island at an all-inclusive resort, Caribbean Mystery, does juxtaposition the laid-back island lifestyle with the fear oSet in a very exotic Caribbean island at an all-inclusive resort, Caribbean Mystery, does juxtaposition the laid-back island lifestyle with the fear of murder very well. Our Miss Marple is not a self-confident chief inspector, and the pace slows a bit as we are privy to her internal scoldings at how stupid she has been. Her observational skills and understanding of human nature are her valuable weapons against crime.
Christie weaves in her red herrings throughout the text, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal which happens much more quickly than the initial set-up.
Having read a young friend’s screen play, I could recognize some of the style in this book with the restricted movements and directions. Originally a Having read a young friend’s screen play, I could recognize some of the style in this book with the restricted movements and directions. Originally a stage play written by Agatha Christie, it was adapted as a novel by Charles Osborne.
A houseful of guests and family, a valuable missing scientific formula, and a murdered tyrant --- all the makings of a classic investigation for Poirot. While the mystery itself is not as complex as others by the famed author, the novel still offers a satisfying puzzle.
This reviewer could not help but notice the similarities to the book very recently read, The Mysterious Affair at Styles. Both had the counting the coffee cups, the mantel spill vases which needed straightening, the married couple in love but in discord�. Regardless, it was an enjoyable read. ...more
This reviewer has read a few Agatha Christie novels and does enjoy them so when needing a little ‘light� reading it was easy to turn to this author. HThis reviewer has read a few Agatha Christie novels and does enjoy them so when needing a little ‘light� reading it was easy to turn to this author. Having never read The Mysterious Affair at Styles, it was selected because it was the introduction to Hercule Poirot. It did not disappoint and did use the ‘little grey cells� of the reader.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Mysterious Affair at Styles is how it establishes Poirot’s methodical, approach to crime-solving, not always relying on facts but impressions and the imagination. His persnickety nature is easily recognizable in the title character of Monk in the 1990s.
Sometimes Christie can take turns and twists that are a bit unfair, here she did not. Her masterful storytelling and the puzzles, misdirection and turns were enjoyable as one tried to unravel the mystery without feeling cheated because the ending was logical.
The main downfall (one realizes the writing was in a different era so some of the scenes may seem a bit old-fashioned) was that poor Hastings was not flushed out very well and seemed too incapable of deductive reasoning to be believed. ...more
An obvious YA novel, Skink’s hero is actually 14-year-old Richard Sloan, whose cousin Malley disappears with a man she met online. Stumbling across thAn obvious YA novel, Skink’s hero is actually 14-year-old Richard Sloan, whose cousin Malley disappears with a man she met online. Stumbling across the homeless, unconventional vigilante, Skink, a former Florida governor, the two head across Florida to find Malley.
So we have an adventure that includes man-eating alligators, a damsel in distress that sometimes you wonder if she should be rescued, an environmental activist who causes great harm to people for even mild transgressions, clueless parents and online predators.
The book is funny, earnest in its environmental advocacy, has suspenseful moments, and clearly targets YA readers with its writing style. All this with lessons in personal courage, the need to protect our natural habitats and dynamic relationships.
Traveling to Florida on vacation, this reviewer selected the Doc Ford series book as it took place in the Fort Lauderdale area. Well, primarily it wasTraveling to Florida on vacation, this reviewer selected the Doc Ford series book as it took place in the Fort Lauderdale area. Well, primarily it was in the Caribbean and touched on sunken treasure, modern-day pirates, Hollywood types, archeology, and human relationships—notably Doc Ford’s and his sidekick, Tomlinson. Quite a broad spectrum.
The storyline had a few too many subplots and characters that were not as necessary to keep track of and effected the dynamics as it took away the momentum of the story. And honestly, the chases, underwater action and confrontations seemed a tad weak---maybe more of Doc Ford was needed and less secondary characters.
Overall, the story entertained, informed (lots of info about boats and nautical matters plus the history of the area) and provided the settings this reviewer was searching for.
Richardson’s central argument is that while America was founded on democratic ideals, it simultaneously upheld systems of racial and economic oppressiRichardson’s central argument is that while America was founded on democratic ideals, it simultaneously upheld systems of racial and economic oppression that contradicted those very principles. She explores how, even after the Civil War, wealthy stakeholders, controlled voter eligibility, and economic policies, to maintain racial and class hierarchies. These hierarchies were adapted from the Antebellum South to the West with it’s ‘rugged individualism� and seizure of Indigenous peoples� lands to concentrate wealth in the hands of white settlers.
Most disturbing for this reviewer were the chapters devoted to the evolution of the modern conservative movements with the complete lack of moral compass many of the participants held. The machinations of these men were disheartening to say the least, criminal to say in accuracy. Even with a grain of caution (many of conclusions are a tad oversimplified and not necessarily analyzed), Richardson does layout the complex historical developments for the average reader to grasp.
With the current state of US politics reflecting Richardson’s premise, one has to wonder if the oligarchy truly understands how capitalism, industrialization, and global economic forces can be leveraged in order to maintain such control over American’s and their democracy with no consequences. Is Neil Howe’s prediction of the Fourth Turning going to happen or will previous historical forces such as labor movements, immigrant communities, and grassroots activism rise again to challenge and reshape the political landscape?
Reviewer’s Comments: William Buckly, Jr. held a lot more power and was a lot more extremist than this reviewer knew. Richard Nixon influenced far too many politicians. Ronald Reagan (as a front for his oligarchy) wielded too much power as he convinced Americans of his selfish agenda under the guise of ‘favorite grandpa.� Barak Obama, an island of sanity, did present an anomaly, which Richardson did not explain fully, within the decades of complex oligarchical political evolution. The Marlboro Man, (okay, Richardson used the ‘cowboy�) as the epitome of white, manly ‘rugged individualism,� was actually the front for racial, gender and economic inequality. ...more
This reviewer enjoyed Friss�, The Bookshop and although not very elegant sums up the themes: as community and connection (refuges, activist and politiThis reviewer enjoyed Friss�, The Bookshop and although not very elegant sums up the themes: as community and connection (refuges, activist and political spaces), money v culture (get books in people’s hands, not profit in the cash register), historical role (especially used books for scent, history, marginalia, feeling they have lived), and love of books (how we acquire warmth and comfort), reinvention and survival (independents to superstores to digital content).
Readers are likely to find Chapter 4 of interest. Friss covers the role that the department store, Marshall Field’s, had on book buying –thanks to the head of the department, Marcella Hahne. So influential was Hahne over the ‘brass upstairs� she could command funds to host events at up to $10,000 each. She was courted by publishers and author’s willingly came to her 3rd Floor department to sign books and mingle. Fields became such a leader in the book industry they eventually bought Pocket Books and Simon & Schuster.
Thoughts: Friss believes bookshops are cultural spaces—triggering pangs at the post-COVID habit of buying online or checking out digital books from the local library.
This Reviewer thinks, The Bookshop is a great read for anyone who has ever found solace, discovery, or a sense of belonging among shelves of books.
Friss presents this book as a celebration not just for the physical spaces but for the readers, writers, and all involved in the life of a book.
This Reviewer appreciates the historical depth of the book as the evolution of bookshops is explained and so is their role as democratic spaces.
Friss confuses / overwhelms the reader with the quoting of statistics one cannot remember the stats shared from the 1930s, 1970s or 1990s-- with any amount of accuracy.
This Reviewer understands Friss had to make some hard decisions on how to organize the book as it did seem to struggle between chronological order, themes or settling for haphazard.
A Reader gleans why bookshops continue to matter, as Friss reminds them of the stores� role in communities and people’s lives. ...more
This reviewer invoked the author’s conclusion, which Robbins mentioned twice, in the following sentences: teachers “love teaching even if they don’t lThis reviewer invoked the author’s conclusion, which Robbins mentioned twice, in the following sentences: teachers “love teaching even if they don’t love the profession� and “� I understood how one can love teaching but dislike the profession.� These were my feelings about the book. The Teachers was a great book, I just did not like reading it.
As a teacher in a typical school and a teacher-librarian in an exceptional school, I could easily understand the perspectives of almost every educator interviewed for the text. Reading it brought up happy memories, frustrating memories and down-right bad memories.
Robbins laid out the narrative easily so the reader could capture the themes of the book: the emotional support often provided to students; the system-wide challenges to teaching; the lack of societal support; the importance of teacher-student relationships; and, the amazing resilience of the people within the profession.
This reviewer was pleased to see a ‘call to action� and helpful tips for young educators because for most of the book I was mystified as to who was the targeted audience. With the discussion of the shortage of teachers, those in programs to become teachers would be scared away which seemed to defeat the purpose. Parents would see themselves as victims rather than part of the problem and veteran educators pretty much know most of what was covered and could easily fall into the “one-upmanship� of stories.
Areas that were covered that were of special interest included how the attitude toward teachers changed because of the male administrators and female staff ratios and how COVID was the final straw when teachers were seen as society's babysitters with no value for their safety or regard for their families� safety.
Robbins has given us a reminder of the challenges teachers face in an institution based completely on people and their relationships, and the fact that change is needed to truly support them. ...more
Okay, this reviewer can read slow-paced, drama-free novels with subdued qualities but aren’t we Irish a “Fighinâ€� People?â€� TóibÃn’s narrative was underOkay, this reviewer can read slow-paced, drama-free novels with subdued qualities but aren’t we Irish a “Fighinâ€� People?â€� TóibÃn’s narrative was underwhelming: the dialogue had no energy or message, as a ‘period pieceâ€� there was very little evidence that it was set in the 1970s, Eilis came across as detached (not reserved) while in Ireland as opposed to conflicted, the love triangle’s lack of emotional punch did not make it compelling.
TóibÃn has passages when the charactersâ€� introspections are elegant as they search for love, deal with loss and struggle with their role in life and futures. A heart-wrenching decision for Eilis? No, she wanted her cake and to eat it too. A heart-wrenching decision for Jim? No, he wanted his cake and to eat it too. A heart-wrenching decision for Nancy? Yes and No. The reader felt bad for her, but she is responsible for her own machinations. Unfortunately, for this reviewer, no main character was likeable enough for the ending to matter. This was no Gone with the Wind....more
This reviewer decided to grant the stars for this book on the day it was finished acknowledging the mood was not for lyrical writing for some reason--This reviewer decided to grant the stars for this book on the day it was finished acknowledging the mood was not for lyrical writing for some reason--maybe if read at a different time it would resonate more. 1. Considered this work was a literary experiment. 2. Believed it tried to be like “Where the Crawdads Sing� (which by the way, this reviewer was one of the few people who did not care for that book). 3. Assumed elements of “Cast Away.� 4. Commended the imagery of wilderness was impressively done. 5. Seemed as if the events were blurred and repetitive-just in different locations. 6. Believed the protagonist’s visions took away any tension of the survival mode. 7. Decided the flashbacks were ‘Easter eggs� in the story which were often too hidden to add power to the protagonist’s motivations. 8. Concluded that the survival reality and the novel’s philosophical musings on humanity seemed too abstract for a survival narrative—while not arguing that an uneducated teenager could not ponder nature and organized religion it just seemed to jar with the constant physical issues. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs seem to discount this premise of the book. 9. Agreed the book was artistically written with beautiful language. 10. Selected this as the best line: “And perhaps, she thought, god was neither trinity nor singular but multiple, as various as the many living things that did live upon the earth. Perhaps god is all. Perhaps god already lived within all. And this place and these people here did not need the english to bring god to them.� ...more
Penny often weaves intricate mysteries but this story seemed unnecessarily convoluted. The threads seemed very tangled and as things ‘unraveled� it rePenny often weaves intricate mysteries but this story seemed unnecessarily convoluted. The threads seemed very tangled and as things ‘unraveled� it really was more frustrating than suspenseful.
Dialogue seemed very repetitive, the internal struggles seemed to lack depth (maybe even authenticity), most supporting characters were not needed, and even Armand Gamache’s usually compelling personality was nonexistent.
Penny bit off quite a bit to explore the duality of human nature. Her choice of environmental disaster, with its accompanying extreme proponents tied to the take over of the nation by diabolical politicians and government employees, did not seem current (which this reviewer guessed was Penny’s idea) and so far fetched as to be implausible.
It seemed overly grim, even at the resolution, until this reviewer realized the next book seems to be a direct sequel to The Grey Wolf—Penny was setting up The Black Wolf. For all of that, Penny does hit upon many ‘truths� and for that, this reviewer increased the star ratings otherwise given.
Key Lines:: …feelings were more real, more powerful than thoughts. They were the engine of perception, which drove though, which became words and prompted action. The framed photos on the wall, which Gauthier was glancing at, were out of date, showing many politicians, now dead, shaking hands with other politicians, now disgraced. All for the public good. All with public consent.
One of us, thought Lacoste. There were few more dangerous phrases. Partly because it held truth. There were teams, tribes, families, companies. Friends. Us. But it was rarely just a description of a group. There was, about it, a distinction “Us� implies there was a “Them.� And “Us� was better than “Them.�
Key Points: The out-of-control grandchildren with the character Ruth were distasteful and off-putting, not even close to charming or quirky. ...more
Bohman managed to fit the themes of power and ambition, gender and patriarchy, cultural and class differences, and loneliness in 180 pages. There was Bohman managed to fit the themes of power and ambition, gender and patriarchy, cultural and class differences, and loneliness in 180 pages. There was no wordiness, or insipid dialogue. The author set her novel in the microcosm of a Swedish publishing house with the ‘action� between an editor-in-chief and an intern promoted by him to editor. This reviewer does cannot verify or deny the ins and outs of the publishing world which was included in the narrative but can share it was compelling reading.
Bohman does seem to understand human motivations and our female protagonist’s internal monologue shares her self-doubt and her clarity as she struggles with the realities of her life—as a woman from a lower class in the traditional but creative world of publishing. Bohman offers no easy solutions nor, it must be confessed, do we see a lot of character development. Be aware, this is not a book of action, it is not even a slow burn as the exploration of power creates little tension but it keeps your attention, keeps you wondering about the direction it was going and keeps you hoping for an easy resolution. Actually, the ending is not satisfying and a tad unfinished. Without giving too much away, having Sofie receive the letter from Gunnar would have been an opportunity for the reader to witness further dynamic growth by Sofie.
Okay, this review is going to end here before it becomes longer than the novel.
Best Lines: “It is possible that I became bitter. It is possible that this might have been avoidable if I’d had greater elbow room within my soul, but I didn’t.� ...more
Tracy Borman's Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him offers a unique premise. Rather than focusing on Henry’s larger-than-life personality and his many Tracy Borman's Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him offers a unique premise. Rather than focusing on Henry’s larger-than-life personality and his many marriages, Borman shifts the spotlight to the advisors, confidants, and rivals who influenced his decisions, shaped his reign and his larger-than-life personality.
Figures like Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, and Thomas Cromwell the dynamic players in the often-dangerous political climate. The rise and fall of men as powerful as these and as vital to Henry as his fool, Will Somers, and Court painter, Hans Holbein, were fully aware of Henry’s volatile nature and shifting priorities (comrades became execution victims). The men serving Henry did not always juggle their political ambition and personal loyalty successfully in this era of domestic and international change.
This reviewer appreciated Borman’s accessible writing style and was very pleased to see more academic rigor and bibliographic citations than in some more recent titles. Unfortunately, she still conveys information as fact with no support (see below) and she bit off a tad too much. Perhaps she could have highlighted the men who served Henry the longest, or even during a set time period of his reign and delved into their histories deeper. It seemed a bit too detailed over some areas (a lot of descriptions of Henry, his ‘Great Matter,� and the role of Chapuys the Spanish Ambassador) and vague in others—to the point of it seemed as if men’s names and actions were inserted in a page just to be sure to cover them. Also, we saw Henry’s huge personality (his charm, his cruelty) and its effect on the relationships around him, but not always how the men made him. Just two examples of speculation with no support:
Do we know that Henry “was painfully aware of how far he was from achieving the vision of kingship that he had confidently embraced at the beginning of his reign� p 177
On page 195 Borman says that “Wolsey was quietly working against the annulment�. Where is the proof? What did he do besides “firmly believe� that Henry staying with Catherine was the best option? ...more
Maria Perry's Sisters of Henry VIII is a detailed exploration of the lives of two often-overlooked Tudor figures: Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scotland, aMaria Perry's Sisters of Henry VIII is a detailed exploration of the lives of two often-overlooked Tudor figures: Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scotland, and Mary Tudor, Queen of France (later Duchess of Sussex). This book brings the two women out of the shadow of their famous brother and with extensive research and accessible prose, Perry reveals their resilience in the face of immense challenges, and the crossing of their personal wishes and political/family responsibilities.
Once in a while Perry falls into speculation but does utilize the surviving correspondence between the siblings well (there was affection and tension). For this reviewer, it often seemed that the focus was on their relationship with Henry VIII rather than their Lives, as implied in the subtitle, and their achievements (survival not only in their domestic sphere but also on the international political scene, being the main one amidst their ambitions).
Overall, a good read and one that will educate it’s readers and maybe, generate an interest to delve further into the lives of these two fascinating women. ...more
Sarah Tytler's Tudor Queens and Princesses offers an examination of the precarious balance of power and peril faced by royal Tudor women. Their lives Sarah Tytler's Tudor Queens and Princesses offers an examination of the precarious balance of power and peril faced by royal Tudor women. Their lives were shaped by the expectations of dynastic politics, religious upheaval, and their ability—or inability—to navigate a male-dominated society. These women (the better known wives of Henry VIII and the lesser known Tudor women his sisters and grandmothers) as power players, political pawns, cultural figures, and, often, tragic symbols of their time.
A reviewer must understand the text was written originally published in 1896 and thus, there is no escaping the Victorian perspectives (rather romanticizing the Tudor era and leaning toward biased/moralized reporting) nor any chance of encountering rigorous source analysis that we would expect in a more contemporary work. Tytler’s style is mostly narrative focusing on storytelling—not very scholarly but enjoyable to read. One can grasp Tytler’s themes of power, sacrifice and the nature of female authority in a patriarchal society. ...more
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