This vivid and detailed examination of the three Tudor Princesses explores their rise and falls exquisitely while highlighting the strength of bond between them all.
The joy of Philippa Gregory’s Plantagenet and Tudor novels is the way in which it is the women whose stories and perspectives are placed front and centre and in Three Sisters, Three Queens this continues beautifully.
While the title suggests it tells the story from all three perspectives of Katherine of Aragon, Margaret and Mary – three Princesses destined to sit on the thrones of England, France and Scotland – it is actually Margaret’s voice told the most strongly, with letters from Katherine and Mary interspersed and showing the depth of bond between them as well as the way in which their relationships developed and changed according to their own circumstances.
Gregory’s writing is vivid, filled with extraordinary detail that makes you feel transported to the Tudor era beautifully – the colours and textures of everything being described is fully rounded. But also on a deeper level, she is able to explore the complex nature of the relationships of the family, made more so when the sisters are married to three powerful men consistently at war with each other, twisting loyalties.
The characters themselves are wonderfully defined and so distinctive that you feel as though you get to know them thoroughly – even if your feelings towards each of them (particularly Margaret) change consistently through the highs and lows of their lives. It paints a powerful portrait of just how much women were used as pawns in policies created by men, leaving them with little to no say as to how their futures play out – no matter how they try. Each woman is strong in their own way – despite their flaws.
Meanwhile, the book also doesn’t flinch away from the brutality, danger and violence that existed during these times, showcasing just how fragile the idea of peace can be. It offers a sympathetic view of Scotland in particular and how complicated its politics was – but it would of been interesting to see in more depth how Margaret handled the political issues and not just obsessing about out of the sisters who has the higher status which can be a little bit wearying at times.
At over 500 pages, the novel covers a wide period of the Tudor history and the reader is given a clear understanding of just how England and Scotland changed during the Tudor period while never feeling too heavy to read. The story unfolds at an enjoyable pace that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.
Perhaps the term ’emotional rollercoaster’ is on occasion overly used – here it is an apt description for this book which engages all of the emotions. For anyone fascinated with the Tudor period, this is certainly a book that is worth a read.
By Emma Clarendon
Three Sisters, Three Queens is available to buy or download.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐