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The Tudor Trilogy #2
Sisters of Treason
Following the acclaimed Queen's Gambit, Elizabeth Fremantle brings us a new novel of intrigue and menace at the Tudor Court. . .
1554: Lady Jane Grey is executed by her cousin Queen Mary...
Now Lady Jane's younger sisters Katherine and Mary, cursed with the Tudor blood that saw their sister killed, face the perils of the royal court alone.
Lady Katherine - young and spirited - makes dangerous romantic liaisons. While Lady Mary - crook-backed and vulnerable - becomes the Queen's reluctant companion, yet yearns to escape court intrigue. And both girls fear their proximity to the Queen might be their undoing.
For the childless Queen is ill. If she should die Katherine may be pushed to power, but the Queen's half-sister Elizabeth casts a long shadow and if she gains the throne the court will become a terrifying maze of treachery and suspicion - where holding royal blood could be a death warrant for the two sisters...
This sumptuous historical drama is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Hilary Mantel. Through the eyes of the Grey sisters we are given an insight into the treacherous rule of the Tudor Court.
1554: Lady Jane Grey is executed by her cousin Queen Mary...
Now Lady Jane's younger sisters Katherine and Mary, cursed with the Tudor blood that saw their sister killed, face the perils of the royal court alone.
Lady Katherine - young and spirited - makes dangerous romantic liaisons. While Lady Mary - crook-backed and vulnerable - becomes the Queen's reluctant companion, yet yearns to escape court intrigue. And both girls fear their proximity to the Queen might be their undoing.
For the childless Queen is ill. If she should die Katherine may be pushed to power, but the Queen's half-sister Elizabeth casts a long shadow and if she gains the throne the court will become a terrifying maze of treachery and suspicion - where holding royal blood could be a death warrant for the two sisters...
This sumptuous historical drama is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Hilary Mantel. Through the eyes of the Grey sisters we are given an insight into the treacherous rule of the Tudor Court.
496 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2014
198 people are currently reading
6051 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Fremantle
11 books554 followersElizabeth Fremantle is the critically acclaimed author of Tudor and Elizabethan set novels: Queen's Gambit, Sisters of Treason, Watch the Lady and Times Books of the Year: The Girl in the Glass Tower and The Poison Bed, a historical thriller written under the name EC Fremantle described as 'a Jacobean Gone Girl.'
Her latest novel is The Honey and the Sting, published August 6th 2020 as EC Fremantle
She lives in London
Her latest novel is The Honey and the Sting, published August 6th 2020 as EC Fremantle
She lives in London
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
February 13, 2019
The late 16th century was quite unique in that for an extended period, all potential heirs to the throne were female, and it is against this backdrop that ' Sisters Of Treason' is set. It mainly focuses on three Tudor figures, normally given scant regard in the history books, they are, Lady Katherine Grey, Lady Mary Grey, ( sisters of the deposed nine day Queen, Jane), and Flemish born Levina Teerlinc, court painter. This was a particulary uncertain period, when switching allegiances among the nobility was common, if only to maintain self-preservation, and ensure you didn't meet your fate with the scaffold!
Although this is a work of fiction, the author has based it on historical facts, and she has caught perfectly the workings of both the inner court through Lady Katherine and Lady Mary, and the outsider's perspective through the eyes of Levina Teerlinc, earning her living as portrait painter to the nobility, something which at that time (as a female) defied convention. The politics of the Tudor reign have been brought vividly to life, capturing the dangers, dramas, and intrigue, but also, by focusing on specific lives, we see a more intimate and personal side to them. This was an exciting read, and kept me gripped right the way through. The author has breathed life into these little known characters, and has them reaching out from the pages, so that you can't help but get to know and care about them.
I think it unfair to compare authors so I won't, but what I will say is Elizabeth Fremantle is sure to become highly regarded in her genre, and her books will be greeted with great anticipation.
Although this is a work of fiction, the author has based it on historical facts, and she has caught perfectly the workings of both the inner court through Lady Katherine and Lady Mary, and the outsider's perspective through the eyes of Levina Teerlinc, earning her living as portrait painter to the nobility, something which at that time (as a female) defied convention. The politics of the Tudor reign have been brought vividly to life, capturing the dangers, dramas, and intrigue, but also, by focusing on specific lives, we see a more intimate and personal side to them. This was an exciting read, and kept me gripped right the way through. The author has breathed life into these little known characters, and has them reaching out from the pages, so that you can't help but get to know and care about them.
I think it unfair to compare authors so I won't, but what I will say is Elizabeth Fremantle is sure to become highly regarded in her genre, and her books will be greeted with great anticipation.
May 3, 2024
Un bon roman historique.
Nous suivons l’histoire de Marie et Catherine Grey sous les règnes de Marie Tudor et d’Elizabeth 1ere. C’est un livre assez plaisant à lire et on tourne les pages sans s’en rendre compte. Nous sommes plongés dans les points de vue de Marie de Catherine et de Levinia une artiste peintre qui a fréquenté la cour anglaise à cette époque.
Je n’aurais qu’une seule critique c’est qu’il manque à mon avis le point de vue des Deux Reines. Je trouverais fascinant d’avoir le point de vue de Marie pourquoi déclenche -t- elle cette terrible répression pourquoi Elizabeth a tellement peur de perdre sa couronne?
En tout cas c’est toujours un plaisir de retrouver cette époque historique dans les romans oserais je dire que c’est ma préférée ? Sans aucun doute trahison meurtre vengeance amour conquête du pouvoir c’est game of thrones mais dans la vraie vie d’ailleurs GGR Martin n’a jamais caché l’influence que la guerre des deux roses a eu sur lui…
Si vous souhaitez lire un roman historique attention toutefois à avoir un minimum de connaissance sur l’époque (règne de Henry Tudor réforme protestante) n’hésitez pas à lire ce livre
Nous suivons l’histoire de Marie et Catherine Grey sous les règnes de Marie Tudor et d’Elizabeth 1ere. C’est un livre assez plaisant à lire et on tourne les pages sans s’en rendre compte. Nous sommes plongés dans les points de vue de Marie de Catherine et de Levinia une artiste peintre qui a fréquenté la cour anglaise à cette époque.
Je n’aurais qu’une seule critique c’est qu’il manque à mon avis le point de vue des Deux Reines. Je trouverais fascinant d’avoir le point de vue de Marie pourquoi déclenche -t- elle cette terrible répression pourquoi Elizabeth a tellement peur de perdre sa couronne?
En tout cas c’est toujours un plaisir de retrouver cette époque historique dans les romans oserais je dire que c’est ma préférée ? Sans aucun doute trahison meurtre vengeance amour conquête du pouvoir c’est game of thrones mais dans la vraie vie d’ailleurs GGR Martin n’a jamais caché l’influence que la guerre des deux roses a eu sur lui…
Si vous souhaitez lire un roman historique attention toutefois à avoir un minimum de connaissance sur l’époque (règne de Henry Tudor réforme protestante) n’hésitez pas à lire ce livre
March 8, 2015
After finishing Queen's Gambit, I knew that I had to read Fremantle's take on the unfortunate Grey sisters.
(Contains historical facts that may be spoilers to some.)
I love the fact that this story is about Katherine and Mary and their lives after the execution of their sister Jane, rather than the much-told story of Jane's life. While I love Jane's story and think she had amazing potential, this story was more unique.
The novel is told from the POV of each of the sisters and artist, Levina Teerlinc. I enjoyed the sisters and their personalities that were so different, but Levina never grew on me.
Katherine was the flighty, emotional, and selfish girl that she is often characterized as, but she also had a deeper side. She would wish for a simple life and try to be less selfish, but couldn't help falling back into her impetuous and thoughtless ways. Yet, somehow, she is loved by all. All except the bitter and jealous Queen Elizabeth.
Mary is more of a deep thinker, maybe because so little is expected of her. She buries anger over her disabilities, lack of future, and mockery that she endures, but every now and then it bubbles to the surface. She often thinks of her sister Jane, and wonders what she would do in order to keep herself on the right path.
Together the sisters are tormented by Elizabeth, who denies them freedom, love, and any kind of real life. Watching beautiful Katherine go from being full of life and passion to a broken yet still young woman was heartbreaking. Poor Mary is forced to continue to serve the cruel queen even as she knows that her sister is in need with nobody to help her.
I enjoyed the development of the sisters and their courage to attempt a stand against the self-absorbed queen. Though I knew their story, I was captivated by Fremantle's storytelling. I have yet to read a story that makes me think anything positive about Elizabeth and wonder why so many revere her. Mary and Katherine couldn't be more different, but both suffer for nothing more than Elizabeth's fear of their Tudor blood.
A very worthwhile and satisfying read. I look forward to more great novels from this author.
(Contains historical facts that may be spoilers to some.)
I love the fact that this story is about Katherine and Mary and their lives after the execution of their sister Jane, rather than the much-told story of Jane's life. While I love Jane's story and think she had amazing potential, this story was more unique.
The novel is told from the POV of each of the sisters and artist, Levina Teerlinc. I enjoyed the sisters and their personalities that were so different, but Levina never grew on me.
Katherine was the flighty, emotional, and selfish girl that she is often characterized as, but she also had a deeper side. She would wish for a simple life and try to be less selfish, but couldn't help falling back into her impetuous and thoughtless ways. Yet, somehow, she is loved by all. All except the bitter and jealous Queen Elizabeth.
Mary is more of a deep thinker, maybe because so little is expected of her. She buries anger over her disabilities, lack of future, and mockery that she endures, but every now and then it bubbles to the surface. She often thinks of her sister Jane, and wonders what she would do in order to keep herself on the right path.
Together the sisters are tormented by Elizabeth, who denies them freedom, love, and any kind of real life. Watching beautiful Katherine go from being full of life and passion to a broken yet still young woman was heartbreaking. Poor Mary is forced to continue to serve the cruel queen even as she knows that her sister is in need with nobody to help her.
I enjoyed the development of the sisters and their courage to attempt a stand against the self-absorbed queen. Though I knew their story, I was captivated by Fremantle's storytelling. I have yet to read a story that makes me think anything positive about Elizabeth and wonder why so many revere her. Mary and Katherine couldn't be more different, but both suffer for nothing more than Elizabeth's fear of their Tudor blood.
A very worthwhile and satisfying read. I look forward to more great novels from this author.
February 15, 2016
From early on in the book, it was clear that there was little to keep me reading. There was no plot driver or anything that made me want to finish the book. Obviously, Mary I was going to die and Elizabeth succeed her as queen. I should have been eager to see this happen: hungry to watch the characters thrust into this political hornets’ nest but, I just didn’t care.
The author failed to create the feeling of sympathy for her characters. Take Katherine for her example, her sister has died so she is upset but this doesn’t seem to last long. She is more concerned with her love interest which results in even less emotional connectedness.
The three protagonists of the book are very different people. They have their own separate point of views and very far apart stories. That being said, each point of view sounded the same. Had I not read the character name at the beginning of each chapter/section I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference, ignoring plot content of course. The voices of the characters within the narrative are just too similar and undistinguishable from one another.
I was very disappointed with this book, it felt like it was missing a key element or ingredient. My initial expectations fell very flat. This is an author whose work I will not read again.
I won this book as a giveaway, here, on goodreads.
The author failed to create the feeling of sympathy for her characters. Take Katherine for her example, her sister has died so she is upset but this doesn’t seem to last long. She is more concerned with her love interest which results in even less emotional connectedness.
The three protagonists of the book are very different people. They have their own separate point of views and very far apart stories. That being said, each point of view sounded the same. Had I not read the character name at the beginning of each chapter/section I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference, ignoring plot content of course. The voices of the characters within the narrative are just too similar and undistinguishable from one another.
I was very disappointed with this book, it felt like it was missing a key element or ingredient. My initial expectations fell very flat. This is an author whose work I will not read again.
I won this book as a giveaway, here, on goodreads.
August 12, 2016
The Tudors have been written about so much in the past several years that I've found myself having a desire to bypass most of them! This novel was different in that it looked at the Grey girls who really have been omitted almost entirely from the Tudors history! It was refreshing in a bitter sweet way to find out more about the lives of these girls that were 'cursed' with Tudor blood! Well written and easy to read, this novel gave a very good glimpse into who these girls may have been and the turbulent life they led! 4.5 stars!
October 9, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I was eager to get my hands on Elizabeth Fremantle's Sisters of Treason. I read The Queen's Rivals last year and while I enjoyed Purdy's take on the Grey sisters, the book lacked the gravitas I crave. I needed something I could sink my teeth into, something with a little more meat on the bone if you get my meaning.
Fremantle caught my attention with Queen Gambit, but I'll be honest, I think her sophomore release stronger than its predecessor. There is an urgency and weight to the story, an imperativeness to the decisions Catherine and Mary must make, a tension that captivates even those who know the history of the younger Grey girls and anticipate where the narrative is headed.
Tone is not the only thing that stands out when reflecting on this piece. Jane, the traditional headliner, has a very interesting role in the narrative. She appears briefly early on, but her memory is a character in and of itself, guiding her sisters from beyond the grave. The same originality is echoed in Fremantle's interpretations of Elizabeth I and Frances Grey. These characters were familiar to me going in, but Fremantle's unconventional approach to their personalities and roles resulted in something both unique and memorable.
Fremantle adds dimension to the story through Levina Teerlinc. A minor historical footnote, Levina is an artisan. A court-painter who exists in the privileged circles of the elite without belonging to it. Her voice balances those of her social superiors, but really liked how her story arc paralleled and played against those of Catherine and Mary.
Richly detailed and vividly dramatic, Sisters of Treason, is a genuinely first-rate historical. Engaging, provocative and damn near impossible to put down.
I was eager to get my hands on Elizabeth Fremantle's Sisters of Treason. I read The Queen's Rivals last year and while I enjoyed Purdy's take on the Grey sisters, the book lacked the gravitas I crave. I needed something I could sink my teeth into, something with a little more meat on the bone if you get my meaning.
Fremantle caught my attention with Queen Gambit, but I'll be honest, I think her sophomore release stronger than its predecessor. There is an urgency and weight to the story, an imperativeness to the decisions Catherine and Mary must make, a tension that captivates even those who know the history of the younger Grey girls and anticipate where the narrative is headed.
Tone is not the only thing that stands out when reflecting on this piece. Jane, the traditional headliner, has a very interesting role in the narrative. She appears briefly early on, but her memory is a character in and of itself, guiding her sisters from beyond the grave. The same originality is echoed in Fremantle's interpretations of Elizabeth I and Frances Grey. These characters were familiar to me going in, but Fremantle's unconventional approach to their personalities and roles resulted in something both unique and memorable.
Fremantle adds dimension to the story through Levina Teerlinc. A minor historical footnote, Levina is an artisan. A court-painter who exists in the privileged circles of the elite without belonging to it. Her voice balances those of her social superiors, but really liked how her story arc paralleled and played against those of Catherine and Mary.
Richly detailed and vividly dramatic, Sisters of Treason, is a genuinely first-rate historical. Engaging, provocative and damn near impossible to put down.
dnf
January 21, 2017Made it just over 100 pages in (111 to be exact). There's just no narrative to this. There are 3 POVs - Katharine, a whiny self-involved girl who goes from crying over a boy to suddenly a lesbian? bisexual?; Mary, a younger girl who is either lamenting her deformity or being treated like a baby by the Queen; and Lavinia, an artist who just talks about hiding how she's not a Catholic. None of the POVs are engaging and I don't care about any of the characters. The best historical fictions find the story within the past and make it come alive, but this is just sadly putting me to sleep.
July 4, 2018
In looking back through history you will find that, for the most part, it is the women’s lives who have the most blank spots when it comes to chronicling events.
I have never really looked at the Grey family - perhaps because the Grey girls lives were so tragic, and often when I go to read it is difficult to look closely upon a life in which celebrations were short and tears were frequent (although at this time, pain was hidden)
It falls on the shoulders of the author of historical fiction to take whatever facts there are, and fill in the blanks, to make long dead women (and men) come to life in a way that we can understand their motives and have a richer understanding of their lives, their losses, their bitter disappointment and the sweet moments that crown them. Speaking of crowns - royal blood did not bring happiness into any woman of history that I have ever read about, and in the case of the Grey women it was the millstone about their neck that caused their (sometimes quickly sometimes slowly) demise.
In my opinion, Elizabeth Fremantle has done an excellent job of bringing the inner lives of the Grey girls to life, and while the interweaving of portraitist Lavinia Fontana is a bit of a stretch, it lends well to the story - both in illuminating the characters and in setting the scene of the times. The lesson in art history was a bonus.
This is the second book of read of Ms Freemantle’s and I would encourage those that enjoy British medieval historical fiction to give her an eye. 4 stars.
I have never really looked at the Grey family - perhaps because the Grey girls lives were so tragic, and often when I go to read it is difficult to look closely upon a life in which celebrations were short and tears were frequent (although at this time, pain was hidden)
It falls on the shoulders of the author of historical fiction to take whatever facts there are, and fill in the blanks, to make long dead women (and men) come to life in a way that we can understand their motives and have a richer understanding of their lives, their losses, their bitter disappointment and the sweet moments that crown them. Speaking of crowns - royal blood did not bring happiness into any woman of history that I have ever read about, and in the case of the Grey women it was the millstone about their neck that caused their (sometimes quickly sometimes slowly) demise.
In my opinion, Elizabeth Fremantle has done an excellent job of bringing the inner lives of the Grey girls to life, and while the interweaving of portraitist Lavinia Fontana is a bit of a stretch, it lends well to the story - both in illuminating the characters and in setting the scene of the times. The lesson in art history was a bonus.
This is the second book of read of Ms Freemantle’s and I would encourage those that enjoy British medieval historical fiction to give her an eye. 4 stars.
October 3, 2016
I will state right now that Philippa Gregory has SERIOUS competition. Elizabeth Fremantle is by far the best historical fiction writer I have come across in years.
In "Sisters of Treason" she tells the story of Lady Jane Grey's two younger sisters, Katherine and Mary. Katherine, who was a serious contender as Elizabeth I's heir, and Mary, who suffered the curse of the Plantagenet's, scoliosis, are often ignored by historical fiction writers in favour of their cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots.
Interwoven with the story of the Grey sisters is that of artist Levina Teerlinc, a reknowned miniaturist whose work is held in the V&A, amongst other places.
Katherine and Mary are interestingly portrayed. Katherine as a woman lead by her emotions, and Mary, as one lead by her intellect. Indeed, from what we know of Mary, she was considered as precocious a scholar as her older sister Jane and her cousin Elizabeth.
Beautifully written and enthralling, Elizabeth Fremantle is a writer to watch. I've read two of her books, and am keen to get my hands on her other two (all she has written - so far).
Highly recommended to all lovers of historical fiction.
In "Sisters of Treason" she tells the story of Lady Jane Grey's two younger sisters, Katherine and Mary. Katherine, who was a serious contender as Elizabeth I's heir, and Mary, who suffered the curse of the Plantagenet's, scoliosis, are often ignored by historical fiction writers in favour of their cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots.
Interwoven with the story of the Grey sisters is that of artist Levina Teerlinc, a reknowned miniaturist whose work is held in the V&A, amongst other places.
Katherine and Mary are interestingly portrayed. Katherine as a woman lead by her emotions, and Mary, as one lead by her intellect. Indeed, from what we know of Mary, she was considered as precocious a scholar as her older sister Jane and her cousin Elizabeth.
Beautifully written and enthralling, Elizabeth Fremantle is a writer to watch. I've read two of her books, and am keen to get my hands on her other two (all she has written - so far).
Highly recommended to all lovers of historical fiction.
April 1, 2015
I was awarded this book by NetGalley - the morning I got the approval email - it had been archived and I could not download it!!! I sent an email to the publisher & they allowed me access!
I am SO happy they did, I enjoyed this book. As much as I have read about QE1 and family, I only knew a little of Lady Jane Grey, and nothing of her sisters Katherine and Mary.
It wasn't until the chapter named Kitty & Mouse that I thought about their nicknames that way. I liked that.
I really loved the character that Mary was given (there was not much about her written in history) Elizabeth Fremantle fleshed out the people in this book so very well.
I would most certainly read another of her books. Well written, interesting in a period historical book, many characters to love.
There was not as much about Queens Mary, or Elizabeth, but this was not mainly about them, more of their treatment of their cousins and how lives can be ruined by the blood relations we have.
I am SO happy they did, I enjoyed this book. As much as I have read about QE1 and family, I only knew a little of Lady Jane Grey, and nothing of her sisters Katherine and Mary.
It wasn't until the chapter named Kitty & Mouse that I thought about their nicknames that way. I liked that.
I really loved the character that Mary was given (there was not much about her written in history) Elizabeth Fremantle fleshed out the people in this book so very well.
I would most certainly read another of her books. Well written, interesting in a period historical book, many characters to love.
There was not as much about Queens Mary, or Elizabeth, but this was not mainly about them, more of their treatment of their cousins and how lives can be ruined by the blood relations we have.
February 22, 2015
Katherine Grey has been having a great few years lately - just a bit unfortunate that this comes nearly five hundred years after she had a fairly unhappy life. Given that previous to around 2011, the only reason Ladies Katherine and Mary Grey had really only clung on to the historical record as Lady Jane Grey's sisters, this is quite a weather change. Leanda De Lisle's book The Sisters Who Would Be Queen seems to have lit a spark that started a real old bonfire and so the forgotten Grey girls are creeping out into the limelight. Alison Weir attempted to retell their story with A Dangerous Inheritance but it was all a bit ... tedious. I had better hopes for Elizabeth Fremantle after Queen's Gambit but I felt like Sisters of Treason was a bit of a disappointment.
I have a strong love-hate thing going with historical fiction - I love history but I hate it when people who I find interesting are written badly. I don't actually mind if they're made into a villain but I really do feel fed up when Philippa Gregory cranks out yet another book about where the women giggle and simper and flounce about batting their eyelashes. The only way I got through The White Queen was because I had done my back in and the mental pain of reading Gregory's dreadful prose was a comparatively pleasant distraction from the physical agony of a lower back in spasm. Elizabeth Fremantle's book is nothing like as dispiriting as anything Philippa Gregory puts out but given how much I enjoyed Queen's Gambit, I had really hoped that I had finally found an author of historical fiction to admire. It wasn't that I hated Sisters of Treason, it just left no real impression.
Given that this is my third time reviewing a book about the Grey sisters, I feel slightly guilty retreading the plot of their lives. Sisters of Treason kicks off with a bang with the execution of Jane and this scene was in many ways the most successful of the novel. Jane is steeled for martyrdom and is far more composed than her mother and although it was perhaps something of a stretch to imagine a last-minute reunion before the axe fell, Fremantle engineers it in a way that is credible. Less believable is Frances Brandon's baffling francophilia. Frances Brandon is another character who has gone through something of a personality transplant - rather than being the cold-blooded harpy who ordered her daughter to her death, over the past few years her behaviour has been re-evaluated more favourably and now she is a terribly good sort of woman who loved her daughters but was manipulated by her ambitious husband. Quite why Fremantle chose to extend this re-evaluation by making her launch into French phrases mid-sentence was unclear. Given that she only ever used simple phrases which the average non-French-speaker could understand, it did not feel in any way natural. And every time the Grey girls referred to their mother as 'Maman', it grated. I know that they could not exactly call her 'Mum' but Maman? Really?
As with its predecessor Queen's Gambit, Fremantle has done her research and stirred in a few extra real life people - last time it was a famous playwright and a royal physician. This time, she has summoned up portraitist Levina Teerlinc and imagined for her a connection with the Grey family. The narration of Sisters of Treason was split between Katherine, Mary and Levina but I felt that the latter could have been safely dropped. Levina's story did not catch me as much as Nicholas' did in Queen's Gambit, hers was the ancient work vs family debate that has plagued women since time immemorial but Levina's family life felt ill-defined and vague. Other than occasional flashes, even her apparent religious principles felt out of focus. I understood Nicholas' loyalty to Katherine Parr in Fremantle's last novel and I believed in it. It just seemed a bit of a stretch to give credence to the notion that Levina de Teerlinc would sacrifice her family's well-being to run after the Grey girls, that she was so close to them that she was present at Jane's death, managed to smuggle herself into the Tower to visit Katherine and befriended Mary too. To be frank, what with her Great Artistic Talent, her Loyalty and Warmth etc, etc, Levina felt a bit too Awesome for comfort - she felt like a Mary-Sue.
My favourite Grey sister has always been Lady Mary and for me, the more effective parts of Sisters of Treason were those told in her voice. Mary Grey seems to have suffered from some form of dwarfism and had a crooked back throughout her life. It was intriguing to imagine her function for Mary Tudor; like a living doll, Mary Grey is called to sit upon the Queen's knee. She hopes to be excused from this when the Queen appears to be expecting a baby and it is with sullenness that she stumps back to her duty. Mary is the Voice of Reason in Sisters of Treason - with her outsider's eye, as someone who looks neither to marriage or renown, she sees to the truth of those around her and this is sign-posted early on when the departing Jane leaves no word for her youngest sister becaus she says that Mary requires no advice. But all of that does not stop Mary from having a warm heart and being a dear soul. The final section did make me want to rejoice for her.
I think though that what I found disappointing was Katherine's story. It felt jumbled - first of all there is the notion that she and her first husband were sexually active. Then Fremantle introduces the idea that Katherine was actually bisexual and experimented with her future sister-in-law Jane Seymour (niece of the one who was Henry VIII's third wife). All of this does rather diminish her love story with young Edward Seymour. Reading Katherine's love letters to her lost husband in The Sisters Who Would Be Queen, I really felt for that poor girl who had loved, loved, loved her husband and the children she had by him and had been separated from them. I felt as though Fremantle had read A Dangerous Inheritance and wanted to avoid repeating Weir'd book - she is not focussing on one of the most potentially compelling elements of her story and it just seems peculiar. I do feel that Fremantle is a hugely talented writer and Katherine Grey's life story has all the elements of an operatic tragedy but it feels as though Fremantle herself never quite believes in Katherine and Hereford as lovers. He remained single for almost twenty years after her death - I think there can be little doubt that he loved her.
More than The Sisters Who Would Be Queen or indeed A Dangerous Inheritance, Elizabeth Fremantle seems to be telling a story about women whose very existence was a treason. Mary Grey wanted more than to simply sit on the Queen's knee. Katherine Grey wanted more than to flirt and frolic. They wanted to live, to love, to have a home, to be more than the simple sum of their family. Mary Grey's simple plea was to be allowed to keep the tiny crumb of happiness she had found herself - but by the simple fact of their royal blood, their sovereign could take no chances. Yet, when the sovereign shows you no kindness, it is hard to resist the urge to rebel. Still, the final chapters felt rushed, Fremantle skips huge chunks of her heroines' lives and with this being my third book on the subject, it annoyed me even more than usual. With Queen's Gambit a hit and this is a miss, I think we shall have to call this a one-all result so far for Elizabeth Fremantle and I shall look out for her up-coming effort on Mary Queen of Scots later this year ...
For my full review: http://girlwithherheadinabook.blogspo...
I have a strong love-hate thing going with historical fiction - I love history but I hate it when people who I find interesting are written badly. I don't actually mind if they're made into a villain but I really do feel fed up when Philippa Gregory cranks out yet another book about where the women giggle and simper and flounce about batting their eyelashes. The only way I got through The White Queen was because I had done my back in and the mental pain of reading Gregory's dreadful prose was a comparatively pleasant distraction from the physical agony of a lower back in spasm. Elizabeth Fremantle's book is nothing like as dispiriting as anything Philippa Gregory puts out but given how much I enjoyed Queen's Gambit, I had really hoped that I had finally found an author of historical fiction to admire. It wasn't that I hated Sisters of Treason, it just left no real impression.
Given that this is my third time reviewing a book about the Grey sisters, I feel slightly guilty retreading the plot of their lives. Sisters of Treason kicks off with a bang with the execution of Jane and this scene was in many ways the most successful of the novel. Jane is steeled for martyrdom and is far more composed than her mother and although it was perhaps something of a stretch to imagine a last-minute reunion before the axe fell, Fremantle engineers it in a way that is credible. Less believable is Frances Brandon's baffling francophilia. Frances Brandon is another character who has gone through something of a personality transplant - rather than being the cold-blooded harpy who ordered her daughter to her death, over the past few years her behaviour has been re-evaluated more favourably and now she is a terribly good sort of woman who loved her daughters but was manipulated by her ambitious husband. Quite why Fremantle chose to extend this re-evaluation by making her launch into French phrases mid-sentence was unclear. Given that she only ever used simple phrases which the average non-French-speaker could understand, it did not feel in any way natural. And every time the Grey girls referred to their mother as 'Maman', it grated. I know that they could not exactly call her 'Mum' but Maman? Really?
As with its predecessor Queen's Gambit, Fremantle has done her research and stirred in a few extra real life people - last time it was a famous playwright and a royal physician. This time, she has summoned up portraitist Levina Teerlinc and imagined for her a connection with the Grey family. The narration of Sisters of Treason was split between Katherine, Mary and Levina but I felt that the latter could have been safely dropped. Levina's story did not catch me as much as Nicholas' did in Queen's Gambit, hers was the ancient work vs family debate that has plagued women since time immemorial but Levina's family life felt ill-defined and vague. Other than occasional flashes, even her apparent religious principles felt out of focus. I understood Nicholas' loyalty to Katherine Parr in Fremantle's last novel and I believed in it. It just seemed a bit of a stretch to give credence to the notion that Levina de Teerlinc would sacrifice her family's well-being to run after the Grey girls, that she was so close to them that she was present at Jane's death, managed to smuggle herself into the Tower to visit Katherine and befriended Mary too. To be frank, what with her Great Artistic Talent, her Loyalty and Warmth etc, etc, Levina felt a bit too Awesome for comfort - she felt like a Mary-Sue.
My favourite Grey sister has always been Lady Mary and for me, the more effective parts of Sisters of Treason were those told in her voice. Mary Grey seems to have suffered from some form of dwarfism and had a crooked back throughout her life. It was intriguing to imagine her function for Mary Tudor; like a living doll, Mary Grey is called to sit upon the Queen's knee. She hopes to be excused from this when the Queen appears to be expecting a baby and it is with sullenness that she stumps back to her duty. Mary is the Voice of Reason in Sisters of Treason - with her outsider's eye, as someone who looks neither to marriage or renown, she sees to the truth of those around her and this is sign-posted early on when the departing Jane leaves no word for her youngest sister becaus she says that Mary requires no advice. But all of that does not stop Mary from having a warm heart and being a dear soul. The final section did make me want to rejoice for her.
I think though that what I found disappointing was Katherine's story. It felt jumbled - first of all there is the notion that she and her first husband were sexually active. Then Fremantle introduces the idea that Katherine was actually bisexual and experimented with her future sister-in-law Jane Seymour (niece of the one who was Henry VIII's third wife). All of this does rather diminish her love story with young Edward Seymour. Reading Katherine's love letters to her lost husband in The Sisters Who Would Be Queen, I really felt for that poor girl who had loved, loved, loved her husband and the children she had by him and had been separated from them. I felt as though Fremantle had read A Dangerous Inheritance and wanted to avoid repeating Weir'd book - she is not focussing on one of the most potentially compelling elements of her story and it just seems peculiar. I do feel that Fremantle is a hugely talented writer and Katherine Grey's life story has all the elements of an operatic tragedy but it feels as though Fremantle herself never quite believes in Katherine and Hereford as lovers. He remained single for almost twenty years after her death - I think there can be little doubt that he loved her.
More than The Sisters Who Would Be Queen or indeed A Dangerous Inheritance, Elizabeth Fremantle seems to be telling a story about women whose very existence was a treason. Mary Grey wanted more than to simply sit on the Queen's knee. Katherine Grey wanted more than to flirt and frolic. They wanted to live, to love, to have a home, to be more than the simple sum of their family. Mary Grey's simple plea was to be allowed to keep the tiny crumb of happiness she had found herself - but by the simple fact of their royal blood, their sovereign could take no chances. Yet, when the sovereign shows you no kindness, it is hard to resist the urge to rebel. Still, the final chapters felt rushed, Fremantle skips huge chunks of her heroines' lives and with this being my third book on the subject, it annoyed me even more than usual. With Queen's Gambit a hit and this is a miss, I think we shall have to call this a one-all result so far for Elizabeth Fremantle and I shall look out for her up-coming effort on Mary Queen of Scots later this year ...
For my full review: http://girlwithherheadinabook.blogspo...
August 23, 2015
The young Grey sisters witness the unsettled English court from within. Their royal blood makes them targets for bigger plots.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Read competition a while back, and I do feel a little guilty that I've taken this long to review it.
This is a very grey book about the Grey sisters.
It opens with the execution of Lady Jane Grey - the Queen who succeeded Edward VI for all of 9 nines day before Mary I's supporters took the crown.
I'm afraid to say that this scene was the only interesting one, and it all drags along from there. At only 60 pages in, I was bored of the constantly being told that Katherine was pretty; Mary was insightful; they both had to hide their religion.
It's very dry and unimaginative how it is always done - with whatever third party is in the scene, commenting to said sister how lovely they were in their way. And the sister would treat us to yet another musing of, "why yes, I suppose that I am beautiful/insightful."
Which kinda leads on to the fact that the book's narration is split between Katherine, Mary and Levina (a portrait painter of the time, and friend of the girls' mother). But there is no difference in voice - it wound me up: that a nine year old girl (no matter how mature and intelligent) should have the same thought and speech patterns as a 40 year old woman.
As for the supporting characters... I love reading about the whole Tudor period. The politics, the danger, the intrigue, women that must balance their strength against the ambitions of men.
This felt like a high school drama. Queen Mary is constantly displayed as weak, blinded by faith and an obsession with having a child. Instead of being well-schooled and controlled, Queen Elizabeth is the bitch who flaunts her power and wears her heart on her sleeve. I have no interest in reading these versions.
I had been looking forward to the "dangerous romantic liaisons" and the "maze of treachery, suspicion and danger" the book promises.
Instead, those bits were cut out, and we got what was left. With the exception of Lady Jane's beheading, we weren't present at any major event. Seriously, we hang about in the background, where they talk about what has happened. They talk about Queen Mary's death; they chat about Queen Elizabeth's coronation and the dress she wore. Even the minor plot points, like the engagement of Mary Grey's best friend Peggy; or the marriage of Katherine's best friend, Jane Dormer - we hear about them afterwards.
Instead we're treated to repetitive non-plot.
I got over 200 pages in, but have other books that I'm keen to move onto.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Read competition a while back, and I do feel a little guilty that I've taken this long to review it.
This is a very grey book about the Grey sisters.
It opens with the execution of Lady Jane Grey - the Queen who succeeded Edward VI for all of 9 nines day before Mary I's supporters took the crown.
I'm afraid to say that this scene was the only interesting one, and it all drags along from there. At only 60 pages in, I was bored of the constantly being told that Katherine was pretty; Mary was insightful; they both had to hide their religion.
It's very dry and unimaginative how it is always done - with whatever third party is in the scene, commenting to said sister how lovely they were in their way. And the sister would treat us to yet another musing of, "why yes, I suppose that I am beautiful/insightful."
Which kinda leads on to the fact that the book's narration is split between Katherine, Mary and Levina (a portrait painter of the time, and friend of the girls' mother). But there is no difference in voice - it wound me up: that a nine year old girl (no matter how mature and intelligent) should have the same thought and speech patterns as a 40 year old woman.
As for the supporting characters... I love reading about the whole Tudor period. The politics, the danger, the intrigue, women that must balance their strength against the ambitions of men.
This felt like a high school drama. Queen Mary is constantly displayed as weak, blinded by faith and an obsession with having a child. Instead of being well-schooled and controlled, Queen Elizabeth is the bitch who flaunts her power and wears her heart on her sleeve. I have no interest in reading these versions.
I had been looking forward to the "dangerous romantic liaisons" and the "maze of treachery, suspicion and danger" the book promises.
Instead, those bits were cut out, and we got what was left. With the exception of Lady Jane's beheading, we weren't present at any major event. Seriously, we hang about in the background, where they talk about what has happened. They talk about Queen Mary's death; they chat about Queen Elizabeth's coronation and the dress she wore. Even the minor plot points, like the engagement of Mary Grey's best friend Peggy; or the marriage of Katherine's best friend, Jane Dormer - we hear about them afterwards.
Instead we're treated to repetitive non-plot.
I got over 200 pages in, but have other books that I'm keen to move onto.
January 18, 2016
DNF at page 120 - I just couldn't settle in to this book.
Maybe it's the setting, as I'm more comfortable reading earlier history (Go, Matilda!). But then again, I like Elizabeth Moss/Victoria Lamb and that's the same time period. I'll likely try this one again in future.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
Maybe it's the setting, as I'm more comfortable reading earlier history (Go, Matilda!). But then again, I like Elizabeth Moss/Victoria Lamb and that's the same time period. I'll likely try this one again in future.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
July 29, 2025
"Sisters of Treason" suffers from excessive verbosity, filled with unnecessary details that dilute its impact. The characters, Maria and Catherine, feel underdeveloped, relying on shallow traits: Maria is intelligent and disabled, while Catherine is beautiful and flirtatious. Unfortunately, we don't get to explore their complexities beyond these basic descriptions.
The narrative lacks intrigue, with a plot that feels aimless and devoid of purpose. However, Fremantle’s skillful writing shines through, allowing readers to appreciate the prose even in the absence of substantial action.
The narrative lacks intrigue, with a plot that feels aimless and devoid of purpose. However, Fremantle’s skillful writing shines through, allowing readers to appreciate the prose even in the absence of substantial action.
May 15, 2019
This was interesting. I like that it focuses on lesser known Tudor family members
June 2, 2024
Historia pełna intryg i knowań. Nie znoszę politycznych sporów, a od tych dosłownie wylewa się z książki. Czytałam i męczyłam się tymi zawiłymi intrygami dworskimi, które jeśli nie były udane kończyły się śmiercią głównego pomysłodawcy. Opowieść o dziedziczeniu korony, małżeństwach, które jeśli nie były zgodne z myślą polityczną były przez królowe unieważniane i o dzieciach uznawanych za bękarty lub (jeśli było to zgodne z myślą polityczną) za prawowitych dziedziców. Szaleństwo! Jeśli kogoś pasjonują takie intrygi i opowieści rodem z telenoweli brazylijskich, które (o zgrozo!) miały rzeczywiście miejsce, to ta historia będzie spełnieniem marzeń.
January 18, 2022
There's little not to love about this second installment of a magnificent trilogy so far. Still my favourite female author. Roll on "Watch the Lady." The third and final book!
5 solid stars 🌟 🤩 😁
5 solid stars 🌟 🤩 😁
April 5, 2014
ARC received from NetGalley.
I started Sisters of Treason shortly after finishing the last book in alternative history trilogy by Laura Andersen. Where the latter novel portrays Mary Tudor as a self-described pious martyr of her faith and Elizabeth as practical and devoted to preserving the integrity of the crown, Fremantle's story casts them in a light more in tune to how they've been portrayed in fiction (Mary delusional and melancholy, Elizabeth cunning and not necessarily trusting of everybody). This story spans Mary I's reign through much of Elizabeth's, highlighting the religious conflicts and turmoil that defined the era. However, the true main characters of Sisters are Katherine and Mary Grey, sisters of the ill-fated "Nine Days Queen."
With confidante and court artist Levina, the Grey sisters tread lightly through court with the specter of succession hanging over them. Like Jane, Katherine has a claim to a high rank in succession if she wants it, but seems more interested in a husband and family. Mary, deformed and highly observant, serves almost as a peacemaker - her physical defects lessen her chances for the crown, yet she is kept close.
I read so much Tudor fiction, and Sisters of Treason is somewhat a chance of pace for me since the story focuses on a branch of the family typically relegated to cameos. It's the story of a family that simply wants to be, women who don't aspire to rule and are viewed with suspicion by virtue of their lineage. Fremantle's story is vivid and tense, rich in all the drama that defined the Tudor Era, particularly the question of its future.
I started Sisters of Treason shortly after finishing the last book in alternative history trilogy by Laura Andersen. Where the latter novel portrays Mary Tudor as a self-described pious martyr of her faith and Elizabeth as practical and devoted to preserving the integrity of the crown, Fremantle's story casts them in a light more in tune to how they've been portrayed in fiction (Mary delusional and melancholy, Elizabeth cunning and not necessarily trusting of everybody). This story spans Mary I's reign through much of Elizabeth's, highlighting the religious conflicts and turmoil that defined the era. However, the true main characters of Sisters are Katherine and Mary Grey, sisters of the ill-fated "Nine Days Queen."
With confidante and court artist Levina, the Grey sisters tread lightly through court with the specter of succession hanging over them. Like Jane, Katherine has a claim to a high rank in succession if she wants it, but seems more interested in a husband and family. Mary, deformed and highly observant, serves almost as a peacemaker - her physical defects lessen her chances for the crown, yet she is kept close.
I read so much Tudor fiction, and Sisters of Treason is somewhat a chance of pace for me since the story focuses on a branch of the family typically relegated to cameos. It's the story of a family that simply wants to be, women who don't aspire to rule and are viewed with suspicion by virtue of their lineage. Fremantle's story is vivid and tense, rich in all the drama that defined the Tudor Era, particularly the question of its future.
June 4, 2016
Excellent historical fiction, my favourite genre! Set in Tudor England in the unsettled period following death of Henry VIII and his son, the boy King, Edward VI. The book begins with the beheading of Lady Jane Grey, the 9 day Queen, and follows the troubled lives of her two sisters, Katherine and Mary. The Courts of Henry's daughters, Mary and Elizabeth are hotbeds of dangerous intrigue and both the Grey girls, being so close to the Crown, are unable to escape the dreadful consequences of all the cruel gossip and lies.
January 3, 2018
The Grey sisters (Jane, Katherine, Mary) lived dangerous, tragic lives under the Tudor queens and Elizabeth Fremantle's fine novel brings their stories to life. A powerful and emotional read, it is impossible not to care for these young girls while also fearing the charismatic but in many ways monstrous queens. A fine successor to last year's The Queen's Gambit.
January 6, 2015
Pretty good -- some interesting/different ideas applied to the lives of the Grey women (better relationship with their mother, Katherine's bisexuality) but also far too long.
Review to come.
Review to come.
September 5, 2018
Jane Grey wordt na 9 dagen koningin van Engeland te zijn en een tijdje opgesloten te zitten in The Tower onthoofd op bevel van haar nicht Mary Tudor. Dit verhaal start bij haar executie waar haar moeder Frances en diens beste vriendin getuige van zijn. De Greys vallen diep maar Jane's twee jongere zussen blijven een sterke claim hebben zolang er geen erfgenaam komt. Katherine houdt van het hofleven, haar honden en de liefde. Mary is misvormd en wordt uitgelachen en hoopt dat ze ooit liefde mag kennen. Ze zullen doorheen de jaren nog vaak de gevolgen van hun Tudorbloed moeten dragen wanneer eerst Mary en later ook Elizabeth kinderloos blijven. Zullen ze het lot van Jane delen of ligt er toch iets beters om de hoek?
Fremantle is mijn favoriete auteur op vlak van Tudorfictie. En ook deze was weer geweldig. Het verhaal van de Greys is dramatisch en oneerlijk. En dat van Katherine en Mary is veel minder bekend dan dat van hun oudere zus Jane.
Ik vind het ook Elizabeths grootste denkfout. Om de claim van de Greys niet te steunen. Het was de kans om het protestantisme veilig te stellen zonder de Stuarts aan zet te krijgen. Mary I's mening over hen kan ik nog begrijpen door de religieuze verschillen, maar Elizabeth had het allemaal makkelijker kunnen maken door de Greys gewoon aan het hof te houden en een warm hart toe te dragen.
Het blijft boeiend van alle standpunten en zoals altijd voegt Fremantle een onbekend perspectief toe. Deze keer dat van schilderes Levina. Opnieuw had ik een enorme klik met dit personage. Daarnaast vond ik het verfrissend om eens positief over Frances Brandon te lezen in deze context. En het verhaal van de derde zus Mary, daarover had ik ook nog nooit gelezen en zij had ook echt een unieke stem in dit boek.
Aanrader!
Fremantle is mijn favoriete auteur op vlak van Tudorfictie. En ook deze was weer geweldig. Het verhaal van de Greys is dramatisch en oneerlijk. En dat van Katherine en Mary is veel minder bekend dan dat van hun oudere zus Jane.
Ik vind het ook Elizabeths grootste denkfout. Om de claim van de Greys niet te steunen. Het was de kans om het protestantisme veilig te stellen zonder de Stuarts aan zet te krijgen. Mary I's mening over hen kan ik nog begrijpen door de religieuze verschillen, maar Elizabeth had het allemaal makkelijker kunnen maken door de Greys gewoon aan het hof te houden en een warm hart toe te dragen.
Het blijft boeiend van alle standpunten en zoals altijd voegt Fremantle een onbekend perspectief toe. Deze keer dat van schilderes Levina. Opnieuw had ik een enorme klik met dit personage. Daarnaast vond ik het verfrissend om eens positief over Frances Brandon te lezen in deze context. En het verhaal van de derde zus Mary, daarover had ik ook nog nooit gelezen en zij had ook echt een unieke stem in dit boek.
Aanrader!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2019
The story of Lady Jane Grey, crowned Queen of England for 9 days following the death of Henry VIII's son, Edward, and prior to Mary Tudor's (often referred to as Bloody Mary) ascension to the throne is one of my favorite stories from this tumultuous time period. This story begins with the execution of 17-yr-old Jane Grey and continues with the lives of her two sisters, Lady Katherine Grey and Lady Mary Grey who both were ladies-in-waiting to Queen Mary Tudor and then Elizabeth I. An absolutely fascinating tale, well told. The audio version was expertly narrated from the different points of view.
January 11, 2021
I have read this book twice recently finishing it again. It's part fiction part fact. The three Grey Sisters, Jane, Kitty (kathrine) and Mary. It's a sound tale and the three narrators I feel do a marvellous job. High praise from me!
October 22, 2015
Find my full review at http://aliteraryvacation.blogspot.com.
Tudor history is one of those time periods that has been written about every possible way, with just about every person of note highlighted and nearly every corner unearthed to try and present the history in a new and interesting light. While I still can't get enough of the Tudors I do understand why many readers have all but banned them from their reading lists....there's just been such an over-saturation of the subject matter! So what could draw a reader familiar with the time period back? Simply put, exceptional writing and a story that, while familiar, is still poignant and alluring. This is exactly what you will get in Elizabeth Fremantle's Sisters of Treason, a novel that is so well written you cannot help but be drawn in and captured by the characters even as you know the inevitable paths their lives will take.
I switched back and forth between the Kindle version and the Audible audiobook version of Sisters of Treason but I must note that the audiobook was so captivating that I listened to the majority of the story. The narrators (Georgina Sutton, Rachel Bavidge and Teresa Gallagher) were perfect and did a phenomenal job of giving Lady Catharine, Lady Mary and Levina Teerlinc their own voices and personalities. So often with audiobooks there is one narrator that does their best to create distinct voices for multiple characters, but having the three separate narrators eliminated any possible confusion between characters and gave each her own story within a story. Whichever narrated Lady Mary was PERFECT and was able to somehow give us this higher, innocent sounding voice laced with steal that perfectly personified the Lady Mary within the story. I was so disappointed whenever I had to stop listening and do anything else.
Choosing to tell this story from these three points of view was excellent. The story as a whole covers the time period from Jane Grey's execution through a good part of Queen Elizabeth's reign. The royal blood that flows within the two surviving Grey sisters meant they would never be too far from the court or the intrigues that surrounded the thrones of Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I, especially Lady Mary as her deformity and small stature made her less of a threat to both queens and made it so she was nearly invisible to many. She was almost a pet to these queens and was witness to many conversations and intrigues that wouldn't have happened in front of others. Lady Catharine, on the other hand, did present more of a threat so was closely watched and punished for any personal freedoms she sought without the queens' permission. Levinia also presents a great point of view as she shifts from the fringes of the court as a painter into the grime and dirt of the streets, giving a way to show what all level of person would have felt and experienced during this turbulent time. These shifting perspectives gives a constant feeling of tension overlaying the story as danger and grief is never far behind any of these women.
Individually, each woman's story is laced with loss, heartache and, ever so briefly, small glimpses of joy. Lady Katharine wants nothing more than to love freely and be loved and, for anyone who knows the story already, her actions toward this end bring her years of imprisonment and indescribable loss. Lady Mary wants peace and security away from court and, while she eventually finds a small taste of this, faces her own losses of love and happiness before getting there. Levina sacrifices much of her own love and family in the pursuit of her art and to protect the Grey sisters and, while I wasn't familiar with her as a court painter, watching her tug-a-war between her home life and her court life was fascinating. All of these characters are brought to life in such a way that it was impossible not to feel for them and ache a little for all they lost.
The secondary characters are just as well brought to life. I was amazed at the detail given to Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and Ms. Fremantle does an exceptional job of showing the mental and physical unraveling of Mary as well as the whip-smart and vindictive nature of Elizabeth. I was a little surprised at the sympathetic presentation of the Grey sisters' mother, Francis Grey, as I have always seen her presented as a cruel, cold and manipulative woman, but I enjoyed seeing her as a more loving and kind mother to Catharine and Mary and supportive friend to Levina. The entire story, from character development to period detail, is just perfectly presented.
Even though I have all three of Elizabeth Fremantle's novels this is my first experience with her writing and it is just superb. I am now prepared to dive right into Queen's Gambit (the first in her Tudor Trilogy with Sisters of Treason being the second) and Watch the Lady (the third book in the Tudor Trilogy). I can't imagine a better way to spend my time and recommend her writing to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or just a wonderfully spun story.
Tudor history is one of those time periods that has been written about every possible way, with just about every person of note highlighted and nearly every corner unearthed to try and present the history in a new and interesting light. While I still can't get enough of the Tudors I do understand why many readers have all but banned them from their reading lists....there's just been such an over-saturation of the subject matter! So what could draw a reader familiar with the time period back? Simply put, exceptional writing and a story that, while familiar, is still poignant and alluring. This is exactly what you will get in Elizabeth Fremantle's Sisters of Treason, a novel that is so well written you cannot help but be drawn in and captured by the characters even as you know the inevitable paths their lives will take.
I switched back and forth between the Kindle version and the Audible audiobook version of Sisters of Treason but I must note that the audiobook was so captivating that I listened to the majority of the story. The narrators (Georgina Sutton, Rachel Bavidge and Teresa Gallagher) were perfect and did a phenomenal job of giving Lady Catharine, Lady Mary and Levina Teerlinc their own voices and personalities. So often with audiobooks there is one narrator that does their best to create distinct voices for multiple characters, but having the three separate narrators eliminated any possible confusion between characters and gave each her own story within a story. Whichever narrated Lady Mary was PERFECT and was able to somehow give us this higher, innocent sounding voice laced with steal that perfectly personified the Lady Mary within the story. I was so disappointed whenever I had to stop listening and do anything else.
Choosing to tell this story from these three points of view was excellent. The story as a whole covers the time period from Jane Grey's execution through a good part of Queen Elizabeth's reign. The royal blood that flows within the two surviving Grey sisters meant they would never be too far from the court or the intrigues that surrounded the thrones of Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I, especially Lady Mary as her deformity and small stature made her less of a threat to both queens and made it so she was nearly invisible to many. She was almost a pet to these queens and was witness to many conversations and intrigues that wouldn't have happened in front of others. Lady Catharine, on the other hand, did present more of a threat so was closely watched and punished for any personal freedoms she sought without the queens' permission. Levinia also presents a great point of view as she shifts from the fringes of the court as a painter into the grime and dirt of the streets, giving a way to show what all level of person would have felt and experienced during this turbulent time. These shifting perspectives gives a constant feeling of tension overlaying the story as danger and grief is never far behind any of these women.
Individually, each woman's story is laced with loss, heartache and, ever so briefly, small glimpses of joy. Lady Katharine wants nothing more than to love freely and be loved and, for anyone who knows the story already, her actions toward this end bring her years of imprisonment and indescribable loss. Lady Mary wants peace and security away from court and, while she eventually finds a small taste of this, faces her own losses of love and happiness before getting there. Levina sacrifices much of her own love and family in the pursuit of her art and to protect the Grey sisters and, while I wasn't familiar with her as a court painter, watching her tug-a-war between her home life and her court life was fascinating. All of these characters are brought to life in such a way that it was impossible not to feel for them and ache a little for all they lost.
The secondary characters are just as well brought to life. I was amazed at the detail given to Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and Ms. Fremantle does an exceptional job of showing the mental and physical unraveling of Mary as well as the whip-smart and vindictive nature of Elizabeth. I was a little surprised at the sympathetic presentation of the Grey sisters' mother, Francis Grey, as I have always seen her presented as a cruel, cold and manipulative woman, but I enjoyed seeing her as a more loving and kind mother to Catharine and Mary and supportive friend to Levina. The entire story, from character development to period detail, is just perfectly presented.
Even though I have all three of Elizabeth Fremantle's novels this is my first experience with her writing and it is just superb. I am now prepared to dive right into Queen's Gambit (the first in her Tudor Trilogy with Sisters of Treason being the second) and Watch the Lady (the third book in the Tudor Trilogy). I can't imagine a better way to spend my time and recommend her writing to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or just a wonderfully spun story.
May 10, 2016
Die Autorin Elizabeth Fremantle konzentriert sich in ihren historischen Romanen auf eine höchst interessante Epoche der englischen Geschichte. Es ist das Zeitalter der Tudors und der englischen Renaissance, und Fremantle beschreibt in farbenprächtigen Bildern nicht nur das Leben am Hofe, sondern auch ganz besondere Einzelschicksale wie beispielsweise in ihrem Erstling „Spiel der Königin“, in dessen Zentrum Catherine Parr steht, die sechste und letzte Ehefrau Henrys VIII.
In ihrem aktuellen Roman „Im Schatten der Königin“ geht Fremantle weiter in der Chronologie, denn hier dreht sich nun alles um die Töchter der Familie Grey. Jeder, der sich mit der englischen Geschichte der Tudorzeit beschäftigt, kennt das tragische Schicksal der „Neuntagekönigin“ Lady Jane Grey, der protestantischen Nachfolgerin Edward VI. auf Englands Thron, die das Festhalten an ihrem Glauben mit dem Leben bezahlen musste. Auch nach ihrer Hinrichtung sind sowohl ihre Mutter Frances als auch ihre beiden Schwestern Katherine, die herzgesteuerte Schönheit, und Mary, die Intelligente mit körperlichem Makel, am Hofe von Queen Mary zu finden und leben tagtäglich in der Angst, das gleiche Schicksal wie Jane zu erleiden. Als nach dem Tode der „Bloody Mary“ Elisabeth I. den Thron besteigt, entspannt sich die Situation kurzzeitig, aber schon bald müssen die Schwestern schmerzlich feststellen, dass es ihr eigener Wille nichts gilt, sondern dass es immer die Monarchen sind, die schlussendlich das letzte Wort bei Entscheidungen haben.
Es sind drei verschiedene Perspektiven, aus denen die Autorin diese turbulente Jahre erzählen lässt. Zum einen sind das natürlich die beiden Grey-Schwestern Katherine und Mary, zum anderen werden deren Schilderungen durch die Sicht Levinas ergänzt. Diese ist nicht nur eine loyale Freundin der Familie Grey, sondern auch noch eine Porträtmalerin und kommt somit auch mit den unterschiedlichsten Menschen in Kontakt. Ihre Sichtweise ergänzt die höfischen Details der Adligen mit den Darstellungen des Lebens der „normalen“ Menschen am Hofe. Gleichzeitig ist sie die kommentierende Stimme, die analysiert und zu ergründen versucht.
„Im Schatten der Königin“ ist ein üppiger Roman, in dessen Zentrum zwei ungleiche Schwesternpaare stehen. Einerseits Mary und Elisabeth, in Hass verbunden, andererseits Katherine und Mary, die füreinander durchs Feuer gehen würden. Schwesternliebe, Schwesternhass und Loyalität – auf diesen drei Säulen ruht Fremantles Geschichte, die eng an den historisch belegbaren Tatsachen bleibt. Eine h��chst unterhaltsame Geschichtsstunde, allen Lesern wärmstens empfohlen, die sich für die englische Historie interessieren.
In ihrem aktuellen Roman „Im Schatten der Königin“ geht Fremantle weiter in der Chronologie, denn hier dreht sich nun alles um die Töchter der Familie Grey. Jeder, der sich mit der englischen Geschichte der Tudorzeit beschäftigt, kennt das tragische Schicksal der „Neuntagekönigin“ Lady Jane Grey, der protestantischen Nachfolgerin Edward VI. auf Englands Thron, die das Festhalten an ihrem Glauben mit dem Leben bezahlen musste. Auch nach ihrer Hinrichtung sind sowohl ihre Mutter Frances als auch ihre beiden Schwestern Katherine, die herzgesteuerte Schönheit, und Mary, die Intelligente mit körperlichem Makel, am Hofe von Queen Mary zu finden und leben tagtäglich in der Angst, das gleiche Schicksal wie Jane zu erleiden. Als nach dem Tode der „Bloody Mary“ Elisabeth I. den Thron besteigt, entspannt sich die Situation kurzzeitig, aber schon bald müssen die Schwestern schmerzlich feststellen, dass es ihr eigener Wille nichts gilt, sondern dass es immer die Monarchen sind, die schlussendlich das letzte Wort bei Entscheidungen haben.
Es sind drei verschiedene Perspektiven, aus denen die Autorin diese turbulente Jahre erzählen lässt. Zum einen sind das natürlich die beiden Grey-Schwestern Katherine und Mary, zum anderen werden deren Schilderungen durch die Sicht Levinas ergänzt. Diese ist nicht nur eine loyale Freundin der Familie Grey, sondern auch noch eine Porträtmalerin und kommt somit auch mit den unterschiedlichsten Menschen in Kontakt. Ihre Sichtweise ergänzt die höfischen Details der Adligen mit den Darstellungen des Lebens der „normalen“ Menschen am Hofe. Gleichzeitig ist sie die kommentierende Stimme, die analysiert und zu ergründen versucht.
„Im Schatten der Königin“ ist ein üppiger Roman, in dessen Zentrum zwei ungleiche Schwesternpaare stehen. Einerseits Mary und Elisabeth, in Hass verbunden, andererseits Katherine und Mary, die füreinander durchs Feuer gehen würden. Schwesternliebe, Schwesternhass und Loyalität – auf diesen drei Säulen ruht Fremantles Geschichte, die eng an den historisch belegbaren Tatsachen bleibt. Eine h��chst unterhaltsame Geschichtsstunde, allen Lesern wärmstens empfohlen, die sich für die englische Historie interessieren.
May 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this fictional account of the lives of Katherine and Mary Grey, younger sisters of Lady Jane Grey; the ill-fated nine day Queen. I tried to read Leanda de Lisle's "The Sisters Who Would Be Queen"--a non-fiction book of the Grey sisters--a few years back but unfortunately I just couldn't get into it for some reason. This novel however truly brought Mary and Katherine's stories to life for me, much in the same way that Alison Weir's "Innocent Traitor" did for Jane. I greatly enjoyed reading it and found it just as well-written as Ms. Fremantle's first novel "Queen's Gambit".
This novel is told from three different perspectives. We have the viewpoint of Katherine Grey, Mary Grey, and then Levina Teerlinc--a Flemish painter who earned her living by painting miniature portraits for members of the English court. Levina's perspective in particular was interesting as it was that of an outsider to the Grey family and the Tudor cirle in which they belonged by right of blood. Furthermore Levina's character allowed the reader to gather a little bit more sense of the common people and how they were affected by the change in monarch and the subsequent changing of religious law. As a follower of the reformed faith Levina takes special interest in Lady Jane Grey's writing, a passion of Jane's that I feel the reader is expected to know about prior to reading this novel. I believe the author expects the reader to have some knowledge of Jane, but perhaps not of Mary or Katherine. This is exactly the boat in which I found myself and therefore I felt as though this novel was perfectly geared towards my knowledge base.
Although I can see how Katherine's character may be the favourite of many--she literally jumps from the page with vibrancy--it was Mary's steadfastness that truly resonated with me. In spite of her physical deformity Mary is quick to feel compassion for others, ignoring her own plight completely. Mary is also intelligent and witty, able to navigate the treacherous waters of court by using either her brain or quick wit to determine what to say, when to say it, and who to say it to. Katherine has none of this and therefore for me it was Mary who I truly felt a connection to. I admired her character greatly.
I look forward to the next novel by this talented author.
This novel is told from three different perspectives. We have the viewpoint of Katherine Grey, Mary Grey, and then Levina Teerlinc--a Flemish painter who earned her living by painting miniature portraits for members of the English court. Levina's perspective in particular was interesting as it was that of an outsider to the Grey family and the Tudor cirle in which they belonged by right of blood. Furthermore Levina's character allowed the reader to gather a little bit more sense of the common people and how they were affected by the change in monarch and the subsequent changing of religious law. As a follower of the reformed faith Levina takes special interest in Lady Jane Grey's writing, a passion of Jane's that I feel the reader is expected to know about prior to reading this novel. I believe the author expects the reader to have some knowledge of Jane, but perhaps not of Mary or Katherine. This is exactly the boat in which I found myself and therefore I felt as though this novel was perfectly geared towards my knowledge base.
Although I can see how Katherine's character may be the favourite of many--she literally jumps from the page with vibrancy--it was Mary's steadfastness that truly resonated with me. In spite of her physical deformity Mary is quick to feel compassion for others, ignoring her own plight completely. Mary is also intelligent and witty, able to navigate the treacherous waters of court by using either her brain or quick wit to determine what to say, when to say it, and who to say it to. Katherine has none of this and therefore for me it was Mary who I truly felt a connection to. I admired her character greatly.
I look forward to the next novel by this talented author.
July 18, 2014
Sisters of Treason by Elizabeth Freemantle is set in 16th century England during a time of political upheaval. At the heart of the story are three women, the sisters Mary and Catherine Grey, and painter Levina Teerlinc. Through their collective points of view, the story unfolds. The main story plot are the struggles of the two sisters to avoid court intrigue and politics. Still reeling after the beheading of their Sister, Lady Jane Grey, Catherine and Mary find themselves pulled into court intrigue despite their attempts to keep their distance, where a single swipe of the quill or a few angry words, or even worse, the truth, will spill out and see them imprisoned in the Tower or executed.
Although I had not read the previous book, The Queen's Gambit, it made no difference – this story definitely stands alone. At first I was a little apprehensive because of the over-abundance of Tudor novels on the market currently, and I am getting a little weary of them, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. The author has taken us deep into the viewpoint of two lesser known women in England’s history. So for that aspect alone, I found this book unique and refreshing. Brava Elizabeth Freemantle for bringing to life women other than those married to Henry VIII!
I did not expect to become so involved in this story, but I did. Lots of detail, spectacular writing, and an engaging plot kept me involved right to the very last page. Definitely a book not to overlook, especially if you are a fan of English history! I'm definitely looking forward to reading The Queen's Gambit!
Although I had not read the previous book, The Queen's Gambit, it made no difference – this story definitely stands alone. At first I was a little apprehensive because of the over-abundance of Tudor novels on the market currently, and I am getting a little weary of them, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. The author has taken us deep into the viewpoint of two lesser known women in England’s history. So for that aspect alone, I found this book unique and refreshing. Brava Elizabeth Freemantle for bringing to life women other than those married to Henry VIII!
I did not expect to become so involved in this story, but I did. Lots of detail, spectacular writing, and an engaging plot kept me involved right to the very last page. Definitely a book not to overlook, especially if you are a fan of English history! I'm definitely looking forward to reading The Queen's Gambit!
March 25, 2015
Fond Of
The opening scene with Jane Grey at the block really caught my attention, holding me in suspense despite knowing the outcome and set a firm tone to the novel.
Like Queen's Gambit, Sisters of Treason was visually stunning and could clearly see the story that was playing out.
The Sisters in question were well built and instantly felt for them, I particularly liked Mary, she was the tortoise of the childhood fable that everyone just has to route for. Kathrine on the other hand is the hare, hurrying to advance without thought to consequences and gets lost in the excitement.
The Queen is a nasty piece of work. A royal I liked to dislike but kept you on the edge of your toes as just when you thought she would grow a heart she twists the knife in deeper and puts salt in your wounds.
Not Fond Of
There was a little more than just Sisterly Love going on between Jane Seymour and Catherine Grey and felt it was unnecessary and irrelevant to the plot.
Catherine's time in the tower (when told by her) dragged and became a bit repetitive. While it was an "oh no" time in the book one can only pace around a room so many times.
Levina, while like the rest of this cast of characters is well developed but I thought she distracted from the Grey's story as they were the ones I was most interested in.
Final Thoughts
Sisters of Treason was a well thought out, plotted book with fantastic pacing. It is another great read from Elizabeth Fremantle and a must for fans of the Tudor era.
The opening scene with Jane Grey at the block really caught my attention, holding me in suspense despite knowing the outcome and set a firm tone to the novel.
Like Queen's Gambit, Sisters of Treason was visually stunning and could clearly see the story that was playing out.
The Sisters in question were well built and instantly felt for them, I particularly liked Mary, she was the tortoise of the childhood fable that everyone just has to route for. Kathrine on the other hand is the hare, hurrying to advance without thought to consequences and gets lost in the excitement.
The Queen is a nasty piece of work. A royal I liked to dislike but kept you on the edge of your toes as just when you thought she would grow a heart she twists the knife in deeper and puts salt in your wounds.
Not Fond Of
There was a little more than just Sisterly Love going on between Jane Seymour and Catherine Grey and felt it was unnecessary and irrelevant to the plot.
Catherine's time in the tower (when told by her) dragged and became a bit repetitive. While it was an "oh no" time in the book one can only pace around a room so many times.
Levina, while like the rest of this cast of characters is well developed but I thought she distracted from the Grey's story as they were the ones I was most interested in.
Final Thoughts
Sisters of Treason was a well thought out, plotted book with fantastic pacing. It is another great read from Elizabeth Fremantle and a must for fans of the Tudor era.
August 15, 2014
The story is told by 3 people: Katherine Grey, Mary Grey and court painter Levina Teerlinc and it worked well for this book.
My favourite was definitely Mary and I really wished it could have ended happily for her. Being crook backed definitely didn’t make things easy for her and people can be so cruel. And yet she remained kind and gentle despite everything. Her sister’s death had deep impact on her and taught how dangerous it can be to have royal blood in your veins.
Katherine was the type that thinks with her heart and not with her head, and it can be dangerous when you’re so close to the throne. She was little shallow and empty headed and I wished she would have listened Mary’s warnings. Her chapters were my least favourite and I think the weakest link in the book.
I really liked how the sisters’ mother Frances Grey was portrayed. She was shown as caring and loving mother who deeply mourned her daughter and it was nice to see her friendship with Levina who was “just” a court painter and not noble born.
This was truly enjoyable book and I look forward reading The Queen’s Gambit which I already own.
My favourite was definitely Mary and I really wished it could have ended happily for her. Being crook backed definitely didn’t make things easy for her and people can be so cruel. And yet she remained kind and gentle despite everything. Her sister’s death had deep impact on her and taught how dangerous it can be to have royal blood in your veins.
Katherine was the type that thinks with her heart and not with her head, and it can be dangerous when you’re so close to the throne. She was little shallow and empty headed and I wished she would have listened Mary’s warnings. Her chapters were my least favourite and I think the weakest link in the book.
I really liked how the sisters’ mother Frances Grey was portrayed. She was shown as caring and loving mother who deeply mourned her daughter and it was nice to see her friendship with Levina who was “just” a court painter and not noble born.
This was truly enjoyable book and I look forward reading The Queen’s Gambit which I already own.
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