Good but sad

Well written and interesting story. If you would like a happy story then probably not for you.
Worth a read as very original and imaginative prospective on English history

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

The story behind history

What did you like most about Sisters of Treason?

Many aspects of Sisters of Treason are interesting. Perhaps most intriguing is the fact that it is about the Grey family and the aftermath of Jane Grey's failed bid for the crown of England. Many official lists of the Kings and Queens of England neglect (or pointedly ignore) Jane Grey's 9 day rule, even though she was named as successor by King Edward. The manner in which Jane's sisters were treated by both Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth was despicable. The story highlights the terrifying low position of women in Tudor society - the lack of control over their own lives and the absolute control of monarchs in even the smallest areas of people's lives.

What other book might you compare Sisters of Treason to, and why?

I haven't read enough historical fiction to properly compare this book to any others, as I tend to read historical non fiction books. But Conn Iggluden's War of the Roses books are an interesting read.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

This is a book which features many tragic and sorrowful scenes. Perhaps, my favourite was the last of the book, when two boys visit Mary Grey. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll leave it at that :)

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are many moving (but sad) moments in the book. I think Katherine Grey's descent into madness is perhaps the most touching.

Any additional comments?

This was a stab-in-the-dark choice but one which I am profoundly grateful to have made. Thoroughly enjoyable, despite the circumstances the Grey sisters found themselves in for the vast majority of their lives. Makes one appreciate modern freedoms all the more!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Very entertaining

This story was well written and very moving in parts describing love and loss in words that touch the heart.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

History brought to life

Brings an interesting time in history to life, and provides a somewhat different perspective of some well known historical characters.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

review

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Would depend on the friend!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sisters of Treason?

Interesting slant on a familiar story

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Mostly historically accurate with fictitious backfill and well read although I am not sure I like the way the characters accents were portrayed.

One thing I find irritating about the vast majority of historical novels is the neediness of the female characters. The 'longing' for their menfolk and the endless pursuit of love. Whilst I am sure this was the case in some circumstances, I feel sure that many women entered loveless liaisons to fulfil family expectations and the thought of childbearing a fearful necessity. I also think that many women were just as ambitious as the men in pursuit of wealth and power. I often find that many novels of this genre are a bit simpering and gushing and it would be nice to find a historical novel that addresses the reality a bit more.

Was Sisters of Treason worth the listening time?

I enjoyed the book but found parts of it a bit mills and boonish

Any additional comments?

A good account of the Grey sisters

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

I enjoyed this historic story

My first full book on audible and I’ve really enjoyed it.

Having a look at the women’s lives and living their everyday lives with them was informative and interesting.

It’s made me want to move onto the next one 👏

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A must listen to

Have loved this story and the voices, it is well read, well written. Thoroughly enjoyed this audio book over and over again.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Good story - strange volume drops

A good story, narrated well and informative in as much as historic fiction can be. Only criticism would be the random drops in volume so much so you think you're about to get a phone call - distracting but not infrequent enough not to spoil the listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Good

Enjoyed the plot and it was well narrated.
Worth reading. Will look for more by this author in the future

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Really Disappointing

As I enjoyed the other two books by Elizabeth Fremantle, I bought this one even though it had a couple of terrible reviews; I actually thought those reviews were being harsh - they weren't.

I made it through nearly a third of this and I can't keep going; one of three characters is interesting, but unfortunately she's the one with the worst narrator (fake high child voice). Of the other two characters, one is boring and the other is grating, unbearably in the throes of juvenile love - it's like reading the diary of an infatuated thirteen year old girl. Painful.

Luckily, audible has their amazing Great Listen Guarantee - I'll be returning this now! Thank you, audible!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!