holley_cornetto's review against another edition
3.0
This book is a historical fiction set in London during the War of the Roses. The book includes the princes in the tower, and most of the political intrigue of that era, although that isn't the focus of the book. The focus is really on the silk women of London and the rising merchant class of that era as they work to produce and ply their trade. The book's protagonist, Isabel, is a plucky young lady who - despite the restrictions on women during the period - decides to take her life into her own hands, and make her own future.
I rate this at three stars. I liked it, but I didn't love it. This is my standard rating for "don't buy it; check it out from the library." I could admittedly be biased, having read this immediately following Year of Wonders by Gearldine Brooks. This book doesn't really do a great job creating an immersive setting on that scale. It was easy to forget the historical setting of this book, in part because it lacked the small details that readers often expect with historical fiction.
I rate this at three stars. I liked it, but I didn't love it. This is my standard rating for "don't buy it; check it out from the library." I could admittedly be biased, having read this immediately following Year of Wonders by Gearldine Brooks. This book doesn't really do a great job creating an immersive setting on that scale. It was easy to forget the historical setting of this book, in part because it lacked the small details that readers often expect with historical fiction.
megmcardle's review against another edition
4.0
This is solid historical fiction. What really worked was the vivid setting (War of the Roses England) and the lead character of the daughter of a silk merchant. The relationships were a bit inconsistent, and some of the historical details about silk seemed like the author was trying to squeeze as much of her research onto the page as she could, but it was pretty interesting stuff. Couldn't help comparing it to The Sunne in Splendour, which is one of the best novels to cover this fascinating period of history, and Daughter of Time - a great moden(ish) mystery that attempts to clear Richard III of the crime of killing the Princes in the Tower.
alysona's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the story and the historical setting. Interesting to learn about silk making and Richard III. The book has lots of editing problems though. I thought it was me at first, but they definitly missed some typos. There is also one small incident that happens twice - a couple of chapters apart. So I guess you could say it was enjoyable but annoying.
stenaros's review against another edition
I started this, but it didn't grab me and it is due tomorrow at the library. Back it goes.
tfarfan's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, it was a good book. There were upsides with the intriguing character developments and actual use of history. Also, it gave me a glimpse into the mindset of merchants and the nobility of the time. The downsides were it would drag at times and I would want to take a break for a long time before reading it again. Plus, some of the characters were just a bit hard to believe. However, I really did enjoy the independence I saw from the silk women and how there were other paths besides marriage that could lead to success. I wanted to slap Isabel a lot concerning her relationship with Dickon but overall I had to remember that love can make us do crazy things. I only recommend this to people who really love historical fiction, especially the complicated monarchy of Europe.
bethvf's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't finish it. It started really strong but I lost interest.
rlbasley's review against another edition
3.0
While I admire the interesting historical based perspective. I can not pin down the reason I found it hard to get into and keep my attention but I felt like I had to force myself through a lot of it.
the_local_dialect's review against another edition
3.0
This book was ok. I really wanted to smack the main character, Isabel, for pretty much the entire second half of the book. Her love for "Dickon" bordered on pathetic. I suppose she was written that way on purpose, but it really undermined the whole "strong, independent, I don't-need-no-stinking-man" thing that the first half of the book spent building up. Because strong independent women always make excuses to keep sleeping with their murderous a-hole boyfriends! Right?!
Other than that it wasn't bad. Bennet should have stuck to the silk trade and kept the royals out of it.
Other than that it wasn't bad. Bennet should have stuck to the silk trade and kept the royals out of it.
storysgraphically's review against another edition
3.0
It's alright, but the characters were so dull I was more interested in the silk.
rhonaea's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve read so much about the Plantagenets I didn’t think I could find an original. However, step in fiction, mix a little fact and you get an imaginary character describing Edward IV’s mistress Jane Shore and the history of silk weaving/trades in 1480s London. I couldn’t quite get the love story between a Richard and Isabel. If you like Philippa Gregory’ White Queen/Red Queen you’ll enjoy this.