REVIEW: Three Sisters, Three Queens (Philippa Gregory)

Book: Three Sisters, Three Queens

Author: Philippa Gregory

My rating: 3.5/5.

Premise: When Katherine of Aragón is brought to the Tudor court, the oldest princess, Margaret, takes her measure. With one look, each knows the other for a rival, an ally, a pawn, destined—with Margaret’s younger sister Mary—to a sisterhood unique in all the world. The three sisters will become the queens of England, Scotland, and France. United by family loyalties and affections, the three queens find themselves set against each other.

I was nervous about this book, thinking it was just going to be another one set in Henry VIII's court, following Katherine of Aragon again. But actually, the story focused on Margaret Tudor and what was happening in Scotland. I found it really interesting reading about the Scottish court as it was quite different to England. There were a lot of Lords who were all jostling for power and the monarchy wasn't an easy one. I'm not sure how I feel about Margaret as a character. On the one hand, she knew her value and stood up for herself, especially when she was unhappy in her marriage. There were times when she wouldn't let a man tell her what to do. However, she often came across entitled and her rivalry with her sisters was rather petty at times. I'd hoped she'd grow out of these traits (the story starts when she's 12!) but alas, she doesn't. But overall, an interesting and enjoyable read for me!