The Sister Queens

This was 3.5 stars, actually. A well-written novel, with lavish details, natural dialogue, offering deep insight into the relationship between Marguerite of Provence, the Queen of France and wife to King Louis IX and Eleanor of Provence, the Queen of England, wife to King Henry III and mother of King Edward I of England.

It is a novel rich in romantic elements, the romance is not overdone, but tastefully executed. The primary focus is on the historical figures that shaped a significant portion of both the English and the French kingdoms during the 13th century, their personalities, fears, hopes and mistakes. The search Perinot has undergone in writing the novel seems to be meticulous, because it is fairly historically accurate.

Both sisters are portrayed in a vivid and realistic way, though I would say I found Eleanor much more interesting than Marguerite. She was politically savvy, and fierce, while her sister comes across as meek and too obedient. Having said that, it was a much more hostile environment that Marguerite found herself into, created by Blanche, King Louis'mother and her pious court, while Eleanor was more fortunate in Henry. However, Marguerite's relationship with Jean de Joinville left me utterly bored.

It was a pleasant surprise to read a historical novel about characters that we do not often meet in the genre, very refreshing, and I recommend it without hesitation. I cannot wait to read Perinot's Medicis' Daughter, a novel about Marguerite de Valois, or Queen Margot, as she is commonly referred to.