Blood Sisters: The Women Behind the Wars of the Roses

by Sarah Gristwood

Hardcover, 2013

Status

Available

Call number

942.04092

Genres

Collection

Non-Fiction

Publication

Basic Books (2013), Edition: 1, 432 pages

Description

To contemporaries, the Wars of the Roses were known collectively as a ?cousins' war." The series of dynastic conflicts that tore apart the ruling Plantagenet family in fifteenth-century England was truly a domestic drama, as fraught and intimate as any family feud before or since. As acclaimed historian Sarah Gristwood reveals in Blood Sisters, while the events of this turbulent time are usually described in terms of the male leads who fought and died seeking the throne, a handful of powerful women would prove just as decisive as their kinfolks' clashing armies. These mot

User reviews

LibraryThing member LadyAmbrosia

Another one of my War of the Roses read I enjoyed Blood Sisters because it dealt with the women of the family. Most historians focus on the obvious part of the War of the Roses the men of the York and Lancaster families. However women like Marguerite of Anjou, Margaret of Burgundy and Margaret

Beaufort were strong and powerful women who rose Armies!

You can tell that this book has been well researched and the history is all correct, while bringing to mind the pomp and pageants of the time period. I enjoy when I can see ceremonies that I have studied put to page and explained well. Sarah Gristwood really has created something that those new to the time period, or who are familiar with it like me will enjoy.

Of course if you are looking for a fictionalized account of the seven women covered in this book Blood Sisters is not the book for you. Sarah Gristwood has created a historical non fiction piece of work that is both educational and enjoyable. I know a lot of people who enjoy fictions don't want to read the non fiction because they think it will be boring, but Blood Sisters is not it really draws you in. You get a lot of great information but it is presented in a way that is easy to understand and almost could be a non fiction. I would recommend this one to history fans and those who are just getting into it alike. You will enjoy it and hopefully have a better understanding of the women behind the War of the Roses.

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LibraryThing member Desilu42

This book tells the stories of 7 women who are all connected. There are cousin connections, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law connections, and so much more. It not only told the stories of 7 women but showed how they were all part of one bigger story.

LibraryThing member FKarr

Highly recommended. Definitely helped me place Margaret of Anjou in time and background. Now can keep Cecily Neville and Elizabeth Woodville straight.
Lots of speculation of course, but more clear about was is speculation than other readings.

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