Unabridged Audiobook
One of Gregory's better books that I've read of late. The plot was never boring, even if it was at times frustrating. The narrator was great as usual though the few characters who were supposed to somehow be both Scottish and French had very odd accents. Overall a recommended read.
If strong women are your kind of women, you'll love this exciting story of three exceptionally strong heroines. Medieval England was a tumultuous place - patriarchal control over women made it a difficult time in which to live and rule and women had very limited rights. This book focuses on a speculative narrative of the life of Margaret, the famously beautiful Mary, dowager queen of France, and Margaret's sister-in-law, Katherine of Aragon, all of whom battle against the oftentimes frustrating constraints of medieval society. It is beautifully read by Bianca Amato, and comes alive with skilful narration and the accurate depictions of accents, Leading heroine Margaret is strong-willed yet flawed. Her story is both saddening and enlightening - she is a true 'iron fist in a velvet glove' character: strong, resolute, yet relatable in her follies and changes of heart. At the story's opening, Margaret is flagrantly unkind and immature: infuriatingly vain and envious. However, she matures into a capable, resolute, and even likeable woman by the story's close. Her story is exciting and wildly interesting. Drawn from historical accounts, hers is a life in which perseverance becomes a survival mechanism. Flanked by duplicitous advisors and constantly battling against self-interested lords, Margaret's life purpose of achieving a lasting peace between England and Scotland seems to be an impossible goal. This story is very touching in that the depiction of the highs and lows of Margaret's life are relatable. The story is told in simple, yet colourful, language. You'll laugh with this heroine, and also feel the deepest pangs of concern for her as she perseveres with her seemingly impossible job of ruling Scotland.
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