The York Sisters by Sarah Hodder

Sarah Hodder really brings the daughters of King Edward IV to life in this beautifully written book, using vivid and colourful descriptions of ceremonies such as coronations, christenings and funerals. She also uses research from account books, and studies gifts and clothes, so that you can get a good picture of the different personalities of each sister.

The sisters lived in turbulent times, some of them experiencing sanctuary twice, and all of them suffering from the early death of their father. This must have been very traumatic, because the King obviously cared for them very much. Elizabeth, the eldest, who married Henry VII, was only a teenager when her uncle, the villified Richard III became King. She and her young sister Katherine, who had a dfficult time, with a husband accused of treason, had the most interesting lives, but they are all fascinating.

The sisters appear to have been very close and loving, and Elizabeth certainly did her best to help them when she became Queen. Katherine also seems to have been a favourite Aunt of Henry VIII. It's lovely to think that we can still have some idea of these close family relationships.

Many history books are dry and factual, especially today for some reason, but this one certainly isn't! I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more books by Sarah Hodder. I could never read enough about the Wars of the Roses and these sisters!

I received this free book from Chronos Books in return for an honest review.