Three Sisters, Three Queens

I have read every book she has ever written and this book is as wonderful as the many others. I am always so impressed by the research and dedication she puts into her novels and her striking ability to fill in the gaps of what is known with honest thought and an amazing desire to bring these women into focus in a way that can only be done by taking the facts and carefully building a story around them. In the end I have always felt that she, above all other writers in historical fiction is able to so carefully bring into our imaginations possible and likely personalities to these great women who lived in a time most of us will have a near impossible time relating to. I recommend this book and the incredible narrator to anyone who loves to know more about these historical times. Nobody can transport you through time better than Phillipa Gregory! Also, if you have not read her other books I recommend them all. As my favorite writer she continues to impress me and she writes books that I am so eager to read that I go through them with a swift hunger for more. Her books have taught me so much about history and the various Kings, Queens, and customs of the time that my husband, a historian and archaeologist, concedes that I know more facts about the royal families of England than he does! Enjoy!

I am a big Philippa Gregory fan. I believe I have read or listen to every one of her novels so I had high hopes for this one. What a disappointment! First of all it's not really about three queens. The three queens are Margaret, her sister-in-law Catherine of Aragon and her younger sister Mary Tutor but the story is told only from Margaret's POV. (first person narrative by Margaret Tutor, Queen of Scotland.)
Margaret is obsessed with her sister and sister-in-law remaining behind in England. She's convinced that they're having a lovely cushy life, while she is struggling in Scotland. And she does struggle. The problem with this book is that she goes on and on and on in her tirades. She repeats the same thing over and over and over and I don't mean once in a while. For example, instead of thinking to herself "they don't like me very much", she would think "they don't like me, they hate me, they probably wish I would die, they probably would think if I walked in the room that they wish I wasn't there, they probably don't think about be at night, I bet they don't think about me in the afternoon, he probably didn't think about me yesterday, on and on and on". Of course the dialogue is more sophisticated than that but I illustrate my point only.
I found this to be a big disappointment. I love English Medeival history and I normally love Philippa Gregory's novels but this one is a big yawn.

Don't waste a credit like I did.

I know that this falls under 'Historical Fiction' however Philippa Gregory is a scholar of history and her knowledge of the Tudor period is impeccable. I'd like to think of this book as a type of historical 'alternative'.

From the title it is apparent that this is a story about three Queens however I felt that it was a journey back through time observing three very diverse women and the people around them. Personally however I felt that they were pawns as in a game of chess being manipulated by the men around them. One Queen too busy being a martyr, another too weak and flighty and the last Queen who evolves from a feeble young girl like an acorn into a strong oak tree. She becomes resilient and canny enough to stick to her guns in order to change her situation.

This is the first book that I have listened to that I have physically seethed at one of the characters and yelled out loud "Grow a back bone woman"! There is a male character that I got so angry with that I was grinding my teeth every time he came on the scene.

I was engrossed from the first sentence. It has a pulse. Bianca Amato, as usual , breaths life into every word which makes it rush by far too fast.

So few authors develop the character of Margaret, sister of Henry VIII. I feel that I have traveled back in time. Must admit that I shed a few tears and even shared some pride when I watched through a Mother's eyes a son grew from a babe in arms into a strong King.


I loved this book. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Started just a tad slowly but picked up quickly. Loved the weaving and bobbing of the "sisters" through the historical events that affected England, Scotland and France and the graininess of the royal upbringing that never was far from Margaret in her thoughts and emotions for Catherine and Mary. Definitely will be listening to again and recommending to others.

I loved this book. absolutely riveting.. loved the historical significance. will read again and again!

This audio book was just as I expected! Three Sisters, Three Queens kept me entertained with all the rich and deceitful people in Tudor times. I love all the twists and unexp ected turns her characters have to endure. Phillipa Gregory's novel was worth the wait! I only hope she's penning another one, now. Her narrator Bianca Amato is one of the best in her field, she's brings life to every character!

The best historical fiction writer of them all has done it again! I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Philippa Gregory's latest novel, "Three Sisters, Three Queens," and downloaded it the day it came available. I was not disappointed!
As always, Bianca Amato's performance is impeccable! "Three Sisters, Three Queens" explores the lives of three women, perhaps not as familiar to us as the likes of the Boleyns or the Parrs. We have the opportunity to look more closely at Margaret and Mary, sisters of King Henry VIII, and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Passions, betrayals, masques, and jousts, Gregory does not disappoint.

This is the usual Philippa Gregory quality of historical novel. However, with this title I expected more first person narrative on all three women. The novel is written in the first person of Margaret, Queen of Scotland, and older sister to Henry VIII. I was a little disappointed about this. I am not sorry I have purchased this book, just feeling a little misled.

I never even knew Henry VIII had 3 sisters. I loved it.ookkng up more historical info on Margaret's son, King James.

Another fantastic story! What an amazing character!could not stop listening and was not ready for the story to end. If you love historical Tudor books you will love this one.