Book Review: Sister Queens by Julia Fox

Sister Queens: The Noble, Tragic Lives of Katherine of Aragon and Juana, Queen of Castile by Julia Fox

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (January 31, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345516044
• ISBN-13: 978-0345516046

The history books have cast Katherine of Aragon, the first queen of King Henry VIII of England, as the ultimate symbol of the Betrayed Woman, cruelly tossed aside in favor of her husband’s seductive mistress, Anne Boleyn. Katherine’s sister, Juana of Castile, wife of Philip of Burgundy and mother of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, is portrayed as “Juana the Mad,” whose erratic behavior included keeping her beloved late husband’s coffin beside her for years. But historian Julia Fox, whose previous work painted an unprecedented portrait of Jane Boleyn, Anne’s sister, offers deeper insight in this first dual biography of Katherine and Juana, the daughters of Spain’s Ferdinand and Isabella, whose family ties remained strong despite their separation. Looking through the lens of their Spanish origins, Fox reveals these queens as flesh-and-blood women—equipped with character, intelligence, and conviction—who are worthy historical figures in their own right.

When they were young, Juana’s and Katherine’s futures appeared promising. They had secured politically advantageous marriages, but their dreams of love and power quickly dissolved, and the unions for which they’d spent their whole lives preparing were fraught with duplicity and betrayal. Juana, the elder sister, unexpectedly became Spain’s sovereign, but her authority was continually usurped, first by her husband and later by her son. Katherine, a young widow after the death of Prince Arthur of Wales, soon remarried his doting brother Henry and later became a key figure in a drama that altered England’s religious landscape.

Ousted from the positions of power and influence they had been groomed for and separated from their children, Katherine and Juana each turned to their rich and abiding faith and deep personal belief in their family’s dynastic legacy to cope with their enduring hardships. Sister Queens is a gripping tale of love, duty, and sacrifice—a remarkable reflection on the conflict between ambition and loyalty during an age when the greatest sin, it seems, was to have been born a woman.

Cover:
At first I don’t really know what this book really is, I don’t read synopsis, and it turned out that what I thought as a historical fiction is really a historical biographical nonfiction. Nevertheless, I am grateful of having the opportunity to read Fox’ work.

Sister Queens focuses on the biography of the sisters, Katherine and Juana. Both of these women came from powerful royal families and both married political figures. But their marriages were fraught with betrayal. Juana, the elder sister, unexpectedly became Spain’s sovereign head, but her authority was continually usurped, first by her husband and later by her son. Meanwhile, Katherine, a young widow after the death of Prince Arthur of Wales, soon remarried his doting brother Henry and later became a key figure in a drama that marked England’s religious landscape.

Julia Fox wrote this book with vivid description of the happenings in the sister’s lives. She even cited historical resources, so we’re ensured of the authenticity and credibility of all the details in the book. Plus, she gave us detailed facts about the two women, that some of us might have not known. It’s also amazing to really see the story unfold chronologically, knowing that it take time and effort to piece together these two sisters’ lives

What I loved most about the book is the author’s ability to really make us see the greatness in these two women, especially Katherine. Fox’ portrays here in a very brave, intelligent and faithful woman, worthy to be the queen and at the same time a sympathetic and tragic figure in history.

Only though, even if the book is a dual biography, it seemed that it focuses more on Katherine than Juana, maybe due to the fact, that Katherine’s life/marriage is more known. Though I wish, to read more of Juana. And I know nonfiction is different from fiction, but I would have preferred if the author opt to write the biography in a story-like way, although the book is pretty much filled with narrative.

Sister Queens is a story of love, betrayal, duty, faith and sacrifice that would be a great resource for future generations, that is if they don’t want overly-scholarly historical books.:)

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys English/Spanish or just an avid historical reader. You might not find ideal romance stories here, but Sister Queens would surely leave you with thoughts of this sister queens who were born in the time when being a woman is a big mistake.


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