Review: Sisters of Treason

Sisters of Treason by Elizabeth Fremantle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Fremantle’s Sisters of Treason, to be published July 8th, is a solid piece of historical fiction that highlights love and treachery in the complex Tudor court. Fremantle’s latest novel considers the perilous lives of Katherine and Mary Grey, sisters with a claim to the English throne as strong as that of their cousin Queen Elizabeth I. Fremantle brings to the table strong and interesting Elizabethan women characters, and offers a unique look at the perception of disability in 16th century England.

Fremantle opens her novel with the compelling scene of the execution of Lady Jane Grey, the ill-fated teenage girl who ruled England for only nine days. Jane’s sisters, Lady Katherine and Lady Mary, are at risk of the same fate during the turbulent and bloody reign of their cousin Mary Tudor. Passionate Katherine seeks only to find love and to forget the executions of her father and elder sister. Her clever sister Mary, born with a crooked spine at a time when physical deformity was suspected as the Devil’s work, is kept like a pet by the child-less and increasingly delusional Queen Mary.

When cunning and capricious Elizabeth I ascends to the throne, she perceives her Grey cousins as potential threats to her rule. The Grey sisters’ Tudor blood, which should have secured their position in Elizabeth’s court as well as in the line of royal succession, instead proves a curse. With the help of the court painter Levina Teerlinc, who becomes a sympathetic friend to the Grey sisters, Katherine and Mary seek to survive in a world where the wrong move will send them to the Tower of London, and perhaps to a traitor’s death.

Sisters of Treason is thoroughly researched and hews closely to the historical record, like Fremantle’s previous novel about Katherine Parr, Queen’s Gambit. Fremantle has a knack for rescuing lesser-known Tudor characters from obscurity, thus carving out a niche for herself in the over-crowded realm of Tudor fiction. Fremantle ably and sensitively addresses Mary’s physical deformity, and the result is a truly interesting perspective on what life may have been like for the disabled during the period. In her novels, Fremantle includes interesting and finely-observed details about the lives of non-royal characters, which help provide a contrast to the finery and overstuffed nature of court life. Although the plot contains much intrigue and suspense, the novel isn’t as gripping as perhaps it could have been, and at times the pace seemed a bit uneven.

I found Sisters of Treason to be a satisfying read overall. It will be pleasing to fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, although it doesn’t reach the heights of Hilary Mantel’s masterpieces Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. Fremantle has secured a place for herself in the canon of Tudor historical fiction, and her next foray will be eagerly anticipated.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Armchair BEA -- Middle Grade/Young Adult

On today's Armchair BEA topic, Middle Grade/Young Adult: I have been surprised and interested to learn how many adult readers--and book bloggers--are passionate fans of Young Adult (YA) novels. I don't think I realized, before I became involved with the blogging world, how many readers over the age of 18 CHOOSE to read YA novels rather than adult fiction . . . not because they are librarians or teachers or parents reading along with their teens, but because they truly prefer, or particularly value, the YA genre of book over any other.

Now, I have certainly read some YA as an adult. Tpyically, these have been YA novels that have received so much popular attention or buzz that I was intrigued enough to read them, or in a few cases one of my book clubs selected them. These include The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, JK Rowling's Harry Potter series, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. And I enjoyed every one of these beautifully-written, compelling books. They are all wonderful novels; and although they may have been penned for teenagers or children, deserve the wide audience they've received. To me, these novels truly transcend the YA genre--they are simply great books that I would recommend to most readers. I know I am far from alone in being an adult who "crossed the border" into YA for these books. I remember commuting on the DC Metro during the years that each new Harry Potter book was released; I was always amused to see how many other commuters--women and men--were reading a copy of the latest in the series (that was back in the days before any of us had e-readers, naturally! I kind of miss the connection you'd sometimes make, back in the day, with a complete stranger reading a book that you loved, or were reading at the same time. But I digress....)

I've read some terrific Middle Grade books over the years as well. These I've read along with my children, when they have been assigned to them in school. Some of my recent favorites include Holes by Louis Sachar, Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. I have read and very much enjoyed parts of Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus and Kane Chronicles series with my kids as well.

But I don't typically choose to read Middle Grade or YA fiction over novels written for adults. Please don't misunderstand me; I don't wish to knock the genre or imply that it is somehow lesser. We all have different interests as readers. My interests typically fall in the realm of literary fiction and historical fiction. I am curious, however, about those adults who prefer YA ... what is it about YA that draws you to it over other fiction? And what recommendations for recent YA books would you make for other readers who don't typically venture into the genre? One of things I've most appreciated about participating in Armchair BEA this week is hearing some terrific recommendations for books that lie outside of my usual reading interests. Sometimes it's a good thing to have a reason to travel outside of your usual boundaries--you never know what you might discover.

Armchair BEA -- Beyond the Borders

Today's Topic: Beyond the Borders. It’s time to step outside your comfort zone, outside your borders, or outside of your own country or culture. Tell us about the books that transported you to a different world, taught you about a different culture, and/or helped you step into the shoes of someone different from you. What impacted you the most about this book? What books would you recommend to others who are ready or not ready to step over the line? In essence, let’s start the conversation about diversity and keep it going!

I love this topic! Let me start by saying that I think every great book transports you to a different world--that, to me, is one of the hallmarks of stellar fiction. When you are experiencing the worldview of a fictional character, then you are transported into their world; you are stepping into their shoes. This, in essence, is the purpose of reading, I believe ... to enrich our own lives by experiencing something different. So I think, in a way, this applies to any novel, even if a book's setting and time period is your own or the characters could be your neighbors. As a reader, you are still crossing the border out of your experience into something new. We do this every time we open a new book.

But, of course, some books bring you to a culture or country completely different than your own, and reading these books can be particularly enlightening and pleasurable. Some writers who have transported me "beyond the borders" include:

Zadie Smith, a British writer whose layered and wonderful novels On Beauty, White Teeth, and NW consider themes of race, class, gender, and immigration.

Jhumpa Lahiri, Indian-American author of the magnificent novels The Namesake and The Lowland, plus the short story collections Interpreter of Maladies and Unaccustomed Earth. I haven't read Lahiri's short stories yet, but after yesterday's terrific Armchair BEA discussions on shorts, I will be adding those to my TBR pile.

Junot Diaz, celebrated Dominican-American author of the startling and stunning novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and the collections This is How You Lose Here and Drown.

Marjane Satrapi, with her fascinating comic book-style memoir Persepolis about her childhood and adolescence in revolutionary Iran. This was a "border-crossing" experience for me not just in terms of the setting and topic, but also the genre--I have read very few graphic novels or comics, but I loved it.

Porochista Khakpour, Iranian-American novelist and essayist, and author of the literary, satirical, and beautifully symbolic Sons & Other Flammable Objects and The Last Illusion (new this month, and definitely in my TBR).

What books and writers have transported you outside of your borders?

Armchair BEA -- Novellas & Short Stories

On today's Armchair BEA topic of novellas & short stories: I am a lover of novels. As a reader, the long prose narrative is the form of fiction that has always most appealed to me. I would say I have probably read more plays, in fact, than short stories in my lifetime. I have certainly read some passionate defenses of the short story form, and I agree, in principle, that the short story has much to offer. Short stories are often very tight and well-written; they can be thought-provoking and hit you with a powerful and emotional punch at the end.

And yet . . . I have struggled with the short story form, I must admit. To me, they often seem to end abruptly, and I am left wanting more. Sometimes stories feel, somehow... unfinished. A great novel, by contrast, allows the opportunity for a reader to fully immerse themselves in the world that the author has created ... to leap into the minds and hearts of the characters and follow them on an emotional journey, to experience the richly imagined sights, sounds and smells of a place or time period different from one's own. A gifted novelist builds layers and reveals aspects of characterization or plot over time, and one of the joys of a reading a novel is uncovering those layers and aspects as the book progresses.

But let me give some love to the short stories or novellas that I've read recently and I have truly enjoyed. Karen Russell, first of all, is a master of the form and has received wide critical praise for her short stories. I first experienced her work by reading her novel Swamplandia! (read it, if you haven't--it's wonderful!), and because I simply felt I HAD to have more Russell, I tackled her short story collection Vampires in the Lemon Grove and her novella Sleep Donation. I recommend them both; but honestly, I still love her best as a novelist. I also want to mention Junot Diaz, another darling of the literary fiction world, and deservedly so. In This is How You Lose Her,a collection of linked short stories mostly centered on the romantic experiences of his semi-autobiographical character Yunior, Diaz's prose just crackles, and his fresh and unique voice shines through the pages. Some of his stories simply startled me.

Some short story collections I would like to read include Emma Donoghue's Astray and Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies. Any other recommendations? As a reader, how do you respond to short stories and novellas?

Armchair BEA -- Author Interaction

Ok, so for today's Armchair BEA topic of author interaction... Since I am still a very new blogger, I haven't had the opportunity to have any in-person interactions with authors yet. I have, however, participated in a few Twitter exchanges with authors. I've interacted on Twitter with Chris Bohjalian, Roxane Gay, Sally O'Reilly, and Porochista Khakpour. And Melanie Benjamin favorited my tweet about visiting the Lindbergh estate. And as absolutely goofy as it sounds, for a book lover, that can be very exciting stuff!

But, you know, the whole concept of authors reading your reviews ... I had never thought much about that until I created my blog recently and started tweeting my posts. I had been posting reviews to Goodreads for years--and although I suppose I always knew that some authors read their reviews there, it somehow seemed sort of anonymous. When I blog, by contrast, especially when I am reviewing an ARC before it has been released, it seems more immediate. There's an inherent responsibility to write a fair, proper, appropriate, and just all-around polished review, especially if the author may read actually it. And, you know, I don't want the author to think I am a complete doofus. :) I feel more pressure now!

But I'm curious ... What do you think about including the author's twitter handle when you send a review out on twitter? I know some bloggers do this routinely, but others think it's awkward. I'll admit I've done this only after writing a good review of the author's book.

Armchair BEA Introduction

So, I'm a very new book blogger . . . pretty much clueless about blogging, the Bookternet, etc. I'm not new to loving great books, of course, but I jumped headfirst into blogging knowing, um, ZILCH, about how to do it. Yeah, you know, not the best idea. Anyway, apparently it is de rigeur for book bloggers to gather at BookExpo America in NYC this week. I am so green that I didn't even know about this until it was too late to arrange to attend. And I live in a nearby state. I'm not even sure what bloggers DO at BEA ... but book giveaways and meeting for drinks have been mentioned a lot on Twitter, so clearly I am missing out on something very important!

Fortunately, I have just discovered something called Armchair BEA that allows bloggers to participate virtually .... "a conference for book bloggers in the comfort of our favorite chair." Perfect, and I'll add a glass of wine tonight so I don't feel so bitter missing all the "meeting for drinks!" Alright, so Armchair BEA asks that you introduce yourself by answering a few questions. Looks like I'm a day late to the party, but here goes:

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? Where in the world are you blogging from?

I've been blogging for only a little over a month, from the lovely (truly!) state of New Jersey. I got into blogging because I love to talk about books... and although I participate in 2 books clubs and have been posting reviews on Goodreads for a few years, I needed a place to really let loose my inner Book Goof. And, you know, not have people laugh. I'd like to find other Book Goofs to connect with!

Describe your blog in just one sentence. Then, list your social details so we can connect more online.

Ok, one sentence: "My blog Readers' Oasis is brand-spanking new, and no doubt full of ridiculous newbie mistakes, but also, I hope, has some insights to offer about new literary, historical, and contemporary fiction and assorted bookish topics."

On Twitter, I'm @Leila_A_Rice. Very happy to connect with other book bloggers on Twitter! My Facebook account is not book-related, at this point (do bloggers make a separate FB account for their book-related content?) and I haven't ventured onto Instagram yet. Pinterest scares me. I'm interested in what other bloggers do; how many different social media platforms do you really have to participate in to be considered active in the blogging community?

What was your favorite book read last year? What's your favorite book so far this year?

Last year, tie between Khaled Hosseini, "And the Mountains Echoed" and Amor Towles, "Rules of Civility." This year, so far, I think "Frog Music" by Emma Donoghue.

What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like?

In a lounge chair, beach or poolside! Or in the rocking chair on my porch. In winter, in my armchair, the piece of furniture closest to the fireplace. Oddly, other family members seem to think they can sit there.

Share your favorite book or reading related quote.

"Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them." Lemony Snicket, Horseradish.

(By the way, credit to Amber of Shelf Notes for the cool Armchair BEA image above!)

Summer Reads, Part I: What Makes a Great Read for Summer?

It’s Memorial Day, the traditional start of summer (even if the calendar tells us it is still three weeks away) . . . and with that welcome change of season, people who love to read often begin to think about their summer reading list. Summer, for many of us, conjures up afternoons by the pool or the beach, reading lazily in a lounge chair, with a cool drink by your side . . . or perhaps reading on the plane as you jet off to an exotic vacation locale. Many people feel that they simply have more time for reading in the summer months, even if they are not carting a book or Kindle along to the pool or going away on vacation. Sometimes, less demanding summer work schedules or the temporary disappearance of children’s nightly homework routines allow more opportunity to curl up on the couch, or maybe the deck, with a great book on long summer evenings.

One thing that I’ve observed, however, is that not everyone has the same idea of what makes a great “summer read.” Publishers and booksellers seem to think that women, at least, all want to read a piece of fluff that has some connection to beachiness in June, July, and August . . . Have you ever noticed the preponderance of summer releases sporting covers with a beach or pool scene, or a woman under a sun umbrella or wearing a big floppy hat? These books tend not to be the most literary of material.

And for me, this begs the question, why does a summer read have to be “light”? I like a non-taxing and easily digestible novel now and then, believe me . . . But really, I’d rather a summer novel be fully absorbing more than anything else. My pool or vacation reads don’t need to be about summer or have the obligatory “family-on-vacation-and-many-truths-emerge” theme. I just want my summer books to be engrossing and compelling. I want something that occupies me completely on the plane, or keeps me so wrapped up that I don’t even notice that the sun has started to set after a long and wonderful day on the beach. Sometimes, yes, that’s a lighter, fluffier read; sometimes it’s even a thriller or a mystery, which lie outside of my usual reading interests. But to me, a fantastic summer read can also be a highly literary novel that immerses me into a wholly different world.

What kind of book do you consider to be a great “summer read”?