Book Review For "The Sisters of Henry VIII"

Book Review for: “The Sisters of Henry VIII”

Written by: Maria Perry

Da Capo Press

ISBN: 978-6-306-80989-7

Print Book

266 pages

4 Stars

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

Perry pens an enlightening historical account of Henry VIII’s sisters, Margaret and Mary, that gives the reader a broader perspective of the Tudors.

The novel starts off with Perry taking a look at their father, Henry VII. He brought stability to the throne, but despite his attempts to secure his male progeny, only three of his seven children lived to adulthood – Henry VIII, Margaret, Queen of Scots, and Mary, Queen of France. Knowing this, Henry VII muses to his councilors, “Supposing, which God forbid, that all my male progeny should become extinct and the kingdom devolve by law to Margaret’s heirs, will England be damaged or benefited?” What’s interesting is that when Henry VII said this, it was 1502 and the future looked bright for his house, with Prince Arthur married to Katherine of Aragon. Henry VII had a feeling though that could happen. Perry puts forth that perhaps he felt guilty regarding Perkin Werbeck. (A Richard of York Imposter) Only history knows.

Margaret is older than Henry. She’s married to James IV of Scotland when she’s 13. Margaret has no problem with childbearing, giving James five children. Unfortunately, only James V lives to adulthood. What is ironic is that Margaret bears her children as her brother’s queen, Katherine, suffers through stillborns and failed pregnancies. That must have niggled in the back of her brother’s mind.

Henry’s younger sister, Mary, goes to France and marries the old king. Within six weeks of the marriage, her husband is dead. Mary then impulsively marries Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk, and lives in England close to Henry.

When Margaret’s husband’s dies, she becomes regent. She’s not a bad one. However, she remarries and the Scottish lords get a new regent, John of Albany. Margaret’s new husband is Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus. First, the marriage holds promise and they have a daughter. The Scots run Margaret back to England. Douglas stays to keep his Scottish land and the marriage falls apart. In 1527, the Pope grants Margaret a divorce. Henry VIII is appalled – ironic since he would also petition the Pope for a divorce.

Perry takes Margaret and Mary’s story to their deaths against the backdrop of their brother’s reign. It’s compelling, sad, yet true to the brutal times.

Perry has done her research and it shows. She lists sources in the book. The writing is rather verbose. The book is a slow read, however it’s filled with little gems such as Henry VII’s musings, Margaret’s divorce, and Mary’s feelings about Anne Boleyn.

Perry paints full, rich round characters with Margaret and Mary, showing the reader every aspect of their life. Overall, “The Sisters of Henry VIII” helps to give a complete picture of Tudor England.

Book Review For "The Sisters of Henry VIII"