Figures in Silk

De: Vanora Bennett

Narrado por: Katherine Kellgren

Two sisters discover passion during the War of the Roses - one in the arms of the king, the other in the world of silk. From the author of the acclaimed novel Portrait of an Unknown Woman comes an epic tale of love and intrigue.

The year is 1471. Edward IV, who won the throne with the help of his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is restoring law and order after years of war. Under Edward IV, life in England begins to improve. Business is booming once more and the printing and silk industries prosper in London.

When silk merchant John Lambert marries off his two beautiful daughters, their fortunes are forever changed. Elder daughter Jane Shore begins a notorious liaison with the king while industrious and clever Isabel finds herself married into the house of Claver, a wealthy silk dynasty. Fate delivers Isabel a challenge when her new husband is killed and she is forced into apprenticeship to her mother-in-law, Alice Claver.

It is from Alice Claver that Isabel learns to love silk and the exotic and passionate fabrics from Italy, Persia, Spain, Tunisia, and beyond. Isabel learns to make her way in this new world of silk - to find friends and enemies - and she strikes an alliance with her sister's lover, King Edward IV, that will bring the secrets of silk-making to London.

As Isabel grows in power and her plan for a silk industry run by Englishwomen is set into motion, the political landscape shifts in dangerous ways. One sister will fall as the other rises and choices must be made that will change their lives forever.

©2009 Vanora Bennett (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Gossip

This story began with promise but it descended into rumor and gossip about Richard III.

So Sew Good!

This is a marvelous tale. It's the Bad King Richard, and the middle classes. And most interesting, the middle class people who sold and imported silk. Fascinating and very well done.
Highly recommended!

Narrator style was not enjoyable to me

The story was okay, but I could not get used to the narrator's style. It seemed as if every chance she got, she would read fast and loud, and it came across to me like yelling. There was too much of that. I had to return it.

Great Summer Read!

This book was so interesting and the best narrated book I've listened to. Didn't want to put it down until the end. I highly recommend this book! it sticks close to historical facts and the story is very well written.

Awful narrator

Would you try another book from Vanora Bennett and/or Katherine Kellgren?

I did not want to rate this story, but Audible does not allow to proceed with review unless all categories are rated. The story might be good, but I just could not keep listening to the narrator's whiny voice. She is just not that good with male voices, and her performance sounds artificial.

Disappointed

This story started out strongly rooted in guilds and trade but tapered off into an unsympathetic and tawdry love affair. I am sorry to say that the book commuted the unforgivable sin of being a bore.