Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe

Almost Reads Like Medieval National Enquirer

If you're curious about history, but hate dry scholarly tomes, this would work well for you. Goldstone's style is chatty, almost tabloid-like, but she works in dates and important events (wars, births of heirs, deaths, etc). If Kate Middleton had three younger sisters, one of whom married Prince Harry, and the other two married other European royalty, people would be scratching their heads, going, huh? Like Middleton, these girls (they became women later, but marrying at 13 or so, counts as being girls, IMO)were not themselves royalty; unlike the Middletons, their county, while beautiful, was vastly in debt. Except for the youngest daughter, they had NO dowry; Mama Dearest was charming but also manipulative and a bit controlling. She Also had eight ambitious brothers who managed to work the royal connections with their nieces to do quite well for themselves.

While others may focus on the revolts, Crusades (FYI: Crusades, jihads, Inquisitions, and other religious wars are not happy or safe places to be, regardless of whether you believe the Divine is on your side) and continual tax and financing problems, I found it interesting how the family ties did seem to smooth conflicts between France and England, although the countries themselves had different agendas. Happy family Christmas parties, even.

All in all, a fun and interesting read.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

If you read this book you will love it.

It's the most anazing book you will ever read.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful!!

What a great read - a fabulous story. I loved every bit of it. Goldstone is very witty and writes in such a clear, approachable style. I would recommend this very highly to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Absolutely fascinating

This was a can't-put-it-down book for me. The stories of the 4 queens were compelling, sad, and not at all dry history.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Women who Ruled the 13th Century

This is a fairly engaging history of four sisters (and their mother) who had great influence in the shaping of Europe during the 13th century. Written in a style similiar to Alison Weir, the book depicts well the historical time and personalities placing these four women firmly in their familial, political, and historical times. Especially recommneded for the history nut.

Not what I expected

It's a biography, but reads like a novel. I love that everything in it is factual, but not tedious to read about like biographies often can be.

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