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

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

3.64 of 5 stars 3.64 · rating details · 763 ratings · 163 reviews

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 e...more 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.(less)

Hardcover, 454 pages

Published January 31st 2012 by Ballantine Books

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May 02, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Amy by: first-reads

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book as part of the first-reads program from goodreads.This book tells the story of two remarkable women that were sisters who became the queen of England and the queen of Castile.The book covers more of Katherine of Aragon than it does Juana of Castile.Juana of Castile doesn't have as many historical records and accounts left for us today as Katherine does so I found that to not be the fault of the author.This book was well researched by the author and written more in the manner...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Diana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Beginning in 1492, as Ferdinand and Isabella oust the Moors from the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, this remarkable book follows the tragic stories of two sisters who go on become Queens. I learned so much and, for the most part enjoyed it! From the roles of religion, politics, sickness and death, and the sexual powerplays that left Juana the captive of her power hungry husband, father, and son for mostof her life and resulted in Queen Katherine being ousted to make way for Anne Boleyn, King Henry'...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: british-bio-hist, spain-history, biography

Catherine is well covered in Tudor literature. There is even fiction devoted to her plight (most recently in the The Constant Princess by Gregory). Juana, Queen of Castile, is usually referenced as a mother or grandmother, rarely as a Queen, and always as "mad". I chose this book from the Vine program to learn more about Juana, particularly why she met the fate she did. I was pleasantly surprised to learn a lot more about Catherine that was new to me.

Most of the text is devoted to Catherine; her...more Catherine is well covered in Tudor literature. There is even fiction devoted to her plight (most recently in the The Constant Princess by Gregory). Juana, Queen of Castile, is usually referenced as a mother or grandmother, rarely as a Queen, and always as "mad". I chose this book from the Vine program to learn more about Juana, particularly why she met the fate she did. I was pleasantly surprised to learn a lot more about Catherine that was new to me.

Most of the text is devoted to Catherine; hers is the better documented life. The background on the negotiations for Catherine's second marriage is covered with more dimension and sensitivity than I've seen elsewhere. You see how her father, Ferdinand, all but abandons her in England and how she learns from this experience.

Other writers emphasize the gallant and thoughtful young Henry, Fox notes the execution of two of his father's ministers and his later beheading of the Duke of Somerset. She also reminds the reader that Henry's philandering life began well before his courtship of Anne Boleyn in 1526. Elizabeth Blount bore him a son in 1519.

This is the most I've read of Queen Juana and how easily she was pushed aside by her father and son. It seems that she is her own worst enemy. Her first bad decision was to return to her husband in Burgundy in early 1504. If she had stayed in Spain as her mother requested, she could have learned to govern, made contacts and been visible to her subjects. Following this up with unqueenly behavior such as hunger strikes, refusal to speak/pray, and an assault on her husband's mistress made her an easy mark. She misread her imprisonment and seems almost resigned to her fate.

I think Fox's opinion that she did this for her son to rule is not correct. It seems, from what was presented, she had no interest in ruling, or aptitude for it and allowed the situation to evolve as it did. In her visit to England, she, not Catherine had to power to push for more than 2 hours of visiting during her month long stay... there is no evidence that she did this, nor that she initiated contact before her mail was scrutinized. She did not know how to use the bad treatment of the Denias' to her advantage. She got no concessions from her son for her loyalty in the rebel affair. She may have been incurious, which made it easy to keep word of her father's death from her for 4 years.

It was a good idea to join the parallel lives of these two sister queens in this way. You can see how young princesses had no rights, and as queens they were in precarious positions. Their education, world experience and the ability to make connections (today we call it networking) was limited. The two seemed to accept their strategic separation, just as they did not judge their father's abuse of their respective positions.
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Aug 03, 2012 Avry15 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: faith, family, historical, nonfiction, reviewed

originally appeared on: Bookshelf Confessions

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 we...more originally appeared on: Bookshelf Confessions

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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Apr 29, 2012 Joan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-books, english-history, herstories-history-of-women, history, nonfiction

I think the author wanted to show that these two women were able to be powerful in spite of their sex in a male dominated society. If so, she failed. It is clear that at least Katherine was quite intelligent and wanted to keep her position and power. However, ultimately, she failed completely. She was buried as the Princess Dowager, widow of King Henry's older brother, not as a current queen of England. I don't necessarily agree that Juana was as intelligent as the author wanted her to be. She e...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Jaylia3 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sister Queens, an insightful and engrossing dual biography, contrasts the lives of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, and Juana, Queen of Castile, both daughters of Spanish rulers Isabel I and Ferdinand II who are best known for their patronage of Christopher Columbus and their establishment of the Spanish Inquisition. The boundaries of Europe were still very fluid and Catholicism was splitting apart when Catherine and Juana dutifully left their childhood home to strengthen Spain...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Kristin Strong rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: history

This was an excellent book because it took on a subject that is difficult to research -- the lives of two queens in pre-Renaissance Europe. Granted, they were royal, so there does exist a certain body of biographical information, but, because they were women, and thus important mostly for their roles as bearers of dynastical heirs and as pawns on the chessboard of European politics, (and one of them spent most of her life sequestered, not to say imprisoned), there are fewer records available to...more This was an excellent book because it took on a subject that is difficult to research -- the lives of two queens in pre-Renaissance Europe. Granted, they were royal, so there does exist a certain body of biographical information, but, because they were women, and thus important mostly for their roles as bearers of dynastical heirs and as pawns on the chessboard of European politics, (and one of them spent most of her life sequestered, not to say imprisoned), there are fewer records available to the modern researcher or historian to access. Guesswork and the forging of logical and timeline connections are necessary to create a linear progression of their lives.
In spite of that, Julia Fox has managed to put together the most detailed portrait of Katherine of Aragon, as well as the best biography, I've ever read. Katherine emerges as a true daughter of her parents, Ferdinand and Isabella of Castile and Aragon (yes, THAT Ferdinand and Isabella), well-versed in political machinations, perseverance, duty, and steadfast adherence to one's faith and beliefs. She needed all of these skills and qualities to survive as a failed queen to Henry VIII. Stripped of her title, disgraced as a wife unable to bear healthy sons, separated from her beloved daughter, forced to surrender her own jewels to the "Concubine" who had usurped her place and stolen her husband's affections, Katherine held her head high and defended the validity of her marriage to her dying breath. She left her only child, Mary, to eventually rule England, though her tenure was in many ways a failure -- England did not return to the fold of Catholic Europe, its last foothold on French territory was lost, and Mary did not produce an heir to carry on her legacy. This last allowed Elizabeth I to ascend to the throne -- Katherine would have felt this her greatest loss.
Juana (known as Juana the Mad for centuries) was a victim of her times and of the men in her life. Her father and her son conspired to keep her immured for many years so that she, as a woman, and possibly an unstable one at that, could not possibly rule the lands that were rightfully hers. Prepared by her formidable mother to be a wife, a mother, and only secondarily a ruler, she lacked the political savvy and the decisiveness to seize control of her life and her realm when she did have the chance to do so. As she languished in the fortress where she was imprisoned, the world passed her by and her father and then her son took her place as rightful ruler of much of what is now Spain. Was Juana mad? There were certainly events and circumstances that could make one believe so, but there is plenty of evidence to the contrary: Consultations with her by those who would overthrow the government of her son, visits with family members that played out in perfectly normal ways...Juana was probably labeled as unbalanced because if she were, her male relatives could be justified in ruling in her name.
Though neither woman was truly free to determine her own destiny, both displayed fortitude, wisdom, and resilience throughout their lives. Both left behind them children who carried on in their tradition of duty, strength of belief, and political know-how. And both, simply because of their sex, were tossed on the rough seas of history in dangerous times.
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Dec 28, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm not much of one for biographies, despite the volume of European historical fiction that I enjoy reading. This is usually because every non-fiction novel I have ever attempted to read has been incredibly dull, overly complex and, most importantly, incredibly scholarly, but not readable at all. This brings me to Julia Fox's latest offering, Sister Queens, which I originally ordered thinking that it was a fiction novel. It wasn't until I received the book, that I realized I had made a mistake....more I'm not much of one for biographies, despite the volume of European historical fiction that I enjoy reading. This is usually because every non-fiction novel I have ever attempted to read has been incredibly dull, overly complex and, most importantly, incredibly scholarly, but not readable at all. This brings me to Julia Fox's latest offering, Sister Queens, which I originally ordered thinking that it was a fiction novel. It wasn't until I received the book, that I realized I had made a mistake. However, I decided to give it a try anyway, and I was incredibly surprised.

Sister Queens tells the stories of Katherine of Aragon and her sister Juana of Castile, daughters of the famous Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain wrapped into tales of the entire families and the larger issues taking place in Europe at the time. Young Katherine and Juana are brought up with the greatest of schooling and the greatest of ambitions. Through careful negotiations, when the sisters were old enough, each was sent off to marry -and build politically advantageous unions. Katherine was sent to England to marry Prince Arthur, while Juana was sent to Burgundy to marry Duke Philip.

Though Katherine of Aragon's life has been well-explored, much of the focus on her was later in her reign, when Henry broke with the Catholic Church, divorced Catherine and married Anne Boleyn. Through this lens, Katherine was always depicted as the wronged, strong-willed first wife of Henry VIII, but here, Julia Fox paints a detailed portrait of Katherine's young years, struggling with the sudden death of Arthur, the painfully drawn-out negotiations that eventually led to her marriage to Henry, and years as a powerful political figure, confident and beloved Queen -even though she never gave birth to a living son. Fox offers readers a glimpse into the life of a strong, intelligent and real woman who was more advanced than most women of her time.

Katherine's story is intertwined seamlessly with that of her older sister, Juana. Juana's story has been less-explored than that of Katherine, and she has been frequently portrayed as "Juana the Mad," a mentally unstable queen who spent much of her life imprisoned. Here, Fox sheds some light into Juana's younger years in Burgundy, and the complex politics that led to her unexpected position as the Queen of Castile, the most powerful kingdom in Spain. And, sadly, how her gender became her downfall. Juana's tale is a tragic, yet strangely compelling one that, in many ways, captivated me more than Katherine's tale. She was wronged by so many men in her life -her husband, her own father and even her own son, all labeling her as deranged and insane so they could take power in her place, though Fox (and many other historians) believe that the charges of insanity were fabricated.

Fox does an exquisite job of balancing scholarly discussion and accurate information with compelling readability that made this biography whiz by without even a hint of boredom. I read this book in just two days, and loved every education moment of it. Fox offers just enough well-researched detail to bring the period to life without bogging down the story with too much information (which tends to be an issue in much of the non-fiction I've attempted). Sister Queens has made me a believer in non-fiction. (less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Ronna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am often suspect of biographies, as authors so often make decisions about people in history that may or may not be truly factual, creating whole new people from real life historical figures. Perhaps they just need to write a book interesting enough to sell and blurring truths and facts becomes part of the package. NOT THIS BOOK!

SISTER QUEENS by Julia Fox manages to be a magnificently interesting book while stating facts and theories from a well researched position. Letters, documents, historic...more I am often suspect of biographies, as authors so often make decisions about people in history that may or may not be truly factual, creating whole new people from real life historical figures. Perhaps they just need to write a book interesting enough to sell and blurring truths and facts becomes part of the package. NOT THIS BOOK!

SISTER QUEENS by Julia Fox manages to be a magnificently interesting book while stating facts and theories from a well researched position. Letters, documents, historical writings and other real remnants from history make up the basis of the book.

Spanish monarchs, Isabelle and Ferdinand's children lives and fortunes are described as part of this chronological factual story about the lives of their two most famous children, Katherine and Juana. Katherine, as the first wife of Henry the 8th, was an accomplished student and politician in her own right. She maneuvered a world much like ours today. Most of us have heard many stories about Henry 8th exploits from his vantage point. This story focuses almost completely from Katherine's vantage point, making this book particularly interesting. We hear about her fight to become, and stay Henry's wife; her fight to maintain her Catholic view to be THE world view; and her fight to maintain that her daughter, Mary, would succeed Henry as his rightful successor to the throne.

Juana, historically known as 'Juana, the Mad', lived most of her life in forced seclusion. Though her four daughters and two sons, and their progeny eventually ruled much of Europe, Juana's life is much a mystery. Julia Fox presented a case for madness , or perhaps accepted seclusion in her determination to secure her children's place in the world without breaking faith with her father, who wrongfully took her place as the Spanish King, wielding much influence in a male dominated hierarchy.

I found this book to be one of the best researched and most interestingly related stories written about this time in history. I highly recommend it to everyone interested in determining truth about this era of history for themselves!(less)

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Mar 22, 2012 Mallory rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, audio-book, british

A good biography about Katherine of Aragon and Juana, Queen of Castile, although I wouldn't suggest listening to the audiobook! The reader was very monotoned, and when ever she read quotes her voice changed dramatically to emphasis that it was a direct quote rather than the narrative. Unfortunately this took away for the text rather than making it read like a story because she would go back to her "narrator" voice in the middle of sentances to say things like "he continued..." making the text ve...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Lisa B. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books

What a book! I just could not put it down. Ever since watching The Tudor’s on TV, I have been fascinated by this time period in European history. The author of Sister Queens has put together a very readable, fact filled explanation of the lives of Katherine of Aragon and her sister, Juana of Castille.
Juana was married off to Phillip of Burgandy. Upon the death of her mother, Queen Isabella of Spain, Juana should have become Queen. Unfortunately for her, her father, then her husband and finally h...more

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Feb 11, 2012 Nicki Markus rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting book, following the lives of sisters, Katherine and Juana from promising beginnings to tragic ends.

I already knew a great deal about the life of Katherine of Aragon from after her marriage to Henry VII, but I really enjoyed learning more about her childhood in this book. Juana was a figure I had come across only in passing, so I was also captivated by her story.

Julia Fox has managed to capture their lives in a book that offers great insight without becoming bogged down in...more

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Feb 25, 2012 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: time-tudor, non-fiction-history, non-fiction-biography

4.5/5

My main motivator in reading this book was to learn more about Juana the Mad. I first heard the tale of her insanity regarding her husband's corpse in a junior high history class and never forgot it. Unfortunately, it seems as though the teacher was propagating myth. For one thing, he told us the wrong name of Juana's supposedly beloved husband, as Maximilian was actually her father-in-law. This makes it probable that his tale of the older emperor falling in love with Juana through portrait...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Lolly's rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazon-vine, nonfiction, royal-history, british-history, european-history

Poor Queen Juana. Like many others who have had even the slightest interest in European history, I'd bought completely the story of her madness. How she kept her husband's moldering corpse with her at all times, how she periodically opened the casket to kiss it and embrace it. How her jealousy knew no bounds and even in death she kept every other woman away from 'Philip the Fair'. How she roamed around, mad as a hatter, and was confined most of her life to protect her and the Spanish countryside...more Poor Queen Juana. Like many others who have had even the slightest interest in European history, I'd bought completely the story of her madness. How she kept her husband's moldering corpse with her at all times, how she periodically opened the casket to kiss it and embrace it. How her jealousy knew no bounds and even in death she kept every other woman away from 'Philip the Fair'. How she roamed around, mad as a hatter, and was confined most of her life to protect her and the Spanish countryside from her fits of mania. However, after reading Julia Fox's incisive and compelling account of Juana's and her sister Katherine's lives, I was astonished at how bamboozled I'd been. I'd should've known, though. After all, by whom has history been written? The victors, i.e. men, and the three men who wrote Juana's history--her father, Ferdinand, her husband, Philip, and her son, Charles--were three of the most manipulative and politically underhanded men to have ever roamed the chessboard of European politics in the 15th and 16th centuries. Though Juana may never have been entirely mentally stable, according to the story presented by Fox, it's quite probable she was never as unhinged as she's been so famously portrayed. Most definitely, her relationship with her husband, stormy enough when he was alive (and he was truly a complete shit, thoroughly deserving all her erratic behavior), wasn't at all as disturbed as the legends would have it when he died. Certainly she grieved and certainly her behavior wasn't understood by the masses. However, all she wanted was to bury Philip at Granada, his right as king, and her cross-country pilgrimage to that city was hindered and eventually halted by those wishing to keep her under their thumb, "those" being her father and her son. Fox presents new and enlightening accounts of visitors who, upon meeting Juana and expecting to confront a madwoman, are astonished at her ability to converse sensibly, to show rational thinking and reasoning, and her mild mannered behavior. In fact, if it hadn't been for Juana's meekness and total brainwashing by her parents and husband, she might've actually been able to throw off her oppressors and rule for herself. However, to her dying day, she would hear nothing negative or derogatory spoken about any of the men in her life, men she always believed--even when presented with evidence to the contrary, even when she was abused and tortured by the jailers hand-picked by her father and son--that those men always had her best interest in mind. She had neither the will nor backbone, as her sister Katherine did, to strike back; her only form of protest were childish temper tantrums and hunger strikes, making her madness all the more believable and her husband's/father's/son's job all that much easier.

Fox also presents a new angle to Katherine of Aragon. Through the years, when we're told the story of King Henry VIII's perfidy towards her, we're also presented with a picture of a saintly woman, a meek and mild woman who, though she tried to fight the divorce proceedings brought against her, was helpless to do anything to reverse the tide pulling her away from Henry's side. However, Fox shows that, as the daughter of the indomitable Queen Isabella of Castile, Katherine had more spirit and fire than what most people knew. In the early years of her marriage, she relished being the elder partner, the adviser to a young and inexperienced King Henry. This was a woman who could marshal forces and direct supplies in order to win at the Battle of Flodden, a massive win for England when Henry was away fighting in France. She was a capable regent and canny political manipulator, taught to dissemble by the best, her father. She was also stubborn and willful, and at times extremely naive, trusting those who weren't worthy and berating those who only had her best interests at heart. However, like Juana, she trusted implicitly her father and her nephew, Juana's son Charles. So when she was told that Juana had gone mad, she did not doubt them, as she hadn't spoken to or seen her sister in many years; when Juana was imprisoned, Katherine believed the lies. In this, she was ever being ever the dutiful daughter and servant of Spanish interests, believing and doing what was asked of her in order to promote Spain above all else, even when it put her in a precarious position and occasionally damaged her reputation and credibility.

In this, Fox has exposed the heart of what drove these two women and what eventually became their downfall: family loyalty. Juana and Katherine, though raised by a dynamic duo of rulers and educated to the first degree, lived in a world were women were little more than walking wombs. And though Isabella was equal to Ferdinand (in fact, his superior, her realm being much larger and richer than his) and their ruling partnership exactly that--a partnership--they were a rarity in that male-dominated world. In fact, after Isabella's death, Ferdinand showed his trues colors by keeping his daughter, the true ruler of the Spanish territories, sequestered and powerless. As such, though Juana and Katherine had the ability and, in Juana's case, the right to rule as equals, those rights were stripped away by the men in their lives. Yet, as always, family loyalty kept whatever ambition either sister held in check as neither one demurred against these restraints.

I haven't read Fox's previous book, Jane Boleyn: The True Story of the Infamous Lady Rochford; however, after reading Sister Queens I will be seeking it out. Julia Fox has a captivating and engaging writing style. She's able to present a depth of information in an immensely readable manner; this is certainly no ponderous academic tome, with dry-as-dust narration of facts and figures. The writing flows; it's lively and descriptive, reading almost like a novel. Yet don't be fooled; Fox is a true historian, not some jumped-up novelist pretending to be an expert, a la Philippa Gregory. And while you can tell she's definitely on Katherine's side when it comes to Anne Boleyn, she doesn't stoop to the popular trend of treating Anne as the embodiment of pure evil. (In fact, she clearly shows that some of the actions ascribed to Anne during that time were actually those of Henry.) In the end, Sister Queens is an in-depth examination of two women who tried to do their best as daughters, wives, consorts--or, as I like to call them, political pawns--always while being pulled in opposite directions.(less)

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Feb 20, 2012 Jennie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-non-fiction, non-fiction, favorites

An excellent, well-written account comparing and contrasting the lives of Katherine of Aragon (Henry VIII's first wife) and Juana of Castile (Joanna the Mad, mother of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V). The author does a wonderful job of bringing the sisters to life, yet making it explicitly clear where the historical record is silent, unreliable, or mysterious.

Being an avid fan of Tudor history, I was well-acquainted with Katherine's marriage to Henry VIII, but knew nothing of her early life (aside...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Jeanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

The two daughters of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were groomed since birth to be queens, given (with a hefty dowry) in marriages to secure political alliances with Spain. Katherine of Aragon was initially wed to Arthur, the Prince of Wales, who up and died, and the consummation of that marriage would become a point of contention years after her marriage to Arthur's brother, Henry VIII. Katherine of Aragon would become the most notable poster girl for jilted wives.

Juana, fared little better...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Lady Knight rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 16th-c, adult, central-europe, england-uk, france, middle-ages, non-fiction, online-library, royalty, tudor-elizabethan, spain

I picked this up because I've been on a Tudor 'kick' lately and was interested in reading a little more about the ever regal Katherine of Aragon. Prior to starting this book I had never really connected the fact that Katherine was the daughter of THE Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, and I'd never even heard of 'Juana the Mad'.

As far as Katherine's portion of the biography goes, very little was new to me. I've read quite a few books about Tudor era England over the years and recently...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Katerina (Kathe) rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think it’s safe to assume that, at least once throughout her entire life, every girl wants to be a princess. Whether for the gorgeous dresses, the decadent wealth, or the (fingers crossed!) possibility of marrying a gentlemanly prince, the dream has to be there at least once. Or at least it was that way with me! Given the choice of being an independent commoner or a sheltered betrothed princess, I used to say that, well, I’d find a way to get along with the husband with whom I was stuck. I wou...more I think it’s safe to assume that, at least once throughout her entire life, every girl wants to be a princess. Whether for the gorgeous dresses, the decadent wealth, or the (fingers crossed!) possibility of marrying a gentlemanly prince, the dream has to be there at least once. Or at least it was that way with me! Given the choice of being an independent commoner or a sheltered betrothed princess, I used to say that, well, I’d find a way to get along with the husband with whom I was stuck. I would get through it somehow.

Of course, after European and Asian History classes, I now know that being a princess wasn’t a piece of cake. Most of the time, princesses were just another bargaining tool, sent off to other kingdoms to ensure peace. When they could, they pulled strings in more than their own little courts; rarely did they become monarchs in their own right. Julia Fox’s book is about two queens who did more than their roles truly allowed, sisters so similar in ability yet so different in temperament.

Katherine of Aragon, known for being Queen Consort of England and the first wife of King Henry VIII, and Juana of Castile, her infamy stemming from stories of her madness while being Queen Regnant of Spain, as well as a beautiful poem about her “insanity” by Eric Gamalinda entitled Las Ruinas del Corazon , are an unlikely pair. Moving from region to region in Spain because of their parents, the renowned Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, they grew up knowing the horrors of war as well as the luxuries of being members of a respected royal family. Their parents presented a vision of a united Spain to those who had lived through a decade of civil war, and then fought to convert the Moors to Catholicism in what was known as the Reconquista.

Throughout the book, Fox highlighted the similarities at each stage of the sisters’ lives, despite the fact that they never saw much of each other when in their separate countries. She found parallels between their situations, drawing conclusions from information by those who lived around the two queens, as well as their own letters. She tackled the issues of the validity of Katherine’s marriage and Juana’s alleged insanity, showing both sides of the controversies. She also managed to make them come across neither as martyrs nor as saints, but as women who were so very flawed despite their own strength.

Fox’s writing is everything for which someone fascinated with history could ever hope. It never runs the risk of being clipped or stating matter-of-factly what is going on; rather, the writing delves into the queens’ lives with precision and grace. The greatest honor I could say is that it seemed as if I were reading a novel rather than a piece of historical nonfiction. The descriptions were vivid, each character’s personality distinct, and the narrative flowed seamlessly. The only issues I have are that, though effort was put into dividing the book equally, Fox couldn’t do so because of the lack of sources regarding Juana’s confinement; that, as another reviewer mentioned, the history of insanity in the House of Trastámara was rarely mentioned, if at all; and that it took me an entire week to read. In other words: It was lengthy, so those uninterested in the great detail that Fox put into the work will definitely not enjoy it.

I loved it, though. I still do. After all the historical fiction I have read, as well as other nonfiction books such as The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir, I can say that this is the one of the best books about either Katherine or Juana that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, if not the best. Julia Fox is a godsend to historical nonfiction—and is, I believe, on the way to dethroning Weir, who is as meticulous and objective a researcher—and her second book, Sister Queens, is one that those in love with centuries-old royalty, politics, and intrigue will definitely find fascinating. Put it on your to-read list today!(less)

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Jun 12, 2012 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

There is a tendency for biographers, especially when writing about females during the Tutor era, to concentrate strongly on the woman's sex life. While this was a really important part of the culture at the time, it gets annoying. It abridges women's lives down to childbirth and marriages. While Sister Queens does not go nearly into the research or detail about the daily lives of Katherine aned Juana that I'd like, its still a good read and attempts to take a step back from viewing the sisters t...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Victoria rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, biography, history, politics, religion

It's a shame there is so little information available about Juana "La Loca". It means that this book, as other reviewers have pointed out, is mostly about Katherine. And I know about Katherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII.

It was interesting to learn more about her in terms of her family connections and how her siblings shaped Europe. And Juana's descendants shaped the future of Europe. But there is a paucity of information about Juana herself that meant the book seemed to be mainly Kathe...more

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May 11, 2012 Brenna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arthur-to-elizabeth-ii, library-read, reference

I wish I could give this 3.5 stars, but apparently still not able to do so on Goodreads. Anyway, this is a very readable NF that I quite enjoyed. To get a great introduction into the world of Katherine and the Tudors, this is a wonderful book. However, if you are looking for the same for Juana, not so much. It's not because the author doesn't try; it's because the material is obviously not there. A lot of what we know about Juana's life is very basic-raised with her sisters and brother, married...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This book is better than Fox's first book on Jane Boleyn probably because there is more source material for Katherine and Juana. Although annoyingly Fox does still conjecture about the emotions of both women. Most of this book focuses on Katherine and is just a rehashing of what has already been published. I wish Fox would have given more attention to Juana. She just seems to accept as a fact that Juana was not mad without really discussing what is known or not known or elaborating on different...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Tudor lovers,

If you LOVE the Tudor saga - biography and fiction - you will appreciate this multi faceted approach of biography. Two women's destinies are so entertwined by the lives of their parents, their in-laws, and their spouses.

Fox tells the story of Katherine of Aragon...also known as Henry VIII's first wife/sister in law (depends on who you ask back then) and her sister Joanna the Mad. Fox presents narrative that questions Joanna's mental illness (seriously who hasn't been tripped up by a man), and K...more

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Apr 05, 2012 Phoenix Carvelli rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, goodreads-com

Received a review copy from Goodreads.com.

Well written. The author definitely did her research! It was a fascinating history. It made me thankful that I live in this era.

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Oct 03, 2012 Victoria rated it 3 of 5 stars

I bought this book accidentally from Audible. I thought I was getting the other book - THE Sister Queens a novel about Eleanor and Marguerite. So I was a little surprised when I started it up and found out that it was a non-fiction book about Katherine and Juana. I had read a book just a short time ago by C W Gortner about Juana and found it interesting. Katherine has never been a favourite historical character of mine. I would never have bought this book intentionally and yet I found that I rat...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Eugene rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the history of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain and their family. The focus is Katherine of Aragon and Juana of Castile during the reign of Henry VIII. The sisters' children become kings and queens scattered all over Europe. There are so many people introduced that it is difficult to keep track of them without a score-card. One gets the impression that the royalty of the period were pretty flaky and unqualified to rule.

The author has researched the extant records and reveals some interest...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Alesha Hubbell rated it 4 of 5 stars

An interesting read about Katherine of Aragon and her sister Queen Juanna. The parallels between them were amazing to see as well as learning more about their parents, The Catholic Monarchs, and the ambitions they had for all of their children and the continuation of their dynasty. The book was not totally evenly divided with an emphasis on Katherine. Juanna was mostly used as a comparison to her younger sister insted of being a star of the book in her own right; however this is understandable i...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Kim rated it 3 of 5 stars

Quite good, not historical fiction, more non-fiction, but still a fairly easy read. I had very little knowledge of "mad" Queen Juana, very tragic story. Women truly have come a "long way, baby".
Prior to reading this, I didn't have a very sympathetic view of Katherine of Aragon and didn't even realize her parents were "the" Ferdinand & Isabella of Spain. I feel much kinder towards her now. Henry VIII was such a dog! And how sad the perceived need for a son, especially when Elizabeth I was one...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Jen McConnel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

I very rarely read non-fiction for fun, but when my husband brought this home from the library, I started skimming and soon found myself three chapters in. Told in an easy narrative voice, Fox relates the fascinating histories of Katherine of Aragon and her sister, Juana. Although more of the information in the book centers on Katherine (who was a much more active player in events of her time), Juana was a fascinating and tragic figure I enjoyed getting to know. If you like Tudor history or hist...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Holly Ites rated it 4 of 5 stars

There can be little doubt that the lives of women in medieval history was solely to serve the ambitions of men, especially those born to noble families. Destined from birth to be a pawn in the chess game of political alliances, noble women learned early to use manipulation and cunning to achieve a degree of power over their lives and assure the birthrights of their children. This is a engrossing story of sisters, daughters of the powerful Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, and how their...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Tudor History Lovers: Sister Queens Part V The Sky Darkens	1	11	Mar 15, 2012 04:13pm
Tudor History Lovers: Sister Queens Part IV Sister Queens	1	8	Mar 15, 2012 04:12pm
Tudor History Lovers: Sister Queens Part III Widows	1	8	Mar 15, 2012 04:12pm
Tudor History Lovers: Sister Queens Part II Wives	1	9	Mar 15, 2012 04:11pm
Tudor History Lovers: Sister Queens Part I Isabella's Daughters	1	17	Mar 15, 2012 04:10pm

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About Julia Fox

Biography
Julia Fox was born in London. From a very early age, she set her heart on becoming a teacher and taught in a public and private schools in north London. She left teaching to concentrate on researching and writing 'Jane Boleyn'. Her interests include music, theatre, walking and cooking. She lives in London with her husband, the Tudor historian John Guy, and their three cats.

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Jane Boleyn: The True Story of the Infamous Lady Rochford

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