Title: Figures In Silk
Author: Vanora Bennett
First published January 1, 2008
450 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780007224944 (ISBN10: 000722494X)
Rating: 3.64
Overview
In the midst of political unrest, England is a nation on the brink of chaos. As Henry VII challenges the reign of the unstable Edward IV, the future of the country hangs in the balance.
But amidst the turmoil, one woman stands out with her quick wit and charming demeanor. A silkweaver to the court and mistress to Richard III, she navigates the treacherous waters of courtly intrigue with ease.
Figures in Silk is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to a time of great upheaval and the remarkable woman who played a pivotal role in shaping the future of England.
About the Author
Becoming a journalist was not a planned career path for me. After studying Russian, I was unexpectedly hired by Reuters, despite concerns from some old-fashioned editors that a blonde woman who read The Guardian might not be tough enough for the job.
My work quickly shifted from the mundane to the thrilling world of conflict reporting. While on a trainee assignment in Paris, I found myself reporting on Cambodia, a decade after the fall of the Khmer Rouge.
I also covered peace talks in various locations, including Indonesia and Paris.
My time in Cambodia led to a job in Africa, where I wrote about the horrors of war and disease, along with the illegal diamond trade. Later, I was posted in a country that had ceased to be the Soviet Union only three months before my arrival.
I spent much of the early 1990s covering small post-Soviet conflicts in the Caucasus mountains, which ultimately led to the war in Chechnya.
My interest in the cultural and religious differences between Russians and the various peoples once ruled by Moscow inspired me to write a book about the Chechen war. I followed this up with a more lighthearted book about post-Soviet Russia’s illegal caviar trade, which I wrote after returning to London to write about foreign affairs for The Times.
Now, I live a quieter life in North London with my family and enjoy reading, researching, writing, and exploring the city. Writing books has been just as surprising, pleasurable, and adventurous as my time as a foreign correspondent.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to write for a variety of publications, including The Times and its website, TimesOnline, the Los Angeles Times, Prospect, The Times Literary Supplement, the Guardian Saturday magazine, the Daily Mail, the Evening Standard, Eve magazine, The Observer Food Monthly, and The Erotic Review.
Editoral Review
Vanora Bennett’s “Figures in Silk” is a historical fiction novel that delves into the intricate world of English silk-making during the reign of King Edward IV. Bennett, an established British journalist and author, has crafted a compelling story that immerses readers in the complex political and social landscape of the 15th century.
Set in the bustling city of London, “Figures in Silk” follows the lives of two sisters, Isabel and Anne, who are determined to make a name for themselves in the male-dominated world of silk-making. Isabel, the elder sister, is a shrewd businesswoman who takes over her deceased husband’s silk workshop and becomes a master weaver.
Anne, on the other hand, is a skilled embroiderer who dreams of designing her own silk patterns. As the sisters navigate their way through the treacherous world of silk-making, they encounter a cast of vividly drawn characters, including the conniving Richard III and the ambitious Earl of Warwick.
Bennett’s writing style is elegant and evocative, transporting readers back in time with vivid descriptions of the bustling streets of London and the opulent court of King Edward IV. The author’s meticulous research is evident in the rich historical detail that permeates every page of the book.
From the intricate process of silk-making to the political intrigues of the era, Bennett brings the world of 15th century England to life in a way that is both informative and engaging.
The characters in “Figures in Silk” are complex and multi-dimensional, with their own flaws and strengths that make them feel like real people. Isabel is a particularly compelling character, a strong-willed woman who refuses to be cowed by the men around her.
Anne is equally fascinating, a creative spirit who yearns for artistic recognition in a world that doesn’t value women’s talents.
While “Figures in Silk” is a well-written and engaging novel, it does have a few flaws. The pacing of the story can be slow at times, with long stretches of exposition that may test some readers’ patience.
Additionally, the plot can feel somewhat predictable, with few surprises or twists to keep readers on their toes.
Overall, “Figures in Silk” is a well-crafted historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Bennett’s attention to detail and her skillful character development make this a compelling read, even for those who are not well-versed in the politics and social customs of 15th century England.
As such, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-researched and engaging historical fiction novel.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
