Advertisement
Fiction

Figures in Silk: A Novel

Figures in Silk: A Novel

By Vanora Bennett

Harper Collins, October 20, 2009

ISBN: 9780061689840

Two sisters discover passion during the War of the Roses-one in the arms of the king, the other in the world of silk

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.

Advertisement

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.

Click here to visit Vanora Bennett’s website

Click here to read an interview with Vanorra Bennet

Click here to read a review of Figures in Silk by Medieval Book Reviews

Click here to read a review of of Figures in Silk by the Lancashire Evening Post

Advertisement

Advertisement