Monday, July 30, 2012

Figures in Silk by Vanora Bennett

This Friday at 10:30 a.m the library book group will discuss Vanora Bennett's Figures in Silk, a novel whose heroine is a merchant's daughter in late 15th century London, an apprentice silkwoman named Isabel.  Isabel's sister Jane is one of King Edward's mistresses, which helps Isabel immeasurably with business; but she is secretly a mistress herself, to Edward's brother Richard. Anyone who has read or seen Shakespeare's Richard III knows that black clouds are gathering on the horizon at this point. Fans of Philippa Gregory should enjoy Figures in Silk as well.

The author has written some articles about the historical background of the book for her web site, including one about the silk trade.

Discussion questions are available here.

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