Book Review: Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Published by Viking Juvenile May 15 2012

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free—
and love comes at the highest price of all.
When Kitty Tylney’s best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII’s heart and brings Kitty to court, she’s thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat’s shadow, Kitty’s now caught between two men—the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat’s meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

My Thoughts:
Historical fiction isn’t my go-to genre but I am so glad that someone placed this in my hands and said “read”. The story centres around the best friend of Catherine Howard; Kitty Tylney and follows them as young girls wishing to be Ladies of the Court and their eventual arrival.  I turned the pages of Gilt quickly, I worried for Kitty and grew frustrated with her attempts at protecting Catherine, through it all she proved to be a loyal friend.
The author, Katherine Longshore takes us back to a time where the drive for power and status was all many cared about. Your family name was more important than what you looked like, or how you behaved. Gossip could land you in the Tower or worse. When I read books like this I am thankful that I am a woman in this time period and not one in the past. Women at this time were nothing,  just toys and decoration, easily picked up and easily tossed. I can’t imagine all the pressure and stress that came with being a member at court, though maybe the dresses and jewellery made it easier to swallow? (not likely)
Readers will enjoy this well written journey to the past. An adventure into King Henry VIII’s court has all the drama, mystery and backstabbing of a Gossip Girls, or Pretty’s Little Liar’s episode, but Gilt has much more heart. In it we learn about love, sacrifice and the true meaning of friendship. Highly Recommended!

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