Shannon Elizabeth Heffner asked Sherry Jones:

Which character was your favorite to bring to life in Four Sisters, All Queens? Which was the hardest?

Sherry Jones Marguerite, the sister striving to achieve under the unrelenting thumb of her jealous mother-in-law, was the most difficult to write. How to portray her sympathetically? Even historians haven't been kind to her, calling her weak, manipulative, etc., but i saw her as very courageous. My decision to take her down the Nile just after childbirth to negotiate her husband's releaae with the Egyptian queen Shajar-al-Din did the trick, I think, and Beatrice's memory of her blugeoning a crocodile with an oar.

Speaking of Beatrice, she was the most enjoyable to write. As the bratty baby of the family, she took on a snarky tone and developed a ruthlessness that made me laugh. I rubbed my hands with glee whenever it was her turn in the story, eager to unleaah my inner bitch!

flag

Shannon Elizabeth Heffner I absolutely loved that very scene between Marguerite and Beatrice. I truly felt Marguerite's discomfort and sense of urgency as they sailed down the I absolutely loved that very scene between Marguerite and Beatrice. I truly felt Marguerite's discomfort and sense of urgency as they sailed down the Nile, all the while she is padding her clothing with rags to keep herself from bleeding! A simply stunning depiction of a woman's strength, and as you pointed out, a very good way to portray Marguerite in a sympathetic light. I actually said "Damn! Now THAT is a woman!" out loud! My husband gave me one of those "I'm not sure I want to know" looks. My heart also melted a little for the first time in the novel for Beatrice (maybe the only time!) as she watched in awe as her sister negotiated with Shajar-al-Din. What a scene that was! In fact, I'd have to say it is the scene that I remember the most vividly because it was so amazingly intense.

I agree with you about Marguerite's unsympathetic legacy in history. I have done quite a bit of research on the 13th century, and as many historians point out, you can't think of the 13th century without thinking of St. Louis and his mother, Blanche of Castile (but not necessarily his wife!). When I found passages relating to Marguerite, most of them were quite negative in their depictions of her. I even recall one 19th century historian calling her actions in Outremer "unnatural" (I believe that was the term. Big eye roll from me on that one!) Yet this same historian defended Blanche's actions throughout her entire tenure as Queen of France, as regent, and as an advisor to her son. Because of her piety this historian was quick to excuse the same traits that he condemned in Marguerite! However, I quickly came to realize that what were considered "negative traits" for a woman in Marguerite's time aren't necessarily considered negative today, and you know, maybe good ol' St. Louis would have remained a prisoner of war if not for the incredible chutzpah of his wife! Unfortunately even in the 21st century there will always be people who think that a strong personality in a woman is a bad thing, but I think Marguerite, and indeed all of her sisters, were women ahead of their time.

And I have to add that just as you say that Beatrice was the most fun to write, I had a lot of fun reading her chapters in the story. She was the character that made me the most angry, annoyed, I want to pull my hair out, etc. All of the characters moved me in one way or another, but Beatrice made me straight up mad at times! I hope that tells you what a good job you did in bringing the Provençal sisters to life. I really enjoyed this novel, Sherry. Thank you for working so hard to bring us books that transport us to another time and place. Reading a good book has always been one of the greatest joys in my life. And thanks for taking the time to answer my question! ...more
Jan 12, 2015 07:14PM · flag