Everyone knows the fate of Anne Boleyn, but not many know the story of her rise to majesty and the part played by her rival and sister, Mary, who was Henry's mistress and mother to two of his bastard children before the dazzling older Boleyn girl even caught his eye.
Philippa Gregory, whose own role as the Queen of historical romance grows more secure with each new novel, has surpassed her self with this epic tale of lust, jealousy and betrayal. The Other Boleyn Girl charts the lives of both Boleyns--each in their turn "the other Boleyn
Girl"--and their fiercely ambitious, conniving family who used the girls as pawns to advance their own positions at the court of Henry VIII. At 13, Mary is little more than a child when she is presented to Henry, ordered by her scheming family to serve her King and country by opening her legs whenever commanded, or doing anything else the great monarch desires.
And while his loins are satisfied, life at court is sweet for the unofficial Queen and her pushy coterie. Inevitably though, the King's eyes soon begin to wander and Mary is overlooked, helpless to do anything but aid her family's plot to advance their fortunes, replace her with Anne and give Henry the greatest gift of all: a son and heir.
Well I certainly enjoyed this book,I was totally hooked to find out the ending even though we all knew what happened to Anne, but it amazes me that this sort of thing went on in those days and that I am so glad I wasn't born in those times, But I wanted to story to continue and find out more about Jane Seymour and how they managed to get their claws in etc. Will have to look into other books by Phillipa certainly!! I would certainly recommend reading this book, now I have to see the film.
5 comments:
I have read all her books I like all but 2, have you seen the film of this book?
Thank you for the invite Karen, lovely to read about others opinion's of books. I am an avid reader so get through a lot of books.
I read this one beginning of last year as it was chosen for my U3A reading group. I quite liked it although I found the character changes with each chapter annoying after a while. I don't usually read historical novels so hadn't read any of hers before.
I don't think I'd read her books again. I am into modern novels at the moment altho' the last book I read was a Nicholas Sparks, an easy read and predicable I thought. But it kept me happy for a few evenings!
Chris
I've only read one Phillippa Gregory (recommended by Karen) and i enjoyed that.
It's nice to find a new author you haven't read before.
Another PG fan here too. Loved this book though I found the film a bit disappointing - maybe it was just me?
Oh I found the film absolutely rubbish!! So much missing from it!
Post a Comment