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ceegreen's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this to read after finishing Wolf Hall and realising that I know a lot about Anne Boleyn but a lot less about Catherine. It's easy to see why - Anne's story is sexy and tragic, the clever commoner who flew too close to the sun. In comparison Catherine often comes across as the dowdy middle-aged kill-joy Catholic.
This book put more meat on the bones to give a rounded picture of a complex woman - the daughter of Isabella of Spain, a strong and respected queen at a time when such powerful women were rare. A Spaniard whose identity as the Queen of England was decided for her as a toddler, and who gave every indication of truly loving her adopted country, and of being loved by it. And a woman whose stubbornness / determination shaped the history of that country. with it's split from Rome, and the establishment of the Church of England as the State religion, to this day.
This book put more meat on the bones to give a rounded picture of a complex woman - the daughter of Isabella of Spain, a strong and respected queen at a time when such powerful women were rare. A Spaniard whose identity as the Queen of England was decided for her as a toddler, and who gave every indication of truly loving her adopted country, and of being loved by it. And a woman whose stubbornness / determination shaped the history of that country. with it's split from Rome, and the establishment of the Church of England as the State religion, to this day.
helenephoebe's review against another edition
3.0
Review? - A little disappointing, particularly around Katherine's involvement with the divorce and her relationship with Anne Boleyn. An excellent guide to Katherine's childhood, however, as it examines how it was for her growing up in Spain, and the transition into the more formal English court with people she didn't know. Not that many illustrations, which I found a little disappointing, and basically all portraits, so you don't get a feel for the wider environment, with the places Katherine knew and books she would have seen.
General Subject/s? - Tudors / History / Biography
Recommend? – Yes
Rating? - 15/20
General Subject/s? - Tudors / History / Biography
Recommend? – Yes
Rating? - 15/20
bodinelouise's review against another edition
4.0
I am a big fan of the Tudor era and ever since watching the full television serie I wanted to know more about Catherine of Aragon. Her character intrigued me.
This biography is written as a novel, which makes it easier to read and maybe romanticizes it a bit, but keeps you enough on track to not loose sight on the realness behind it. I was already intrigued by Catherine and after reading this book I can only say I admire her strength, passion and determination even more.
This biography is written as a novel, which makes it easier to read and maybe romanticizes it a bit, but keeps you enough on track to not loose sight on the realness behind it. I was already intrigued by Catherine and after reading this book I can only say I admire her strength, passion and determination even more.
joants's review against another edition
2.0
Even though I am obsessed with Catherine of Aragon and her life, I didn't enjoy this book. The writing style was not for me...
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