Scan barcode
tourmaline1703's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Philippa Gregory writes beautifully and perfectly encapsulated the personalities of every character with their dialogue and mannerisms. You could really feel the emotions of Mary, our narrator, as her life changes. Slight warning that some of the descriptions of childbirth can be quite graphic and disturbing at times, but it does add to the story and is necessary for the final chapter.
Whilst there are some quieter moments in the plot, it all builds and builds, ending on a large event. I think the way the plot quickens and slows reflects the coming and going of the Tudor court well. At times, I wasn't fully paying attention yet could still follow what was going on as the writing can be quite descriptive at times when discussing who is in the room, where they are riding etc, but this reflects the flowery language used at the time.
My relationship and thoughts on the novel's characters is quite complex but I would say the best way I can describe it is I empathise with them and understand their need to protect each other. Of course, these are fictionalised versions of historical figures so the way they are presented differs slightly from who they were but I think it is interesting to flesh out their relationships and emotions. I was uncomfortable at times with the way they acted and it is hard to understand some of the logic behind their actions as they are undoubtedly flawed. However, it is undeniably interesting to read.
Graphic: Death, Adult/minor relationship, Miscarriage, Infidelity, and Infertility
Moderate: Incest, Sexual content, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcohol
swinckler's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Miscarriage
amwill35's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Abortion, Infertility, Murder, Violence, Infidelity, Death, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Classism, Sexism, Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Incest
stefarie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Child death, and Death
elizabethbest's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Grief, Infertility, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, and Infidelity
Moderate: Child death, Abortion, Classism, Incest, and Blood
Minor: Homophobia and Adult/minor relationship
erinvasut's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, and Infidelity
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, and Incest
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
moonblaze7's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Moderate: Death
Minor: Incest
naomi_k's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Miscarriage, Homophobia, Adult/minor relationship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual content, Infidelity, Infertility, Pregnancy, Death, and Classism
Minor: Incest
mango5564's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Miscarriage and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Incest
nixicat1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Adult/minor relationship, and Rape
Moderate: Incest and Infertility