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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
What does it say that I skipped to the end of the book to see how far through history it went? I never do that. So as you might guess, I wasn't overly impressed with the book, but maybe that's because I've heard repeatedly over the last 7 years how fabulous it is. As such, it couldn't possibly meet my expectations.
It sort of felt like just the bare bones of a story, as if it was the watered down film adaptation version of the original book. Considering that it's a rather thick book, that's sad. Honestly if you're looking for a rich, detailed historical novel, I'd recommend Sarah Waters' books instead. Maybe her books aren't as detailed as I feel they are in retrospect, but they're definitely richer than this one.
Mind you, 3 of the people in my book group loved it and felt the characters were well-fleshed out, etc. So it could just be my own issues.
It sort of felt like just the bare bones of a story, as if it was the watered down film adaptation version of the original book. Considering that it's a rather thick book, that's sad. Honestly if you're looking for a rich, detailed historical novel, I'd recommend Sarah Waters' books instead. Maybe her books aren't as detailed as I feel they are in retrospect, but they're definitely richer than this one.
Mind you, 3 of the people in my book group loved it and felt the characters were well-fleshed out, etc. So it could just be my own issues.
Well, I had not picked up this book in a week or two and when I did, I found that I had lost my place. When I went looking to try to find where I needed to start reading, I decided that I was not really into it enough to take the time, so I think I am going to go see the movie to find out what happens and move onto a new book.
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Excellent! Mary is often portrayed as just the brief “entertainment” for King Henry and a rival to her sister, Anne. This book, however, gives her a full characterization from the child bride (& then coerced lover of the king by her avaricious parents & uncle) to a mature woman who wisely chooses love and her children over the riches, glamour, & despicable behavior of the court. I’m glad to have come away with a much more flattering impression of her!
Loved it! Very well written and I loved the story.
My father read this a while back and really enjoyed it, so I thought I’d give it a go. I love stories told from a minor character’s point-of-view, and this one didn’t disappoint. The novel was well-written and engaging, and while several plot-points are based on theories that are not widely-favored, it’s well-researched and fairly historically accurate, while still being fiction (since not much is actually known about Mary, who tells the story). The characters are believable, if not always likable, and it’s easy to get drawn into their story. Unlike so many works, there aren’t really any good guys and bad guys - even when Anne and Henry are at their worst, they’re still human, and you still feel something for them. And yes, Anne dies at the end. Sorry for the spoiler.
Read this over the course of last weekend when we got snowed in by 10" of Mother Nature's best. Perfect book for reading late night in front of a fire. I have read some of the history from that period and enjoyed how the author took real figures and events and wove into a more full story. I'm looking forward to the movie!
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read this book as a teenager. It was my first read about Henry VIII’s court and wives. Reading it again now years later definitely left me with a different perspective of some things. Anne Boleyn, while being overly ambitious and hot tempered, is an enthralling historical figure. Gregory really brings her and Mary to life as week as the other important players during this time. I still adore this novel.
