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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
(Side-note, don't try the abridged versions of books you love. It will only upset you.)
As this is the first Gregory novel I read, it was nice to go back to basics with a new perspective. Especially since, as one of her first, it's interesting to see what she chose to do with the history of the time. By making Mary the lead voice, it leads to a certain detachment from the "truth" of the events, when Gregory usually likes to try and give an explanation to the things that history has said will probably never be solved (whether or not Katherine and Arthur consummated their marriage, the identity of those who killed the Princes in the Tower, etc). Anne's guilt of all her accusations, told from the perspective of Mary, comes from someone who believes the worst in her without actually knowing the truth, and so Gregory allows for Anne to remain the villain of the story. Of course, history has gone back and forth in whether or not she deserves to be one - certainly as time's gone on, more of the blame has fallen on Henry's shoulders (as Gregory has often insinuated it should) and Anne has become more of a feminist icon as a women attempting to seize power and prove her worth in a world where, in the Duke of Norfolk's words, "Men still rule - that much has not changed." Ultimately, from the perspective of a warring sister, we see more of the villainous side of Anne (especially since Mary's allegiance is often in Katherine's camp), and not the side that grants her more sympathy, which many modern adaptations tend to lean towards.
There are other interesting pieces to consider, such as the relative innocence of Mary (apart from her affair with Henry) and the question of George's homosexuality or bisexuality, since both things have been debated widely amongst historians. Of course as the years go by, new interpretations of old texts arise and new conclusions are drawn (maybe new things are even discovered), but it's interesting to consider what information Gregory had available to her and what decisions she chose to make for storytelling purposes (since, after all, this is a work of fiction, and ultimately her imagination is the cornerstone behind it all).
As this is the first Gregory novel I read, it was nice to go back to basics with a new perspective. Especially since, as one of her first, it's interesting to see what she chose to do with the history of the time. By making Mary the lead voice, it leads to a certain detachment from the "truth" of the events, when Gregory usually likes to try and give an explanation to the things that history has said will probably never be solved (whether or not Katherine and Arthur consummated their marriage, the identity of those who killed the Princes in the Tower, etc). Anne's guilt of all her accusations, told from the perspective of Mary, comes from someone who believes the worst in her without actually knowing the truth, and so Gregory allows for Anne to remain the villain of the story. Of course, history has gone back and forth in whether or not she deserves to be one - certainly as time's gone on, more of the blame has fallen on Henry's shoulders (as Gregory has often insinuated it should) and Anne has become more of a feminist icon as a women attempting to seize power and prove her worth in a world where, in the Duke of Norfolk's words, "Men still rule - that much has not changed." Ultimately, from the perspective of a warring sister, we see more of the villainous side of Anne (especially since Mary's allegiance is often in Katherine's camp), and not the side that grants her more sympathy, which many modern adaptations tend to lean towards.
There are other interesting pieces to consider, such as the relative innocence of Mary (apart from her affair with Henry) and the question of George's homosexuality or bisexuality, since both things have been debated widely amongst historians. Of course as the years go by, new interpretations of old texts arise and new conclusions are drawn (maybe new things are even discovered), but it's interesting to consider what information Gregory had available to her and what decisions she chose to make for storytelling purposes (since, after all, this is a work of fiction, and ultimately her imagination is the cornerstone behind it all).
Fun to read about the rampant youth culture in Henry VIII's court. Funny to contrast it with all the tsk tsking about today's youth culture and where it will all lead us.
I had been avoiding this book because I had seen the movie and it was too violent and rape-y for my taste. But now I know why everyone loves it so much: it's clearly Philippa Gregory's best work (and, fortunately, not as violent or rape-y as the movie). Despite it being one of her longest books, I tore through it and enjoyed every bit. Would recommend.
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such a great book. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical novels of the Tudor time period.
I first read this about 10 years ago, and gave it 5 stars, I think because it was my first real historical fiction, and it fascinated me that a lot of this was true. I quite like how it is told from the sister’s point of view, and the emotions and drama are very well done.
I gave it 4 stars this time, partly because it felt too long and drawn out, and partly because I kept picturing Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johanssen (sp?). I think the movie ruined it a bit for me - I much preferred picturing my own Boleyn girls. Still, this is a book I will keep on my shelf!
I gave it 4 stars this time, partly because it felt too long and drawn out, and partly because I kept picturing Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johanssen (sp?). I think the movie ruined it a bit for me - I much preferred picturing my own Boleyn girls. Still, this is a book I will keep on my shelf!
Really a 3 1/2 star book. I liked this, and enjoyed the historical references, but there were times in the book where the plotting and backstabbing of the court and family members made me crazy and I'd have to put it down and walk away. But after a rest I'd have to pick it back up and continue on. It ended up being a fun read.
This one took me a really long time. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy it, because I did, but I really felt like it went on forever. I have a much greater appreciation for the goings on at court now, and also a better sense of what the nobility was all about in the Renaissance. Overall, a decent read, but I don't know if I'll continue with more of her work.