Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
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 I liked this, and enjoyed the historical references, but there were times in the book where the plotting and backstabbing of the court and family members made me crazy and I'd have to put it down and walk away.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.
My first taste of Phillipa Gregory was this book that EVERYBODY talked about, but I hadn't read. This book was obviously well researched and very entertaining at the same time. I have not seen the movie, but I don't know if I want to ruin the images I have in my head of what things are supposed to be like.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I did not expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did. It was an enjoyable story and an easy read. Even though it's over 600 pages, I read it quickly. I was quite surprised by the graphic descriptions of the sexual elements in the story. I did not expect that at all.
This gets 4.5 stars from me
I really enjoyed it and it's not often that there are characters I hate but Anne was that character. I hated her because she was written so well as being the worst!
The story was a great read. And comparing it the 2008 movie they both stand well on their own. I'm wanting to read more by the author
I really enjoyed it and it's not often that there are characters I hate but Anne was that character. I hated her because she was written so well as being the worst!
The story was a great read. And comparing it the 2008 movie they both stand well on their own. I'm wanting to read more by the author
This book fell into my lap and I do love a good fictional yet historical novel, so I dove in. I'd say it's halfway between a torrid, paperback romance novel and really delicious historical fiction. If the author had gone either way more deeply, the book would have probably worked better, but I was still interested enough to keep reading all the way to the end (664 pages!). There are many places where this could have been edited down very easily, as there were several sections that were completely redundant. I really appreciated the complexities of both Mary and her sister Anne. No one character was "truly" evil (except, perhaps for Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Boleyn - what monsters!). If you love historical romance that's light on the facts and the romance, then pick it up.
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
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