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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I love Philippa Gregory's books. I really enjoy historical fiction. The Taming of the Queen is about Kateryn Parr, Henry's last wife. She is a leader of a religious reform and the first woman to publish in English. But she tries and to keep herself safe from her husband and his court. She can't help the protestants as the king turns on her and a warrant for her for arrest is written.
I loved this book. I love reading about women of this time. Philippa Gregory writes in a way that is engaging and fun. Mixing my two favourite things History and Fiction. What isn't there to love!
I loved this book. I love reading about women of this time. Philippa Gregory writes in a way that is engaging and fun. Mixing my two favourite things History and Fiction. What isn't there to love!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've been enjoying Gregory's books this year and upon completing this one, I have added 11 of her books to my belt. I didn't find this book particularly mind-blowing or well crafted (compared to, say The Other Boleyn Girl or Lady of the Rivers), but I did find the character development extremely compelling. I think one thing that helped is that I actually identified with the character in that, had I been a woman during the time the same sorts of values and hopes and dreams would have probably been in my heart and mind as well. So, that makes me biased. Still, the character development seemed much more nuanced in this book than in most of the others I've read.
On to the next one. Philippa Gregory's Plantagenet & Tudor Novels are solid 3/5 for me on average.
On to the next one. Philippa Gregory's Plantagenet & Tudor Novels are solid 3/5 for me on average.
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It's very easy to sympathize with Katherine Parr in her marriage to Henry VIII and toeing the line between being a good wife and a good queen knowing that the only way she'll get out is with her death or with his.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The way the drama and uncertainty of living in Henry VIII's court was portrayed very well. Not hugely on board with Thomas Seymour being written as good when there is quite a bit of historical evidence to suggest he wasn't a hero at all. However, I like the way Ms Gregory has depicted the other characters. Especially Anne Askew, whose bravery and intelligence made her one of my favourite characters and has prompted me to read more about the real woman.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I have heard criticism of this book because of the sexist title. However, the plot explains the title perfectly so I have no quarrel with it. I am a fan of Gregory's novels and this one was exactly like the others. If you liked the rest, you'll like this. I felt it was a bit long in some sections and I am kind of sick of reading about King Henry VII and his wives so that may have to do with my 3 stars. The writing is as always, superb, if a bit repetitive (within itself and within the author's other work)
I have a certain soft spot for Kathryn Parr so I really enjoyed this!
A decent work of historical fiction that is perhaps not as exciting as some of P.Gs previous works, but still manages to immerse the reader.
Henry the VIII is depicted as the worst possible person in this novel - a murderer, tyrant, glutton and a fool. Kateryn Parr is the undisputed hero who has been written very much like a modern woman - smart, kind and craving independence. These depictions may irritate some for their onesided nature and political undertones.
Henry the VIII is depicted as the worst possible person in this novel - a murderer, tyrant, glutton and a fool. Kateryn Parr is the undisputed hero who has been written very much like a modern woman - smart, kind and craving independence. These depictions may irritate some for their onesided nature and political undertones.