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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
Unclear when first read but I do remember enjoying it! Likely to be between 2006 and mid-2008.
Not as good as "The Other Boleyn Girl" but a decent historical fiction.
Probably my favorite Gregory book. An in-depth look at Henry's last 3 wives. We know so much about Anne Boleyn; it's interesting to think what life must have been like for Anne of Cleves and the two Catherines. A heartbreaking ending, but a true page turner. I would happily reread it and love all three women even more.
informative
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:
Complicated
I think if I were describe this book in a single word, it would be tedious. There is so much repetition. Sometimes within the same sentence.
Once again, I can tell this is one of the earliest published books in the series. Gregory's voice still seems muddled. I read the books before this (published more recently but chronologically earlier), books that told the same story from multiple perspectives, and they still maintained a uniqueness of character voice and view of the events. This book had three narrators, but they all sounded virtually the same, which meant that the chapters repeated themselves to the point that I thought I'd go as mad as Jane and Katherine by the end. I guess if there is one thing I can say was done well, it was Jane's downward spiral into utter insanity. I'm not sure she was ever pretending.
The Howards/Boleyns, if they were only a fraction as evil as Gregory imagines them to be, were as deranged as Henry VIII, himself, at least. They literally make my skin crawl. I did find Anne of Cleves to be a somewhat likable and sympathetic player in the life of Henry. What a bum deal she got...or did she? Ha. Who can say?
Of the five remaining books in the series, two are quite recently published (this brings me hopeful anticipation!), two are older than this one (this brings me some trepidation), and one could go either way, since it was published in 2008 (two years after this one and a year before one I really enjoyed). Regardless, I will finish the series. I didn't get ten books in to stop before seeing it through.
Once again, I can tell this is one of the earliest published books in the series. Gregory's voice still seems muddled. I read the books before this (published more recently but chronologically earlier), books that told the same story from multiple perspectives, and they still maintained a uniqueness of character voice and view of the events. This book had three narrators, but they all sounded virtually the same, which meant that the chapters repeated themselves to the point that I thought I'd go as mad as Jane and Katherine by the end. I guess if there is one thing I can say was done well, it was Jane's downward spiral into utter insanity. I'm not sure she was ever pretending.
The Howards/Boleyns, if they were only a fraction as evil as Gregory imagines them to be, were as deranged as Henry VIII, himself, at least. They literally make my skin crawl. I did find Anne of Cleves to be a somewhat likable and sympathetic player in the life of Henry. What a bum deal she got...or did she? Ha. Who can say?
Of the five remaining books in the series, two are quite recently published (this brings me hopeful anticipation!), two are older than this one (this brings me some trepidation), and one could go either way, since it was published in 2008 (two years after this one and a year before one I really enjoyed). Regardless, I will finish the series. I didn't get ten books in to stop before seeing it through.
Not as entertaining as [b:The Other Boleyn Girl|37470|The Other Boleyn Girl|Philippa Gregory|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1277607929s/37470.jpg|3248536], but still a good romp through more Tudor lives. I really enjoyed hearing about Anne of Cleves, but was less interested in the lives of the other women. The narrators for the audiobook do well reading the different characters and it was good to have different readers for the different perspectives.
Really interesting to get an insight into Anne of Cleves and Jane Boleyn. Katherine Howard's POV was a little less interesting but still this book shows a court in upheaval after so many betrayals, executions and accusations, with at its head a king brutally mad, a horrible tyrant. I think I've had enough of beheadings for a while now though.
Philippa Gregory consistently does a good job telling a story we know the ending to and make it very interesting. While there's a lot of plot (people get married, travel, get arrested) it's all very muted by the narrative style. I find them interesting, but am terrible at describing them when I recommend her writing. But I always read them quickly, even while pausing to Google certain facts as I go. She really does make you want to know more about the time period.
Nonetheless, another great book. Three points of view from very different personalities. Anne is smart, though people doubt her, and she is very conscious of her choices. She is nice and sincere while having to always look out for herself. Katherine is young, naive, and not smart - even accounting for her youth. She's frivolous, but not malicious.
Jane. She's the sister-in-law of Anne Boleyn, widow to George. She was also in The Other Boleyn Girl, and gave testimony, sending Anne and George to their death. At first, I was frustrated by her part of the narrative because it didn't seem in line with how she was portrayed in The Other Boleyn Girl and the inconsistency bothered me greatly. BUT (and I won't give spoilers) near the end Gregory ties it together and makes Jane a very fascinating character.
I love her focus on female characters doing the best they can in the time period with their very limited options. The world of privilege came with many dangers. Their different upbringings and personalities guide how they navigate their available choices.
Nonetheless, another great book. Three points of view from very different personalities. Anne is smart, though people doubt her, and she is very conscious of her choices. She is nice and sincere while having to always look out for herself. Katherine is young, naive, and not smart - even accounting for her youth. She's frivolous, but not malicious.
Jane. She's the sister-in-law of Anne Boleyn, widow to George. She was also in The Other Boleyn Girl, and gave testimony, sending Anne and George to their death. At first, I was frustrated by her part of the narrative because it didn't seem in line with how she was portrayed in The Other Boleyn Girl and the inconsistency bothered me greatly. BUT (and I won't give spoilers) near the end Gregory ties it together and makes Jane a very fascinating character.
I love her focus on female characters doing the best they can in the time period with their very limited options. The world of privilege came with many dangers. Their different upbringings and personalities guide how they navigate their available choices.
By following three different characters from the Tudors court you can follow the intrigues around the king closely. Intrigues, events and tragic life stories in an interesting mix.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated