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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
okay so prior to reading this the only thing I knew about Katherine was her name. I didn’t even know she was Spanish :/
This book paints her as a strong and principled woman, ready to die for what she believes is right. Honestly, there were so many times she could have taken the easier route and gone on with her life as normal but she couldn’t sacrifice her integrity to do it. And while I think it’s pretty stupid, I kinda admire her for it.
My only complaint is that the beginning of the book is so long!! (Also why I took two weeks to read it). Things only started picking up for me after Anne Boleyn appeared because we all know how that ends. But the entire story made me feel so bad for Katherine; even until the end, all she wanted was for her husband to know she loved him, despite all the things he did to her and Mary. That’s some serious dedication.
This book paints her as a strong and principled woman, ready to die for what she believes is right. Honestly, there were so many times she could have taken the easier route and gone on with her life as normal but she couldn’t sacrifice her integrity to do it. And while I think it’s pretty stupid, I kinda admire her for it.
My only complaint is that the beginning of the book is so long!! (Also why I took two weeks to read it). Things only started picking up for me after Anne Boleyn appeared because we all know how that ends. But the entire story made me feel so bad for Katherine; even until the end, all she wanted was for her husband to know she loved him, despite all the things he did to her and Mary. That’s some serious dedication.
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I found reading Henry viii sex scenes a strange experience. But a nice read otherwise.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
I love these historical stories generally but this one was so long and drawn out and I thought it was never going to end and UGG but I finished it! I don’t think I’ll read any of the rest of the books in the series though!
Recommended by Stephanie. Lots of details on Katherine of Aragon (Henry the VIII 1st wife). Glad I read it…probably won’t pick up the others right away, but definitely will in the future.
medium-paced
I am familiar with Alison Weir’s work, both fiction and non-fiction. I have also read several biographies of Katherine of Aragon as well as books that cover the reign of Henry VIII. Yet I was surprised. It is refreshing to find new information in a subject I thought I knew so well. So hats off to Ms. Weir for the surprise concerning Arthur, Prince of Wales. Once I finish writing this review, I am off to find more information.
Having read Ms. Weir’s fiction and nonfiction books, I have to say I prefer her nonfiction. This novel is a good example of why. In the nonfiction books, Ms. Weir’s exhaustive research produces a feeling like total immersion for the reader. You get lost in the detail. You can see and feel and touch what Ms. Weir is describing. I have not found that in her fiction writing. It is comparatively flat. I just did not get lost in the story.
This is still an enjoyable book. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction or Tudor related books, will enjoy this novel.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
Having read Ms. Weir’s fiction and nonfiction books, I have to say I prefer her nonfiction. This novel is a good example of why. In the nonfiction books, Ms. Weir’s exhaustive research produces a feeling like total immersion for the reader. You get lost in the detail. You can see and feel and touch what Ms. Weir is describing. I have not found that in her fiction writing. It is comparatively flat. I just did not get lost in the story.
This is still an enjoyable book. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction or Tudor related books, will enjoy this novel.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is one of my favourite series. I love how well researched this book is and how it's from Katherine's perspective as it brings her to life. You are able to connect with her and unfortunately see how her life slowly falls apart. This shows Katherine as a strong woman who suffers so much heartbreak and not just Henry's first wife.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage