Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Firstly, I feel it’s quite difficult to write a spoiler-free review on a subject that’s based on historical facts that a lot of us already know, but I have tried my best…
This is a fictional biography of Katherine of Aragon, Princess of Spain. From travelling across the treacherous waters of the English Channel, arriving in England to marry Prince Arthur and then, his tragic death, to her 24-year marriage to his younger brother - the now King Henry VIII. This tells the story of a courageous woman - a Spanish princess raised to be modest, obedient and devout. Destined to be an English Queen.
Throughout this book, I felt so sorry for Katherine. Even before their divorce, when Henry seemed like a loving husband, the losses of their babies (apart from Mary) must have been devastating for both of them. And when it was obvious that they weren't going to have a living son, the way she was treated was tragic. But Katherine was portrayed as being very dignified throughout. She did everything in her power to try to save her marriage but without causing drama. Katherine also seemed like a good mother; she tried to protect Mary as much as possible from everything that was happening.
One thing that felt a bit tedious was how Katherine kept hoping that Henry would return to her. But then I thought it was a different time back then; marriage was supposed to be sacred and divorce didn't exist. So, I guess it was meant to feel tedious, as I'm sure it also did for Katherine herself. Other than that, I don't think there was anything I didn't love about this book. Therefore, I give Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen 5 out of 5 stars!
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is interested in Tudor history and strong, resilient women.
This is a fictional biography of Katherine of Aragon, Princess of Spain. From travelling across the treacherous waters of the English Channel, arriving in England to marry Prince Arthur and then, his tragic death, to her 24-year marriage to his younger brother - the now King Henry VIII. This tells the story of a courageous woman - a Spanish princess raised to be modest, obedient and devout. Destined to be an English Queen.
Throughout this book, I felt so sorry for Katherine. Even before their divorce, when Henry seemed like a loving husband, the losses of their babies (apart from Mary) must have been devastating for both of them. And when it was obvious that they weren't going to have a living son, the way she was treated was tragic. But Katherine was portrayed as being very dignified throughout. She did everything in her power to try to save her marriage but without causing drama. Katherine also seemed like a good mother; she tried to protect Mary as much as possible from everything that was happening.
One thing that felt a bit tedious was how Katherine kept hoping that Henry would return to her. But then I thought it was a different time back then; marriage was supposed to be sacred and divorce didn't exist. So, I guess it was meant to feel tedious, as I'm sure it also did for Katherine herself. Other than that, I don't think there was anything I didn't love about this book. Therefore, I give Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen 5 out of 5 stars!
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is interested in Tudor history and strong, resilient women.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
slow-paced
informative
slow-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:
Yes
Despite its intimidating size and quite small print, I really enjoyed this. I read it off the back of seeing Six and feeling inspired to read something Tudor-based, and forgot how much I enjoy learning about this period.
The book follows Katherine from when she is Catalina of Spain right up to her death. I loved the fact that it wasn't just based around the Henry years like so many books are. I also feel like there's a tendency to want to side with Anne Boleyn because she's got the more 'fun' story, but this really set a new perspective on things. It was also really interesting to see e.g. the rise and fall of Wolsey through the book, and other key political moments.
This was a really solid read for me and one I found myself looking forward to coming back to. Although it is a little slow, I think it does a really good job of exploring Katherine's life.
The book follows Katherine from when she is Catalina of Spain right up to her death. I loved the fact that it wasn't just based around the Henry years like so many books are. I also feel like there's a tendency to want to side with Anne Boleyn because she's got the more 'fun' story, but this really set a new perspective on things. It was also really interesting to see e.g. the rise and fall of Wolsey through the book, and other key political moments.
This was a really solid read for me and one I found myself looking forward to coming back to. Although it is a little slow, I think it does a really good job of exploring Katherine's life.
A martyr of Christianity and true love, Katherine of Aragon was a true queen, with honor and loyalty and great kindness. Reading these pages I couldn't help but feel her pain and all the betrayals she suffered at the hands of people with agendas. The pressure of her ordeals took a toll on her health but she did not waver and she did not give up, showing immense character and passion for what she believed. This book brought me closer to the parts of history that were often left out or just glossed over, and I've developed respect for this strong woman, the first in a series of many to marry a fussy and conceited monarch, but never losing her hope in their love.
Will return when in the mood for historical fiction!
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Abandonment
Moderate: Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Grief
Minor: Toxic relationship, Violence, War
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I saw this series recommended for people who read the Dear America series as kids. I agree it is a great recommendation. The book is interesting and tells the story aligning with historical facts.
It's a bit dry and a bit long for my personal taste, which has prevented me from continuing the series. I still plan to continue because it is wonderfully written, just not a series to read back to back, in my opinion
It's a bit dry and a bit long for my personal taste, which has prevented me from continuing the series. I still plan to continue because it is wonderfully written, just not a series to read back to back, in my opinion
emotional
informative
sad
tense
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:
No