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cindie's review
I hit 40 pages in and it was still talking about Camelot and Guinivere - well-researched, but I have too much in my to-read pile for that level of depth before the book got anywhere near the Tudor Era. Probably a lovely book, will give it a chance another time when I have more patience!
mari1532's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
I love Gristwood’s work. If she’s involved in anyway I am consuming. So, I was thrilled to learn that my library had obtained a copy of this book.
I devoured this book. The way that Gristwood was able to integrate the narrative of chivalric tradition and the Tudor court was so interesting.
My absolute favorite parts of the book were the discussion of Mary, Dowager Queen of France, Margaret, Queen of Scots, and Margaret Douglas. These women do not get nearly enough coverage in many Tudor works and it was refreshing and so interesting to see them integrated as part of the story.
I did enjoy this book but there were a few parts where the book just did not grasp my attention as much. For instance, the early history of chivalry or the current presence of it in our culture. It wasn’t that these parts weren’t interesting, they just weren’t as captivating.
A great cultural history of the Tudor period and any Tudor lover is bound to enjoy it.
I devoured this book. The way that Gristwood was able to integrate the narrative of chivalric tradition and the Tudor court was so interesting.
My absolute favorite parts of the book were the discussion of Mary, Dowager Queen of France, Margaret, Queen of Scots, and Margaret Douglas. These women do not get nearly enough coverage in many Tudor works and it was refreshing and so interesting to see them integrated as part of the story.
I did enjoy this book but there were a few parts where the book just did not grasp my attention as much. For instance, the early history of chivalry or the current presence of it in our culture. It wasn’t that these parts weren’t interesting, they just weren’t as captivating.
A great cultural history of the Tudor period and any Tudor lover is bound to enjoy it.
frantically's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
I really enjoyed getting more info about various relationships in the Tudor era, especially Elizabeth's relationships with her numerous favourites — I didn't even know there were more than Dudley! But the fact that all of the discussed persons are somehow related to the Tudors doesn't make up for the fact that besides it, the story isn't much connected and often brings up side-stories without further explanation. There is a lot of background knowledge assumed, so I'd only recommend this to people who are already deep into their Tudor lore (but then — not sure if I would recommend it either way...).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and War
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
mcastello13's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
The Tudors will forever fascinate me, and the lens through which this book looks at them was especially interesting. I loved that it focused on many different members of the dynasty and not just Henry VIII and his wives and Elizabeth I. That said, I think Elizabeth I is possibly the most fascinating (well-known, at least) person to ever live, so I could readily read anything about her life, really. But I also enjoyed reading about other members of the family who I know less about.
And of course I appreciated that it focused on women and gave us a very three-dimensional look at their lives and experiences with courtly love, and the ways in which those ideals professed to elevate and empower them while ultimately working to constrain them ever further. Depressing, but fascinating.
And of course I appreciated that it focused on women and gave us a very three-dimensional look at their lives and experiences with courtly love, and the ways in which those ideals professed to elevate and empower them while ultimately working to constrain them ever further. Depressing, but fascinating.
jasminegalsreadinglog's review
4.0
The Tudors in Love is a fascinating book about courtly love during the Tudor era. The author goes into a well researched path of letters and poetry from that age. From King Arthur to Queen Elizabeth I everyone was influenced by love or was it only a facade for bigger games behind the scenes?
Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII are the most fascinating personalities of the Tudor age for me. Once the book goes into their story, I had a wonderful time reading this book. It is a well researched book drawing from whatever material still exists. An interesting perspective of how shallow boundaries existed for the courtly love but how easy was it for men to cast aside women. Powerful men and their politics played their games and women were the pawn or the victim.
I really enjoyed the book though the writing could have been little simpler. With the heavy prose of Tudor era and the long sentences it was a little tough for me to follow the book especially very early on.
For the all the lovers of The Tudors, this book is perfect. Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley.
Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII are the most fascinating personalities of the Tudor age for me. Once the book goes into their story, I had a wonderful time reading this book. It is a well researched book drawing from whatever material still exists. An interesting perspective of how shallow boundaries existed for the courtly love but how easy was it for men to cast aside women. Powerful men and their politics played their games and women were the pawn or the victim.
I really enjoyed the book though the writing could have been little simpler. With the heavy prose of Tudor era and the long sentences it was a little tough for me to follow the book especially very early on.
For the all the lovers of The Tudors, this book is perfect. Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley.