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153 reviews for:
Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History
Tracy Borman
4.14 AVERAGE
153 reviews for:
Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History
Tracy Borman
4.14 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
Incredibly well-researched, lots of connections I’d never previously known of - really interesting to see how Elizabeth I carried her mother’s legacy with her
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
fast-paced
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Love the topic and how she wove the threads of Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth together to show the influence of Anne on her daughter. Well done. I do wish there had been a little bit more historical context in some places because I think it would have been helpful but I also know the context of this time so it wasn’t necessary. Loved her use of quotes, learned some new facts, and really enjoyed this perspective
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Both women changed English (and world) history significantly, but most authors exploring either of the women assume they had little connection, since Anne was executed when Elizabeth was still a few months shy of her third birthday. That assumption is probably wrong, and this is a wholly unique look at that connection, which is/was emotional, as well as biological.
As someone who also lost their mother as a child, there can be the dynamic where one thirsts for every scrap of information and connection, and I related to Elizabeth as I never had before. The author makes the strong argument that while Elizabeth rarely *mentioned* her mother in public, she chose to surround herself with family on her mother's side (admittedly, Henry VII & VIII had eliminated most of the family on the Tudor side). She also chose to wear a locket ring with pictures of herself and her mother, and wore countless of Anne's badges and symbols on her gowns.
The author takes pains to emphasize what can be verified (belongings, courtiers), and what is assumed or possible, but NOT verified, such as a visit by Elizabeth to Hever. She was in the vicinity, on more than one occasion, but despite an artist painting a picture of such a visit, it is not in any records. The photographs are wonderful, too. If you're a Tudorphile, it's a must-read addition to the library.
As someone who also lost their mother as a child, there can be the dynamic where one thirsts for every scrap of information and connection, and I related to Elizabeth as I never had before. The author makes the strong argument that while Elizabeth rarely *mentioned* her mother in public, she chose to surround herself with family on her mother's side (admittedly, Henry VII & VIII had eliminated most of the family on the Tudor side). She also chose to wear a locket ring with pictures of herself and her mother, and wore countless of Anne's badges and symbols on her gowns.
The author takes pains to emphasize what can be verified (belongings, courtiers), and what is assumed or possible, but NOT verified, such as a visit by Elizabeth to Hever. She was in the vicinity, on more than one occasion, but despite an artist painting a picture of such a visit, it is not in any records. The photographs are wonderful, too. If you're a Tudorphile, it's a must-read addition to the library.
2.75 stars
For someone who makes such great television documentaries, I was actually quite disappointed with this, especially in the writing style which I found dull and lacking energy.
There is so much amazing non-fiction these days that paints the picture and puts you so beautifully in the time and place the author is writing about. This did not do this at all. It felt a bit like old school non-fic, simply stating the facts and does not build the story or paint a picture for the reader. There was even a chapter in this book that basically just lists all the people who knew Anne Boleyn who carried on in favour in Elizabeth's time.
There is some interesting information but nothing ground breaking in my opinion.
For someone who makes such great television documentaries, I was actually quite disappointed with this, especially in the writing style which I found dull and lacking energy.
There is so much amazing non-fiction these days that paints the picture and puts you so beautifully in the time and place the author is writing about. This did not do this at all. It felt a bit like old school non-fic, simply stating the facts and does not build the story or paint a picture for the reader. There was even a chapter in this book that basically just lists all the people who knew Anne Boleyn who carried on in favour in Elizabeth's time.
There is some interesting information but nothing ground breaking in my opinion.
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced