A review by hewlettelaine
The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

2.0

This is my second read of this one and I still feel it's a weak link. I love Anne of Cleves as a historical figure and she certainly comes out of this one the best but I feel like this novel gets let down by one-dimensional characterisation - Katherine Howard is a silly girl, Jane Boleyn is quite likely a complete psychopath. Trying to build a story around 3 of the least well known women in the Tudor period is difficult and it often feels repetitive and simplistic.

Small historical points irritate too. Anne Boleyn being killed on "the block" is repeated several times in some detail despite the fact she probably didn't use one. Jane Boleyn's "son" is repeatedly mentioned despite there being no evidence she ever had one.

Not the best entry in the series in my opinion.