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sherri22 's review for:
The Boleyn Inheritance
by Philippa Gregory
My first book written by Philippa Gregory gave me what I wanted to get out from this book. I wanted to know more about Henry the VIII’s wives, their personality, behavior, why they were chosen, how they handled themselves, etc. This book and the audiobook brought Queen Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and a member of the court Jane Boleyn to life. I enjoyed the format of each chapter from the perspective of each lady giving into their personal thoughts and ideas as events moved around them. The audiobook had a cast of three talented voice-actresses giving each woman their own unique individuality. If you want to listen from the same audiobook look for the audio cast that includes, Bianca Amato, Dagmara Dominczyk, and Ruthie Henshall.
I will say out of the three women, my heart went to Queen Anne of Cleves. I admired her silent strength and her ability to overcome the boundaries she faced. I loved her from the beginning and upon reading further became more involved in her story. I took on Queen Anne of Cleves personal feelings toward Katherine Howard. Katherine Howard being the youngest of 14 years old made me laugh and I enjoyed her youthful exuberance.
Lastly Jane Boleyn I found to be a complex character. She seems to be continually in “survival” mode and it is hard to decide if she wanted to be where she placed herself. During this period, women didn’t have much say or ability (even if they became the Queen of England). I think in Jane’s case, there were possibilities for her that would have been safer, yet not as grand as being in Court. I am aware there is another book from Philippa Gregory that goes more into the character of Jane Boleyn, the wife of George Boleyn, who is the brother of Queen Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. I might read that one on a later date to explore the complexity of her character more.
This book was a great introduction to the two wives of Henry VIII and a woman who has been in Court serving the many Queens’ of the King.
I will say out of the three women, my heart went to Queen Anne of Cleves. I admired her silent strength and her ability to overcome the boundaries she faced. I loved her from the beginning and upon reading further became more involved in her story. I took on Queen Anne of Cleves personal feelings toward Katherine Howard. Katherine Howard being the youngest of 14 years old made me laugh and I enjoyed her youthful exuberance.
Lastly Jane Boleyn I found to be a complex character. She seems to be continually in “survival” mode and it is hard to decide if she wanted to be where she placed herself. During this period, women didn’t have much say or ability (even if they became the Queen of England). I think in Jane’s case, there were possibilities for her that would have been safer, yet not as grand as being in Court. I am aware there is another book from Philippa Gregory that goes more into the character of Jane Boleyn, the wife of George Boleyn, who is the brother of Queen Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. I might read that one on a later date to explore the complexity of her character more.
This book was a great introduction to the two wives of Henry VIII and a woman who has been in Court serving the many Queens’ of the King.