I may or may not have an unhealthy fascination with the Tudor period of English history. I find reading about the life and wifes of Henry VIII quite compelling, and watching Johnathan Rhys Meyers get angry… y-uuummmy! So because I adore it so much, I have been trying to pace myself while reading the Tudor Series by Philippa Gregory, and watching The Tudors by Showtime (thank you Marina!)
I have been trying to read Philippa Gregory’s Tudor Series in chronological order, which is proving to be difficult because she didn’t write them chronologically. I read The Other Boleyn Girl first, so when I finished The Constant Princess in January, I almost wanted to read The Other Boleyn Girl again. Alas, I had lent the book out (still can’t figure out who has it — probably my sister though)… so I started the third book (chronologically), The Boleyn Inheritance.
The Boleyn Inheritance was written fifth (in 2006) but deals with the time period after Anne Boleyn’s beheading and Jane Seymour’s death. The book centers around three females within the King’s court: Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford, husband to George Boleyn and sister-in-law to Anne Boleyn; Anne of Cleves, the young German woman destined to become Henry’s fourth wife; and Katherine Howard, a maid in Queen Anne of Cleves’ court who caught the eye of the King and became his fifth wife.I really enjoyed reading the story from all three perspectives; Jane gave us a glimpse into the conniving, cut-throat world of court, Anne of Cleves displayed more than just a woman whom the King couldn’t consummate a marriage with, and Katherine Howard showed us she was more than just a ninny as history dictates.
I find that Philippa Gregory’s writing is always intriguing, the story always moves forward and very rarely do I get bored. It is a quick read and the characters are always very well researched and well-rounded where history lacks. Philippa Gregory obviously must take some story-telling indulgences where history just doesn’t tell the full character of a person. She always seems to breath life and depth into these women who were branded a certain way while still maintaining that character. She makes the flat descriptions of their actions in history come to life on the page: Jane Boleyn who was branded a backstabbing bitch for giving evidence against her husband and sister-in-law, Anne of Cleves being assumed an idiot when there was a huge language barrier, and Katherine Howard was apparently very superficial was really only 15 and being married off to an old, rotting man.
I don’t really know where this review is going, because I just enjoyed the book and could go on and on about these characters and this age in history for a loooong time. Anyway, I enjoyed it, it got me out of my reading slump (in case you noticed I haven’t finished a book in quite a while). And if you like Tudor history and/or Philippa Gregory, read The Boleyn Inheritance.
April 20, 2009 at 1:06 am
You will be shocked to know one of my ancestors was Ann Boleyn and so because of that I have always had a fascination with the Tudor period of English history as well.Hugs Darcy
April 20, 2009 at 5:17 am
This is my favorite Gregory book!
Lezlie
April 20, 2009 at 5:57 am
More Gregory! I enjoyed her other books, so I guess I’ll have to give this series a try. I’ve read the Other Boylen as well…
April 20, 2009 at 8:48 am
It’s interesting to me that Gregory has not written the books in chronological order. Suggests that she’s writing based on the characters and not the action.
I tried to read The Other Boleyn Girl but couldn’t get into it – not sure Gregory’s style is for me. I think it’s still sitting around on my shelf though so I may give it another chance in the coming months.
April 20, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I’ve only read The Other Boleyn Girl, but I should read this one soon. :)
April 20, 2009 at 6:09 pm
i have wanted to read these for ages…but my library never has the first one and i always forget to request it! lol. you’ve inspired me..i’m going to work on getting ahold of these books!
April 20, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I love all of the Tudors and that area. I don’t have a good reason why, but it’s all sort of addictive and interesting and strange. I’ve only read The Other Boleyn Girl, but I think if I came across one of the other books I’d grab it.
April 23, 2009 at 6:00 am
we here are totally fascinated with Tudor History, including Elizabeth the first, DH has a tattoo of her as his backpiece with my face as Elizabeths
April 23, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I love the Philippa Gregory novels, even though they’re not historically accurate. They’re always real page turners and you always end up empathising with all of the characters.
I enjoyed The Boleyn Inheritance, I really liked Anne of Cleves in it. I’m now reading Robin Maxwell’s “The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn”, which again is not historically accurate but then it’s not meant to be really! It’s a good read too.