The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Other Boleyn Girl
Book Review: ** Brilliant **
Summary: 5 Stars
This was my first Gregory novel, and I LOVED it. I was led to the book by Robin Maxwell's 'The Secret Diary Of Anne Boleyn' (also very good) - Mary Boleyn was mentioned in Secret Diary. I hadn't been aware that Mary had been mistress to Francois 1 and Henry VIII before reading Secret Diary, thus I was excited to find The Other Boleyn Girl (TOBG). Interestingly, it is a very different Anne depicted in TOBG to that given in Secret Diary, a very dark and selfish character .. but fascinating. Mary is also depicted somewhat differently. In Secret Diary she is presented as a silly, sluttish girl, yet in TOBG she is a more rounded, beleivable character .. and valid reasons given for her conduct.
The book is well written, although I felt the author did 'flounder' a little in a couple of places. I felt she was 'padding out' the story, but don't let this put you off reading it, for she more than makes up for this in other areas. The conversation between Queen Katherine and Mary in the chapter headed 'Summer 1529' is heart wrenching; and (I hesitate to admit that) I had tears in my eyes at the description of Anne's execution.
After reading this book I was compelled to search the Net for details of this neglected and interesting person from history (Mary Boleyn), & it was fascinating to discover that Mary's son (by Henry VIII) also named Henry served his cousin Elizabeth 1 and greatly impressed his sovereign and his nation. King Henry evidently chose not to believe he had fathered the child, although the baby was conceived during his relationship with Mary. Henry did however meticulously provide for Mary's son after her husband's death. Mary's daughter, Catherine Carey became gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber at Elizabeth 1's accession , married Sir Francis Knollys, and became the grandmother of Lord Essex, Elizabeth 1's favourite in her later years.
A clear view of Mary's individual character would be difficult to obtain from surviving documents. Her personal history is obscured by the more tumultuous life and death of her younger sister Anne, and glimpses of Mary's life must be garnered from footnotes or brief mention in the works about her sister, her father and the two kings whose lives she touched (Francois 1 and Henry VIII). She was mistress to these two kings, twice wed to men of Henry VIII's Court and mother of children who served their cousin, Elizabeth 1, and must have been an enigmatic and intriguing figure .. and this author has served this character from history well.
If you are interested in historical fiction, or even just interested in the Tudor period, I highly recommend this book. I don't think you will be disappointed.
And, please don't let the reviewers who have criticised this book, put you off. I admit there are a few inaccurasies in the book, but for goodness sake, if you pick up a FICTION novel then you must accept the authors 'version' of the story. If you want to read totally accurate facts don't browse or shop in the Fiction section of the bookstore .. there's a place for people who can't stand someone else's interpretation .. it's labelled Non Fiction in the store. I suggest the 'critics' try this section & leave this author alone. I for one think she's done a fantastic job on a character from history who, as I said previously, would not have been easy to research.
Thank you Philippa Gregory.
Book Review: 16th Century Fanatic
Summary: 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book, I know that some if it may not be true, but it is a very good account of the time and life of Anne Boleyn and the others around her. Excellent read! I have added it to my collection of 16th century novels and biographies.Book Review: 3.5 stars is more like it...
Summary: 3 Stars
I am actually a bit torn between a 3 star and 4 star rating on this one. I enjoyed the book and thought it was at least an interesting picture of sibling rivalry. I loved that it took a different sort of look at this time in Henry VIII's court. But I felt that the characters were a bit vapid--especially Mary, who seemed to change her mind depending on which way the wind was blowing. Still, the novel as a whole was fairly historically accurate and did keep me interested, even though of course I knew how it would end--at least for Anne.Book Review: A "can't put down" book!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's one of the greatest books I've ever read. It's beautifully written. Gregory finds a great balance of description, not to much not to little. She has this great ability to make the reader feel as he were in that space and time. I also found that the author leaves you with the feeling of "wanting to find out more" which I find great. I finished this book last night (2am, couldn't stop reading)and first thing in the morning I was at the bookstore looking for more books on the topic. I'm going to start "The secret diary of Anne Boleyn" , I hope it's as good as this one. Don't miss this great read!!!Book Review: A "Can't Put This Book Down" Read
Summary: 5 Stars
From beginning to end this book was spectacular. The way Philippa Gregory twists fact with fiction is amazing. She makes it so believable, you feel as if you were there. I could not put this book down and can not give it enough praise. I am now reading her next book The Queen's Fool and I am sure it will be excellent as well. This is a must read for anyone who loves this time period.