The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $1.55 You Save: $14.45 (90%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Other Boleyn Girl
Book Review: A Look into the Past....
Summary: 4 Stars
As a history buff, I have always had a fascination with King Henry VIII and all of his wives. I picked up this book because I was tired of reading chick lit. To my surprise I could NOT put this book down. I was finding ways to get home early in the evening so I could read my book. I was totally into the story. I found myself wanting to be back in that time and really see these characters. The story is told through the eyes of Mary, Ann Boylen's younger sister. I found it appalling how the heads of the families could just tell someone who to love. The way Gregory writes this novel you begin to see parts of yourselves in these characters. I felt a sadness after I was finished reading the book. I did not want it to end. Even though I know the story of Ann Boylen this book took me deeper into her life and I look at her differently now. Mary Boylen is definatly a character who will stick with me as well. I loved how she finally found happiness at the end. This is a definite good book!Book Review: A Machiavellian Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Much has been written about this turbulent time in English history, the reign of Henry VIII, when the English Court changed course, breaking from the Roman Church in order to dissolve Henry's marriage to Katherine of Aragon, who could not bear a living heir to the throne.The fortunes of the great aristocratic families, who fill the courts and fawn upon the King, are immensely enriched when they gain the King's favor and attention. Comely as a young king, Henry VIII is accustomed to garnering the flattery of the young women who serve as the Queen's attendants. The Boleyn/Howard family holds a prominent position in Henry's court in the early 1520's, as Katherine of Aragon becomes ever more desperate in her need to supply an heir and keep the King's affection.
The Howards and Boleyns have many young women available to the court, and when Henry first takes note of Mary Boleyn Carey, she is already married. It is acceptable behavior for the King to tryst with her as a paramour, which would be scandalous if she were not married. Mary's sister, Anne, recently returned from the French Court, is one of the clever minds pushing Mary to prominence. The third Boleyn, George, their brother, is also a pet of the Tudor Court, forming the family triumvirate that is to be part of the intrigue surrounding the eventual dissolution of marriage to Katherine of Aragon that will set a precedent and change history.
Eventually Mary is replaced in the King's favor by her sister Anne, and George and Mary are instructed to hold their positions, this time in support of the clever, if unlikable, Anne. For five long years Anne tempts and challenges Henry, until she herself is crowned Queen. Never beloved, Anne's temperament is equal to Henry's and she hasn't the wisdom or patience to turn the other cheek on dalliances as Katherine did. Eventually, Henry tires of Anne's scolding and constant demands, his attention newly captured by the seemingly docile and pure behavior of a simpering Jane Seymour. Anne must live with the precedent she's established, swept aside by the King in his desperate pursuit of another to provide a male heir.
Gregory's characters are incisive, the story masterfully told, the plots and counter-plots necessary for political viability fascinating to follow. No less complicated than modern day affairs, the degree of scheming is truly of Machiavellian design. Engaging and thought provoking, Gregory's beautifully crafted novel overflows with intrigue and ambition, with scheming characters who bet everything of the whims of a puerile King. The result is magnificent.
Book Review: A Masterful Epic!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book out of interest in the Tudor times. I've read quite a few disappointing historicals in my time. What with the pages and pages of tedious description to tread through in some of the stories. This is most certainly not the case in The Other Boleyn Girl! It captures the essence of the period in the most effective way. I felt literally as if I was there in this time and space. The author pays attention to details, such as food, apparrel, and community. Anne Boleyn was drawn as a villain, which shatters the empathy a lot of folks felt for her. I too felt sorry for her at one time, but that's done with, though no one really knows if she is deserving of symapthy or resentment. The long and short of it is that I couldn't put this book down. It is most highly recommended.
Book Review: A Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was absolutely wonderful. It intrigues all kind of readers, and it creates a wonderful chemistry of romance, intrigue, sex, scandal, love, evil, and every other possible emotion that can make you hate,love, and empathsize with all the characters in the book. I personally loved getting into the minds and atmosphere of the time and court of Henry VIII, and found I couldn't put the book down. Once you get to the last page, you feel yourself wishing to be able to continue experiencing the lives of the characters. I totally loved this book, and can't wait to read more from Philippa Gregory. I may have just found my new favorite author!!Book Review: A Masterpiece!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
First I have to say that in school and college, I either skipped or slept through most of my history classes. It was my least favourite subject. That being said...
Several people recommended this book, and when I finally picked it up, I was imediately roped in. I read it in two days, and went out to buy the rest of this series!
Not only was the book fascinating,and steamy, but it's also real history folks! I learned so much from "The Other Boleyn Girl" and what life was like in that era.
Life in the King's court was truly scandelous, and a queen's life was under constant scrutiny. Nothing was kept private for these women, and their sole purpose in life was to get pregnant and bear sons. When Anne finds herself unable to become pregnant again by Henry (the ol' guy seemed to have an issue with impotence), she becomes desperate and resorts to incest, trying to save her neck and give him a son.
The Tudor family lived to make the King and Queen happy, despite their own feelings. But their sole purpose in the royal court was to climb their way to the top, and win the King's favour. They used any means necessary, including sacrificing their young daughters. Catherine, the young innocent, was merely a pawn, catching the eye of the king and tearing him away from his queen and holding his lust at bay, while Anne waits cunningly in the wings for her moment strike.
Read this book, it has everything: sex, scandal, execution, treason and lots of scheming.