Book Review: The Other Boleyn Girl

 

Written By: Philippa Gregory
Let me start by transporting you back in time to the early 1500’s and you are
serving in the royal court of King Henry the VIII. The court is full of gossip,
intrigue, religion and the servitude of the whimsical King Henry



Your family is of good noble stock, you have completed much of your
lady-in-waiting in the prestigious French court and you are in England to be
married to your family’s choice. You are fourteen. Luckily for you he is a good
man, kind, gentle and handsome but being in Henry’s court you are always in
danger. The danger has become reality and you have caught Henry’s eye. What will
be your family’s response?

This is the position that Mary Boleyn finds herself in- yes I did say "Mary"
because this book is written in the voice of Anne Boleyn’s (Henry VIII’s second
queen) sister.

The main characters are strong willed women dominated by the men in their
culture, and yet they often get the upper hand through careful plotting and
relentless ambition. I wonder if you are more of an "Mary" or an "Anne?" You
also get a feel for the historical picture of Tudor times without it being
"essay like."

If you have had the misfortune of watching the film about this book PLEASE
FORGET IT because it does not do justice to this fabulous book- written in
meticulous and flowing detail about life in the Tudor court of England.

There were times I physically couldn’t put it down especially when it gets to
Anne Boleyn’s demise at the end, but there, I won’t spoil it for you enjoy
reading this book full of plots, suspicions, happiness, anguish, greed and tears
for yourselves.

Title:
The Other Boleyn Girl
Author: Philippa Gregory
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0743227441
Review written by: Jenni Bevis