Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Simon & Schuster Audio (2008), Edition: Abridged
Description
When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, Mary falls in love with both her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots as the king's interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king, and take her fate into her own hands.
User reviews
LibraryThing member atheist_goat
Oh my WORD. Nine-tenths of the romance novels I've read were better written than this, and even the one-tenth that weren't provided smut and were quickly over. People LIKED this book?
LibraryThing member bluepenguin1980
I may be in the minority here, but this one was hard to get through. It's like its written for a grade 8 level. Add to that cliches, vulgarity, you name it. I did finish it, and liked the William Stafford bit (yum) but I honestly don't see what all the fuss is about.
LibraryThing member cestovatela
Facing more than 500 pages in a genre I don't typically enjoy, I questioned whether I'd be able to finish this book. Surprisingly, not a single page felt superfluous and I read it in just a few days. With spot-on dialogue and well-developed characters, this book brings the world of Mary and Ann
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Boleyn to vivid life. Show Less
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
I really have to shake my head when I think of the popularity of this book. I love good historical fiction. This is bad history and even worse fiction. The Tudor period and the reign of Henry VIII is a popular one in historical fiction for good reason. I certainly have found it a compelling period
I can't see a redeeming feature in this one and certainly won't ever read another novel by Gregory. I thought the prose style puerile--which admittedly fits the heroine and narrator, the Too-Stupid-To-Live Mary Boleyn. The novel opens with her witnessing an execution, and her certainty it's all a masque and Henry will be swooping in any moment to save the condemned from the block. And it closes that way too, and this time Mary doesn't have the excuse of youth for being so stupid.
And Gregory's Henry who she falls in love with? Gregory puts these lines in his mouth when he first meets her: "You're a very pretty girl," he said approvingly. "Carey tells me that he so likes a young bride that he'll never bed any but twelve-year-old virgins ever again."
Charming.
Anne Boleyn comes across just about as sympathetic and witless despite us being told she's so clever. And you know, I've read and bought lots of different Annes. I can see her as sympathetic as in the novels of Nora Lofts or Jean Plaidy or a more sinister figure like that in Margaret George's biofic of Henry--but I can't see her as an idiot. But that's how Gregory draws her in a book that actually takes seriously the accusations of witchcraft and incest used in her judicial murder. At the end in an author's note Gregory lists a long list of sources for her tale. But there's not one insightful or convincing portrait in this book or anything that to me conjures up the age.
There are countless better books featuring these historical figures from Jean Plaidy's The Lady in the Tower to Margaret George's The Autobiography of Henry VIII to the recent Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Avoid this one.
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in history and have read several books about it, fiction and non-fiction.I can't see a redeeming feature in this one and certainly won't ever read another novel by Gregory. I thought the prose style puerile--which admittedly fits the heroine and narrator, the Too-Stupid-To-Live Mary Boleyn. The novel opens with her witnessing an execution, and her certainty it's all a masque and Henry will be swooping in any moment to save the condemned from the block. And it closes that way too, and this time Mary doesn't have the excuse of youth for being so stupid.
And Gregory's Henry who she falls in love with? Gregory puts these lines in his mouth when he first meets her: "You're a very pretty girl," he said approvingly. "Carey tells me that he so likes a young bride that he'll never bed any but twelve-year-old virgins ever again."
Charming.
Anne Boleyn comes across just about as sympathetic and witless despite us being told she's so clever. And you know, I've read and bought lots of different Annes. I can see her as sympathetic as in the novels of Nora Lofts or Jean Plaidy or a more sinister figure like that in Margaret George's biofic of Henry--but I can't see her as an idiot. But that's how Gregory draws her in a book that actually takes seriously the accusations of witchcraft and incest used in her judicial murder. At the end in an author's note Gregory lists a long list of sources for her tale. But there's not one insightful or convincing portrait in this book or anything that to me conjures up the age.
There are countless better books featuring these historical figures from Jean Plaidy's The Lady in the Tower to Margaret George's The Autobiography of Henry VIII to the recent Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Avoid this one.
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LibraryThing member docliz
An enjoyable and yet horrifying look at the Tudor court. This novel was written with the history of the Boleyn girls in mind and is an easy and pleasant way to get a feel for the Tudor times. I'm glad I was born in the West in the twentieth century!
This was a great introduction for me to
This was a great introduction for me to
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historical novels. A great read and I got a feel for that bit of history at the same time. Show Less
LibraryThing member JillMcCaghern
When Henry first notices Mary Boleyn Carey, he is attracted to her refreshing candor and youthful exuberance as well as her bright-eyed beauty. Mary, already married, is acceptable for a tryst with the King. A dalliance would actually be scandalous were she not married, a virgin and therefore prime
Mary is the primary focus of the novel, even when replaced in the King's affections by her duplicitous sister, Anne. Yet Mary remains a trusted royal confidante and servant of her family's interests. George and Mary are instructed by their family to retain their favored positions in support of the clever, if unlikable, Anne. For five long years Anne seduces and challenges Henry, until she herself is crowned Queen. The faithful Mary remains at her sister's side, forced to watch Anne's increasing emotional instability. Eventually, Henry tires of Anne's insufferable temper and constant demands, his attention captured by the seemingly docile and self-effacing 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 fertile woman to provide his male progeny.
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for marriage to a noble. Mary's sister, the erudite Anne, recently returned from the French Court, is one of the clever minds pushing Mary to prominence as the King's paramour. The third Boleyn, George, their brother, is also a popular member of the current royal Court. Sisters and brother form the family triumvirate that is an essential element of the intrigue surrounding the eventual dissolution of marriage to Katherine of Aragon that will set a precedent and change the history of England.Mary is the primary focus of the novel, even when replaced in the King's affections by her duplicitous sister, Anne. Yet Mary remains a trusted royal confidante and servant of her family's interests. George and Mary are instructed by their family to retain their favored positions in support of the clever, if unlikable, Anne. For five long years Anne seduces and challenges Henry, until she herself is crowned Queen. The faithful Mary remains at her sister's side, forced to watch Anne's increasing emotional instability. Eventually, Henry tires of Anne's insufferable temper and constant demands, his attention captured by the seemingly docile and self-effacing 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 fertile woman to provide his male progeny.
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LibraryThing member shifrack00
Could have written less romance and more story of the family of Henry VIII. I was sorry she covered only these few short years.
LibraryThing member michellegarrette
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it is long, and yes, somtimes events take a while to develop, but that makes everything seem that much more abrupt at the end.
I've read some reviews that say that Philippa Gregory could have done in 200 or so pages what she takes 661 pages to do here. I say, make
The historical and the fiction are seamlessly blended together here. It's good to know that Mary Boleyn lived out the balance of her historical life the way she lives out the balance of her fictional life.
I've read some reviews that say that Philippa Gregory could have done in 200 or so pages what she takes 661 pages to do here. I say, make
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yourselves a pot of tea and settle in to read; every page is worth it. The historical and the fiction are seamlessly blended together here. It's good to know that Mary Boleyn lived out the balance of her historical life the way she lives out the balance of her fictional life.
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LibraryThing member AmyElizabeth
This book left me breathless. I zoomed through the last 150 to 200 pages or so in one sitting, unable to put it down and racing for the conclusion. I don't know why I don't read historical fiction more often. I love history and I love fiction. Plus, historical fiction gives you an insider's view
That's why I love stories. Especially stories like this. The era of Henry VIII (he was big enough to be considered an era, right?) is insanely fascinating, but anything I read in a non-fiction or history book is going to make me bored. Don't just tell me the facts. Immerse me in the culture and fashion and scandals and views and opinions of the time. This book does all of that and then some. I couldn't believe the intensity of this novel, how real the characters became, how I could understand what they were going through, and then how I could better understand the time period because of it. I may not know all the facts concerning Mary and Anne Boleyn and their family, but I do understand how they might have acted this way in a time when religion came under a king's reign instead of the pope's and it truly was a man's world. And, to give it even more praise, this book made me actually want to pick up a history book and learn more about these women and this time.
I had heard that the movie was set to be released Dec. 21 from this site where I found the picture, but IMDb.com says it's not set to release until Feb. 29, 2008. Since I haven't seen any trailers or heard anything about it in the media, I'm going to believe IMDb, which is unfortunate because I am a very impatient person. (Personal note: I think Natalie Portman would make a great Anne Boleyn, and I am highly anticipating her role.)
I will definitely be reading more of Gregory's work, and I have a feeling that I may have to reread some parts in order to see how some of the characters overlap (I think next up will be The Boleyn Inheritance). Has anyone else read this book or any others of Gregory's? What are your thoughts/opinions? And, for my own personal knowledge, are her books in some sort of order, or does it not matter which ones you read first?
5 out of 5 stars.
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into the lives of past figures in a way you would never see them. Don't get me wrong, I know that most of this stuff is made up, but it is somewhat based on fact (sometimes more than others). Reading history books in school or any sort of non-fiction book on history always leaves me wanting more. The people I read or hear about are nothing more than names printed next to dates. I can know when they lived and what they did and what their general occupations were, but I still don't get a good look at who they really were. That's why I love stories. Especially stories like this. The era of Henry VIII (he was big enough to be considered an era, right?) is insanely fascinating, but anything I read in a non-fiction or history book is going to make me bored. Don't just tell me the facts. Immerse me in the culture and fashion and scandals and views and opinions of the time. This book does all of that and then some. I couldn't believe the intensity of this novel, how real the characters became, how I could understand what they were going through, and then how I could better understand the time period because of it. I may not know all the facts concerning Mary and Anne Boleyn and their family, but I do understand how they might have acted this way in a time when religion came under a king's reign instead of the pope's and it truly was a man's world. And, to give it even more praise, this book made me actually want to pick up a history book and learn more about these women and this time.
I had heard that the movie was set to be released Dec. 21 from this site where I found the picture, but IMDb.com says it's not set to release until Feb. 29, 2008. Since I haven't seen any trailers or heard anything about it in the media, I'm going to believe IMDb, which is unfortunate because I am a very impatient person. (Personal note: I think Natalie Portman would make a great Anne Boleyn, and I am highly anticipating her role.)
I will definitely be reading more of Gregory's work, and I have a feeling that I may have to reread some parts in order to see how some of the characters overlap (I think next up will be The Boleyn Inheritance). Has anyone else read this book or any others of Gregory's? What are your thoughts/opinions? And, for my own personal knowledge, are her books in some sort of order, or does it not matter which ones you read first?
5 out of 5 stars.
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LibraryThing member anterastilis
I really dug the relationship between Anne and Mary. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole Howard/Boleyn family dynamic - Mary and Anne, being women (and young, pretty women at that) were basically pawns for the ambition of their father and uncles. Women in a historical setting, acting like they would
I felt terribly sad for both of them (who each had their own time as "the other" Boleyn girl), but I particularly felt badly for Anne. She seemed to be victimized first by her family, then by her own frenzied desire for power, and then her childlike (and moronic) shock that, if Henry put one wife away to have another...why wouldn't he do the same with her? D'oh!
So! Now that I've read it, I'll probably see the movie. I really enjoyed this book. I've never read a Philippa Gregory book before, and will definitely go back and read some more. Especially if Fraser has written a scholarly, historical book on the subject. I don't think I would have enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl quite as much if I hadn't had a working knowledge of the history behind it.
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have back in the day. No mysteriously 20th century sensibilities. I love it!I felt terribly sad for both of them (who each had their own time as "the other" Boleyn girl), but I particularly felt badly for Anne. She seemed to be victimized first by her family, then by her own frenzied desire for power, and then her childlike (and moronic) shock that, if Henry put one wife away to have another...why wouldn't he do the same with her? D'oh!
So! Now that I've read it, I'll probably see the movie. I really enjoyed this book. I've never read a Philippa Gregory book before, and will definitely go back and read some more. Especially if Fraser has written a scholarly, historical book on the subject. I don't think I would have enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl quite as much if I hadn't had a working knowledge of the history behind it.
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LibraryThing member mzebra
I typically don't dive into romantic type novels but I could not put this novel down. I am a bit apprehensive to watch the movie because there is no way the motion pictures could have done this book justice. Gregory has really issued a detailed masterpiece. The way it was written makes you feel
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like you were right there, along with the court. Many colorful descriptions and a wide array of emotions. Show Less
LibraryThing member sageness
This was an engaging and fairly well-balanced read. I get bored by courtly intrigue and don't really have much patience for historical romances, but I liked the main character a lot. I would've preferred a bit more historical detail and a more vividly drawn setting -- since most of the point of
I did also like Mary as an interesting and fallible unreliable narrator. I also liked how understandably fearful and confused her reactions to her brother falling in love with a man were. It felt as complicated as it should be.
I knew the basics of Boleyn story before I started reading, and the deviations from the textbook version were a little jarring (and the foreshadowing of the end a bit heavy-handed). I wish I were more sure of the historical accuracy of the novel -- wondering about it distracted me (quite a lot) from the reading experience.
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historical fiction is to show the historical setting. I did also like Mary as an interesting and fallible unreliable narrator. I also liked how understandably fearful and confused her reactions to her brother falling in love with a man were. It felt as complicated as it should be.
I knew the basics of Boleyn story before I started reading, and the deviations from the textbook version were a little jarring (and the foreshadowing of the end a bit heavy-handed). I wish I were more sure of the historical accuracy of the novel -- wondering about it distracted me (quite a lot) from the reading experience.
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LibraryThing member Kasthu
The Other Boleyn Girl tells the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to the infamous Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII. Mary becomes caught up in a series of political intrigues, as her family plots to become more powerful, especially against the Seymour family. Mary gives birth to Henry's child; in
Serving as backdrop is Henry VIII's court in the 16th century, where Henry and Katherine of Aragon's marriage is coming to an end. Tired of Katherine for not being able to produce a male heir, Henry breaks away from the Catholic Church in England and starts his own, so that he may divorce his wife. Philippa Gregory describes all of this in startling detail, as we watch Anne and Mary Boleyn vie for the King's affection. Power and status is what drives everybody involved. Its a fascinating look into life at court under the reign of Henry VIII.
We get to see what Anne Boleyn was really like. Of course, we've heard stories, but I was amazed to see just what kinds of things she could do. Mary was the best kind of narrator for this novel, as we got to see firsthand the court and its going-ons. We often see Katherine of Aragon depicted in the history books as the frumpy, housfrou; here she becomes a real, genuine, loyal woman, who wouldn't give up her religion, no matter how much she loved her husband. That spoke of real character and courage on her part.
The book takes us up to Anne's beheading. Again dissatisfied with the fact that he does not have a male heir, Henry trumps up charges of adultery against Anne. The ending is frightening, an account of what such a gruesome moment might have been like. It is said that, when the executioner lifted up Anne's head afterwards, the mouth moved. Gregory uses exquisite details to describe this event, and many others throughout the book.
I've read many other works on historical fiction, and none other compares to The Other Boleyn Girl. It is very definitely a book worth reading.
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the meantime, Anne swoops in to take her place as Henry's mistress.Serving as backdrop is Henry VIII's court in the 16th century, where Henry and Katherine of Aragon's marriage is coming to an end. Tired of Katherine for not being able to produce a male heir, Henry breaks away from the Catholic Church in England and starts his own, so that he may divorce his wife. Philippa Gregory describes all of this in startling detail, as we watch Anne and Mary Boleyn vie for the King's affection. Power and status is what drives everybody involved. Its a fascinating look into life at court under the reign of Henry VIII.
We get to see what Anne Boleyn was really like. Of course, we've heard stories, but I was amazed to see just what kinds of things she could do. Mary was the best kind of narrator for this novel, as we got to see firsthand the court and its going-ons. We often see Katherine of Aragon depicted in the history books as the frumpy, housfrou; here she becomes a real, genuine, loyal woman, who wouldn't give up her religion, no matter how much she loved her husband. That spoke of real character and courage on her part.
The book takes us up to Anne's beheading. Again dissatisfied with the fact that he does not have a male heir, Henry trumps up charges of adultery against Anne. The ending is frightening, an account of what such a gruesome moment might have been like. It is said that, when the executioner lifted up Anne's head afterwards, the mouth moved. Gregory uses exquisite details to describe this event, and many others throughout the book.
I've read many other works on historical fiction, and none other compares to The Other Boleyn Girl. It is very definitely a book worth reading.
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LibraryThing member Trinity
I was hooked on this book from the moment I started reading it. It seemed to drag a little at the end, but I loved the book and read through it in a few days. I was sad to get to the end. If youre a historical literalist you may want to avoid this book, it is based on the well known Tudor family
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but steers toward fiction from there. If you love historical novels and wont get your knickers in a twist by conjecture, this is definately a book for you! Show Less
LibraryThing member ariebonn
With the release of The White Queen earlier this year, I've been hearing a lot about Philippa Gregory so I decided to try one of her books from the library. I had no clue that this was a series and that this is actually meant to be the second book, but I don't think that hindered me from enjoying
Set in the 1500's, the Howard family are ready to do everything to advance in King Henry VIII's court and the Boleyn sisters are part of the game they are playing. The story is told from the point of view of the less popular sister, Mary Boleyn, who attracts the King's attention for a few years but then is set aside when his attention turns to Anne Boleyn. The rivalry between the two sisters is very evident, however Mary remains loyal to the ambitious Anne throughout her rise to power, and then her downfall when she could not give the King what he wanted.This is a captivating story of ambition, love, treachery and drama all in one book.
This book has really got me interested in the Kings and Queens of Britain, and while reading it I even bought a non-fiction book about this topic. Apart from what probably everyone knows I did not have much knowledge about the history of the British royal families, but now I am fascinated by it and want to know more. Reading The Other Boleyn Girl felt like reading a classic, I loved the complexity of the plot, the number of characters involved, and that something is always happening to keep you reading on. Although there are many characters, I think Philippa Gregory did a great job at giving just enough information on each for you to connect with them, but not overdoing it to a point that it gets confusing. Choosing Mary Boleyn as the narrator was excellent in my opinion, it gives you a view of the court from the girl that was given less importance and considered not to be as intelligent as her sister, but was loyal to her family just the same. Throughout the book I couldn't decide whether I liked or hated Anne. I admired her persistence and how ambitious she was, especially for a woman in those times, but she also came across as being ruthless and determined to get what she wants without caring about anyone else. I hated her mostly because of the way she treated Mary, but her fate left me feeling bad for her.
The Other Boleyn Girl has made it to my all time favorite books. In fact I was amazed when I was reading reviews on this book that people gave it a negative rating because they said that the facts are not all correct. I mean, this is fiction and it shouldn't be entirely on the facts. If you're interested in the facts shouldn't you just read a non-fiction book? That is just my thought because I thoroughly enjoyed this book for what it is, and I ended up buying the book after I had finished reading my borrowed copy!
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the book any less. This is also the first historical fiction that I read which is not related to WWII!Set in the 1500's, the Howard family are ready to do everything to advance in King Henry VIII's court and the Boleyn sisters are part of the game they are playing. The story is told from the point of view of the less popular sister, Mary Boleyn, who attracts the King's attention for a few years but then is set aside when his attention turns to Anne Boleyn. The rivalry between the two sisters is very evident, however Mary remains loyal to the ambitious Anne throughout her rise to power, and then her downfall when she could not give the King what he wanted.This is a captivating story of ambition, love, treachery and drama all in one book.
This book has really got me interested in the Kings and Queens of Britain, and while reading it I even bought a non-fiction book about this topic. Apart from what probably everyone knows I did not have much knowledge about the history of the British royal families, but now I am fascinated by it and want to know more. Reading The Other Boleyn Girl felt like reading a classic, I loved the complexity of the plot, the number of characters involved, and that something is always happening to keep you reading on. Although there are many characters, I think Philippa Gregory did a great job at giving just enough information on each for you to connect with them, but not overdoing it to a point that it gets confusing. Choosing Mary Boleyn as the narrator was excellent in my opinion, it gives you a view of the court from the girl that was given less importance and considered not to be as intelligent as her sister, but was loyal to her family just the same. Throughout the book I couldn't decide whether I liked or hated Anne. I admired her persistence and how ambitious she was, especially for a woman in those times, but she also came across as being ruthless and determined to get what she wants without caring about anyone else. I hated her mostly because of the way she treated Mary, but her fate left me feeling bad for her.
The Other Boleyn Girl has made it to my all time favorite books. In fact I was amazed when I was reading reviews on this book that people gave it a negative rating because they said that the facts are not all correct. I mean, this is fiction and it shouldn't be entirely on the facts. If you're interested in the facts shouldn't you just read a non-fiction book? That is just my thought because I thoroughly enjoyed this book for what it is, and I ended up buying the book after I had finished reading my borrowed copy!
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LibraryThing member SeriousGrace
The year is 1521. One of Mary Boleyn's uncle has just been ceremoniously executed; beheaded in front of the entire watchful community. Married at twelve years old, aristocrat Mary Boleyn no longer thinks life is a joke. She definitely isn't laughing when her father and uncle start putting Mary in
The moral of the story is stand too close to the sun and you will get burned. Or beheaded.
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King Henry the VIII's way. The devious plot is to woo the philandering king away from his Spanish wife who, horrors upon horrors, hasn't been able to produce an heir to the throne. Mary, successfully in capturing Henry's attention, also succeeds in giving Henry first a daughter and then a much needed son. Unfortunately, despite wanting this heir to the throne, King Henry desires every last ounce of Mary's attention. When motherhood agrees with Mary and she starts to dote on her children more than the needy king, she quickly loses favor with Henry and his court. This isn't good. The more dear a Boleyn girl is to the throne, the more her family benefits. Which is why no one cares when Mary's sister, Anne, begins to seduce the king right under Mary's nose. Never mind the king is married. Never mind that Mary is married. You get the picture. King Henry the VIII switches love interests as often as the tower beheads people. The moral of the story is stand too close to the sun and you will get burned. Or beheaded.
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LibraryThing member M.J.Perry
This book has been sitting on my shelf for a few years. I bought it because my cousin recommended it to me, and since that time I have had many many other recommendations. It just always seemed their was something a bit more pressing to read.
I finally started to read it last Sunday evening and
I finally started to read it last Sunday evening and
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finished it Wednesday morning. I enjoyed it so much I kept looking for excuses to leave what I was doing and go back to it. Gregory develops her characters extremely well, and they grow through the book in a way that is quite engaging. It must be remembered that except for those known facts her story is quite fictional. However, she develops the plot so well that I had to keep reminding myself of that fact. I do wish she had continued the story for a little longer. I cannot help but think thee could be a great deal of story development between the death of Anne and the marriage of her children to the next generation of courtiers and nobles. Show Less
LibraryThing member melydia
I'd heard of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII and the primary reason for his schism with the Catholic Church. However, I'd never heard of her sister, Mary, who was also the king's mistress and possibly the mother of two of his children. This book is told from Mary's point of view,
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beginning when Anne returns to the English court after spending her childhood in France, and ending at the conclusion of her reign as queen. While Anne is the focal point for much of the book, Mary's transition from content courtier to distressed mother longing to live in the country with her children was the more compelling story. I was especially moved by her struggle between loyalty and disdain for her family. However, while the plot and description were lovely, the writing was somewhat amateurish. The adverbs in particular got a little tiresome. Almost every single line of dialogue ended with "said somethingly." She said sweetly, he said irritably. It was distracting. All the same, I got sucked into the political and sexual intrigue of a time obsessed with social standing and royal heirs, every thought laced with ambition and superstition. Even knowing how it must end, I was still held in suspense during those final few chapters. Were the events described completely factual? I have no idea, and it really doesn't matter. I read historical fiction to get a feel for the time period and the people. If I want names and dates, I'll read a history book. This was a fun little trip to the past. Show Less
LibraryThing member halo776
I usually love historical fiction. I think it's fascinating when a writer does her research and presents a story that, while true in its historical accuracy, manages to bring a character to life and lend it a bit of modern sophistication. I love feeling that connection with a character from the
The reason I decided to give it 3 stars is because, if you can ignore the "historical" aspect, it is a riveting tale. The 600+ pages went by fairly quickly for me, and I was honestly interested in the story, particularly that of Mary and William's courtship. It takes a large imagination and no small amount of talent to invent such a touching courtship, and for that, she is to be commended.
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past, so I was looking forward to reading this novel. The problems are many. First of all, Ms. Gregory has cast aside much of what modern historians accept as fact; namely, that Mary was the older sister, that her children's paternity was always questioned, and there is no evidence to suggest their brother was gay. The addition of these elements serves to cheapen this novel, relegating it to a tabloid of sorts. Historical inaccuracies aside, I also found flaws in the writing itself. Run-on sentences abound, affecting the overall fluency. Also, the characters are so exaggerated as to be quite unbelievable. Anne is portrayed as purely evil, seeking her own selfish ambitions with no regard for her family, while Mary is portrayed as a pure and innocent child who is used unwillingly by her ambitious family. The reason I decided to give it 3 stars is because, if you can ignore the "historical" aspect, it is a riveting tale. The 600+ pages went by fairly quickly for me, and I was honestly interested in the story, particularly that of Mary and William's courtship. It takes a large imagination and no small amount of talent to invent such a touching courtship, and for that, she is to be commended.
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LibraryThing member TerrapinJetta
I didn't really enjoy this novel much, it just lacks... something. I'm not sure what. It just didn't really come to life for me.
LibraryThing member pdxwoman
Phillipa Gregory has so many admirers I decided I had to give her a second chance. I'm glad I did.
The Other Boleyn Girl is an artistically woven tapestry of historical fiction and fact surrounding Henry VIII's dismissal of his first and longest standing wife, Katherine of Aragon, and the rise and
There are characters you'll love (like Queen Katherine and Mary Boleyn) and characters you'll love to hate (Anne and her Uncle). Even the peripheral characters, like Grandma Howard, are fleshed out with interesting quirks and personal descriptions.
Palace intrigue abounds. There are multiple mistresses vying for the crown jewels, the jockeying for position of the Seymore and Howard/Boleyn families, the carousing of young men of court caught up in gambling, whoring, buggery, wine, and song, the begetting of several illegitimate heirs, the loss of innocence, the discovery of love, and, of course, beheadings. All of this followed by a happy ending--at least for our heroine, Mary!
The Other Boleyn Girl is an artistically woven tapestry of historical fiction and fact surrounding Henry VIII's dismissal of his first and longest standing wife, Katherine of Aragon, and the rise and
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fall of Anne Boleyn, his second wife, told through the eyes of Mary, Anne's younger sister and mother to two of the king's children.There are characters you'll love (like Queen Katherine and Mary Boleyn) and characters you'll love to hate (Anne and her Uncle). Even the peripheral characters, like Grandma Howard, are fleshed out with interesting quirks and personal descriptions.
Palace intrigue abounds. There are multiple mistresses vying for the crown jewels, the jockeying for position of the Seymore and Howard/Boleyn families, the carousing of young men of court caught up in gambling, whoring, buggery, wine, and song, the begetting of several illegitimate heirs, the loss of innocence, the discovery of love, and, of course, beheadings. All of this followed by a happy ending--at least for our heroine, Mary!
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LibraryThing member jaimehuff1
I love history. I love fiction. So what is better for me then historical fiction? That's right, add the scandalous Tudor period and I am hooked. When I read a historical fiction, I take into account that this is first and foremost FICTION. I do not take any of it as a history lesson, I love letting
I loved "The Other Boleyn Girl". I felt like I was sucked back into the scandal and drama of the Tudor household. We have murder, betrayal, adultery, illegitimate children and beheadings.
I feel that Ms. Gregory was able to bring Mary Boleyn, the lesser known sister of the once Queen Anne Boleyn, to life. I know at the end of the book, I wondered about all the "what ifs" and "imagine if it happened this way or that".
I thoroughly recommend reading this book and closing your eyes and imagining being in the world of King Henry VIII's court and being swept away.
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my imagination run wild. Now that's all clarified. I loved "The Other Boleyn Girl". I felt like I was sucked back into the scandal and drama of the Tudor household. We have murder, betrayal, adultery, illegitimate children and beheadings.
I feel that Ms. Gregory was able to bring Mary Boleyn, the lesser known sister of the once Queen Anne Boleyn, to life. I know at the end of the book, I wondered about all the "what ifs" and "imagine if it happened this way or that".
I thoroughly recommend reading this book and closing your eyes and imagining being in the world of King Henry VIII's court and being swept away.
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LibraryThing member willowwaw
Wonderful! Wonderful! I absolutly loved this novel. I adored how the author took her own initiative in regards to the era, while keeping true to the era itself. Even though this was a longer novel I just could not put it down and continued flipping pages until the very end. I would recommend this
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book to anyone who has even had just the inkling of taste in the stories of King Henry VIII and the Boelyns. Show Less
LibraryThing member lauriebrown54
Most people know that Anne Boleyn was the second wife of England’s King Henry VIII, but few have heard of Mary Boleyn- the other Boleyn girl. Anne’s sister (historians disagree as to whether she was older or younger) played on the stage of the Tudor court, yet has been mostly forgotten as she
As a female member of the Boleyn and Howard families, Mary was a pawn to be used for gain, her own feelings and wants to be ignored. Married at 12 to William Carey, at 14 Mary caught the eye of the philandering king- then wed to Katherine of Aragon- and was his mistress for several years, bearing two children in the process. While laying in to have her second child, her sister Anne seduced the king, reserving only her (questionable) virginity, which she withheld for a promise of marriage and queenship. As we all know, that marriage and queenship was short and unhappy and ended with Anne’s head removed from her body.
This novel, told from the point of view of Mary Boleyn Carey, is a story that blends the false glitter of the court with strong family ties- ties of both obedience and of love. Mary loves her sister Anne but is also jealous of her- they are constant rivals at everything. Anne is her beloved sister but Anne is a user, someone who never looks at a situation without wondering how she can turn it to her advantage and humans-including family- are disposable. She learned this from her parents, who taught their children- including brother George- well. Their parents care not what happens to their children, as long as they are advanced at court and made wealthy.
In this telling, Mary is less driven than Anne or George and more in touch with her moral side. She sleeps with the king because her parents tell her to, while questioning the propriety of betraying both Queen Katherine and her own husband. She asks for presents for her family at their behest. She gives up her place as mistress and aids her sister’s ascension despite having come to love the king. She teaches her sister sexual tricks to hold the king and helps her hide miscarriages. She hides the secrets of the family, secrets that are punishable by death.
But she finally rebels and makes a life for herself, marrying for love. Not long after, the Boleyn web of secrets falls apart and we all know how that story ends. Mary alone lives on, and historical record seems to point to a happy, if short, life after that.
This book takes some liberties with history but I’m willing to forgive it. Gregory brings the era and the court to brilliant, vivid life. Somehow she manages to get the reader to care about these people, not just Mary (although she comes off best) but the avaricious Anne and George, and even the petty, selfish, childish king Henry. These characters are fleshed out, with the contradictions of spirit that we all have. I loved this book.
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was never queen and died of natural causes. As a female member of the Boleyn and Howard families, Mary was a pawn to be used for gain, her own feelings and wants to be ignored. Married at 12 to William Carey, at 14 Mary caught the eye of the philandering king- then wed to Katherine of Aragon- and was his mistress for several years, bearing two children in the process. While laying in to have her second child, her sister Anne seduced the king, reserving only her (questionable) virginity, which she withheld for a promise of marriage and queenship. As we all know, that marriage and queenship was short and unhappy and ended with Anne’s head removed from her body.
This novel, told from the point of view of Mary Boleyn Carey, is a story that blends the false glitter of the court with strong family ties- ties of both obedience and of love. Mary loves her sister Anne but is also jealous of her- they are constant rivals at everything. Anne is her beloved sister but Anne is a user, someone who never looks at a situation without wondering how she can turn it to her advantage and humans-including family- are disposable. She learned this from her parents, who taught their children- including brother George- well. Their parents care not what happens to their children, as long as they are advanced at court and made wealthy.
In this telling, Mary is less driven than Anne or George and more in touch with her moral side. She sleeps with the king because her parents tell her to, while questioning the propriety of betraying both Queen Katherine and her own husband. She asks for presents for her family at their behest. She gives up her place as mistress and aids her sister’s ascension despite having come to love the king. She teaches her sister sexual tricks to hold the king and helps her hide miscarriages. She hides the secrets of the family, secrets that are punishable by death.
But she finally rebels and makes a life for herself, marrying for love. Not long after, the Boleyn web of secrets falls apart and we all know how that story ends. Mary alone lives on, and historical record seems to point to a happy, if short, life after that.
This book takes some liberties with history but I’m willing to forgive it. Gregory brings the era and the court to brilliant, vivid life. Somehow she manages to get the reader to care about these people, not just Mary (although she comes off best) but the avaricious Anne and George, and even the petty, selfish, childish king Henry. These characters are fleshed out, with the contradictions of spirit that we all have. I loved this book.
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LibraryThing member KendraRenee
This author REALly did her research, made this story so believable I think I really do believe it. Especially after reading the historical background about Mary Boleyn. I had no idea such a person existed; this author is a genius for having unearthed her story and telling it so beautifully.
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Warning: if you want to enjoy the book to the fullest, do not watch the movie first. It's also good in its own right and as its own version of the story, but its fast pace doesn't prepare you well for the more developed, gradual plot of Philippa Gregory's 660-page tome. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Original language
English
Original publication date
2001
ISBN
0743569067 / 9780743569064