I read The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory in about four days. It had me pulled into the story of Anne and Mary Boleyn in Henry VIII’s England.
Most people know of Anne Boleyn. Henry VIII’s second wife who couldn’t have a son and was eventually beheaded on adultery charges. This book is about Mary Boleyn, her younger sister who was also a mistress of Henry VIII.
The Other Boleyn Girl was extremely intriguing historical fiction. This novel is based around historical fact that can be traced back and looked up. Most conversations, feelings and such are the fiction part. Gregory does a wonderful job of filling in the bits, keeping you wholly entertained and keeping true to the truth.
Basically: Mary married William Carey. Later became Henry VIII’s mistress and had two children with him. Anne caught the king’s eye. Carey died. Henry sought to get rid of Queen Catherine. Anne had her hold on Henry. Mary secretly marries William Stafford. When the families finds out, they’re all horribly angry because Stafford is a ‘nobody’. Anne eventually became Queen of England. Anne can’t carry son to term. Henry has their marriage annulled on adult charges. Anne is beheaded.
Everyone knows those bits of the story. It’s not a spoiler. It’s the how that Gregory does that keeps you so tied up in the story. So much happens in what seems like such little time. I was frequently caught off guard by ages of people because I didn’t think that so many years had passed.
I highly suggest reading it. I plan to read others by Gregory.
Enjoy!
Jade Myra 