General Chat

The December book. thank you. Ann Glos

Review The Other Boleyn girl by Philippa Gregory I loved this book, very readable, a good ‘story’ and even though I knew the ending I couldn’t wait to hear it. (If you know what I mean?) A lot of research has obviously gone into the book to reproduce how things actually were and I learnt a lot more by reading it than I did in History lessons at school. The dialogue was so believable you could imagine Philippa Gregory was actually a fly on the wall! I have to admit to not being aware of Mary Boleyn and her place in history although I must have heard of Catherine her daughter as I did know of Francis Knollys. What a self obsessed, selfish person Henry 8th was and how frightening to have belonged to the nobility in those days. Also it brings home how tolerant we are now of people who are ‘different’ in society such as homosexuals. But how strange that each subsequent wife/lover thought that they would be treated differently and would be safe. There appears to be a sequel to this but I think it is still only in hard back. Can’t remember what it is called something like ‘Boleyn legacy’ or 'after ann Boleyn' but not that exactly. Ann Glos

The Other Boleyn Girl – Philippa Gregory I knew this book had been nominated several times in the last few months, so I was really pleased when it got chosen, but slightly apprehensive in case it was a bit of a let down. The last Philippa Gregory book I read was a little bit too romantic for my liking. But I had no need to worry…..it was fantastic! I hated history at school but have always enjoyed the dramatisations on the television, and this is yet another way of learning a bit of history but in an interesting way. I’ve got to admit that I didn’t know of Mary Boleyn’s existence before reading this book either. I felt sorry for Mary constantly being at the beck and call of her family and having to do things she didn’t want to in order to further their ambitions. And the way Anne spoke to her……..well! Suffice to say I think I would have gone to the gallows long before Anne had I been in Mary’s shoes! lol After finishing the book I had a quick look on the internet for any further information. It would seem there is nothing concrete to say that Mary’s children, Catherine and Henry, were actually fathered by Henry VIII, although it would seem a fairly reasonable bet! Jeanette x PS. Ann…..The book you’re thinking of is The Boleyn Inheritance. Here’s the synopsis. From the bestselling author of 'The Other Boleyn Girl' comes a wonderfully atmospheric evocation of the court of Henry VIII, and the one woman who destroyed two of his queens. The year is 1539 and the court of Henry VIII is increasingly fearful at the moods of the ageing sick king. With only a baby in the cradle for an heir, Henry has to take another wife and the dangerous prize of the crown of England is won by Anne of Cleves. She has her own good reasons for agreeing to marry a man old enough to be her father, in a country where to her both language and habits are foreign. Although fascinated by the glamour of her new surroundings, she senses a trap closing around her. Catherine is confident that she can follow in the steps of her cousin Anne Boleyn to dazzle her way to the throne but her kinswoman Jane Boleyn, haunted by the past, knows that Anne's path led to Tower Green and to an adulterer's death. The story of these three young women, trying to make their own way through the most volatile court in Europe at a time of religious upheaval and political uncertainty is Philippa Gregory's most intense novel yet.

thank you jeanette Anyone else?

The Other Boleyn Girl – Philippa Gregory Well I am glad I have finally been able to read this book, I found it fascinating. My knowledge of Tudor history has always been limited, and it was quite an eye opener to find out what actually went on in the court of Henry VIII. The part that tells of the removal of all sign of the pomegranate when Anne usurped Katherine is of particular interest because at Ightham Mote we have pomegranates painted on one of the ceilings and a stained glass window showing one. It has always led us to believe that Henry didn’t visit the property; if he had then they would surely have been painted over. Some of the phrases used in the book were very descriptive, in an unusual way, and I particularly liked it when ‘George threaded me through this tapestry of business like a determined bodkin’ It had never really struck me before, but Henry VIII changed the future for all women when he married Anne. By overturning the order of things he made it possible for men to rid themselves of tiresome wives; did this lead to women wanting more say in their own lives maybe? On a course I am doing about medieval history we have talked of what people ate in that period. It seems, even in those days, they had takeaways, and it is shown in a scene in the book when William returns from a bakery, where he had been buying dinner. Pies and pastries were it seems, a substantial part of the diet of the day. On a personal note, my father was adopted into a family by the name of Carey, guess if I dug deep enough I might find a link between that family and the man that the young Mary Boleyn married!!!! All in all I found the book both fascinating as a story and very informative about the Tudor period. Maybe I should look out for more of her books Dee ;-))

thank you Dee, I wonder if Maz has read it? This is the first time for ages we are all reviewing the same book! Ann Glos

It seems we all liked it as well Ann ;-))

Hi Ann,I was not part of your reading group for last year as when it was first set up couldnt get the books in time. I have not long finished reading the book you are reviewing and hope its alright to join in; I have always found the Tudors interesting and had a soft spot for Anne Boleyn. That all changed when I read the book,I could almost feel to have been transported back in time and couldnt put the book down. The daughters were at the mercy of the men in the family,and it gave the reader such an insight to way of life in Tudor times. I felt that a lot of research had been done and learnt a lot more about the Tudors and the way of life in those times. I have read a few other books by her and do like her style of writing. Hope this all makes sense as it the first time that I have made a review. xx Jill

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory I wasn’t sure I would get through this – I thought it might have been dull or far-fetched, but I have to say I really enjoyed it! I was absolutely amazed to find that history has forgotten Mary so completely, especially after all the heartache she was forced to go through. I visited Hever Castle last year, and don’t remember seeing a single mention of her. I will certainly look more closely if I go back again – or if I go to Hampton Court! I must say, I didn’t like Anne at all! I think she brought her own fate upon herself – and also set the tone for those to follow. The way she treated Catherine and Mary (her own sister!) was appalling. I suppose if you put it in historical context, then maybe it fitted with the times, but I don’t think I would have liked to be a part of that! It certainly painted Henry in a very poor light too – hardly a man to be admired as England’s greatest King – well, I suppose it just showed him as a typical MAN !! (sorry, cynical aren’t I pmsl!!) The writing really brought the past to life, the costumes, practices, politics (although not too much!) and day to day lives of courtiers. I will certainly be looking at Ms Gregory’s other books to see if any of them catch my interest. Maz. XX

thank you for the reviews. And thank you Jill for adding yours. seems like it was a popular book. We must read more of hers in the future. Ann Glos

I agree with that Ann - I will nominate the Boleyn Inheritance next time if no-one else does :-)) Maz. XX ps nice that we ALL enjoyed this one!!

I read it some time ago and was fascinated by it. Very interesting and a really good read too. Daisy

I've just read that The Other Boleyn Girl is going to be released as a feature film at the pictures this year starring Scarlet Johannsen and Natalie Portman. Perhaps we should all try to see it and have a special 'GReaders at the cinema' review ?! Maz. XX