The Other Boleyn Girl
Book Review

The Other Boleyn Girl BOOK SYNOPSIS

Anne Boleyn is the second woman to marry King Henry VIII who became known for his harsh disposal of any wife that displeased him. This book takes us back to the beginning, before Henry was king and still a decent young man. He is flirtatious and charming and wins the hearts of all who come to court. When he does become the king and marries his dead brother’s wife, he begins the reign of terror still talked about today.

The focus of The Other Boleyn Girl is the Boleyn family, specifically Mary and Anne, and their relationships with Henry. Mary, the younger sister, becomes his mistress and bears him children before her conniving sister Anne takes the throne away from Catherine. This book is an intricate look at the scandalous English court, the beginnings of divorce in England, and the public beheadings of royalty which still shock today's reader.

QUEENIE D SAYS

Okay so I love love loved this book! I never thought of myself as a fan of historical fiction but the story of Anne, Mary, and Henry is so compelling and Gregory's writing is so stunning - I couldn't put it down! I actually read it between my classes, on my planning period, and lunch break for 2 days until I finished it! It was one of those reads that you just can't wait to get back to.

Now that's a book worth reading.

Even if you're not into English history or Kings and Queens you can't help but get caught up in these extraordinary lives. The life of a woman in 16th century was SO completely different it's almost impossible for me to imagine it. But with the way Gregory wrote this book, I could!

I guess the main hook that kept me coming back was how ruthless every single person who lived at the court of Henry and Catherine could be. They all stabbed each other in the back and did unspeakable things in order to win the favor of the King and Queen (more so the King). All except Mary Boleyn. She was an innocent amongst wolves. I cheered for her the whole way through. Even though most readers will hate Anne (which is where the great discussion comes from) I couldn't help but feel somewhat sorry for her. She, like her sister, was really just a pawn in a man's game.

I highly recommend!

The Other Boleyn Girl DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Was Ann a victim of circumstance or did she have a hand in her fate?
2. Why do you think Henry crossed the line from pompous, arrogant, bull to gory, wife-killer?
3. A woman could have her babies taken away at a moments notice. Is this fair?

Return from The Other Boleyn Girl to Home