The Boleyn Inheritance, by Philippa Gregory
This book is about two of the wives of Henry VIII. It begins with Anne of Cleves, wife number 4, and depicts his dislike of her, his interest in one of her maids-in-waiting, the trial against her, his marriage to Katherine Howard, and the eventual downfall of Katherine as well.
In the Author's Note at the end, we are told that these two Queens are the ones historians know the least about, and I assume that this is why it is easier to write a novel about them instead of one of the other Queens. I know for my own writings, I would prefer to make my own story instead of trying to be a fiction writer conforming to an actual, non-fiction person. However, references are made to other historical figures about whom historians know quite a lot: the characters essentially tell the stories of Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and Jane Seymour (Henry's the first three wives). Because I'm at the end of my "historical novel phase," I got the idea from this book that it would be unnecessary for me to read the author's book, "The Other Boleyn Girl" because I got the gist of the story from this one, and I was glad because I'm tired of reading historical novels.
I thought this book was one of the have-trouble-putting-down types, but I think the author knew that, and was kind enough to insert a few episodes here and there which felt "conclusive" enough to put the book down long enough to eat, shower, and get other things done.
I found myself identifying a lot with Anne of Cleves, not really because I am German and a Protestant, but because I think that if I were in her place, I would have made many of the same choices she made. In the end, she was the lady of two estates, living as a single woman in the 16th century, which is quite remarkable. That being said, I am quite glad I live in a country with no monarchy, no one trying to place themselves in a position closer to the throne through marriage or accusations. I am very glad we change leaders every 4 or 8 years, and very glad that, usually, the common people choose who leads.
The plot and language of the book are gripping. The author does not go overboard on descriptions, but does not leave the reader in the dark about things either. Some of the scenes appeared to be repetitive, although I assumed this was because the book was written from three different perspectives (Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, Jane Boleyn) and therefore the same event could be seen by three different eyes. For the most part, however, once an event occurs, the plot moves forward when the next chapter shifts to another character, instead of staying on the same event.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in historical English politics, or in the stories of any of the first 5 wives of Henry VIII.
