The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
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Book Reviews of The Other Boleyn Girl
Book Review: Great Book
Summary: 5 Stars
The story of King Henry VIII and his six wives is almost common knowledge. Among those six lucky ladies there was Anne Boleyn. She was Henry's second wife. A lot is known about Anne but there is not much talk of her little sister, Mary Boleyn. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory is a story about Anne's sister Mary. In this novel Gregory shows the bitter sibling rivalry that is aided by their cruel families in order to raise their status within Henry's court.
The story starts in the spring of 1521 in London at the Tower where the young Mary, at the young age of thirteen, watches as her uncle is beheaded. Mary was married at the age of twelve to William Carey, and then started her career in the Tudor court at this young age. This pretty young girl caught the roving eye of the young king at fourteen. At this point Mary lives at court with her husband, but relies greatly on her family, especially her sophisticated sister Anne, with whom she always has a rivalry, and her kindly but somewhat secretive brother George. She is ordered by her family to become his mistress which soon becomes tricky business because she is young, naïve, and worries of the Queen's, whom she greatly respects, feelings. Also, she ends up falling in love with the King. Eventually she does become his mistress, which gave her a lot of joy. She will give Henry both a daughter and a son during their love affair. During her second pregnancy, Henry's eyes begin to wander to other woman. The Boleyns are very intent on keeping Henry's eyes on only woman within their family, so they put Anne in charge of keeping Henry's interest on her. Henry soon forgets Mary, and Mary is content with her children and would be happy to spend the rest of her days with her children living is at their family estate in Hever. But the manipulative Anne would not let Mary leave her side while she was in Henry's favor. Anne callously keeps Mary from her children and eventually adopts Mary's son as her own, taking him from his mother. Anne does this after her marriage to Henry when she begins to fear that she will never give the king what her sister had given him, which was the son he desired. The rest of the story to Anne's marriage to Henry VIII is well known to most. What is important in this novel is that Mary is the only sibling to escape from a tragic ending.
Mary and Anne lived their lives in a constant rivalry between one another. Mary worries in the beginning that Anne would have a better marriage then her own and secretly wishes Anne's boat would sink while she is returning from France. The family fuels this rivalry, and when Mary has the favor of the king Anne was ordered to help Mary in every way to keep Henry's attention on Mary. Mary, while not as ambitious as her sister, liked having Anne as second best. It gave Mary pleasure to see her sister in her old dresses while she wore new ones given to her by the king. However, soon the fickle Henry's favor changes to Anne and Mary is put in the shadows. Mary now has to take the position of aiding Henry's favored girl, her sister, as their roles are reversed. Now the more powerful of the two sisters, Anne is a spiteful and hateful person. It gives Anne pleasure to order her sister around and to see her in pain. Although it may appear that Anne wins in their rivalry because she gains the title of Queen, in the end she is beheaded after three short years as Henry's wife. On the other hand Mary, while not Queen or Henry's wife, lives the life she always wanted in the country with her children.
Mary's character is very different from Anne's ambitious nature. Mary is compassionate and was never aiming to gain money or power from her relationship with Henry. She did it all for her love of Henry. This shows the depth of her naiveté. She follows every order that her family gives her. Later in the book, after losing Henry's favor, Mary never expected Anne to take her children, even though it is obvious that Anne is an evil conniving person that would do anything for the crown. It is apparent that Anne and her brother George are having an incestuous relationship with each other in the story that Mary seems unaware of. Mary is even present in the room for a very un-sisterly/brotherly kiss that happened between the two. George and Mary were the true parents to the second deformed child that Anne borne but Mary never acknowledged the relationship. Also, the beginning of the book while witnessing her uncle's beheading, the young Mary kept waiting for the king to come and pardon him. She believed until the ax fell that the king would save him but he did not. Then, at the end, in the same place and situation, with her on the chopping block, she again believed that somehow her sister would be given a pardon from the king and saved. Yet again Mary is proven wrong and her sister is not saved. This shows that even after all these harsh years in court she is just as naïve as she was from the beginning.
This was a great book but if you are looking for something that is based on strict historical facts, then this is not the book for you. Although based on actual historical facts, this book is an entirely fictional story. It is an interesting story based on two sisters, one of whom is the Queen of England for a short time. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book to read, especially for those who like realistic, historical fiction.
Book Review: a fascinating and enthralling read
Summary: 5 Stars
I had more or less given up reading historical novels when I ran out of books by Jean Plaidy to read. For me, she was one of the truly rare authours (saving Sharon Kay Penman of course) who got the feel, tone and character of her subject matter right. So that I had more or less stopped looking out for new books in this genre to read. And then I saw "The Other Boleyn Girl" at my local bookstore, and after sampling the first chapter, I realized that I had to buy this book. And I'm awfully glad that I did. What a simply wonderful read!! Phillipa Gregory did a really splendid job of evoking the splendor and turbulence of Henry VIII's court. I also thought that her choice of narrator, Mary Boleyn (the elder of the Boleyn sisters) was an inspired as well. Most historians (and perhaps I've only read the those that espoused this majority view) tend to dismiss Mary as an empty headed good time girl because she was used and cast aside with very little ceremony; and because she never rose as high as her sister, Anne. But you have to wonder: Mary was also the only Boleyn sibling to survive the vicissitudes of Henry VIII's reign, and the fall of the Howard-Boleyn fortunes; she also managed to marry for love (and a happy and lasting marriage it proved to be too) the second time around. So perhaps there was a lot more to the 'other Boleyn girl' than everyone credits?Gregory's novel opens and closes with two executions -- it begins with the execution of the Duke of Buckingham in 1521, and ends with the execution of Anne Boleyn in 1536. With this rather grim events framing her book, the novel proper starts in 1522, with Anne arrival at the Tudor court, where her elder sister, Mary, is already lady-in-waiting to Henry's wife, Queen Katherine. From the very beginning we see that while there is a bond that ties the Boleyn sisters together, there is also a deep rooted rivalry between them. It is a tense time at court: the queen (already quite a few years older than her husband) has yet to produce a male heir to the throne, and people are beginning to question if the aging queen will ever be able to bear children again. Some of Henry's advisers are even began to gently hint that he should put his Spanish wife aside and look for a younger more fecund wife. In the midst of all this intrigue, Mary soon catches the king's roving eye. Although she is married and still quite loyal to the queen, her family (her ruthless parents as well as her uncle, the powerful and equally ruthless Duke of Howard) decrees that she put her marriage and loyalties aside and cater to the whims of her king. Bedazzled, it doesn't take Mary very long to fall in love with both her golden king and her role as the his 'unofficial' wife. A few years and two royal by-blows later however, Mary is shunted aside when the king begins to loose interest in their relationship and her ambitious family fearful that they will loose all the power that they have gained, throws the more ruthless and seductive sister, Anne at the king's head. From then on Mary, her eyes finally wide open as to how low her family will stoop in order to gain power, watches from the sidelines as her family, led by Anne, begins their high stakes play for the queen's crown. Finally realizing that she can only depend on herself for her own future, Mary is inspired to take a few risks herself in order to gain some measure of happiness and security.
The sheer scope of this novel is gigantic -- there were so many things that were going on both on and off stage and the number of people that were involved in all these shenanigans! So that it was a treat to find that the novel unfolded smoothly and effortlessly, and that Gregory did not drop the ball once. She kept each chapter short and succinct, and yet still managed to give the reader an enthralling and exciting account of what was going on. I also liked the manner in which she depicted all the characters in this novel. From Queen Katherine who was portrayed not only as a loyal and loving wife, but also as an intelligent woman who saw and understood what was going on around her, even as she clung to the hope that the king would recover from his obsession with Anne; to the authour's chilling portrayal of the Boleyn family (father, mother, Anne and George). With a few well chosen words and phrases, she's paints them as wildly ambitious, ruthless and pettily cruel individuals, willing to use each other in order to achieve a particular goal. But the authour's characterization of Mary Boleyn was probably the best thing in the novel. Here we see a young and intelligent woman with a heart and a sense of morality that is constantly at war with her feeling of familial obligations. How Mary struggles with this dueling feelings and the decisions she makes -- sometimes good, sometimes bad -- is what makes this novel worth reading.
All in all, I'd say "The Other Boleyn Girl" is a rich and rewarding read.
Book Review: Everybody Loves Mary . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
Although we don't know if the "other" Boleyn girl refers to Anne Boleyn, or her younger-by-a-year sister, Mary, Mary is chosen by author Philippa Gregory to narrate this book. She is a close observer and participant in the Boleyns' schemes to advance the family during a period of turmoil as Queen Katherine of Aragon is unable to produce an heir to the throne of King Henry VIII.
This is a very easy and engrossing read. I think it's better enjoyed by lovers of historical fiction, but will be appreciated by anyone.
The book begins with a teenage Mary, who is newly wed to William Carey and part of Queen Katherine's court. Her sister, Anne, is being summoned from France, where she attended at that court, so she may join her sister as one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting, but really so that the family may make her an advantageous marriage. At this point, "Annamaria" and "Marianne" are like yin and yang, frick and frack. Not for long.
As the ambitions of the Boleyns and the Howards (the family of Anne's and Mary's mother) to advance their place in society grow, Anne and Mary are set loose as rivals to each other at court for the sole aim of capturing the attention of the King. The Boleyns sense, as do many other families (like the Seymours) that the Queen's inability to produce a son will open the door for one of their daughters to step in.
Although Mary is married, her husband is forced by her family to take a backseat to the King as the King initially takes a shine to the "golden-haired" Mary. The affair continues as she bears him two children. There is a moment in the story when the King, who by this time has had a son and daughter with Mary (albeit illegitimate), privately expresses to her his belief that his marriage with Katherine was cursed and should be annulled. Even though Mary knows that, during this moment, he is vulnerable, she just cannot seem to seize the moment and suggest to him that she step into Katherine's shoes. Maybe she's prohibited by her undying (and inexplicable) loyalty to the Queen, or to her husband, or by her sense of right and wrong. Or maybe it's just Mary's good sense as she knows what a risky and dangerous proposition that would be.
The drama builds as Henry's court becomes more raucous, dangerous and intriguing, no thanks, in part, to Anne. The King eventually loses interest in Mary as Anne puts on the "full court press" to usurp Mary's place as the King's favorite, in part, out of jealousy, and in part, out of her growing impatience with the family's failure to marry her as she continues to grow older and less desirable. Anne gradually gains the King's attentions as she has no problem helping him understand that Katherine must be put aside. The more Anne grows in the King's esteem, the more ruthless she becomes in her ambition and demands. I found it clever that the author painted Anne to be venomously ambitious and hateful throughout the bulk of the story, but by the end, you buy the author's premise that she got a raw deal. Also by the end, I unexpectedly despised Jane Seymour more than Anne, even though Jane was painted to be no more threatening than a fly whereas Anne was mean and nasty.
It is clear that the author adores Mary, so much so that she seems to suggest that England would have been better off with Mary as Queen, and that Henry would not have had any reason (because she was so even-tempered and had bore him a son) to toss her aside.
I think the author gets into a bit of a jam by making Mary the narrator/observer because then she must make Mary important and indispensable to all the key players in the story. For instance, even though Mary is supposedly despised by Anne, she is also called upon by Anne to assist her, of course, on the eve of every historical event (no doubt, so Mary can observe and talk about it). Also, Mary, a mere mistress, seems to have the King's ear and counsel, even after their affair had ended, which is a bit awkward to the story.
I do ultimately think that it was interesting, although imperfect, to tell the story from Mary's perspective, as it is notable that she was the only Boleyn sibling to get out alive. She must have been an clever person to achieve that.
Ms. Gregory has sold me on her ability to craft an engrossing historical fiction novel. I just can't decide which of her books I'll read next.
Book Review: I don't generally LOVE historical fiction but this was an exception
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read so many bland and otherwise unbelievable historical novels that I was a bit skeptical when I picked up The Other Boleyn Girl. From the start, I was hooked. Using Mary, sister to Anne, as a narrator was as brilliant touch by the author, as she comes across as a vastly different woman with somewhat lesser ambitions, as far as having power and the throne in her grasp.
Her sister? Power and ambition seem to be born in her and the author, Philippa Gregory, has clearly done her research, as I felt like I was seeing the world of the 1500s, so vivid, so real. Male/ female relationships were also clearly spelled out and I saw the Boleyn girls as the pawns they were in a very dangerous game of strategy to catch the eye of King Hentry the VIII. It was clear that men held the power and the women were meant to do the bidding of their families, especially if they could be used to help secure land, financial security or upward mobility in society.
This may be hard for those looking at the events from a modern perspective but I think the author wasn't off base in her assessment of the times. She has certainly done her research because at the end of the book there is an extensive bibliography, adding weight to my assumption that here is one author who does her homework - and quite thoroughly.
Although historical fiction can rarely be accurate as to what was ACTUALLY said at certain moments in history (with the exception of those times when reliable notes or tapes were taken), there can be a fairly solid recreation of the way people lived, the values and traditions. This is one of the strongest points in the book, as the author recreated the daily activities of each level of social class and showed how important (and even dangerous) it could be to catch the King's eye. I also got a feel for the foods eaten, the expectations for women (to speak many languages, learn domestic arts, how to act with propriety and proper manners) and little details like having hair combed with lice combs provided information about the realities that even the highest classes had to deal with (yes, even lice).
Every detail of this book pulled at my emotions and imagination as well as providing historical information I hadn't known before.. When I wasn't caught up in reading about the various intrigues of the Boleyn family then I would be sympathizing with poor Mary as she was torn from her children or wondered how various women would fare later in history, not just the Boleyns but the Seymour girls. The author makes no bones about how women were used as pawns, devices in a dangerous game of ambition, scheming and desire to advance a family's reputation.
I refuse to say too much about the plot except to note that I doubt few readers will be unmoved by the events described here. Also, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the history of the day, an understanding about how it may have played out in day to day life and women's life in the 1500s, as well as court intrigue, political scheming and much more. Richly detailed writing and totally engaging! .
Related books:
The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn: Family Politics at the Court of
Anne Boleyn
Book Review: ** Brilliant **
Summary: 5 Stars
This was my first Gregory novel, and I LOVED it. I was led to the book by Robin Maxwell's 'The Secret Diary Of Anne Boleyn' (also very good) - Mary Boleyn was mentioned in Secret Diary. I hadn't been aware that Mary had been mistress to Francois 1 and Henry VIII before reading Secret Diary, thus I was excited to find The Other Boleyn Girl (TOBG). Interestingly, it is a very different Anne depicted in TOBG to that given in Secret Diary, a very dark and selfish character .. but fascinating. Mary is also depicted somewhat differently. In Secret Diary she is presented as a silly, sluttish girl, yet in TOBG she is a more rounded, beleivable character .. and valid reasons given for her conduct.
The book is well written, although I felt the author did 'flounder' a little in a couple of places. I felt she was 'padding out' the story, but don't let this put you off reading it, for she more than makes up for this in other areas. The conversation between Queen Katherine and Mary in the chapter headed 'Summer 1529' is heart wrenching; and (I hesitate to admit that) I had tears in my eyes at the description of Anne's execution.
After reading this book I was compelled to search the Net for details of this neglected and interesting person from history (Mary Boleyn), & it was fascinating to discover that Mary's son (by Henry VIII) also named Henry served his cousin Elizabeth 1 and greatly impressed his sovereign and his nation. King Henry evidently chose not to believe he had fathered the child, although the baby was conceived during his relationship with Mary. Henry did however meticulously provide for Mary's son after her husband's death. Mary's daughter, Catherine Carey became gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber at Elizabeth 1's accession , married Sir Francis Knollys, and became the grandmother of Lord Essex, Elizabeth 1's favourite in her later years.
A clear view of Mary's individual character would be difficult to obtain from surviving documents. Her personal history is obscured by the more tumultuous life and death of her younger sister Anne, and glimpses of Mary's life must be garnered from footnotes or brief mention in the works about her sister, her father and the two kings whose lives she touched (Francois 1 and Henry VIII). She was mistress to these two kings, twice wed to men of Henry VIII's Court and mother of children who served their cousin, Elizabeth 1, and must have been an enigmatic and intriguing figure .. and this author has served this character from history well.
If you are interested in historical fiction, or even just interested in the Tudor period, I highly recommend this book. I don't think you will be disappointed.
And, please don't let the reviewers who have criticised this book, put you off. I admit there are a few inaccurasies in the book, but for goodness sake, if you pick up a FICTION novel then you must accept the authors 'version' of the story. If you want to read totally accurate facts don't browse or shop in the Fiction section of the bookstore .. there's a place for people who can't stand someone else's interpretation .. it's labelled Non Fiction in the store. I suggest the 'critics' try this section & leave this author alone. I for one think she's done a fantastic job on a character from history who, as I said previously, would not have been easy to research.
Thank you Philippa Gregory.