Journal Entry 1 by sunlightbub from Wallasey, Merseyside United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Fabulous book!


Amazon.co.uk Review
Everyone knows the fate of Anne Boleyn, but not many know the story of her rise to majesty and the part played by her rival and sister, Mary, who was Henry's mistress and mother to two of his bastard children before the dazzling older Boleyn girl even caught his eye. Philippa Gregory, whose own role as the Queen of historical romance grows more secure with each new novel, has surpassed her self with this epic tale of lust, jealousy and betrayal. The Other Boleyn Girl charts the lives of both Boleyns--each in their turn "the other Boleyn Girl"--and their fiercely ambitious, conniving family who used the girls as pawns to advance their own positions at the court of Henry VIII. At 13, Mary is little more than a child when she is presented to Henry, ordered by her scheming family to serve her King and country by opening her legs whenever commanded, or doing anything else the great monarch desires. And while his loins are satisfied, life at court is sweet for the unofficial Queen and her pushy coterie. Inevitably though, the King's eyes soon begin to wander and Mary is overlooked, helpless to do anything but aid her family's plot to advance their fortunes, replace her with Anne and give Henry the greatest gift of all: a son and heir.

So good a job has Ms Gregory done at portraying the Boleyns and Howards as selfish, scheming, treacherous manipulators however, that it becomes increasingly hard to feel empathy for any of them. While Mary is merely hapless, Anne is the most ruthless of them all, so that instead of feeling cheated by knowing the outcome of her story, it only serves to help digest her unpalatable rise. Such a gruesome destiny was never more deserved. Ms Gregory has worked hard at researching her historical references. Daily life at court is described in fascinating detail--from the relentless leisure pursuits, masques and banquets laid on for the easily bored King to the complex hierarchies and machinations of the courtiers. However, the fall of Queen Katherine of Aragon and her only child, the Princess Mary, and the politics of the competing European courts and the break with Rome are seen only as a backdrop to the bawdy goings-on of the Boleyns and their fateful race for the crown.



Sending to the relay groupie for August..You know who you are!!! 

Journal Entry 2 by CrazyDutchwoman from Heemstede, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Yes ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! (dancing banana) lol.

You have made me so happy sunny. Really made my day and what an excellent choice. It looks like a great book and it has been so long ago that I read historical fiction. Really looking forward to it.
(did you read my message about unwrapping your gift on the forum? )

I think this book will not be on my TBR for long :-)
will make a new journal when I am reading
Really exited . loved everything, the envelop, your message, the teabags, the colours :-)
 

Journal Entry 3 by CrazyDutchwoman from Heemstede, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Hi I have read about half of the book and now I really enjoy it. It took me a little while to get used to it, cause as I said it has been ages since i read historical fiction but now i am really enjoying it and even trying to get more books about this area

I want to read more about Katharina of Aragorn. I did read a book from Jean Plaidy years ago about this queen, how hard it was for her living with King Henry the 8th, and how clever she was, and I also want to read more about the other wifes so I am searching for more books (thanks to you sunny (whip) :-) to add to my wish list.

I realise right now that even when I was younger I loved books that were based on the truth! (me as a true crime fan) 

Journal Entry 4 by CrazyDutchwoman from Heemstede, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Thursday, August 11, 2005

O wow I wish i could read more. I've finished the book last night and really loved it.

sunny You are great for sending this to me. You did so well. I really really enjoyed it immensly and because of this book i want to read more about this time and will get lots of books from marci.
thank you (if I have something on my shelf, please just ask!! tbr or avl) 

Journal Entry 5 by CrazyDutchwoman at N/A in mailed, Secret Santa Exchange -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (12/28/2005 UTC) at N/A in mailed, Secret Santa Exchange -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Geegal was my secret Spook and she was very generous. I loved her presents to me.
Now we had the Secret Santa exchange and she ended up with nothing. I could not stand that so I checked your wish list and was thrilled to have one of your books.
This was really such a great book. hope you'll enjoy it Mita 

Journal Entry 6 by Geegal on Friday, December 30, 2005

thank you thank you dear marlene!!! I just saw this book again at a bookstore for used books in english in hamburg which is way too expensive but now I have my own BC copy that I can take as much time as I want to read *g*