I figure I’m about due for a book review – it’s been a while! I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl
I’d seen this book around a few times on store shelves and always thought it looked intriguing. But I never got around to picking it up. Then, I saw a review about it on some website (wish I could remember which, but honestly, I can’t). Anyhow, it was a glowing review, and I figured I was up for some reading in a new genre (I’d been reading so many mysteries; I needed a break). What I thought would be an interesting story about England in the 1500’s ended up being a riveting story about sex, love and the plight of women during a dark time.
Mary, the sister of Anne Boleyn, tells the story of the rise and fall of her family. Married to a much older man at 12, Mary’s family forced her to court King Henry the VIII at age 14. She bore him two illegitimate children but was later pushed aside as the King’s favorite by her sister, Anne.
This story really makes you reconsider all those times in childhood when you pranced around in a pretty dress and declared yourself a princess. Princess be damned – that’s the last life I would want to lead! The use of women and girls as pawns in a high stakes game of chess and viewing them as property – no thank you! The peasants may have been poor, but they just may have had the better lot in life.
The book was also made into a movie of the same name released in 2008 starring Natalie Portman. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but definitely plan to. I’ll let you know what I think!
So go ahead – pick up a copy of the book. You won’t be sorry.
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Agreed, I so enjoy the historical accounts of the Royals myself. Have you seen Elizabeth? I recomment that one as well. Did you know Anne Boleyn had 6 fingers on one hand. I know I'm a Royal junkie.
Great Blog Heather!
The movie is actually pretty good!
I haven't seen Elizabeth – I've heard it was great. I'll definitely have to check that one out. I just watched The Other Boleyn Girl, and I'm disappointed that it changed the book so much. I didn't know Anne Boleyn had six fingers. lol. You are junkie! But I love the historical stories too!
I'd better ck in to see if you've found any squid.
Hmmm…, well I haven't read this book But, it leaves me with only one question: Do you have a sister?
I find squid in the most unexpected places…and I'm certainly having fun looking.
Nope, I don't have a sister. I have one brother though. Doesn't quite make for the same dynamic – we never fight over men. lol.
After reading The Other Boleyn Girl I became a Phillipa Gregory ADDICT! All of the books in that series are great… definitely check them out, too. I agree, the movie was a hack-job.
So glad to hear the series is good! I was thinking about reading more of her books – I will definitely check them out!