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The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
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Showing 1-5 of 225 (next | show all)
This book left me breathless. I zoomed through the last 150 to 200 pages or so in one sitting, unable to put it down and racing for the conclusion. I don't know why I don't read historical fiction more often. I love history and I love fiction. Plus, historical fiction gives you an insider's view into the lives of past figures in a way you would never see them. Don't get me wrong, I know that most of this stuff is made up, but it is somewhat based on fact (sometimes more than others). Reading history books in school or any sort of non-fiction book on history always leaves me wanting more. The people I read or hear about are nothing more than names printed next to dates. I can know when they lived and what they did and what their general occupations were, but I still don't get a good look at who they really were.

That's why I love stories. Especially stories like this. The era of Henry VIII (he was big enough to be considered an era, right?) is insanely fascinating, but anything I read in a non-fiction or history book is going to make me bored. Don't just tell me the facts. Immerse me in the culture and fashion and scandals and views and opinions of the time. This book does all of that and then some. I couldn't believe the intensity of this novel, how real the characters became, how I could understand what they were going through, and then how I could better understand the time period because of it. I may not know all the facts concerning Mary and Anne Boleyn and their family, but I do understand how they might have acted this way in a time when religion came under a king's reign instead of the pope's and it truly was a man's world. And, to give it even more praise, this book made me actually want to pick up a history book and learn more about these women and this time.

I had heard that the movie was set to be released Dec. 21 from this site where I found the picture, but IMDb.com says it's not set to release until Feb. 29, 2008. Since I haven't seen any trailers or heard anything about it in the media, I'm going to believe IMDb, which is unfortunate because I am a very impatient person. (Personal note: I think Natalie Portman would make a great Anne Boleyn, and I am highly anticipating her role.)

I will definitely be reading more of Gregory's work, and I have a feeling that I may have to reread some parts in order to see how some of the characters overlap (I think next up will be The Boleyn Inheritance). Has anyone else read this book or any others of Gregory's? What are your thoughts/opinions? And, for my own personal knowledge, are her books in some sort of order, or does it not matter which ones you read first?

5 out of 5 stars.
1 vote AmyElizabeth | Nov 4, 2009 |
Half way through currently and I LOVE it. I thought the movie was great (remains one of my favourites) but the book is even more decadent! ( )
  makabeje | Nov 3, 2009 |
This book was about Anne Bolelyn told through her sister's eyes, Mary. Mary was King Henry VIII mistress and fathered 2 children by him but when his interests wained he turn to her sister Anne and fell in love. King Henry had to get rid of his current wife, Katherine, before he could marry Anne. What a cold man King Henry was and in my opinion crazy. He did not care who he hurt or killed to get what he wanted. ( )
  bratlaw | Oct 24, 2009 |
I definitely agree with some of the other reviewers. It isn't a taxing read, and the history is certainly stretched to the maximum in some places, but it was great fun. I've been obsessed with Anne Boleyn for years, so this was something that was perfectly suited to my interests. ( )
  ascgrrl | Oct 19, 2009 |
There's a very good chance reading this book will improve your chess game. While the characters and settings are superbly painted over this lengthy novel I found the most interesting aspect to be the scheming, plotting and planning that went into every calculated move by the players. Its so easy to drift through your day assuming no one notices you, thinking about the results and reactions to your movements that you don't even see is very fascinating. Anne plays the game so well, while Mary is constantly confused- created a much needed guide through the constant court intrigue. Gregory is a skillful author, pulling and flipping the concept of who is "the other Boleyn girl" throughout the novel. Her attention to detail creates a rich context for events to progress from, and I have now become utterly fascinated with the entire family. Time to start Netflixing The Tudors. ( )
  Ksana84 | Oct 17, 2009 |
Showing 1-5 of 225 (next | show all)
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Series (with order)
Canonical Title
Original publication date
People/Characters
Important places
Important events
Awards and honors
Epigraph
Dedication
For Anthony
First words
I could hear a roll of muffled drums.
Quotations
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
Disambiguation notice
Publisher's editors
Blurbers
Original publication date2001
SeriesThe Tudor Series - chronological (2)
People/CharactersMary Boleyn, Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII, King of England, Catherine of Aragon, William Carey, George Boleyn (show all 11)
Important placesEngland, UK
Awards and honorsWhitcoulls top 100, 2008 (10)
DedicationFor Anthony
First wordsI could hear a roll of muffled drums.
Last words(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
Book description

Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0743227441, Paperback)

Two sisters competing for the greatest prize: the love of a king

When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, Mary falls in love with both her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her familys ambitious plots as the kings interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king, and take her fate into her own hands.

A rich and compelling tale of love, sex, ambition, and intrigue, The Other Boleyn Girl introduces a woman of extraordinary determination and desire who lived at the heart of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe and survived by following her own heart.

(retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:57:52 -0400)

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