Brief Gaudy Hour

Brief Gaudy Hour is a historical fiction book about Ann Boleyn that I can say I really enjoyed. I felt that Ann was a very human character, and a believable mix between ambitious/vengeful and loving or swept up in circumstances she can't really control. I tend to dislike the Ann Boleyn books that portray her as an utter victim (the king says he loves me! And when I refuse him, he says I am just being coy! And now I am to be queen? Oh my, how confusing!), but of course portraying her as completely heartless snake, while at least more interesting, isn't all that much better as far as realistic characterization goes. I think Barnes walked the line of Ann's motivations very well, and I so enjoyed it that I've ordered another one of her show more books from the library show less

This is a decent enough Boleyn novel, telling the standard story of Anne's early days at court, the love affair with Harry Percy, her rise and her fall. I particularly thought the way her relationship with her brother was portrayed, as well as the way Anne was able to subtly alienate King Henry against Cardinal Wolsey, was fine.

That doesn't keep the book from the reading like a Harlequin romance at times. For example: "Love like this was a rebirth. It burned away all the cruelty and bitterness, running over in a measure of human kindness that made the world a lovely place. Crushed against her lover's heart, all the long disciplined desire in her rose to its consummation. Metamorphosed by love, she knew it to be no longer something evil show more -- some snare, some super-abundant force to be feared -- but something natural, sane and good. In Percy's arms that night Anne lived the brief rich transport of her life. Throwing aside security and favor, she made the reckless surrender which could have kept her sweet."

Fortunately, passages like that are not that common, and mainly confined to the first half of the book. show less

This book is about Anne Boleyn and I really enjoyed it. What was interesting for me, is that the author was writing at the same time as another historical novelist Jean Plaidy, whose books I have also read.

The difference is that Plaidy's books are a little dry, just covering the known historical facts, whereas this fictionalised account really put meat on the bones.

I look forward to reading more from this author. Also she wrote her books on the Isle of Wight which is where I am from so I am even more pleased that I actually liked the book.

Even though this is a historical novel only, it seemed as well-researched as any non-fiction biography. It is also a little more biased than most works about Anne Boleyn.

Wonderful story about Anne Boleyn. First time I heard the complete story besides knowing she was beheaded.