I have always been fascinated by history. I actually paid attention in my history classes in school, a rareity I assure you, because I truly enjoyed the study of it. There are certain periods that interest me more then others, the '60's Civil Rights movement, World War 2, Victorian Era england to name just a few. But one of my all time favorite historical periods to study is Henry VIII's england mainly him and his many wives. To that end I seek out historical fiction that has to do with any of those eras. I do some non-fiction research as well but I crave historical fiction.
This craving was what brought me to "The Other Boleyn Girl" written by Philippa Gregory and published by Touchstone. It is the story of Mary Boleyn who started out as a lady in waiting to Queen Catherine, Henry VIII's first wife, and became Henry's lover. She was also the sister of the woman that became Henry's most notorious wife, Anne Boleyn. Mary Boleyn was a sweet tempered fair haired innocent young girl who had the misfortune to be born into one of England's most ambitious, non-royal, families. As Anne is sent off to the French court Mary is pushed into being a lady in the Queen's household.
At fourteen Mary is at the height of her golden beauty and she soon catches the eye of the young King. They start a flirtation that her family encourages fourcefully realizing what this could mean for them. Henry begins to court Mary, wooing her eventually into his bed. And because of his youth, good looks and his abundance of charm Mary finds that she is falling in love with this great King. As Henry spends more and more time with Mary he begins to lavish wealth and power on her family. The more the Boleyn's gain the more they want and so despite the pain the Queen is in the family continues to encourage Mary to keep the King interested. When Mary gives birth to Henry's son, the first son that lives, the Boleyn's get showered with gifts and Mary is treated like a Queen. The Boleyn's have a knack for making things go their way and with their combined talents they keep the King interested in Mary even while she is recovering from giving birth. However after the birth of Mary's and Henry's second child Henry's interest begins to wander. This is when they bring Anne back to court.
The rest of the book follows the story of Anne winning over the king from Mary's point of view. She realizes the hard way that her family never cared for her happiness they only ever cared what their position was at court. With this in mind and after an arranged marriage Mary decides that she has to fight for her own happiness. The book is incredible with an amazing story. It is incredibly well written and very well researched. Philippa Gregory tells the story of Mary Boleyn with light and beauty. She gives Mary a voice and shows the world what is was like to be the most important woman in the royal court for a time. I never knew that there was a Mary Boleyn until I read this novel but it inspired me to find out more about her.
I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of historical fiction. Or just a fan of the Tudors and the way that the court was run. It's a story that shouldn't be missed Mary Boleyn has been skipped over for many years with this book she is put front and center. Go find a copy of "The Other Boleyn Girl" and step into a world that is rich, colorful and chock full of love, lust, pain and blissful happiness. It's a great, great read I suggest you take the time and find that out for yourself.
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