This is the first book of Philippa Gregory I read, and it will definitely not be my last. Based on the true story of the Boleyn Siblings, the author weaves a masterful tale, gripping from start to finish.
Some of Philippa Gregory’s readers go on to read my books, and I understand why. Our books depict royal intrigue, a world where women are powerless unless a man bestows them with it. In these historical times, women were like the moon with no light of their own. However brightly they shined, it was a reflection of a man’s power.
In The Other Boleyn Girl, the lack of a male heir plays a central role, and this is a recurring subject in my trilogy as well. One distinction in my novels based on medieval India is the ability of the male royalty to marry many wives. In Tudor England, that was not possible and resulted in deadly rivalry.
I love the choice of Mary as the narrator of this novel, so we can see her progress from her a naive young girl to a woman who understands what will bring her happiness. The author breathes life into this period of Tudor history, and I look forward to reading her other books. Highly recommend to all fans of Historical Fiction.
Anna Bushi 