The best book I have read (The Other Boleyn Girl - Phillipa Gregory)

Member Name: Katy_roberts85

Product:	The Other Boleyn Girl - Phillipa Gregory
Date:	07/10/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lively, colourful, energetic, vibrant

Disadvantages: Nothing

With all the hype about the film I decided to go to the source and find out what it was all about. I was addicted by page one and it has introduced me to a world of sumptuous historical fiction that I was not previously aware of. This is by far the best book in this genre and I continually rave bout it.

I had more or less given up reading historical novels when I ran out of

Phillipa Gregory did an excellent job of bringing the richness nd splendour of Henry VIIIs court to life. It was really interesting and her descriptions were really vivd and accurate.

I love how it focuses on Mary Boleyn, an unsung woman of the Tudor era. She is always overlooked becuse she didn't acheive what her sister did (beheading) - but she did acheive more than many women - a liasion with the King of England and ending up happily married for love.

It also captures Henry's long pursuit of Anne, his divorce and marriage and ends with her tragic beheading. It also captures the pain of Anne's inability to conceive, the whisperings of her adultery and incest, and how she loses the interst of the King. Everything is captures, no details is left explored.

I love how that although dealing with the bigger issues of the King and Court, Gregory manages to capture the warmth of sibling affection and the pain and viciousness of sisterly rivalry.

The story flowed easily, it unfolded without effort and just kept you absolutly gripped. At no point was I bored or did I find the writing repetiive or dull. It was simply a delight from start to finish and I really can't get enough of it. I have reread it and enjoy it with every read! I just don't tire of it - it's that brilliant.

As with all of Gregory's novels her characterisation is superb. You beleive in the characters, she captures their essence effortlessly and realistically. I love how seductive Anne is and how obsessed Henry is with her, it is a really dynamic and energetic novel that really is amazing.

Summary: Brilliant, splendid, superb