The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
By Celine L., New City, NY (More by this author »)
The Other Boleyn Girl is an introspective novel that explores what life in the court of King Henry VIII must have been like. Philippa Gregory’s descriptions of places and characters are vibrant and vivid. She portrays historical events through the eyes of characters who are fallible and human.
Mary and Anne Boleyn are normal girls who become caught up in the struggle for power. They are pressured by their family to win the favor of the king. At first, Mary is liked by the king, but then Anne maneuvers her way into his favor. While Mary believes that she truly loves the king, Anne has the ambition to be the next queen.
Gregory makes the reader pity Anne because she lacks someone who truly cares for her and feels hopeless. On the other hand, Mary chooses to do what she thinks is best for her despite the opposition of her family.
The Other Boleyn Girl is an excellent novel that takes the reader on a wonderful adventure of hope, rivalry, deceit, regret, and love.
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