|
Browse categories
History & Historical Fiction
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 Customer Reviews
Lords 4 Reel, 11 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading the book yesterday and 2 be quite honest i couldnt put it down wherever i go i take the book with me as i have read the Wolf of the Plains i couldnt wait for another book on Genghis Khan its just awesome to read i have seen book 2 but am not sure if its the same lords of the bow part 2 or the same one.need to ask at a bookshop to see cuz i cant wait to read the continuation as i have just pre-ordered BRISINGR.of the Inheritance Triology Eragon.
converted to admiration, 10 Sep 2008
This book is "un-putdownable". On a purely historical note it taught me new facts about Genghis Khan, but the whole tenor of the story shows him as a blood-thirsty thug and yet a brilliant tactician and leader. It is this absolute blend of leadership with tyrrany that engenders a (grudging?) admiration for the man.
On another level - it is a brilliant piece of writing and an adventure book to thrill.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Lords 4 Reel, 11 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading the book yesterday and 2 be quite honest i couldnt put it down wherever i go i take the book with me as i have read the Wolf of the Plains i couldnt wait for another book on Genghis Khan its just awesome to read i have seen book 2 but am not sure if its the same lords of the bow part 2 or the same one.need to ask at a bookshop to see cuz i cant wait to read the continuation as i have just pre-ordered BRISINGR.of the Inheritance Triology Eragon.
converted to admiration, 10 Sep 2008
This book is "un-putdownable". On a purely historical note it taught me new facts about Genghis Khan, but the whole tenor of the story shows him as a blood-thirsty thug and yet a brilliant tactician and leader. It is this absolute blend of leadership with tyrrany that engenders a (grudging?) admiration for the man.
On another level - it is a brilliant piece of writing and an adventure book to thrill.
Love this book, 10 Oct 2008
One of the best books I've read in a long while,
would highly recomend it to anyone and everyone!
A great book about a great man.
Quit whining and enjoy the story, 05 Oct 2008
Ignore the bitter people who have bought this book under another title and then didnt have the common sense to return it?
The Story is fantastic and very well written. I ususally plump for 18th Century Naval Fiction, so i was unsure what to expect.
The book is a genuine page turner and many a time i have been tired for work because "i just do another chapter before i turn out the light"!!
The characters are engaging and their life so hard that it makes you gasp. Despite the fact that Gengis Khan probably wasnt a very nice chap, you do warm to him and his tough little family.
It would have got 5 stars except that i have a little trouble remembering the many strange character names, but that could be a problem with me and not the Author?
Better than Cornwell? I think so, 26 Jul 2008
What a pleasant surprise? I had no idea Conn Iggulden was such an accomplished author?
Having read many books in the historical genre from Cornwell and Follett Conn stands in his (I assume its written by a man I would be surprised otherwise lol) own right.
I wanted to learn about Ghengis Khan, I expected tales of his battles etc but this book has sooo much more, the scale of the book has added real depth to the characters so you can feel for each one.
1st of the "Conqueror" series - I have so much to look forward to! I may even try the "Emperor" series after this tour de force of a novel alone!
A great read, 16 Jun 2008
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book - in fact I only read it on holiday when I had finished all my books and had to raid my husband's suitcase. I was hooked into this story within a few pages. If you know nothing of Gengus Khan's life then this is even more fascinating - a tale of bravery, love and honour. It is a true page turner that just begs the question when will the blockbuster film be made.
Just fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
I never usually read this type of novel however I am so pleased I did! What a fantastic book, historical and highly exciting, I just couldn't stop reading it. All I can say is sit back, relax and let the story unfold.....enjoy.
|
|
|
 |
|
The Other Queen
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £9.48
|
|
Product Description
Philippa Gregory has long been one of the most assured practitioners of historical fiction, but her profile was raised even higher by the film of her novel The Other Boleyn Girl. Gregory admirers, however, were heard to remark of that movie: `Not as good as the book!' And if her new novel, the highly accomplished The Other Queen is ever afforded the Hollywood treatment, there will no doubt be a similar chorus. The reason for this dedication by her readers is not hard to fathom: assiduously researched historical facts are married to consummate storytelling skills - and the effortless ability to rescue historical figures from the dusty pages of the past. At the centre of this novel is Mary Queen of Scotland, forced to flee into England. Mary, a devout Catholic, is, of course, a living threat to the rule of her cousin Elisabeth, whose Protestant reign is uncertain. We've been here before, of course, in various books and films. But Philippa Gregory's story this time has a different emphasis: Elizabeth's chief advisor, Cecil, formulates a plan in which the destabilising Mary will live under guard with his faithful friend, Bess of Hardwick. Bess is a remarkable woman herself; someone who has forged her own destiny, and is now in her fourth marriage, to the distinguished Earl of Shrewsbury. But soon Bess and Mary find themselves plunged into very different personal crises - with Bess's marriage under considerable strain. The Other Queen is wonderfully accomplished stuff, evoking a much-pored-over era with a totally fresh eye.
--Barry Forshaw
Customer Reviews
Lords 4 Reel, 11 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading the book yesterday and 2 be quite honest i couldnt put it down wherever i go i take the book with me as i have read the Wolf of the Plains i couldnt wait for another book on Genghis Khan its just awesome to read i have seen book 2 but am not sure if its the same lords of the bow part 2 or the same one.need to ask at a bookshop to see cuz i cant wait to read the continuation as i have just pre-ordered BRISINGR.of the Inheritance Triology Eragon.
converted to admiration, 10 Sep 2008
This book is "un-putdownable". On a purely historical note it taught me new facts about Genghis Khan, but the whole tenor of the story shows him as a blood-thirsty thug and yet a brilliant tactician and leader. It is this absolute blend of leadership with tyrrany that engenders a (grudging?) admiration for the man.
On another level - it is a brilliant piece of writing and an adventure book to thrill.
Love this book, 10 Oct 2008
One of the best books I've read in a long while,
would highly recomend it to anyone and everyone!
A great book about a great man.
Quit whining and enjoy the story, 05 Oct 2008
Ignore the bitter people who have bought this book under another title and then didnt have the common sense to return it?
The Story is fantastic and very well written. I ususally plump for 18th Century Naval Fiction, so i was unsure what to expect.
The book is a genuine page turner and many a time i have been tired for work because "i just do another chapter before i turn out the light"!!
The characters are engaging and their life so hard that it makes you gasp. Despite the fact that Gengis Khan probably wasnt a very nice chap, you do warm to him and his tough little family.
It would have got 5 stars except that i have a little trouble remembering the many strange character names, but that could be a problem with me and not the Author?
Better than Cornwell? I think so, 26 Jul 2008
What a pleasant surprise? I had no idea Conn Iggulden was such an accomplished author?
Having read many books in the historical genre from Cornwell and Follett Conn stands in his (I assume its written by a man I would be surprised otherwise lol) own right.
I wanted to learn about Ghengis Khan, I expected tales of his battles etc but this book has sooo much more, the scale of the book has added real depth to the characters so you can feel for each one.
1st of the "Conqueror" series - I have so much to look forward to! I may even try the "Emperor" series after this tour de force of a novel alone!
A great read, 16 Jun 2008
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book - in fact I only read it on holiday when I had finished all my books and had to raid my husband's suitcase. I was hooked into this story within a few pages. If you know nothing of Gengus Khan's life then this is even more fascinating - a tale of bravery, love and honour. It is a true page turner that just begs the question when will the blockbuster film be made.
Just fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
I never usually read this type of novel however I am so pleased I did! What a fantastic book, historical and highly exciting, I just couldn't stop reading it. All I can say is sit back, relax and let the story unfold.....enjoy.
Poor novel from a favored author, 05 Oct 2008
The Other Queen is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, during a specific period in her life--the time that she spent in the home of George Talbot and his wife, Bess, at Tutbury Castle. It was a period fraught with political turmoil and the threat of another civil war, as Mary attempted to regain her throne. The story is told from the point of view of all three characters.
I have to say straight away that this was not one of Philippa Gregory' best--a shame, since I was looking forward to reading it. Part of the problem is that I more or less have a preconceived idea of what Mary was like. Therefore, I was a little dismayed by the way that Mary is portrayed in the book; she's arrogant. And that's another problem I had with the book; I feel as though it might have been better had Mary not narrated part of the story herself. Even George and Bess are pretty wooden characters with no distinctive voices of their own; I flipped from one section to the next and thought that the same person was speaking!
Another part of this novel's problem is that it fictionalizes one of the most boring periods in Mary's life. Really, couldn't she have fictionalized the Gunpowder Plot or the murder of David Rizzio? Instead, we get pages and pages about how queenly Mary is, how hard Bess worked to get where she is, Cecil is evil, ad nauseum. Essentially, if you read the first 100 pages or so, you've read the entire book. I feel as though Philippa Gregory is just following a formula here, one that doesn't entirely work for this novel. It's especially disappointing considering I've enjoyed so much of Gregory's work in the past. A much better novel about Mary's life is Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles, by Margaret George, and a wonderful work of nonfiction about Mary is Mary, Queen of Scots: And the Murder of Lord Darnley, by Alison Weir.
A Dull Book From One of My Favorites !, 03 Oct 2008
I have LOVED many other P.Gregory books but this one drags along with unappealing characters and a tedious plot.
Too bad !
One reason I had always enjoyed her books was because I would always learn something new. All I take away from reading this book is that I will never again pre-order anything...... in the future I will ALWAYS wait for to read the reviews first!
Bleugh!, 30 Sep 2008
This is SUCH a disappointment. Windy, repetitive, self-indulgent, badly-edited and just plain boring. One of history's most interesting and enigmatic figures is reduced to a twittering moron, and everyone around her comes across as unpleasant or dull or both. Having enjoyed Gregory's previous Tudor books, I was very much looking forward to this one. Just over half way through I hurled it across the room and gave up. Nul points.
Bit of a let down, 29 Sep 2008
I found the book very bitty and sadly lacking in momentum.The chapters were often only a couple of pages long and tended to be very repetitive - I struggled to find any enthusiasm to continue reading it. A great disappointment for a PG!
I just didn't like any of them!, 23 Sep 2008
I have to agree with many of the other reviewers. I'm a big PG fan but in this novel I found all 3 of the main characters really hard to sypathise with. Bess is really unpleasent and just moans on and on, George is pathetic and Mary failed to win me over. I also missed the presence of Elizabeth in the story, generally only having her talked about rather than having her interact in the story. As other reviewers have pointed out I feel PG has missed a trick by having most of the really intriguing events of Mary's life take place before the book opens. I think there was a better story in here somewhere and its a shame it hasn't come out.
|
|
|
 |
|
The Boleyn Inheritance
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £3.29
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Lords 4 Reel, 11 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading the book yesterday and 2 be quite honest i couldnt put it down wherever i go i take the book with me as i have read the Wolf of the Plains i couldnt wait for another book on Genghis Khan its just awesome to read i have seen book 2 but am not sure if its the same lords of the bow part 2 or the same one.need to ask at a bookshop to see cuz i cant wait to read the continuation as i have just pre-ordered BRISINGR.of the Inheritance Triology Eragon.
converted to admiration, 10 Sep 2008
This book is "un-putdownable". On a purely historical note it taught me new facts about Genghis Khan, but the whole tenor of the story shows him as a blood-thirsty thug and yet a brilliant tactician and leader. It is this absolute blend of leadership with tyrrany that engenders a (grudging?) admiration for the man.
On another level - it is a brilliant piece of writing and an adventure book to thrill.
Love this book, 10 Oct 2008
One of the best books I've read in a long while,
would highly recomend it to anyone and everyone!
A great book about a great man.
Quit whining and enjoy the story, 05 Oct 2008
Ignore the bitter people who have bought this book under another title and then didnt have the common sense to return it?
The Story is fantastic and very well written. I ususally plump for 18th Century Naval Fiction, so i was unsure what to expect.
The book is a genuine page turner and many a time i have been tired for work because "i just do another chapter before i turn out the light"!!
The characters are engaging and their life so hard that it makes you gasp. Despite the fact that Gengis Khan probably wasnt a very nice chap, you do warm to him and his tough little family.
It would have got 5 stars except that i have a little trouble remembering the many strange character names, but that could be a problem with me and not the Author?
Better than Cornwell? I think so, 26 Jul 2008
What a pleasant surprise? I had no idea Conn Iggulden was such an accomplished author?
Having read many books in the historical genre from Cornwell and Follett Conn stands in his (I assume its written by a man I would be surprised otherwise lol) own right.
I wanted to learn about Ghengis Khan, I expected tales of his battles etc but this book has sooo much more, the scale of the book has added real depth to the characters so you can feel for each one.
1st of the "Conqueror" series - I have so much to look forward to! I may even try the "Emperor" series after this tour de force of a novel alone!
A great read, 16 Jun 2008
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book - in fact I only read it on holiday when I had finished all my books and had to raid my husband's suitcase. I was hooked into this story within a few pages. If you know nothing of Gengus Khan's life then this is even more fascinating - a tale of bravery, love and honour. It is a true page turner that just begs the question when will the blockbuster film be made.
Just fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
I never usually read this type of novel however I am so pleased I did! What a fantastic book, historical and highly exciting, I just couldn't stop reading it. All I can say is sit back, relax and let the story unfold.....enjoy.
Poor novel from a favored author, 05 Oct 2008
The Other Queen is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, during a specific period in her life--the time that she spent in the home of George Talbot and his wife, Bess, at Tutbury Castle. It was a period fraught with political turmoil and the threat of another civil war, as Mary attempted to regain her throne. The story is told from the point of view of all three characters.
I have to say straight away that this was not one of Philippa Gregory' best--a shame, since I was looking forward to reading it. Part of the problem is that I more or less have a preconceived idea of what Mary was like. Therefore, I was a little dismayed by the way that Mary is portrayed in the book; she's arrogant. And that's another problem I had with the book; I feel as though it might have been better had Mary not narrated part of the story herself. Even George and Bess are pretty wooden characters with no distinctive voices of their own; I flipped from one section to the next and thought that the same person was speaking!
Another part of this novel's problem is that it fictionalizes one of the most boring periods in Mary's life. Really, couldn't she have fictionalized the Gunpowder Plot or the murder of David Rizzio? Instead, we get pages and pages about how queenly Mary is, how hard Bess worked to get where she is, Cecil is evil, ad nauseum. Essentially, if you read the first 100 pages or so, you've read the entire book. I feel as though Philippa Gregory is just following a formula here, one that doesn't entirely work for this novel. It's especially disappointing considering I've enjoyed so much of Gregory's work in the past. A much better novel about Mary's life is Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles, by Margaret George, and a wonderful work of nonfiction about Mary is Mary, Queen of Scots: And the Murder of Lord Darnley, by Alison Weir.
A Dull Book From One of My Favorites !, 03 Oct 2008
I have LOVED many other P.Gregory books but this one drags along with unappealing characters and a tedious plot.
Too bad !
One reason I had always enjoyed her books was because I would always learn something new. All I take away from reading this book is that I will never again pre-order anything...... in the future I will ALWAYS wait for to read the reviews first!
Bleugh!, 30 Sep 2008
This is SUCH a disappointment. Windy, repetitive, self-indulgent, badly-edited and just plain boring. One of history's most interesting and enigmatic figures is reduced to a twittering moron, and everyone around her comes across as unpleasant or dull or both. Having enjoyed Gregory's previous Tudor books, I was very much looking forward to this one. Just over half way through I hurled it across the room and gave up. Nul points.
Bit of a let down, 29 Sep 2008
I found the book very bitty and sadly lacking in momentum.The chapters were often only a couple of pages long and tended to be very repetitive - I struggled to find any enthusiasm to continue reading it. A great disappointment for a PG!
I just didn't like any of them!, 23 Sep 2008
I have to agree with many of the other reviewers. I'm a big PG fan but in this novel I found all 3 of the main characters really hard to sypathise with. Bess is really unpleasent and just moans on and on, George is pathetic and Mary failed to win me over. I also missed the presence of Elizabeth in the story, generally only having her talked about rather than having her interact in the story. As other reviewers have pointed out I feel PG has missed a trick by having most of the really intriguing events of Mary's life take place before the book opens. I think there was a better story in here somewhere and its a shame it hasn't come out.
Phillipa Gregory does it again , 21 Sep 2008
In this brilliant novel we get to see three women, one evil and guilt stricken the other shy and gullible, and the third women young beautiful and vain.
After reading the other Boleyn girl thirst, I was able to understood the true cruelty of Jane Boleyn (lady rochford) in this book once again she only thinks of herself , she befriends both of henrys new queens with only her interest in mind. She is most obsessed with Anne Boleyn and her brother George Boleyn. She feels the guilt as it was her who help put both brother and sister to death. She is a jealous vile women who gets her just deserts as someone uses her to his own advantage, giving her hopes and dreams and then easily taking it away from her.
Anne of Cleves is very shy and temperamental, being brought up by a strange and troubled brother and an unforgiving mother, she is sent away to London to marry the great king Henry the 8th who is old and know as exciting as he was when he was younger. King Henry likes to pretend to dress up as a poor man or other costumes so people don't know that he is king and call him a handsome stranger .(though he is not now everyone pretends that he is not to upset him) when he sees his bride and is dressed up he goes to kiss her. She not knowing that it is the king but thinking that it is a poor beggar spits and screams at him, everyone is shocked and the king fuming. The marriage did not last long as she was divorced, but was gladly be known as the kings friend speaking of her like a sister, as she was a kind person and the king had a fondness to her.
Katharine Howard is young beautiful and full of life. She is a very vain little girl. She has been brought up by her grandmother . Her cousin was Anne Boleyn , and when she and her childhood crush have sex for the first time she know what desires. Her love and desires lead her to trouble when she is queen of all England, and she takes up an affair with the irresistible Thomas Culpeper, then her former childhood love returns and scandal after scandal unfolds in the vain queens life.
This book was truly one of her greatest, I read this book after the other Boleyn girl, and of course this book was not as good, but it was truly mind gripping, I recommended anyone to read this book.
......divorced, beheaded......, 31 Aug 2008
This is the story of 3 women, 3 very different women and 1 very odd man.
Katherine is just fourteen when she lands a job that thrusts her into the spotlight of Henry, the man whose riches and homes she wants to share but at the moment this is only a dream, in the wilful childlike head of hers, a head which does not understand the consequences of any of her actions.
Anne is new, she has been contracted into an arranged marriage to Henry, has only seen a portrait of him and him of her. However their first surprised meeting is not successful as she inadvertently pushes away the stranger who approaches her as a vagrant or ruffian; it is in fact Henry come to surprise his new bride.
Jane is the third and final women in this story. She is hanging on to her life after giving evidence that sent her husband and his sister to their deaths. Can she save herself this time or will her plotting and spying helps another person to their death?
Henry is a very odd man. After three seemingly unsuccessful marriages, he seeks an arranged fourth, but she physically rejects him most publicly on a surprise visit to see her. He blames her for his own impotency and the fact she has been promised to another, years previous, he seeks a divorce. He can then pursue Katherine, the young pretty and silly girl who flatters him and hopes her virility will bring him a son.
This could be any story, any place and any time but this is the story of Jane Boleyn (wife of George Boleyn and sister in law to Anne Boleyn) Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Henry VIII. Phillipa Gregory uses her research to weave together a fictional book about two of the lesser wives, that are normally discussed when you mention Henry VIII and his infamous marriages.
PG effectively puts across that Anne of Cleves is a Queen who is out of place and struggles to come to terms with everything that is new to her in a new country and also all in a new language. Katherine is portrayed as an empty headed girl that judges the success of her life on how many dresses she owns, jewels she can see sparkle and men that she lustfully pursues. At no point does she grow up and her death by execution sees the first insight that she is/was a girl in a very adult world. Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford is the catalyst in all of this and she uses her knowledge of her past misdemeanours to try and help both new Queens, but in the end does not see the plot against her.
PG portrays Henry VIII so effectively in my opinion that at times, I could smell the rotting mad king's leg and see that he was going rotten all over to be able to change his mind at will to get the result he wanted. You could be favour one day, but with your head on a stake the very next. The portrayal of an old man, whose health and desire for food and women actually were his downfall. A boy that never grew up and never should have been King, spent the rest of his life throwing his metaphorical dummy out when everything did not go to plan.
PG paints a wonderful, colourful rich picture of Tudor court that you can see the colour clothes, the sparkle of the jewels and the chatter of all the men and women who inhabit it. This is what drew me to read another one of these `Tudor' court novels. The structure of the book, switching between the three women telling their story of events is cleverly done and I found helped you look for sympathies or faults with each character and made it easy for the reader to understand them better and their motives. A worthy read.
Rashomon for the Tudor Set, 11 Aug 2008
This novel is written from the viewpoint of three very different women - the naive yet quick-witted Anne of Cleves, the calculating Jane Boleyn and the greedy and childish Catherine Howard. They take turns by each chapter telling their view of events as they occur over a fairly brief period of time. Anne is set aside by the King in favor of Catherine, and it's the best thing that could have happened to her. She's the only one of the King's wives to survive a parting in a fairly benign (compared to the others) way.
Catherine ignores her revulsion in order to be the new Queen, all so that she can get pretty new dresses and jewels. She is completely and idiotically heedless of the dangers that await her in this vicious court and, even more stupidly, seeks comfort in the arms of a man within her new husband's household.
Finally, Jane Boleyn, the woman who pretends to be the friend of all the queens and really is only a friend to herself. She is only the marionette of the duke, the uncle of both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, but she has plenty of evil all on her own, and was, based on her behaviour, quite possibly insane. I knew nothing of what happened with these three ladies so every page brought a new surprise, and the writing is so evocative of the period and illustrates emotion in such a compelling fashion that I was loath to set the book down until I had finished it.
Philippa Gregory's books gets knocked for being historically inaccurate, and that's a fair complaint. However, they provide an excellent introduction to the period and, once interested, a reader can continue into non-fiction discussions of the times about which she writes by seeking out the volumes listed at the end of each novel. I know that I will be doing exactly that.
Another EXCELLENT Read, 03 Aug 2008
This is the second novel I've read by Philippa Gregory's; it's also the sequel to 'The Other Boleyn Girl' which I've recently read and reviewed.
The book is based around Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Jane Boleyn. It's follows how their leave change when each become part of the court of Henry VIII.
Poor Anne of Cleves, leave her country to marry a king old enough to be her father, she is not how royalty should be, so she becomes another victim of Henry VIII, but he allows her to live but in exile, he replaces her with the cousin of his previous wife, Anne Boleyn).
Katherine Howard, a child and not ready to be queen due to her childish ways flirts her way to the throne only to wish she hadn't as the king is too old and sick, and he doesn't pay her the attention a husband should. Her roving eye falls onto Thomas Culpepper, but this story of two lovers can only end one way.
Jane Boleyn is constantly haunted by the death of a previous queen and her husband. She like the rest of the Boleyn girls do as they are told by family members, and is constantly just trying to survive suspicion, betrayal and death that surrounds the kings court.
The structure of this book is different to 'The Other Boleyn Girl', that book continually follows on with the story where as the sequel is split up into chapters where it deals with each of the ladies in turn. To me it made the book a little slow to get into at first, but once you'd got used to the structure it was just as enjoyable as the first.
The novel is a compelling and I will definitely read it again. This is another of Philippa Gregory's master pieces and I look forward to reading the others I have recently bought. :-)
Another novel worth every penny, whether you are male or female if you love history you'll love this. :-)
Just brilliant!, 26 Jul 2008
This is my third PG novel having read TOBG and TCP then this one. I have to say I loved how it was written from three completely different view points. Although it is fiction based with real historical facts it was good to finally read something more of Katherine Howard as I find I know very little about her of all the wives.
I feel it gives more of an insight into Jane Boelyn and although I do not agree with the way in which she helped with the downfall of Anne and George and then Katherine, I certianly feel I get an understanding of why she acted out the way she did.
Again I am not to convinced on all the facts surrounding Anne of Cleves and that she was the ugly wife but I she was definitely one of the luckier wives in that he let her live albeit in fear until his death.
Katherine Howard or Kitty as I like to think of her, I felt for and sympathised with. I know in Tudor times you grew up more quickly but I do think she was uneducated and not as mature for her age as other woman of that time were. As a result of this novel, I am now very intrigued in finding out more historical facts on Kitty.
Overall, this book is a brilliant read and would suggest you read TOBG first and then follow on with this novel. If you are a fan of the Tudor period then the I would highly recommend PG's Tudor range as I have read most of them now and have not been disappointed at all.
|
|
|
 |
|
The Constant Princess
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £3.56
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Lords 4 Reel, 11 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading the book yesterday and 2 be quite honest i couldnt put it down wherever i go i take the book with me as i have read the Wolf of the Plains i couldnt wait for another book on Genghis Khan its just awesome to read i have seen book 2 but am not sure if its the same lords of the bow part 2 or the same one.need to ask at a bookshop to see cuz i cant wait to read the continuation as i have just pre-ordered BRISINGR.of the Inheritance Triology Eragon.
converted to admiration, 10 Sep 2008
This book is "un-putdownable". On a purely historical note it taught me new facts about Genghis Khan, but the whole tenor of the story shows him as a blood-thirsty thug and yet a brilliant tactician and leader. It is this absolute blend of leadership with tyrrany that engenders a (grudging?) admiration for the man.
On another level - it is a brilliant piece of writing and an adventure book to thrill.
Love this book, 10 Oct 2008
One of the best books I've read in a long while,
would highly recomend it to anyone and everyone!
A great book about a great man.
Quit whining and enjoy the story, 05 Oct 2008
Ignore the bitter people who have bought this book under another title and then didnt have the common sense to return it?
The Story is fantastic and very well written. I ususally plump for 18th Century Naval Fiction, so i was unsure what to expect.
The book is a genuine page turner and many a time i have been tired for work because "i just do another chapter before i turn out the light"!!
The characters are engaging and their life so hard that it makes you gasp. Despite the fact that Gengis Khan probably wasnt a very nice chap, you do warm to him and his tough little family.
It would have got 5 stars except that i have a little trouble remembering the many strange character names, but that could be a problem with me and not the Author?
Better than Cornwell? I think so, 26 Jul 2008
What a pleasant surprise? I had no idea Conn Iggulden was such an accomplished author?
Having read many books in the historical genre from Cornwell and Follett Conn stands in his (I assume its written by a man I would be surprised otherwise lol) own right.
I wanted to learn about Ghengis Khan, I expected tales of his battles etc but this book has sooo much more, the scale of the book has added real depth to the characters so you can feel for each one.
1st of the "Conqueror" series - I have so much to look forward to! I may even try the "Emperor" series after this tour de force of a novel alone!
A great read, 16 Jun 2008
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book - in fact I only read it on holiday when I had finished all my books and had to raid my husband's suitcase. I was hooked into this story within a few pages. If you know nothing of Gengus Khan's life then this is even more fascinating - a tale of bravery, love and honour. It is a true page turner that just begs the question when will the blockbuster film be made.
Just fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
I never usually read this type of novel however I am so pleased I did! What a fantastic book, historical and highly exciting, I just couldn't stop reading it. All I can say is sit back, relax and let the story unfold.....enjoy.
Poor novel from a favored author, 05 Oct 2008
The Other Queen is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, during a specific period in her life--the time that she spent in the home of George Talbot and his wife, Bess, at Tutbury Castle. It was a period fraught with political turmoil and the threat of another civil war, as Mary attempted to regain her throne. The story is told from the point of view of all three characters.
I have to say straight away that this was not one of Philippa Gregory' best--a shame, since I was looking forward to reading it. Part of the problem is that I more or less have a preconceived idea of what Mary was like. Therefore, I was a little dismayed by the way that Mary is portrayed in the book; she's arrogant. And that's another problem I had with the book; I feel as though it might have been better had Mary not narrated part of the story herself. Even George and Bess are pretty wooden characters with no distinctive voices of their own; I flipped from one section to the next and thought that the same person was speaking!
Another part of this novel's problem is that it fictionalizes one of the most boring periods in Mary's life. Really, couldn't she have fictionalized the Gunpowder Plot or the murder of David Rizzio? Instead, we get pages and pages about how queenly Mary is, how hard Bess worked to get where she is, Cecil is evil, ad nauseum. Essentially, if you read the first 100 pages or so, you've read the entire book. I feel as though Philippa Gregory is just following a formula here, one that doesn't entirely work for this novel. It's especially disappointing considering I've enjoyed so much of Gregory's work in the past. A much better novel about Mary's life is Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles, by Margaret George, and a wonderful work of nonfiction about Mary is Mary, Queen of Scots: And the Murder of Lord Darnley, by Alison Weir.
A Dull Book From One of My Favorites !, 03 Oct 2008
I have LOVED many other P.Gregory books but this one drags along with unappealing characters and a tedious plot.
Too bad !
One reason I had always enjoyed her books was because I would always learn something new. All I take away from reading this book is that I will never again pre-order anything...... in the future I will ALWAYS wait for to read the reviews first!
Bleugh!, 30 Sep 2008
This is SUCH a disappointment. Windy, repetitive, self-indulgent, badly-edited and just plain boring. One of history's most interesting and enigmatic figures is reduced to a twittering moron, and everyone around her comes across as unpleasant or dull or both. Having enjoyed Gregory's previous Tudor books, I was very much looking forward to this one. Just over half way through I hurled it across the room and gave up. Nul points.
Bit of a let down, 29 Sep 2008
I found the book very bitty and sadly lacking in momentum.The chapters were often only a couple of pages long and tended to be very repetitive - I struggled to find any enthusiasm to continue reading it. A great disappointment for a PG!
I just didn't like any of them!, 23 Sep 2008
I have to agree with many of the other reviewers. I'm a big PG fan but in this novel I found all 3 of the main characters really hard to sypathise with. Bess is really unpleasent and just moans on and on, George is pathetic and Mary failed to win me over. I also missed the presence of Elizabeth in the story, generally only having her talked about rather than having her interact in the story. As other reviewers have pointed out I feel PG has missed a trick by having most of the really intriguing events of Mary's life take place before the book opens. I think there was a better story in here somewhere and its a shame it hasn't come out.
Phillipa Gregory does it again , 21 Sep 2008
In this brilliant novel we get to see three women, one evil and guilt stricken the other shy and gullible, and the third women young beautiful and vain.
After reading the other Boleyn girl thirst, I was able to understood the true cruelty of Jane Boleyn (lady rochford) in this book once again she only thinks of herself , she befriends both of henrys new queens with only her interest in mind. She is most obsessed with Anne Boleyn and her brother George Boleyn. She feels the guilt as it was her who help put both brother and sister to death. She is a jealous vile women who gets her just deserts as someone uses her to his own advantage, giving her hopes and dreams and then easily taking it away from her.
Anne of Cleves is very shy and temperamental, being brought up by a strange and troubled brother and an unforgiving mother, she is sent away to London to marry the great king Henry the 8th who is old and know as exciting as he was when he was younger. King Henry likes to pretend to dress up as a poor man or other costumes so people don't know that he is king and call him a handsome stranger .(though he is not now everyone pretends that he is not to upset him) when he sees his bride and is dressed up he goes to kiss her. She not knowing that it is the king but thinking that it is a poor beggar spits and screams at him, everyone is shocked and the king fuming. The marriage did not last long as she was divorced, but was gladly be known as the kings friend speaking of her like a sister, as she was a kind person and the king had a fondness to her.
Katharine Howard is young beautiful and full of life. She is a very vain little girl. She has been brought up by her grandmother . Her cousin was Anne Boleyn , and when she and her childhood crush have sex for the first time she know what desires. Her love and desires lead her to trouble when she is queen of all England, and she takes up an affair with the irresistible Thomas Culpeper, then her former childhood love returns and scandal after scandal unfolds in the vain queens life.
This book was truly one of her greatest, I read this book after the other Boleyn girl, and of course this book was not as good, but it was truly mind gripping, I recommended anyone to read this book.
......divorced, beheaded......, 31 Aug 2008
This is the story of 3 women, 3 very different women and 1 very odd man.
Katherine is just fourteen when she lands a job that thrusts her into the spotlight of Henry, the man whose riches and homes she wants to share but at the moment this is only a dream, in the wilful childlike head of hers, a head which does not understand the consequences of any of her actions.
Anne is new, she has been contracted into an arranged marriage to Henry, has only seen a portrait of him and him of her. However their first surprised meeting is not successful as she inadvertently pushes away the stranger who approaches her as a vagrant or ruffian; it is in fact Henry come to surprise his new bride.
Jane is the third and final women in this story. She is hanging on to her life after giving evidence that sent her husband and his sister to their deaths. Can she save herself this time or will her plotting and spying helps another person to their death?
Henry is a very odd man. After three seemingly unsuccessful marriages, he seeks an arranged fourth, but she physically rejects him most publicly on a surprise visit to see her. He blames her for his own impotency and the fact she has been promised to another, years previous, he seeks a divorce. He can then pursue Katherine, the young pretty and silly girl who flatters him and hopes her virility will bring him a son.
This could be any story, any place and any time but this is the story of Jane Boleyn (wife of George Boleyn and sister in law to Anne Boleyn) Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Henry VIII. Phillipa Gregory uses her research to weave together a fictional book about two of the lesser wives, that are normally discussed when you mention Henry VIII and his infamous marriages.
PG effectively puts across that Anne of Cleves is a Queen who is out of place and struggles to come to terms with everything that is new to her in a new country and also all in a new language. Katherine is portrayed as an empty headed girl that judges the success of her life on how many dresses she owns, jewels she can see sparkle and men that she lustfully pursues. At no point does she grow up and her death by execution sees the first insight that she is/was a girl in a very adult world. Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford is the catalyst in all of this and she uses her knowledge of her past misdemeanours to try and help both new Queens, but in the end does not see the plot against her.
PG portrays Henry VIII so effectively in my opinion that at times, I could smell the rotting mad king's leg and see that he was going rotten all over to be able to change his mind at will to get the result he wanted. You could be favour one day, but with your head on a stake the very next. The portrayal of an old man, whose health and desire for food and women actually were his downfall. A boy that never grew up and never should have been King, spent the rest of his life throwing his metaphorical dummy out when everything did not go to plan.
PG paints a wonderful, colourful rich picture of Tudor court that you can see the colour clothes, the sparkle of the jewels and the chatter of all the men and women who inhabit it. This is what drew me to read another one of these `Tudor' court novels. The structure of the book, switching between the three women telling their story of events is cleverly done and I found helped you look for sympathies or faults with each character and made it easy for the reader to understand them better and their motives. A worthy read.
Rashomon for the Tudor Set, 11 Aug 2008
This novel is written from the viewpoint of three very different women - the naive yet quick-witted Anne of Cleves, the calculating Jane Boleyn and the greedy and childish Catherine Howard. They take turns by each chapter telling their view of events as they occur over a fairly brief period of time. Anne is set aside by the King in favor of Catherine, and it's the best thing that could have happened to her. She's the only one of the King's wives to survive a parting in a fairly benign (compared to the others) way.
Catherine ignores her revulsion in order to be the new Queen, all so that she can get pretty new dresses and jewels. She is completely and idiotically heedless of the dangers that await her in this vicious court and, even more stupidly, seeks comfort in the arms of a man within her new husband's household.
Finally, Jane Boleyn, the woman who pretends to be the friend of all the queens and really is only a friend to herself. She is only the marionette of the duke, the uncle of both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, but she has plenty of evil all on her own, and was, based on her behaviour, quite possibly insane. I knew nothing of what happened with these three ladies so every page brought a new surprise, and the writing is so evocative of the period and illustrates emotion in such a compelling fashion that I was loath to set the book down until I had finished it.
Philippa Gregory's books gets knocked for being historically inaccurate, and that's a fair complaint. However, they provide an excellent introduction to the period and, once interested, a reader can continue into non-fiction discussions of the times about which she writes by seeking out the volumes listed at the end of each novel. I know that I will be doing exactly that.
Another EXCELLENT Read, 03 Aug 2008
This is the second novel I've read by Philippa Gregory's; it's also the sequel to 'The Other Boleyn Girl' which I've recently read and reviewed.
The book is based around Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Jane Boleyn. It's follows how their leave change when each become part of the court of Henry VIII.
Poor Anne of Cleves, leave her country to marry a king old enough to be her father, she is not how royalty should be, so she becomes another victim of Henry VIII, but he allows her to live but in exile, he replaces her with the cousin of his previous wife, Anne Boleyn).
Katherine Howard, a child and not ready to be queen due to her childish ways flirts her way to the throne only to wish she hadn't as the king is too old and sick, and he doesn't pay her the attention a husband should. Her roving eye falls onto Thomas Culpepper, but this story of two lovers can only end one way.
Jane Boleyn is constantly haunted by the death of a previous queen and her husband. She like the rest of the Boleyn girls do as they are told by family members, and is constantly just trying to survive suspicion, betrayal and death that surrounds the kings court.
The structure of this book is different to 'The Other Boleyn Girl', that book continually follows on with the story where as the sequel is split up into chapters where it deals with each of the ladies in turn. To me it made the book a little slow to get into at first, but once you'd got used to the structure it was just as enjoyable as the first.
The novel is a compelling and I will definitely read it again. This is another of Philippa Gregory's master pieces and I look forward to reading the others I have recently bought. :-)
Another novel worth every penny, whether you are male or female if you love history you'll love this. :-)
Just brilliant!, 26 Jul 2008
This is my third PG novel having read TOBG and TCP then this one. I have to say I loved how it was written from three completely different view points. Although it is fiction based with real historical facts it was good to finally read something more of Katherine Howard as I find I know very little about her of all the wives.
I feel it gives more of an insight into Jane Boelyn and although I do not agree with the way in which she helped with the downfall of Anne and George and then Katherine, I certianly feel I get an understanding of why she acted out the way she did.
Again I am not to convinced on all the facts surrounding Anne of Cleves and that she was the ugly wife but I she was definitely one of the luckier wives in that he let her live albeit in fear until his death.
Katherine Howard or Kitty as I like to think of her, I felt for and sympathised with. I know in Tudor times you grew up more quickly but I do think she was uneducated and not as mature for her age as other woman of that time were. As a result of this novel, I am now very intrigued in finding out more historical facts on Kitty.
Overall, this book is a brilliant read and would suggest you read TOBG first and then follow on with this novel. If you are a fan of the Tudor period then the I would highly recommend PG's Tudor range as I have read most of them now and have not been disappointed at all.
The Best One?, 09 Sep 2008
I have now read all five of Gregory's novels set in the Tudor court. This was the last one I read and, I think, my favourite. It is the story of Katherine of Aragon, formerly Catalina, the Spanish princess, told mostly from her perspective.
Gregory opens the book with some scenes set in Spain, when Catalina was very young, giving the girl some background and showing how her family and upbringing affected and shaped her as a person and character. Then we move forward to when she comes to England to marry Arthur, Henry VIII older brother and the heir to the throne. Gregory's original take on their doomed marriage is incredibly moving and makes for a very good novel, which wouldn't have been very compelling otherwise. In her version, the pair fall very much in love, after an awkward and slightly hostile introduction, which is understandable due to the pressure, Arthur's nervousness and Catalina's discomfort in this new country.
The young newlyweds spend just a few blissful months in Wales, getting to know eachother and making plans for when they will rule the country together. Of course, they never do. Arthur contracts an illness and dies quickly. Catalina's shock and grief is heartbreaking and very well done. However she cannot mourn in peace, due to the fact that she promised Arthur on his deathbed that she would marry his young brother Henry and become Katherine, Queen of England as she was meant to be, so that she can have to children they planned and protect the country as he wanted.
There are several problems. Henry was barely eleven years old at this time. Catalina is expected to return to Spain as a widow, but there are disagreements about her dowry between her father and her father-in-law, Henry VII. There's also the slight inconvenience that Henry VII desires her and wants to marry her himself. A lot for a sixteen year old girl to handle. But allows for tense, compelling reading.
Although the events in this book happen before those in all the other Tudor court novels, I am glad I read it last. This is because while Gregory describes Catalina's noble determination to become Queen and produce a safe heir for England, I knew her unfortunate and miserable future. I knew that trying to concieve a child would be a nightmarish struggle for her, and her only heir would not be a successful or happy queen. I knew Henry would not make a good king as it is suggested Arthur would have been, and I knew she would die alone, rejected by her husband. So I found Catalina's plight all the more tragic, was able to sympathise even more with her character. A likeable character - strong, brave, with good intentions, and an attitude that develops over the course of the book to become wiser and more understanding.
I would thoroughly recommend this affecting and well-written book, especially if you've read Gregory's other novels.
Not bad but not great, 01 Sep 2008
This is my second of Gregory's books I have read, the first book I read was 'The other Boleyn girl' which is much better, it's much more structured and had more depth. 'The constant princess' is interesting enough to finish but it isn't a book I would recommend to people.
Very nice filling just the bread was slightly stale!!!, 31 Jul 2008
At the moment I am going through a Philippa Gregory phase. I simply can't get enough of her Tutor novels. 'The Constant Princess' is my fourth Gregory novel to read but while I enjoyed it I certainly don't think it was as good as her other novels.
The main problem with 'The Constant Princess' is that it lacked the consistency to be found in Gregory's other books. It was a painfully slow-starter. Even leaving aside the tedious first chapter, which describes a battle in Spain (Gregory's first chapter is always a tad contentious but at least we get a look into the way young Katharine was brought up) you easily have to read at least the first 150 pages before this story starts to take off. The first 150 pages are long and dull with far too much description than required and basically no where near enough story and aboveall dialogue. Instead we are forced to endure long accounts of Katharine of Argaon's first marriage to Arthur and how despite a rocky start they came to supposedly passionately love each other. What surprised me is that in her other books Gregory has a fantastic ability to write romance. I don't know what happened to this ability in this book. Instead of breath-taking love scenes and witty one-liners we are instead left with 'Tell me a story' where Catherine tells Arthur tales of her homeland in Spain. Interesting if you have an interest in Spanish culture at that time. Dull if you're after a bodice-ripping read that she usually delivers.
The good news is that this book does pick up it's pace after the first 150 pages (strangely after Arthur's death and the introduction of Henry into the picture) and we can then enjoy the more familiar setting of the Tutor Court but just as Gregory has almost redeemed herself she abruptly finishes the novel almost as if she got tired of writing. What annoyed me was that the birth of Mary was completely ignored in this novel: almost as if Gregory simply assumes we know she has a kid. Furthermore the Queen's later years and the problems she endured by Henry's desire for a divorce are not dealt with at all. Perhaps Gregory felt that her account of the Queen's suffering in 'The Other Boleyan Girl is sufficient to cover that part of Katharine's life.
I should also mention that I liked the way she dealt with Katharine's life most importantly the lie she told. Too many productions take the view point that it wasn't a lie but I found Gregory's representation very credible. Yes it is clear that Gregory is very pro-Katharine. Another author could have used the lie against her and blamed her as being overly-ambitious but Gregory's skill as a writer really makes us love and admire Katharine both as a person and indeed Queen of England. Given that so many productions present Katharine as an old, sour hag of a woman incapable of giving the King a son it is refreshing to read a novel which focuses on the moral dilemma this devoted woman faced and the contribution she made to the history of England: something easily overlooked in movies which prefer to focus on Katharine's failure to provide and heir and being just wife number one.
Other than that I enjoyed reading this novel despite the slow start and hasty finish. Other reviewers have complained about her writing style ie: that of narration and then personal reflection. To be honest I didn't find her style a fault in this book. If anything it helped give a very personal feel to the book although I do agree that at times especially the beginning it was a bit repetitive with all the "It is my duty...it is God's will" etc but I don't find this a reason to fault the book.
To conclude 'The Constant Princess' is an enjoyable read if you can get past the slow start and are prepared for a hasty end. Undoubtedly not as good as her previous works or indeed as romantic I wouldn't recommend reading this book first. Instead I'd recommend starting with 'The Other Boleyan Girl'.
Katherine of Aragon - Queen of endurance and courage!, 28 Jul 2008
I never thought that the neglected Queen of The Other Bolyen Girl is such a woman with histry and story - the most loving and moving stories. The love depicted between her and Arthur is so deep and tearful, that no one could blame her for holding on to her great lie. Katherine is such a legend! I love this book more than The Other Boleyn Girl.
repetitious.................., 01 Jul 2008
like other reviewers i have read most of Philippa Gregory's previous novels and was hoping that this one would be as absorbing as "The Queen's fool" and "The Boleyn inheritance". But I have to agree with the majority verdict that it is boring and repetitious - her constancy and her Spanish ancestry was harped upon throughout the novel.
But I did find Katherine believable so it was really annoying that she finished the book where she did ( I'm not saying where as I don't want to spoil it for others) and then tacked a small piece on the end. The book would have been much better had there been less of Catalina/Katherine's childhood and then she could have covered all of her life. Not one of her best
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Product Description
Emperor - Field of Swords takes Colin Iggulden's sequence of novels about the rise of Julius Caesar to a point where Caesar is forced to bid for mastery of the Roman world. Iggulden is intelligent and precise about the internal dynamics of the triumvirate of Caesar, the elderly rich Crassus and the proud Pompey. This alliance was never more than pragmatic and there was always going to be a settling of accounts--thus far so good, but Iggulden's idealizing of Caesar leads him at times into ignoring the sheer complexity of the affairs of the late Republic. This is a version of Rome which downplays the alliance of street and snob, and treats Caesar as if he were always an apostle of order--it is a historical novel which plays worrying games with historical fact. Iggulden is fascinating on Caesar as governor and general--in the areas, that is, where we have the words of the man himself, rather than the spin put on his actions by his enemies. There is a real sense here of the practicalities of ancient warfare, of hard footslogging in difficult terrain and planning supplies for the long haul of sieges and forced marches - Iggulden may oversimplify politics, but he is intelligent about battle. --Roz Kaveney
Customer Reviews
Lords 4 Reel, 11 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading the book yesterday and 2 be quite honest i couldnt put it down wherever i go i take the book with me as i have read the Wolf of the Plains i couldnt wait for another book on Genghis Khan its just awesome to read i have seen book 2 but am not sure if its the same lords of the bow part 2 or the same one.need to ask at a bookshop to see cuz i cant wait to read the continuation as i have just pre-ordered BRISINGR.of the Inheritance Triology Eragon.
converted to admiration, 10 Sep 2008
This book is "un-putdownable". On a purely historical note it taught me new facts about Genghis Khan, but the whole tenor of the story shows him as a blood-thirsty thug and yet a brilliant tactician and leader. It is this absolute blend of leadership with tyrrany that engenders a (grudging?) admiration for the man.
On another level - it is a brilliant piece of writing and an adventure book to thrill.
Love this book, 10 Oct 2008
One of the best books I've read in a long while,
would highly recomend it to anyone and everyone!
A great book about a great man.
Quit whining and enjoy the story, 05 Oct 2008
Ignore the bitter people who have bought this book under another title and then didnt have the common sense to return it?
The Story is fantastic and very well written. I ususally plump for 18th Century Naval Fiction, so i was unsure what to expect.
The book is a genuine page turner and many a time i have been tired for work because "i just do another chapter before i turn out the light"!!
The characters are engaging and their life so hard that it makes you gasp. Despite the fact that Gengis Khan probably wasnt a very nice chap, you do warm to him and his tough little family.
It would have got 5 stars except that i have a little trouble remembering the many strange character names, but that could be a problem with me and not the Author?
Better than Cornwell? I think so, 26 Jul 2008
What a pleasant surprise? I had no idea Conn Iggulden was such an accomplished author?
Having read many books in the historical genre from Cornwell and Follett Conn stands in his (I assume its written by a man I would be surprised otherwise lol) own right.
I wanted to learn about Ghengis Khan, I expected tales of his battles etc but this book has sooo much more, the scale of the book has added real depth to the characters so you can feel for each one.
1st of the "Conqueror" series - I have so much to look forward to! I may even try the "Emperor" series after this tour de force of a novel alone!
A great read, 16 Jun 2008
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book - in fact I only read it on holiday when I had finished all my books and had to raid my husband's suitcase. I was hooked into this story within a few pages. If you know nothing of Gengus Khan's life then this is even more fascinating - a tale of bravery, love and honour. It is a true page turner that just begs the question when will the blockbuster film be made.
Just fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
I never usually read this type of novel however I am so pleased I did! What a fantastic book, historical and highly exciting, I just couldn't stop reading it. All I can say is sit back, relax and let the story unfold.....enjoy.
Poor novel from a favored author, 05 Oct 2008
The Other Queen is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, during a specific period in her life--the time that she spent in the home of George Talbot and his wife, Bess, at Tutbury Castle. It was a period fraught with political turmoil and the threat of another civil war, as Mary attempted to regain her throne. The story is told from the point of view of all three characters.
I have to say straight away that this was not one of Philippa Gregory' best--a shame, since I was looking forward to reading it. Part of the problem is that I more or less have a preconceived idea of what Mary was like. Therefore, I was a little dismayed by the way that Mary is portrayed in the book; she's arrogant. And that's another problem I had with the book; I feel as though it might have been better had Mary not narrated part of the story herself. Even George and Bess are pretty wooden characters with no distinctive voices of their own; I flipped from one section to the next and thought that the same person was speaking!
Another part of this novel's problem is that it fictionalizes one of the most boring periods in Mary's life. Really, couldn't she have fictionalized the Gunpowder Plot or the murder of David Rizzio? Instead, we get pages and pages about how queenly Mary is, how hard Bess worked to get where she is, Cecil is evil, ad nauseum. Essentially, if you read the first 100 pages or so, you've read the entire book. I feel as though Philippa Gregory is just following a formula here, one that doesn't entirely work for this novel. It's especially disappointing considering I've enjoyed so much of Gregory's work in the past. A much better novel about Mary's life is Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles, by Margaret George, and a wonderful work of nonfiction about Mary is Mary, Queen of Scots: And the Murder of Lord Darnley, by Alison Weir.
A Dull Book From One of My Favorites !, 03 Oct 2008
I have LOVED many other P.Gregory books but this one drags along with unappealing characters and a tedious plot.
Too bad !
One reason I had always enjoyed her books was because I would always learn something new. All I take away from reading this book is that I will never again pre-order anything...... in the future I will ALWAYS wait for to read the reviews first!
Bleugh!, 30 Sep 2008
This is SUCH a disappointment. Windy, repetitive, self-indulgent, badly-edited and just plain boring. One of history's most interesting and enigmatic figures is reduced to a twittering moron, and everyone around her comes across as unpleasant or dull or both. Having enjoyed Gregory's previous Tudor books, I was very much looking forward to this one. Just over half way through I hurled it across the room and gave up. Nul points.
Bit of a let down, 29 Sep 2008
I found the book very bitty and sadly lacking in momentum.The chapters were often only a couple of pages long and tended to be very repetitive - I struggled to find any enthusiasm to continue reading it. A great disappointment for a PG!
I just didn't like any of them!, 23 Sep 2008
I have to agree with many of the other reviewers. I'm a big PG fan but in this novel I found all 3 of the main characters really hard to sypathise with. Bess is really unpleasent and just moans on and on, George is pathetic and Mary failed to win me over. I also missed the presence of Elizabeth in the story, generally only having her talked about rather than having her interact in the story. As other reviewers have pointed out I feel PG has missed a trick by having most of the really intriguing events of Mary's life take place before the book opens. I think there was a better story in here somewhere and its a shame it hasn't come out.
Phillipa Gregory does it again , 21 Sep 2008
In this brilliant novel we get to see three women, one evil and guilt stricken the other shy and gullible, and the third women young beautiful and vain.
After reading the other Boleyn girl thirst, I was able to understood the true cruelty of Jane Boleyn (lady rochford) in this book once again she only thinks of herself , she befriends both of henrys new queens with only her interest in mind. She is most obsessed with Anne Boleyn and her brother George Boleyn. She feels the guilt as it was her who help put both brother and sister to death. She is a jealous vile women who gets her just deserts as someone uses her to his own advantage, giving her hopes and dreams and then easily taking it away from her.
Anne of Cleves is very shy and temperamental, being brought up by a strange and troubled brother and an unforgiving mother, she is sent away to London to marry the great king Henry the 8th who is old and know as exciting as he was when he was younger. King Henry likes to pretend to dress up as a poor man or other costumes so people don't know that he is king and call him a handsome stranger .(though he is not now everyone pretends that he is not to upset him) when he sees his bride and is dressed up he goes to kiss her. She not knowing that it is the king but thinking that it is a poor beggar spits and screams at him, everyone is shocked and the king fuming. The marriage did not last long as she was divorced, but was gladly be known as the kings friend speaking of her like a sister, as she was a kind person and the king had a fondness to her.
Katharine Howard is young beautiful and full of life. She is a very vain little girl. She has been brought up by her grandmother . Her cousin was Anne Boleyn , and when she and her childhood crush have sex for the first time she know what desires. Her love and desires lead her to trouble when she is queen of all England, and she takes up an affair with the irresistible Thomas Culpeper, then her former childhood love returns and scandal after scandal unfolds in the vain queens life.
This book was truly one of her greatest, I read this book after the other Boleyn girl, and of course this book was not as good, but it was truly mind gripping, I recommended anyone to read this book.
......divorced, beheaded......, 31 Aug 2008
This is the story of 3 women, 3 very different women and 1 very odd man.
Katherine is just fourteen when she lands a job that thrusts her into the spotlight of Henry, the man whose riches and homes she wants to share but at the moment this is only a dream, in the wilful childlike head of hers, a head which does not understand the consequences of any of her actions.
Anne is new, she has been contracted into an arranged marriage to Henry, has only seen a portrait of him and him of her. However their first surprised meeting is not successful as she inadvertently pushes away the stranger who approaches her as a vagrant or ruffian; it is in fact Henry come to surprise his new bride.
Jane is the third and final women in this story. She is hanging on to her life after giving evidence that sent her husband and his sister to their deaths. Can she save herself this time or will her plotting and spying helps another person to their death?
Henry is a very odd man. After three seemingly unsuccessful marriages, he seeks an arranged fourth, but she physically rejects him most publicly on a surprise visit to see her. He blames her for his own impotency and the fact she has been promised to another, years previous, he seeks a divorce. He can then pursue Katherine, the young pretty and silly girl who flatters him and hopes her virility will bring him a son.
This could be any story, any place and any time but this is the story of Jane Boleyn (wife of George Boleyn and sister in law to Anne Boleyn) Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Henry VIII. Phillipa Gregory uses her research to weave together a fictional book about two of the lesser wives, that are normally discussed when you mention Henry VIII and his infamous marriages.
PG effectively puts across that Anne of Cleves is a Queen who is out of place and struggles to come to terms with everything that is new to her in a new country and also all in a new language. Katherine is portrayed as an empty headed girl that judges the success of her life on how many dresses she owns, jewels she can see sparkle and men that she lustfully pursues. At no point does she grow up and her death by execution sees the first insight that she is/was a girl in a very adult world. Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford is the catalyst in all of this and she uses her knowledge of her past misdemeanours to try and help both new Queens, but in the end does not see the plot against her.
PG portrays Henry VIII so effectively in my opinion that at times, I could smell the rotting mad king's leg and see that he was going rotten all over to be able to change his mind at will to get the result he wanted. You could be favour one day, but with your head on a stake the very next. The portrayal of an old man, whose health and desire for food and women actually were his downfall. A boy that never grew up and never should have been King, spent the rest of his life throwing his metaphorical dummy out when everything did not go to plan.
PG paints a wonderful, colourful rich picture of Tudor court that you can see the colour clothes, the sparkle of the jewels and the chatter of all the men and women who inhabit it. This is what drew me to read another one of these `Tudor' court novels. The structure of the book, switching between the three women telling their story of events is cleverly done and I found helped you look for sympathies or faults with each character and made it easy for the reader to understand them better and their motives. A worthy read.
Rashomon for the Tudor Set, 11 Aug 2008
This novel is written from the viewpoint of three very different women - the naive yet quick-witted Anne of Cleves, the calculating Jane Boleyn and the greedy and childish Catherine Howard. They take turns by each chapter telling their view of events as they occur over a fairly brief period of time. Anne is set aside by the King in favor of Catherine, and it's the best thing that could have happened to her. She's the only one of the King's wives to survive a parting in a fairly benign (compared to the others) way.
Catherine ignores her revulsion in order to be the new Queen, all so that she can get pretty new dresses and jewels. She is completely and idiotically heedless of the dangers that await her in this vicious court and, even more stupidly, seeks comfort in the arms of a man within her new husband's household.
Finally, Jane Boleyn, the woman who pretends to be the friend of all the queens and really is only a friend to herself. She is only the marionette of the duke, the uncle of both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, but she has plenty of evil all on her own, and was, based on her behaviour, quite possibly insane. I knew nothing of what happened with these three ladies so every page brought a new surprise, and the writing is so evocative of the period and illustrates emotion in such a compelling fashion that I was loath to set the book down until I had finished it.
Philippa Gregory's books gets knocked for being historically inaccurate, and that's a fair complaint. However, they provide an excellent introduction to the period and, once interested, a reader can continue into non-fiction discussions of the times about which she writes by seeking out the volumes listed at the end of each novel. I know that I will be doing exactly that.
Another EXCELLENT Read, 03 Aug 2008
This is the second novel I've read by Philippa Gregory's; it's also the sequel to 'The Other Boleyn Girl' which I've recently read and reviewed.
The book is based around Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Jane Boleyn. It's follows how their leave change when each become part of the court of Henry VIII.
Poor Anne of Cleves, leave her country to marry a king old enough to be her father, she is not how royalty should be, so she becomes another victim of Henry VIII, but he allows her to live but in exile, he replaces her with the cousin of his previous wife, Anne Boleyn).
Katherine Howard, a child and not ready to be queen due to her childish ways flirts her way to the throne only to wish she hadn't as the king is too old and sick, and he doesn't pay her the attention a husband should. Her roving eye falls onto Thomas Culpepper, but this story of two lovers can only end one way.
Jane Boleyn is constantly haunted by the death of a previous queen and her husband. She like the rest of the Boleyn girls do as they are told by family members, and is constantly just trying to survive suspicion, betrayal and death that surrounds the kings court.
The structure of this book is different to 'The Other Boleyn Girl', that book continually follows on with the story where as the sequel is split up into chapters where it deals with each of the ladies in turn. To me it made the book a little slow to get into at first, but once you'd got used to the structure it was just as enjoyable as the first.
The novel is a compelling and I will definitely read it again. This is another of Philippa Gregory's master pieces and I look forward to reading the others I have recently bought. :-)
Another novel worth every penny, whether you are male or female if you love history you'll love this. :-)
Just brilliant!, 26 Jul 2008
This is my third PG novel having read TOBG and TCP then this one. I have to say I loved how it was written from three completely different view points. Although it is fiction based with real historical facts it was good to finally read something more of Katherine Howard as I find I know very little about her of all the wives.
I feel it gives more of an insight into Jane Boelyn and although I do not agree with the way in which she helped with the downfall of Anne and George and then Katherine, I certianly feel I get an understanding of why she acted out the way she did.
Again I am not to convinced on all the facts surrounding Anne of Cleves and that she was the ugly wife but I she was definitely one of the luckier wives in that he let her live albeit in fear until his death.
Katherine Howard or Kitty as I like to think of her, I felt for and sympathised with. I know in Tudor times you grew up more quickly but I do think she was uneducated and not as mature for her age as other woman of that time were. As a result of this novel, I am now very intrigued in finding out more historical facts on Kitty.
Overall, this book is a brilliant read and would suggest you read TOBG first and then follow on with this novel. If you are a fan of the Tudor period then the I would highly recommend PG's Tudor range as I have read most of them now and have not been disappointed at all.
The Best One?, 09 Sep 2008
I have now read all five of Gregory's novels set in the Tudor court. This was the last one I read and, I think, my favourite. It is the story of Katherine of Aragon, formerly Catalina, the Spanish princess, told mostly from her perspective.
Gregory opens the book with some scenes set in Spain, when Catalina was very young, giving the girl some background and showing how her family and upbringing affected and shaped her as a person and character. Then we move forward to when she comes to England to marry Arthur, Henry VIII older brother and the heir to the throne. Gregory's original take on their doomed marriage is incredibly moving and makes for a very good novel, which wouldn't have been very compelling otherwise. In her version, the pair fall very much in love, after an awkward and slightly hostile introduction, which is understandable due to the pressure, Arthur's nervousness and Catalina's discomfort in this new country.
The young newlyweds spend just a few blissful months in Wales, getting to know eachother and making plans for when they will rule the country together. Of course, they never do. Arthur contracts an illness and dies quickly. Catalina's shock and grief is heartbreaking and very well done. However she cannot mourn in peace, due to the fact that she promised Arthur on his deathbed that she would marry his young brother Henry and become Katherine, Queen of England as she was meant to be, so that she can have to children they planned and protect the country as he wanted.
There are several problems. Henry was barely eleven years old at this time. Catalina is expected to return to Spain as a widow, but there are disagreements about her dowry between her father and her father-in-law, Henry VII. There's also the slight inconvenience that Henry VII desires her and wants to marry her himself. A lot for a sixteen year old girl to handle. But allows for tense, compelling reading.
Although the events in this book happen before those in all the other Tudor court novels, I am glad I read it last. This is because while Gregory describes Catalina's noble determination to become Queen and produce a safe heir for England, I knew her unfortunate and miserable future. I knew that trying to concieve a child would be a nightmarish struggle for her, and her only heir would not be a successful or happy queen. I knew Henry would not make a good king as it is suggested Arthur would have been, and I knew she would die alone, rejected by her husband. So I found Catalina's plight all the more tragic, was able to sympathise even more with her character. A likeable character - strong, brave, with good intentions, and an attitude that develops over the course of the book to become wiser and more understanding.
I would thoroughly recommend this affecting and well-written book, especially if you've read Gregory's other novels.
Not bad but not great, 01 Sep 2008
This is my second of Gregory's books I have read, the first book I read was 'The other Boleyn girl' which is much better, it's much more structured and had more depth. 'The constant princess' is interesting enough to finish but it isn't a book I would recommend to people.
Very nice filling just the bread was slightly stale!!!, 31 Jul 2008
At the moment I am going through a Philippa Gregory phase. I simply can't get enough of her Tutor novels. 'The Constant Princess' is my fourth Gregory novel to read but while I enjoyed it I certainly don't think it was as good as her other novels.
The main problem with 'The Constant Princess' is that it lacked the consistency to be found in Gregory's other books. It was a painfully slow-starter. Even leaving aside the tedious first chapter, which describes a battle in Spain (Gregory's first chapter is always a tad contentious but at least we get a look into the way young Katharine was brought up) you easily have to read at least the first 150 pages before this story starts to take off. The first 150 pages are long and dull with far too much description than required and basically no where near enough story and aboveall dialogue. Instead we are forced to endure long accounts of Katharine of Argaon's first marriage to Arthur and how despite a rocky start they came to supposedly passionately love each other. What surprised me is that in her other books Gregory has a fantastic ability to write romance. I don't know what happened to this ability in this book. Instead of breath-taking love scenes and witty one-liners we are instead left with 'Tell me a story' where Catherine tells Arthur tales of her homeland in Spain. Interesting if you have an interest in Spanish culture at that time. Dull if you're after a bodice-ripping read that she usually delivers.
The good news is that this book does pick up it's pace after the first 150 pages (strangely after Arthur's death and the introduction of Henry into the picture) and we can then enjoy the more familiar setting of the Tutor Court but just as Gregory has almost redeemed herself she abruptly finishes the novel almost as if she got tired of writing. What annoyed me was that the birth of Mary was completely ignored in this novel: almost as if Gregory simply assumes we know she has a kid. Furthermore the Queen's later years and the problems she endured by Henry's desire for a divorce are not dealt with at all. Perhaps Gregory felt that her account of the Queen's suffering in 'The Other Boleyan Girl is sufficient to cover that part of Katharine's life.
I should also mention that I liked the way she dealt with Katharine's life most importantly the lie she told. Too many productions take the view point that it wasn't a lie but I found Gregory's representation very credible. Yes it is clear that Gregory is very pro-Katharine. Another author could have used the lie against her and blamed her as being overly-ambitious but Gregory's skill as a writer really makes us love and admire Katharine both as a person and indeed Queen of England. Given that so many productions present Katharine as an old, sour hag of a woman incapable of giving the King a son it is refreshing to read a novel which focuses on the moral dilemma this devoted woman faced and the contribution she made to the history of England: something easily overlooked in movies which prefer to focus on Katharine's failure to provide and heir and being just wife number one.
Other than that I enjoyed reading this novel despite the slow start and hasty finish. Other reviewers have complained about her writing style ie: that of narration and then personal reflection. To be honest I didn't find her style a fault in this book. If anything it helped give a very personal feel to the book although I do agree that at times especially the beginning it was a bit repetitive with all the "It is my duty...it is God's will" etc but I don't find this a reason to fault the book.
To conclude 'The Constant Princess' is an enjoyable read if you can get past the slow start and are prepared for a hasty end. Undoubtedly not as good as her previous works or indeed as romantic I wouldn't recommend reading this book first. Instead I'd recommend starting with 'The Other Boleyan Girl'.
Katherine of Aragon - Queen of endurance and courage!, 28 Jul 2008
I never thought that the neglected Queen of The Other Bolyen Girl is such a woman with histry and story - the most loving and moving stories. The love depicted between her and Arthur is so deep and tearful, that no one could blame her for holding on to her great lie. Katherine is such a legend! I love this book more than The Other Boleyn Girl.
repetitious.................., 01 Jul 2008
like other reviewers i have read most of Philippa Gregory's previous novels and was hoping that this one would be as absorbing as "The Queen's fool" and "The Boleyn inheritance". But I have to agree with the majority verdict that it is boring and repetitious - her constancy and her Spanish ancestry was harped upon throughout the novel.
But I did find Katherine believable so it was really annoying that she finished the book where she did ( I'm not saying where as I don't want to spoil it for others) and then tacked a small piece on the end. The book would have been much better had there been less of Catalina/Katherine's childhood and then she could have covered all of her life. Not one of her best
Emporer series, 12 Sep 2008
This is a review based not just on "The Field of Swords" (third installment) but the entire quadrilogy. Whether you love ancient history fiction or non fiction you'll enjoy this book and the entire series. For fiction lovers who haven't yet tread through the pages of historical epics, than this is a great series to begin the adventure.
The recreation of the brutality of the battles and the atmosphere of ancient cities is realistic. The author almost transports you to another world.
Be warned though, if you like your protagonist a hero/heroine, you'll be badly disappointed. The primary character (Juluis) begins the journey in the first book "gates of rome" as an innocent boy. By the third installment, he has become a war mongering monster, whose selfish drive towards world domination is like a cancer. The character looses a lot of faith as the story progresses and probably as I have found, you will hate him with every page turn. He shows total disregard for his family, friends and the men who fought alongside him.
Still, the supporting characters are wonderful. Tuburk, Renius and the old man Cabera are just some of the wonderful characters along with the familiar Pompeii and Crassus.
A great series, none the less.
Great book, 05 May 2008
A tremendously exciting book that is also more useful than a history lesson at school.
The story of Caesar just thunders on!, 09 Jan 2008
The Field of Swords is the third book in Conn Iggulden's Emperor series. It follows Julius' time away from Rome, as he strives to conquer Gaul and the Britons. The tale is filled with great battles, triunphs, passion and tragedy. Iggulden follows Caesar's life as accurately as possible (when remembering that this is a fictional novel) and takes us on breathtaking journey of domination and conquest.
Despite this being the third book in an already terrific series, Iggulden manages to keep the reader interested with consumate ease. This book is terrifically gripping and an absolute joy to read. Being a later comer to the series I am delighted to find that I don't have to wait for the next and final book in the series to be written, it's already been done!
For fans of historical fiction this is a must read and if this series is anything to go by, it's worth reading any historical novel that Mr Iggulden writes. Superb!
Great read, 15 Dec 2007
have just finished reading this book was as good as last two books, cant wait to get my hands on gods of war has really got my interest in ancient rome and caeser up to fever pitch. wWuld recommend anyone who enjoys a read to take you away from the reality of every day life to read this series. just remember it is more fictional than fact maybe all the better for that!!!!! And if you missed Tino Georgiou's--The Fates--I strongly recommend reading it.
Pleasantly Addictive, 19 Nov 2007
I have picked up the Wolfs of the Plains at Heathrow airport three weeks ago on my way back home and by the time I arrived I decided to order all the historical novels by Conn Iggulden. Now I am almost done with the third book in the Emperors series, the Filed of Swords, so my comment here relates to the whole series.
I have read many books by great authors who excel in bringing ancient events to life, but this guy is unbelievable. My advice is to start reading on a weekend or on a holiday as trying to read it during a working week can ruin your schedule.
I can not comment on the inconsistency of the historical events that many of my fellow readers have expressed their concern about as my knowledge of Roman history remains very general. However, I will say this, these books are of the highest quality as history based novels are concerned. The characters are vivid and the scenes are superbly described. The war scenes alone would get the book a five star rating.
A highly recommended read. A lot of fun.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Lords 4 Reel, 11 Sep 2008
I have just finished reading the book yesterday and 2 be quite honest i couldnt put it down wherever i go i take the book with me as i have read the Wolf of the Plains i couldnt wait for another book on Genghis Khan its just awesome to read i have seen book 2 but am not sure if its the same lords of the bow part 2 or the same one.need to ask at a bookshop to see cuz i cant wait to read the continuation as i have just pre-ordered BRISINGR.of the Inheritance Triology Eragon.
converted to admiration, 10 Sep 2008
This book is "un-putdownable". On a purely historical note it taught me new facts about Genghis Khan, but the whole tenor of the story shows him as a blood-thirsty thug and yet a brilliant tactician and leader. It is this absolute blend of leadership with tyrrany that engenders a (grudging?) admiration for the man.
On another level - it is a brilliant piece of writing and an adventure book to thrill.
Love this book, 10 Oct 2008
One of the best books I've read in a long while,
would highly recomend it to anyone and everyone!
A great book about a great man.
Quit whining and enjoy the story, 05 Oct 2008
Ignore the bitter people who have bought this book under another title and then didnt have the common sense to return it?
The Story is fantastic and very well written. I ususally plump for 18th Century Naval Fiction, so i was unsure what to expect.
The book is a genuine page turner and many a time i have been tired for work because "i just do another chapter before i turn out the light"!!
The characters are engaging and their life so hard that it makes you gasp. Despite the fact that Gengis Khan probably wasnt a very nice chap, you do warm to him and his tough little family.
It would have got 5 stars except that i have a little trouble remembering the many strange character names, but that could be a problem with me and not the Author?
Better than Cornwell? I think so, 26 Jul 2008
What a pleasant surprise? I had no idea Conn Iggulden was such an accomplished author?
Having read many books in the historical genre from Cornwell and Follett Conn stands in his (I assume its written by a man I would be surprised otherwise lol) own right.
I wanted to learn about Ghengis Khan, I expected tales of his battles etc but this book has sooo much more, the scale of the book has added real depth to the characters so you can feel for each one.
1st of the "Conqueror" series - I have so much to look forward to! I may even try the "Emperor" series after this tour de force of a novel alone!
A great read, 16 Jun 2008
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book - in fact I only read it on holiday when I had finished all my books and had to raid my husband's suitcase. I was hooked into this story within a few pages. If you know nothing of Gengus Khan's life then this is even more fascinating - a tale of bravery, love and honour. It is a true page turner that just begs the question when will the blockbuster film be made.
Just fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
I never usually read this type of novel however I am so pleased I did! What a fantastic book, historical and highly exciting, I just couldn't stop reading it. All I can say is sit back, relax and let the story unfold.....enjoy.
Poor novel from a favored author, 05 Oct 2008
The Other Queen is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, during a specific period in her life--the time that she spent in the home of George Talbot and his wife, Bess, at Tutbury Castle. It was a period fraught with political turmoil and the threat of another civil war, as Mary attempted to regain her throne. The story is told from the point of view of all three characters.
I have to say straight away that this was not one of Philippa Gregory' best--a shame, since I was looking forward to reading it. Part of the problem is that I more or less have a preconceived idea of what Mary was like. Therefore, I was a little dismayed by the way that Mary is portrayed in the book; she's arrogant. And that's another problem I had with the book; I feel as though it might have been better had Mary not narrated part of the story herself. Even George and Bess are pretty wooden characters with no distinctive voices of their own; I flipped from one section to the next and thought that the same person was speaking!
Another part of this novel's problem is that it fictionalizes one of the most boring periods in Mary's life. Really, couldn't she have fictionalized the Gunpowder Plot or the murder of David Rizzio? Instead, we get pages and pages about how queenly Mary is, how hard Bess worked to get where she is, Cecil is evil, ad nauseum. Essentially, if you read the first 100 pages or so, you've read the entire book. I feel as though Philippa Gregory is just following a formula here, one that doesn't entirely work for this novel. It's especially disappointing considering I've enjoyed so much of Gregory's work in the past. A much better novel about Mary's life is Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles, by Margaret George, and a wonderful work of nonfiction about Mary is Mary, Queen of Scots: And the Murder of Lord Darnley, by Alison Weir.
A Dull Book From One of My Favorites !, 03 Oct 2008
I have LOVED many other P.Gregory books but this one drags along with unappealing characters and a tedious plot.
Too bad !
One reason I had always enjoyed her books was because I would always learn something new. All I take away from reading this book is that I will never again pre-order anything...... in the future I will ALWAYS wait for to read the reviews first!
Bleugh!, 30 Sep 2008
This is SUCH a disappointment. Windy, repetitive, self-indulgent, badly-edited and just plain boring. One of history's most interesting and enigmatic figures is reduced to a twittering moron, and everyone around her comes across as unpleasant or dull or both. Having enjoyed Gregory's previous Tudor books, I was very much looking forward to this one. Just over half way through I hurled it across the room and gave up. Nul points.
Bit of a let down, 29 Sep 2008
I found the book very bitty and sadly lacking in momentum.The chapters were often only a couple of pages long and tended to be very repetitive - I struggled to find any enthusiasm to continue reading it. A great disappointment for a PG! | | |