I've seen the film which is based on this book but it didn't grip me as much as reading the story for myself did, I couldn't put it down and I'm really sorry now I've finished it, the sign of a good book.
The Other Boleyn Girl tells the story of Mary Boleyn from the time she arrives at court and becomes the young mistress of Henry VIII right through to her sister, Anne, becoming Queen and ultimately, Anne's execution by beheading.
Many have criticised the historical inaccuracies in the book but I've taken it at face value, it's a novel and I've enjoyed it as such, however, as so many historical fiction books often prompt me to do, I've looked up bits and pieces along the way to find out more actual facts about her life and that of her family.
I've got the next book in this series already downloaded on my Kindle and I'm looking forward to reading it.
It is always a pity to finish a good book as you often want to know what happens next but, luckily, with historical novels you can always delve into history books to find out!
ReplyDeleteThat's true. It's only recently that I've started enjoying historical novels and they always encourage me to find out more about the time period I'm reading about.
DeleteI think she writes a good story around historic facts, she does not write history books. Like you I have enjoyed her Tudor books.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying reading about the Tudor period, it's a fascinating time in history.
DeleteI've read quite a few of Philippa's books and I also enjoy books by Jean Plaidy ( Eleanor Hibbert- although she wrote under other pen names too ) Like you I enjoy them just as a novel. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading the stories created from history but they do encourage me to delve a little further and find out the facts too.
DeleteI've often considered reading Phillipa Gregory's books but haven't done so yet. I loved history at school and did a lot of reading about Henry VIII and his wives and their lives and I don't know whether that is what has put me off. May have to reconsider at some point.
ReplyDeleteMitzi
I don't know too much about the Tudor period, perhaps I wouldn't enjoy these books as much if I did as I know they've come under criticism for being factually incorrect, but I've enjoyed them for what they are.
DeleteIt's good when you enjoy a book as much as this. I hope that the next one in the series is as good.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading. xx
I've enjoyed all three I've read so far so I have high hopes that the next one will be just as good.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed your book Jo, it's always nice when you find a book that is outstanding like that. Some of the bookclub reads have made an enjoyable read and discussion. Others like the present one - The Innocents by Laura Lippman have been abandoned. It's nice for variety but when you discover a good one... Cx
ReplyDeleteI think book clubs are great for getting you to read out of your comfort zone but not so good when a book is chosen that you really don't like. I've only recently got into historical novels, they're not a genre I'd have chosen a few years ago but I'm really enjoying what I've read so far.
DeleteThat sounds like my kind of book!xxx
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely recommend it, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
DeleteOne of the perks of reading, is the prompts to find out more, about the topic, of a book. Yesssss...!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd glad you really enjoyed it.
Finding out more about what I'm reading is as enjoyable as the book and broadens my knowledge too.
DeleteThat's definitely my kind of book. I know what you mean about taking these types of books at face value - they are fictionalized accounts of historical events, not historical texts. They peak our curiosity and make us want to know more about the actual facts, which is more than many history textbooks can claim.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It was always the lessons at school which the teachers made entertaining which got me interested. I enjoyed history at school but I'm enjoying it even more as I get older.
DeleteIt's sad when you finish a great read isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHope the next one is just as good.
It's good to have a good book on the go but the problem with it is that you just don't want to put it down.
DeleteI absolutely loved this book, I bought it second hand on a whim and couldn't put it down! It also kick-started my obsession with the Tudor's. I have all PG's books she is one of the few author's I will still buy and keep on my shelves. Hope you enjoy the others. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm late coming to Philippa Gregory's books, they're not the genre I'd usually choose to read but I'm so pleased that I gave them a go. I'm looking forward to reading more from her now, in fact, I've got the next book in the series already downloaded on my Kindle.
DeleteI've not read any of her books, I think I may enjoy them.
ReplyDeletePleased you enjoyed this book.
All the best Jan
You should give them a go. I didn't think they'd be my sort of thing but I was so wrong.
DeleteOne of my favorite books! I think of it as a guilty pleasure, sort of, and re-read it every couple of years when I'm feeling at loose ends book-wise. It always delivers, it's just sooo good.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why it's taken me so long to discover Philippa Gregory, this is the third book I've read by her now and I've enjoyed them all. I'm looking forward to reading more.
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