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Book Title: The Boleyn Inheritance

Author: Philippa Gregory

Amazon.com link: http://www.amazon.com/Boleyn-Inheritance-Philippa-Gregory/dp/1439124671/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256429925&sr=8-1

Quick Notes: The story of three women at the court of Henry VIII - Jane Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and Anne of Cleves

For Fans Of: Historical fiction, Tudor England, The Other Boleyn Girl

My Overall Rating: A+

Pithy Comments: I had heard of Philippa Gregory before I read this book, but I didn't know much about Henry VIII. I knew that he (obviously) had 6 wives, some of which he divorced and some of which were beheaded. This book was amazingly good. Gregory is an awesome author who really knows how to write a good book. She isn't overly descriptive but she doesn't lack details either. I loved how she connected the stories of the 3 women together into one book. It made it really interesting. My only minor criticism (that wasn't a problem for me because I knew about Henry's split from the church and Anne Boleyn from the movie The Other Boleyn Girl) is that if you know nothing about Tudor England, you're going to want to learn something before you read this book. The story is focused around the events going on in England at the time, so if you know nothing about Henry's split from the Catholic church and his dealings with Catharine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and Jane Seymour, you may be really lost. My recommendations would be to rent The Other Boleyn Girl (I saw the movie before I read this book and it helped a lot, although there were still some thngs I didn't understand) or Anne of the Thousand Days (an older costume drama about Anne Boleyn). There are a number of movies about Elizabeth I, but Elizabeth is only a child who is mentioned in the beginning of this book. I am so glad I decided to read The Boleyn Inheritance. I have learned so much more about Tudor England, Henry VIII, and his wives!

The Big Picture: Must Read!

Read On!

Yours Truly

Next Up: The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory