Helpful Score: 1
This book is, in my opinion, Gregorys best novel. Some historical fiction can be a little too tawdry for my taste. (But dont get me wrong, tawdry is awesome as long as its accompanied by some substance I can sink my teeth into). Gregorys novels can lose this balance every now and then and she is sometimes guilty of repetitive phrases that can force your mind to wander. I did not notice these pitfalls in this particular novel.
There are, of course, passionate love scenes (because what hf would be complete without them?!?!?) But she does it with enough nuance that I found that not only did I not mind it, but it truly enriched the story.
It was a little hard to get into at first, as military history was my downfall in college and it begins describing Catherine of Aragons life as the youngest daughter of the Catholic warmongers Ferdinand and Isabella. Tudorphiles often forget that Catherine of Aragon was the infanta. She was quite beautiful when she was young and she was the daughter of Spains most glorious monarchs. Needless to say, I found myself drawn into the story.
I was extremely emotionally affected by many episodes in the book and by Gregory's interpretation of Catherines oh-so-debated virginity after her first husbands (Arthur) death. In fact, had to put the book down for a week because I couldn't think about anything else and it was really getting to me. It reads like an alternative history and it breaks your heart to think that this woman, who is so often portrayed as the dowdy, helpless first wife of the infamous Henry VIII, could have lived such a painfully sweet existence.
The ending is abrupt but necessary for your sanity after the heartbreak that you will feel throughout the book's duration. I recommend this novel for amateur and professional historians everywhere but beware: you must have not let your historical prowess get the best of you. Just enjoy the story for what it is.
There are, of course, passionate love scenes (because what hf would be complete without them?!?!?) But she does it with enough nuance that I found that not only did I not mind it, but it truly enriched the story.
It was a little hard to get into at first, as military history was my downfall in college and it begins describing Catherine of Aragons life as the youngest daughter of the Catholic warmongers Ferdinand and Isabella. Tudorphiles often forget that Catherine of Aragon was the infanta. She was quite beautiful when she was young and she was the daughter of Spains most glorious monarchs. Needless to say, I found myself drawn into the story.
I was extremely emotionally affected by many episodes in the book and by Gregory's interpretation of Catherines oh-so-debated virginity after her first husbands (Arthur) death. In fact, had to put the book down for a week because I couldn't think about anything else and it was really getting to me. It reads like an alternative history and it breaks your heart to think that this woman, who is so often portrayed as the dowdy, helpless first wife of the infamous Henry VIII, could have lived such a painfully sweet existence.
The ending is abrupt but necessary for your sanity after the heartbreak that you will feel throughout the book's duration. I recommend this novel for amateur and professional historians everywhere but beware: you must have not let your historical prowess get the best of you. Just enjoy the story for what it is.
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