A Review of The Boleyn Inheritance
Henry VIII’s Reign of Terror is Brought to Life at the Tudor Court
Apr 13, 2008
The Boleyn Inheritance covers events at the Tudor Court, from 1539 and spans over three years, during which there are many twists and turns. This is a story of love, rivalry and ambition.
Henry VIII’s Next Victim
Three of Henry VIII’s wives are dead, yet he is now looking for a fourth. This is where Philippa Gregory picks up the plot of her fifth Tudor Court novel. Reference is made very early on as to the fate of Henry’s former wives, so when he is to choose another, the reader is immediately gripped by a sense of foreboding for this next victim. Throughout the book this fear remains very real.
At the Hands of One Evil Woman
This is not just another story about Henry VIII and his wives, far from it. We learn about the plots and schemes of powerful families who are all vying for the king’s favour to reach their own selfish ends, even if it means betraying a member of their own family. Most surprisingly we learn that all the cruelty that so many people suffered was not just the king’s doing, but the consequence of one evil woman’s actions, to realise her own ambitions.
Anne of Cleves
As it is very faithful to historical fact, the story gives a great insight into the three characters through whom we live out the novel. Anne of Cleves, often forgotten in history, as the queen quickly rejected by Henry becomes a fully rounded woman. We learn a little of her life in Cleves and share the roller coaster of emotions that she feels on arriving in England.
Katherine Howard
Katherine Howard becomes more understood as a young woman, as the novel progresses. She is a young woman, like any other, but circumstances do not allow her to live like any other woman.
Jane Boleyn
Jane Boleyn, the sister-in-law of Anne Boleyn and little known, becomes instrumental in the plot of the novel. Having read this book it is astounding that history has hidden her so well.
Whilst learning much about the history of this time in Henry VIII’s reign, the reader is drawn into the suspense of the events, as they unfold. It is written in such a style that it is very easy to read, but at the same time drags us into its complex web of human emotion and ambition.
The closing pages are utterly captivating and nobody could remain indifferent to the emotions they provoke.
Gregory, Philippa. The Boleyn Inheritance, HarperCollinsPublishers, London, 2007.
ISBN 978-0-00-719033-1
