The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Historical Fiction Novel About King Henry VII and Anne Boleyn
Nov 13, 2009
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory brings to life the intrigue and sexuality surrounding King Henry VII's court of the 1500s. As the novel begins, Mary Boleyn is joined at Henry's court by her sister, Anne, who had recently returned from the French court.
The Plot
There are many things happening as Anne returns. Queen Katherine, who is married to King Henry VII, is getting older and still has not produced a male heir for the king. Many people are beginning to wonder if she is able to do so, and King Henry's eye begins to wander.
It lands on Mary. At only 13, Mary has been at court for years, thrust there by her ambitious parents and uncle, who will do anything possible to further the Howard-Boleyn name. Although Mary is already married to one of King Henry's courtiers, she soon becomes King Henry's mistress.
Mary's Downfall
Despite her loyalty to Queen Katherine, it doesn't take Mary long to fall in love with both the king and all of the extras that come with sleeping with the king. But a few years and two children - one a boy - later, King Henry begins to bore of Mary. Still married to Queen Katherine, he begins to search again. Not wanting to lose what they've gained, Mary's family shoves Anne, the more seductive and ruthless sister, in front of the king. Soon Anne is in as the king's mistress and Mary is out.
Anne begins her quest for the crown, turning against the queen and even her own sister at times. The two share an intense sibling rivalry, often mediated by their brother George. Although Mary sometimes seems to hate her sister, her sisterly love always forces her to return to help Anne when she needs it most. And because of Anne's ruthlessness and need to please the king at all costs, there are many times when Anne needs Mary's help.
But in the end, not even Mary can save her siblings.
Gregory's Work
Gregory's novel, narrated by Mary, begins in a very foreboding way with the execution of Mary's uncle, accused of treason against the King. Before the novel is complete, the reader realizes that he will not be the only one to meet their fate the same way, and nearly feels sympathy for Anne.
Then Gregory reminds the reader of how Anne got in her position in the first place.
Gregory does an incredible job of picking one very realistic trait for each character and developing the character around that specific trait. For the most part, that trait is the only side of the character you see throughout the book. Anne is ruthless and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Queen Katherine is noble and refuses to be shamed in public and spends much of the book pretending she knows nothing of her husbands adultery. King Henry VII is selfish and doesn't care who his choices affect. And Mary is sweet and seems to be the only Boleyn with a conscious.
Because Mary is the most dynamic character, she was the best choice for narrator. Mary is traditionally ignored or looked down upon because King Henry passed her over for her sister, but Gregory allows Mary to have a voice in her story. Had the story been narrated by anyone else, it simply would not have worked nearly as well. Mary's multitude of emotions allows the reader to get involved and feel for her. Mary is even so dynamic that at points she has the reader feeling sorry for ruthless Anne.
And despite reading like a romance novel at times, the book has a little bit of something everyone can relate to: Love, heartbreak, hope and ambition.
The Other Boleyn Girl was published by Pocket Star Books in 2001. ISBN: 978-1-4165-5653-4
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