After taking a break from the blogging world due to moving, I am back in action! And I definitely have some books that need to be reviewed. So I figured I would start out with my faborite genre: my newest historical fiction read.
The Last Wife of Henry VIII, by Carolly Erickson
This novel tells the story of the life of Catherine Parr. It begins when she is just a child and is attending The Field of the Cloth of Gold. She meets King Henry during this historic event. The novels continues with the story of her first marriage that ended in tragedy and into her second marriage to an elderly man whom she married to keep out of the womanizing Henry's grasp. Catherine is called to serve Henry's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, by the king himself. Once her ill husband passes away, Henry jumps at the chance to marry her. Though her life as a queen is anything but relaxing. She lives in constant fear that Henry will become displeased with her and find a way to get rid of her, as he had to a few of his former wives.
Life Erickson's other books, this book was brief and definitely fictional. While she got all of the names right, I can't help but read between a lot of these fictional lines. But isn't that what makes these books so entertaining to us historical fiction fanatics? We get a good dose of history with a pinch of soap opera drama on the side. It was a fun read: light and quick. If you're looking for a quick fix of Henry and his wives, this book is good for that. But don't expect something historically perfect. Just expect to be entertained.
Up next? Well I have two more reviews that I need to post. But as far as reading goes, I have decided to reread the Twilight Saga in honor of New Moon coming out in theatres in November!
2 comments:
I was just looking at this book in Borders and wondering... Now I think it's a go. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for a fine review. Your distinction between entertainment and history is very helpful here.
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