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bex_702's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautifully researched book and helps bring to life and incredibly fascinating figure. This book is incredibly detailed and enjoyable. However it is a great commitment to finish this book. I listen to an audio book and found myself growing tiresome at spots. It was nice in audio format because I felt as if the King himself was talking to me, and I a dutiful subject, recording his memoirs. This is worth the effort as I am fascinated by Henry and his wives and done a great deal of my own research on the subjects. My advice is it is worth the time, but be prepared to give it that.
lisamshardlow's review against another edition
5.0
This was really good. I’d never read any historical fiction set from the point of view of Henry VIII before. Would he really have been like this though? I kind of felt sorry for his very deluded self. This is not how I imagined him to be, but I enjoyed it regardless. Anne Boleyn too, I just don’t know if she would have been like how she was depicted in this book, but I guess we were seeing her through the eyes of "Henry VIII". Really enjoyed his not very flattering descriptions of Anne of Cleves as well!
thegirlinpolitics's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kschmoldt's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I can’t believe I finally finished this huge book. It seems like I’ve been reading it for a very long time, but it’s only been three weeks, so I guess that’s not too bad. Yes, it deserves a five. It is a stunning piece of fiction. I highly recommend it if you have any interest in Tudor history. Obviously, it isn’t really Henry VIII’s autobiography, but George did her research, so I think I can trust her. You will probably come away from this book liking Henry VIII a little more than you previously had, I know I did.
amibunk's review against another edition
1.0
Another book I cannot finish this summer. And I really did try. This book seemed like it would be right up my alley: Margaret George is a decent writer, I love the Tudor period intrigue and drama, and 900 page books don't scare me. However, 900 pages of being stuck in Henry VIII's pompous, hypocritical, tyranical point of view is more than this poor player can stand. "I was always forced to play the villain, only because I knew things that others did not...." I made it to the Anne Boleyn debacle and then gave up in defeat.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
5.0
This took me quite a while to finish but not because this chunky book dragged at all. Actually was surprised how intruiging and easy it was to keep reading. Was expecting not to like this one very much as I doubted I would enjoy the story from Henry's point of view. Margaret George didn't romantisaised Henry in anyway, I feel. And while the author obviously had taken her own ideas on what happened between historical figures, I thought it was very well done.
akenny614's review against another edition
2.0
My complaint is more with Henry than with the author. He's a whiny, power-hungry, man-baby, and I just cannot take it.
liloreema's review against another edition
4.0
This book is THICC, but it offers a unique perspective compared to other books on this era. The language flows smoothly and I thought the asides (notes by Will Somers) were fun. Lots of foreshadowing, which IMO is the fun of historical fiction.
hokielin's review against another edition
3.0
good book. Margaret George cant seem to write books less than 900 pages so you'd better enjoy the topic. I happen to love Elizabethan era stories so this was fine for me. This book was the most complete and gave the best idea of who Henry VIII was that I have read. Such a fascinating study for psychoanalysts!! the mental games Henry played with himself were exhausting to read about (assuming they're even close to true of course, which I'm willing and tend to believe.) The comments by Will, the court fool, helped provide a slightly different perspective and was useful during the king's more erratic moments. The book could have been shorter of course and it took me longer than normal because of other life events that slowed my normal reading pace. Nevertheless, the book was very well written, I was not bored and I came away feeling like I knew Henry VIII pretty well. if you're interested in learning about him and have the stamina for such a hefty book, I definitely recommend this book.