booksandchocaholic's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I am a long standing fan of Philippa Gregory's writing. She revitalised the genre for me and I had a great time reading the first half of this series with the Cousins War books. I was excited to see her take on Catherine of Aragon. I was glad that Gregory gave Catherine a voice as she is often overlooked until Boleyn comes in to the picture.
I know it's a controversial opinion but I actually love the way that Gregory plays with historical rumours. I love that she repeatedly asks the question "And what if it was true?" and then proceeds to write a whole novel, normally still vindicating the women despite this. This formula worked perfectly with Catherine as she was of course accused of consummating her previous marriage before marrying Henry.
The way Gregory decided to portray Catherine was interesting. I liked the fact that she went into Catherine's heritage a little more. I also like that while presenting the idea of Catherine consummating her marriage to Arthur she also provided her with good reason to want to lie and therefore marry Henry which was much needed. It was very easy for her to get us on side.
Gregory did a great job with some side characters as well. I absolutely ADORED Arthur, enjoyed her portrayal of some side characters like Doña Elvira and Margaret Pole. I think her depiction of Henry was very well crafted and nuanced.
My only real objection in regards to character work was towards the Spanish royals. They were somewhat "othered" in this book. I didn't agree with how this book showed Isabela I de Castilla specifically. It showed her as some mighty warrior which... she wasn't?
The writing as always was digestible and easy to read. It didn't have much work cut out for it as it is not only a period in history that I am well acquainted with but one that is very frequently discussed. I knew how this book would end and yet it was enjoyable regardless. It was fast paced, covering the majority of Catherine's life, to the point where it made her 50 years of life feel remarkably short yet full at the same time.
This book built upon the foundations of the previous books with it featuring both Margaret Beaufort and Elizabeth of York whom were protagonists of past instalments in the series. I liked the nods to them and yet they did not overtake the story and remained in their roles as secondary characters at all times.
This was a book that was build with historical accuracy in regards to setting and basics but also on speculation. At the end of the day we are dealing with a "What if?" situation in regards to Catherine. This book is a balance of factual history and subjective theorising.
Pros:
* Gracefully questioning Catherine's story
* Catherine and Arthurs relationship
* Catherine as a protagonist
* The nuanced depiction of Henry
* Catherine's motivations for lying
Cons
* The depictions of Spain and Spanish history
* Isabel I de Castilla and Fernando II de Aragón
* Some of the inner monologue of Catherine's when she gets ambitious
Overall it was a good, fast paced, easy read. It did the characteristic turn that Gregory takes in regards to women in history without outright denying historical events. I look forward to continuing the series.
I know it's a controversial opinion but I actually love the way that Gregory plays with historical rumours. I love that she repeatedly asks the question "And what if it was true?" and then proceeds to write a whole novel, normally still vindicating the women despite this. This formula worked perfectly with Catherine as she was of course accused of consummating her previous marriage before marrying Henry.
The way Gregory decided to portray Catherine was interesting. I liked the fact that she went into Catherine's heritage a little more. I also like that while presenting the idea of Catherine consummating her marriage to Arthur she also provided her with good reason to want to lie and therefore marry Henry which was much needed. It was very easy for her to get us on side.
Gregory did a great job with some side characters as well. I absolutely ADORED Arthur, enjoyed her portrayal of some side characters like Doña Elvira and Margaret Pole. I think her depiction of Henry was very well crafted and nuanced.
My only real objection in regards to character work was towards the Spanish royals. They were somewhat "othered" in this book. I didn't agree with how this book showed Isabela I de Castilla specifically. It showed her as some mighty warrior which... she wasn't?
The writing as always was digestible and easy to read. It didn't have much work cut out for it as it is not only a period in history that I am well acquainted with but one that is very frequently discussed. I knew how this book would end and yet it was enjoyable regardless. It was fast paced, covering the majority of Catherine's life, to the point where it made her 50 years of life feel remarkably short yet full at the same time.
This book built upon the foundations of the previous books with it featuring both Margaret Beaufort and Elizabeth of York whom were protagonists of past instalments in the series. I liked the nods to them and yet they did not overtake the story and remained in their roles as secondary characters at all times.
This was a book that was build with historical accuracy in regards to setting and basics but also on speculation. At the end of the day we are dealing with a "What if?" situation in regards to Catherine. This book is a balance of factual history and subjective theorising.
Pros:
* Gracefully questioning Catherine's story
* Catherine and Arthurs relationship
* Catherine as a protagonist
* The nuanced depiction of Henry
* Catherine's motivations for lying
Cons
* The depictions of Spain and Spanish history
* Isabel I de Castilla and Fernando II de Aragón
* Some of the inner monologue of Catherine's when she gets ambitious
Overall it was a good, fast paced, easy read. It did the characteristic turn that Gregory takes in regards to women in history without outright denying historical events. I look forward to continuing the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Sexism and Miscarriage
Minor: Sexual content
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