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liesthemoontells's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I read this book this based on a recommendation from an academic featured on the Not Just the Tudors podcast, who praised it for its novel reinterpretation of the six wives of Henry VIII and its play on their well-worn tropes. And it was... Fine?
The characters are insufferable, the dialogue comes from the Diablo Cody school of "no teenager actually speaks like this", and much of the mystery of the plot comes from it's confusing chronology rather than careful plotting. If we're picking modern representations of the six wives for an audience of adolescent girls, the musical Six does it much better.
That being said, it was entertaining and, like Six, may be successful in humanising its historical subjects for its target audience.
The characters are insufferable, the dialogue comes from the Diablo Cody school of "no teenager actually speaks like this", and much of the mystery of the plot comes from it's confusing chronology rather than careful plotting. If we're picking modern representations of the six wives for an audience of adolescent girls, the musical Six does it much better.
That being said, it was entertaining and, like Six, may be successful in humanising its historical subjects for its target audience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
bunnyreads2's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
At first I kinda struggled to get into it but after a while, it totally got me. You have to take it for what it is, and preferably have an interest in the story if Henry VIII’s wives and its feminist critic, but it’s enjoyable to see how the author tackles the adaptation exercise.
I have to admit the end made me emotional and teary, but I have a big weakness concerning these women’s lives and the way they’re remembered.
Anyways, not groundbreaking but pretty enjoyable:)
I have to admit the end made me emotional and teary, but I have a big weakness concerning these women’s lives and the way they’re remembered.
Anyways, not groundbreaking but pretty enjoyable:)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexism, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Misogyny
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