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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
informative
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
The second book in Alison Weir’s Tudor Rose series is just as detailed and well written the first (which follows Henry’s mother Elizabeth of York.) And once again expertly blends historical fact with a deft, fictionalised rendering of the innermost thoughts, feelings (loves and grievances) of the infamous King Henry VIII.
I was genuinely surprised by how nuanced and compelling Alison Weir’s Henry was. And really enjoyed getting to see just how different this happy, youthful and chivalrous young king Henry was in comparison to the resentful, jealous and irrational tyrant he later became.
It’s an incredibly realistic and humanising portrayal, that really showcased the political power-struggles at play during the time, and how woefully ill-prepared Henry was in navigating the power hungry and scheming fishbowl of court life.
I was also impressed with the level of historical accuracy (which should come as no surprise at this point as Weir is a Tudor expert) and cannot believe how much I didn’t know about this era of history—particularly when it came to the amount of miscarriages his wives experienced and the emotional toll that had (both on them and Henry.)
I did really enjoy this, however, at well over 600 pages I was expecting the pacing to be a little swifter (especially in the first half of the book.)
But, I do admit the sumptuous and vividly detailed descriptions (particularly of major events such as The Field of the Cloth of Gold) did make up for it. And the visually immersive feast for the senses that Weir has woven, will definitely have history buffs salivating from the sensory overload.
If you’re even remotely interested in Tudor era Historical fiction (or historical fiction in general) then you absolutely must give this a read!
And a huge thank you to Headline/ Headline Review for the physical arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Blood, and Grief
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