A review by jmatkinson1
Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown by Alison Weir
4.0
Henry was never meant to succeed to the throne but after the death of his elder brother he becomes the heir. The Tudor dynasty was new and insecure so Henry feels that he has to ensure succession by fathering sons. That proves to be difficult and his passions mean that he acts in haste yet regrets later. Surrounding him also is the question of religious reform. When all his advisers are jockeying for power and favour, can Henry be the glorious monarch he envisions himself as?
First and foremost Weir is a historian and that is what rings out from this book. She has pieced together the historical fact, written known sayings as dialogue and carried the timeline faithfully. In that respect the book is a joy. However it is ambitious to try to convey the character of one of the most mercurial kings ever. In her female led historical fiction Weir pitches it just right, here I found some of the writing a little clunky. However I am more than prepared to forgive that as this is an ambitious and entertaining novel.
First and foremost Weir is a historian and that is what rings out from this book. She has pieced together the historical fact, written known sayings as dialogue and carried the timeline faithfully. In that respect the book is a joy. However it is ambitious to try to convey the character of one of the most mercurial kings ever. In her female led historical fiction Weir pitches it just right, here I found some of the writing a little clunky. However I am more than prepared to forgive that as this is an ambitious and entertaining novel.