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Review: "The Boleyn Wife" by Brandy Purdy

From Goodreads:  Shy, plain Lady Jane Parker feels out of place in Henry VIII's courtly world of glamour and intrigue--until she meets the handsome George Boleyn. Overjoyed when their fathers arrange a match, her dreams of a loving union are waylaid when she meets George's sister, Anne. For George is completely devoted to his sister, and cold and indifferent to his bride. As Anne acquires a wide circle of admirers, including King Henry, Jane's resentment grows. But if becoming Henry's queen makes Anne the most powerful woman in England, it also makes her highly vulnerable. And as Henry, desperate for a male heir, begins to tire of his mercurial wife, the stage is set for the ultimate betrayal...

My Thoughts:  This was a nice change from the usual Tudor books.  I have never read a book told from Jane Boleyn's point of view and it was kind of refreshing to see something different.  This book tells Jane Boleyn's story through 5 of Henry VIII's queens. 

Jane was a very different character.  She was very high-strung and had some major marital issues.  She was obsessed with her husband, George Boleyn, and this obsession destroyed her.  Jane wasn't really a likeable character but you couldn't help feeling sorry for her.  I felt really bad for her because her husband treated her like she was invisible; all she wanted was to be loved and he just didn't care about her at all.

 I did find it interesting that the author included a one night stand between Cromwell and Jane; I hadn't heard of this ever being asserted so it surprised me.  I was also really surprised that the author included a sexual encounter between Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard.  It seemed a little sensational and I think the author took some dramatic license with that part of the book.

The story moved quickly and kept me interested despite the fact that I knew how the story ended.  This is definitely a good read for anyone who loves reading about the Tudors.  3 stars.




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