The Boleyn Inheritance

Okay. it's official. I have become addicted to Talking Books.

Not because these are replacing my normal reading - rather, they are supplementing it. Now I have a book on the go, as well as one happening on CD. I rather look forward to walking my dog that little bit more, because I also get to find out what happens next in my Talking Book.

So, the latest one I have finished is another historical fiction (I must admit, that lack of choice is a real concern here). And it also surrounds Henry VIII. I warned you he was one of my favourite historical characters!

The Boleyn Inheritance is told from three perspectives; Anne of Cleves, the woman on her way to become Henry's fourth queen, Catherine Howard, the spoiled young lasy-in-waitng who becomes the fifth, and Jane Boleyn who watches and orchestrates so much on behalf of her benefactor, the Duke of Norfolk. After all, it was he who suggested she testify against her hisband George and sister-in-law Anne. And this at least saved her title and lands.

In opposition to the George novel I read recently, Henry is really quite demonised here, and we manage to feel sorry for all of these three women who somehow seem to inherit something from the Boleyns. But to each, it means something different. To the angelic but reserved Anne, it is a throne with a shadow across it, and a husband she can never please. A husband who is not afraid to behead his wives if it suits his purpose. Catherine, who inherits some of the Boleyn lands during her rise in the King's favour, also falls under this very same shadow when political machinations put her on the throne. And Jane - Jane thinks she has already saved her Boleyn inheritance, but instead also has to face the axeman.

History has reported all their stories already, so a reader wont be suprised by the end of the journey, but the journeying itself is rather good. I was amazed that I could have so much sympathy for each of the characters - even vain and silly Catherine, who was portrayed as such a harlot in the other novel.

Worth a read, one of Gregory's better ones.

Oh, and if anyone would like to recommend me another historical fiction that isn't about Henry VIII, that might be a refreshing change!