Discussions
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nerdygirl removed this reply 5 years ago
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Beaufort
I'm about one fifths into this book. I like it, but there's one thing that struck me as odd: Gregory's use of aristocratic titles. She mentions a Duke of Northumberland and a Duke of Surrey. However, there were no such titles in existence at the time. The Percys were *Earls* of Northumberland, and "Uncle Howard" was the Duke of Norfolk (and earl of Surrey). Did she do this to stress that the story is historical *fiction*? If so, I still find it odd. It made me doubt my own memory on the subject!
posted 5 years ago.
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eryl
This issuch a good book, my husband was an extra in the film, but he could only cope with a couple of days standing in the cold in the bit where Ann Boleyn gets ...oops can't say any more
posted 5 years ago.
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zaijovan
I enjoyed this book, a lot. Ms. Greggory did a lot of research, but please, it is historical fiction. Much of what is in this book is contradicted by the biographies of Anne Boleyn. Read the book, enjoy it, but please don't assume you are getting the true story of either Mary or Anne's lives. The historians cannot agree on the facts of these women's lives, and many important details are lost to us. Like most historical fiction I've read or watched on television or at the movies, she got the names right and in doing so told a good story, but it isn't necessarily history.
posted 5 years ago.
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Amy removed this reply 5 years ago
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Amy removed this reply 5 years ago
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Jill
This is a great story...I also can't wait for the movie to come out. The books are always better though!!
posted 5 years ago.
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KrishD
Sept 2007: very enjoyable hsitorical fiction about Mary, Anne Boleyn's sister, and mistress to hernry VIII
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Melissa Ann
I agree. These books are a guilty pleasure that you don't have to feel guilty about!
posted 5 years ago.
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Nantucket
I loved this book the best of the series. I recently "laterally converted" to Episcopalian ... and it's a bit unnerving to see the history of my church.
posted 5 years ago.
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Delores (Dee) B
I've been waiting for the movie to open--I heard that it might open soon. Hope it follows the book and am not disappointed.
Dee B.posted 5 years ago.
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Evelyn S
just shows you, i did not know they were making a movie of the novel and i agree, i hope they stick with the plot. Hollywood tends to glamourise everything. Eveln S
posted 5 years ago.
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Evelyn S
I am behind the times, that is the second movie of a book I have read that I didn't know was 'in the can'. Evelyn S
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Evelyn S
I bought this book for a friend, opened the middle, read a paragraph and got a copy from the library on the strength of it, never having read historical fiction before. i found it so believabl even remembering that is was fiction. It was the amount of things that either were or could be fact that swayed me i could see it all as a possibility. then i went on and read the next four novels of the set period. loved them all. Evelyn S
posted 5 years ago.
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Amanda L
GREAT BOOK. Intriguing, beautifully and poetically written, with great characterization. sheds some light on Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's mysterious and intriguing romance. also puts the spotlight on The Other Boleyn Girl - and how she figured into the whole scandal. (this book is based on historical accounts, by the way)
posted 5 years ago.
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Tracey H
Amazing period drama book. beautifully written, sensual and passinate. Now reading 'the boleyn inheritance.
posted 5 years ago.
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suzenelson
This is completely skip-able, especially for those interested in authenticity. I knew it was fictionalized before I read it, but I was horrified at the liberties the author took. It's just another smutty romance. Even as a work of fiction, I was disappointed because I was never inside the main character's head at all. I had no idea what motivated her or what she was feeling the entire time. It was like watching a an out-of-control robot run around having sex left and right.
posted 5 years ago.
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Mary is completely insipid in this. I did enjoy the read, but not from any belief that the book is a legitimate work of literature that should be studied in a classroom. At any rate, though, Gregory is someone I'll go back to when I'm feeling in a flippant mood and just want something light to pass the time.
posted 5 years ago.
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mamaedu
This book is unlike Wideacre another Gregory book which I had to put down. It took a long time to be able to pick up another Gregory book. This one was fabulous though. I enjoyed reading about the castles and palaces in the settings as I had visited many of them. You will be amazed and horrified by what some people will do for power.
posted 5 years ago.
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Robin L
I loved both Boleyn Inheritance and The Other Boly Girl so I picked up the first book of her Wideacre Trilogy and was disappointed with the first Wideacre so I'm not sure if I'll continue with the remaining two. Have any of you read the Trilogy?
posted 5 years ago.
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Deb L-P
It is interesting to see the development of Mary Boleyn and Anne as this historical fiction unravels the hypocrisies of the British Court. At such a young age Mary seems worldly.
posted 5 years ago.
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Emily P
It was an interesting read for me because I studied this time period in college. It is about a lesser known mistress of King Henry VIII named Mary Boleyn (Anne Boleyn's sister). It suprised me how little she mentions religion in this book, considering Henry forsaked the Catholic church during a time or reformation in Europe, just so he could marry someone else. A pretty significant part of history that she seems to gloss over. Otherwise a fun read.
posted 5 years ago.
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Badar J
I am a big fan of the life in 18th century England. A plot full of intrigue and insight into the mindset of Court dwellers of that time.
posted 5 years ago.
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How Electra
i m strongly attracted to mary boleyn and her husband, william stafford. he's such a gentry and mary boleyn's so affable..
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Anita F removed this reply 5 years ago
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Rosina F
This book had me from start to finish. . . . I couldn't put it down! I just hope the movie lives up the book!
posted 5 years ago.
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azzzannie
I am halfway through this book and it is so good. I am now reading slowly because I know I will be sad when it is over!
posted 5 years ago.
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Rhonda K
I'm at the halfway point and slowing down also!
mostly because every scene seems tied together and I don't want to miss a thing!posted 5 years ago.
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Dani loves books
I loved this book! I want to read more about this court after having enjoyed this book so much.
posted 5 years ago.
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Kathy D
Yes, I saw the movie the first weekend it was out, couldn't wait. It was very good, but after reading the book which I LOVED, there was so much left out of the movie. I think you are better off seeing the movie first and then reading the book.
posted 5 years ago.
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Molly S
I'm bringing this on my Spring Break trip to Puerto Rico...can't wait to be reading on the beach!
posted 5 years ago.
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Molly S removed this reply 5 years ago
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playagirl removed this reply 5 years ago
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playagirl
Awesome book, really got me into Tudor history and have now planned a trip to London in September of this year... However, for anyone who has not seen the movie but would like to... Do not waste the time or money, it was awful and nothing like the book..
posted 5 years ago.
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Ellen P
Is anyone watching the Tudor series on Showtime? How would you compare it to this book?
posted 5 years ago.
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Rhonda K
I haven't kept up with the Tudor series. I think if you're going to compare it to the Other Boylen Girl, you need to consider the point of view. This book is from the point of view of a woman, a courtesan, Anne's younger sister.
The Showtime Series, if I recall, is more from Henry's point of view.posted 5 years ago.
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Holly
I watch the Tudor Series and also loved this book. However, I don't think two can be compared. Very different povs. And the book may have had a few inaccuracies, but Tudor Series is continually inaccurate. They made Henry's two sisters into one, and married her off to the wrong guy. Then had her kill him.... not exactly how history played out. But I do love the show for entertainment. I love all things Tudor. Both the Tudors Series and The Other Boleyn Girl are wonderful adaptations of history, fudged or other wise, but they are definitely not in the same category. Each should be enjoyed for it's seperate reasons.
posted 5 years ago.
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Debbie P
I feel the same! I love Tudors because the acting is amazing--but I wish they'd have made Mary more like the book...what was she like one episode first season...then like a little snippet the second so far? Anyway, glad to know I'm not alone!
posted 5 years ago.
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agonyandecstasie
I read the book and then saw the movie- I think they left a lot of stuff from the book out of the movie; I found it harder to enjoy the movie because I kept thinking of the stuff from the book that they weren't touching...
posted 5 years ago.
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aphroditesings
i agree. while i was watching the movie i was like, "Where's the part where...?"
so reading the book made me appreciate the Boleyns better. there was intensity and rivalry, but there was also the unbreakable relationship - sisterhood.posted 5 years ago.
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underhuntressmoon
This book was almost tailor-made for me, it involved the Tudors', it was very detailed, it involved the Boleyns'. It seems perfect. I must say i absolutely loved the book. Some of the information was off, like Mary being the youngest, George really was the youngest, mary the oldest and anne the middle child. Some of the events were off a bit, but it was few. This book was a great read. If one wants to consider seeing the movie, i'd advise not to try to compare it with the book. I've found movies dont usually stick to the book's storyline, and The Other Boleyn Girl proves this true. The movie itself wasnt so bad, but the fact that i knew about what i was missing made it seem more dissapointing. My boyfriend made me promise i wouldnt point out every faulty bit... it was a very hard not too.
Read the book, it is deffinitely worth it. The movie is fine as well, just dont get your hopes up too much.posted 5 years ago.
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Kelcie K
There aren't many books that I feel the need to read twice, but this one is a definite exception! There are so many different things going on at once that I might just have to read it again to pick up all the little details I missed the first time I read it.
posted 5 years ago.
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Cat Lady Lori
I agree with you. This is defiantly a book I will have to read again!
posted 5 years ago.
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I am half way through this book and I am loving it!!!!
I just have to say I think the Boleyn - Howard family is awful!!! They don't really care about how they mess up those kids' lives!!!!posted 5 years ago.
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Amanda J
Yes, horrible. But you have to think about the times, we see it as horrible but really things were so different back then. It wasn't just the Boleyn's, all the families at court had a daughter designated to "woo" the king. There was always someone vying for power and they weren't too worried about the damage it might do to their frail little girls. Womens rights is such a modern thing. It was awful and we look at it today that way, but back then like so many things it was just part of life.
posted 5 years ago.
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Of Mighty Kings
I think this book is so awesome. I'm nearly finished and can't wait to read other novels by Philippa Gregory!
posted 5 years ago.
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rachel c
Loved it. The characters felt real; motivated by jealousy and rivalry as well as kindness and compassion.
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maryevelyn
have seen the movie.....good characterization....entertaining...okay, may rate it as good.
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Amy H
I loved this book - I can't wait to read her other ones! Which of her other books do you guys like the best?
posted 5 years ago.
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Nicole R
I have read many of her books but my favorites are definitely the ones about King Henry's wives! I also really enjoyed the Constant Princess
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Nicole R removed this reply 5 years ago
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Barbara B
Apparently Anne was not the first choice for Henry; she had a sister, who was originally designated for the duty....
posted 5 years ago.
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Amanda J removed this reply 5 years ago
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Amanda J
I was wondering what anyone thinks of the movie that recently came out, were you as appalled as I was? The story was supposed to be about Mary but it focused on Anne most of the time, we never saw Anne as anything more than an arrogant and horrible person, in the book we at least saw that she had some sort of heart. They hardly addressed Mary's affair with Henry or her romance and marriage to William Stafford, they left out her two daughters as well. I was very very displeased by this film!
posted 5 years ago.
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Will P
There's a book due to come out in August called "The other Queen." I CAN'T WAIT! Oh, and Amanda... The movie would have been good had I not read the book. "The Boleyn Inheritance" was good too.
posted 5 years ago.
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Will P
OHH... forgot. I'm reading "The Lady Elizabeth" by Allison Weir. Good reading, and sticks pretty close to history.
posted 5 years ago.
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Jorwyn
This book looks fascinating. I hope my library has it, because I'm WAY over my book budget for the year already.
posted 5 years ago.
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n2thelight
This was a great book!! I couldn't put it down. Full of passion, history, politics and religion. The movie was okay as a stand alone movie, but once you read the book, you'll understand where/why the movie is lacking. Can't wait to read other Philippa Gregory books.!
posted 5 years ago.
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Kristin S
You should absolutely read it! I couldn't put it down! My mind was just obsessed with finding out more! Beautifully written. You'll love it.
posted 4 years ago.
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Christin
Great characterization and I enjoyed the author's exploration of some controversial theories about the lives of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
posted 4 years ago.
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A sharp
I'd like to hear from some people who have read this book- a good friend of mine told me it 'wasn't written well.' which makes me concerned- but I LOVE period novels... someone dispel my worries please ][
posted 4 years ago.
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Phantomgirl removed this reply 4 years ago
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Julie K
I cannot believe somone said it is not well written. I was so surprised at the amount of historical detail in the book. This was the first book I read by Philippa Gregory and since then I have read 3 others. She is a great author and does amazing background work writing. I must say I didn't know this mattered so much to me, until the story was so compelling and I couldn't stand that the details were not correct. The bones are good and the story is amazing. Yes, read it!
posted 4 years ago.
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Lisa Richards/alterlisa/http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
I have to agree with Julie, this was one of the best fictional histories I have ever read. I immediately set out to get my hands on all of Gregory's books and loved them all. I like to garden and her books on the royal gardeners were especially interesting. She has a romance going on at the same time imparting historical facts that I found riveting. It blows me away to think about the knowledge that they had at their fingertps hundreds of years ago. It is fascinating reading about the things they did with their knowledge and how their lives were lived based on the whim of the royal family. I have saved the "Meridon" trilogy to read later as I can't stand not having some gregory books to read.
posted 4 years ago.
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Jackie D
This is one of my all-time favorite books! I have since read several of her other books, all just as good. I saw the movie and was very disappointed. So much detail was left out, whole sections missing, just not good.
posted 4 years ago.
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MomLady
I really enjoyed this book! I've been wanting to watch the movie, but now I'm not so sure. Can anyone else tell me about the movie version of it?
Thanks.posted 4 years ago.
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A sharp
Thanks everyone for your feedback. I will take your advice and read it! I haven't seen the movie yet (I don't want to see it until I read the book first).
posted 4 years ago.
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G. G. Linker
The movie was enjoyable but the book was much better. Movie leaves a lot of th book out and I was disoriented watching the movie at first and had to concentrate on my knowledge of the history involved to get things stratight in my mind. I would suggest you read the book first but do give the movie chance.
posted 4 years ago.
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yoyi71
By far one of the best books I have ever read. The movie was good only if you didn't read the book. They left a lot out but i did enjoy it.
posted 4 years ago.
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Badmojo
This was my first foray into historical fiction and I absolutely loved it. I read it in one day. Every time I had to put it down to go do something, I would keep thinking I was missing part of a movie I was watching. The book is that detailed and absorbing. You really feel like you're part of the story. Love love love it. Can't wait to read more from her.
posted 4 years ago.
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Mtnmoovr
WOW!! This is a book I fought and fought. No matter how many people told me it was great, I just couldn't believe them because , well, this book is "historical fiction" and I don't like "historical fiction". No more will I say that! This has got to be one of the best books I've ever read, historical fiction or not. It grabbed me from the first chapter and never let go. The story of Mary, Anne, George and Henry will not be one I soon forget. Excellent book!!
posted 4 years ago.
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Mtnmoovr
WOW!! This is a book I fought and fought. No matter how many people told me it was great, I just couldn't believe them because , well, this book is "historical fiction" and I don't like "historical fiction". No more will I say that! This has got to be one of the best books I've ever read, historical fiction or not. It grabbed me from the first chapter and never let go. The story of Mary, Anne, George and Henry will not be one I soon forget. Excellent book!!
posted 4 years ago.
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She
I think this is a well-written fictional version of what court life was like during the reign Henry the VIII (was it?) and what a fiend he was. I was captively fascinated while I was reading it, yet felt at times, I wanted it to move a bit faster when weighed down in too much detail. I finally finished, and thought I'd read another Gregory novel, and a little more time went by. I thought: it's actually kind of soap-operish, and have not visited Gregort since.
posted 4 years ago.
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Lori
I had heard this book was one of a trilogy? Does anyone know the other two that would be tied with it- and is there a particular order I should read them in?
posted 4 years ago.
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Aphreal
I don't know that I'd call it a trilogy, exactly. Gregory has written several alternative histories set during the Tudor/Elizabethan time period, including this book. I don't know that there's a "right" order to read them in, but I'd suggest the following:
The Other Boleyn Girl (I think it's the first one she wrote)
The Boleyn Inheritance (sort of a sequel to Other Boleyn Girl)
The Constant Princess (kind of a prequel about Katherine of Aragon)
The Queen's Fool (describes Elizabeth's rise to power)
The Virgin's Lover (about Elizabeth's early reign)
The last two are set quite a bit later than the first three and don't have to be read with them. I'd say The Boleyn Inheritance is the only one that really doesn't stand well on its own.
That's probably far more than you wanted to know, but I hope it helps!posted 4 years ago.
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Kristin S
My friend says it goes Constant Princess, Other Boleyn Girl, and then Boleyn inheritance.
posted 4 years ago.
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Lisa Marie T
You can read Philippa Gregory's books in any order you would like. The first book I read of her's was The Other Boleyn Girl, but then I jumped to The Boleyn Inheritance (which was very good) about Henry's 4th and 5th wives. I hope to be reading soon The Constant Princess about Katherine of Aragon before she married Henry.
posted 4 years ago.
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Pamcakes
There is also Anne of Boleyn, but I don't think its from the same author.
posted 4 years ago.
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There is a trilogy not related to the Tudor series. The three books, in order, are Wildacre, The Favored Child and Meridon (I think that's the order, forgive me if I'm off) They're a little more romance-novel-y; not as pithy as the Tudor books, but still pretty entertaining. Perfect beach reads.
posted 4 years ago.
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Stacie von Bookfiend
Lori, although she's written other stuff about the Tudors, her books can all stand alone and don't have to be read in order. She does have some kind of series, but it's not related to this book and I haven't read any of it. I have found all her other books to be enjoyable, however. I intend to give the series a try someday. I think the series is completely fictional as far as characters and everything.
posted 4 years ago.
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I just finished it in one week. I thought that was fast. But how did badmojo manage to do it in a day. That must have been one long day! Amazing piece of work. I was captivated by every detail and googled Henry the 8th and Anne many times. If you ever think or society is screwed up now...just read this.
posted 4 years ago.
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ms_odon
I loved this book! I read it in 4 days and was sad when I finished it; I felt like I was leaving a good friend. Gregory's writing really amazed me. She somehow manages to captivate the reader even though you already know how it will end. That's good stuff. I am a bit of a history nerd, so seeing the interplay of social, religious, and sexual politics in narrative form was golden. I will be back at the library to get more of her books and I definitely will be purchasing this one for my personal library. For those who thought it was too sexually explicit, I thought just the opposite. I felt Gregory did a good job of highlighting the sexual dynamics of the court without being too explicit about the sexual acts themselves. (and when she did go into detail she did it tastefully, I thought, as not to give the reader sensory overload)
posted 4 years ago.
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dodi i
I very much agree with you in every aspect! I found myself reading it with every available moment i could find. And I too, at the end, was upset that I had finished it.!
posted 4 years ago.
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Wendy M
I agree also with what you have said. I read my copy while I was on a very long flight. I loved the book. I am now a big fan of Phillippa Gregory.
posted 4 years ago.
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Becki R
This book was like stolen moments for me, it was such a pleasure to read!
I'm not a history nerd at all, but this book is seemingly guiding me in that direction. It's the kind of novel that makes you really cherish the time that you have to read, rather than looking forward to reading as an obligation (I have some deadlines going on with my reading and reviewing).posted 3 years ago.
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Chrissy B
I think that the book was geared towards Mary was they turned it around in the movie so that its geared towards Anne. I also feel that the book talked alot about the relationship between Anne, George and Mary were as the movie doesn't really show any of it. I felt that the Movie was almost totally diferent that the book. I absolutely Loved the book and was extremely dissapointed in the movie!!!
posted 4 years ago.
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librarylady
Saw the movie last night and I agree with your assessment - if you enjoyed the book - skip the movie!
posted 3 years ago.
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Kristin S
The book extremely better. The movie is just...it isn't even a cliff's notes version of the book. You will love the book. The movie was just...uh. It was barely even a shadow of the book.
posted 3 years ago.
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Becki R
I read the book and then watched the movie. The movie was horribly disappointing, to be honest. Trying to cram nearly 700 pages worth of story into a couple of hours is difficult, at best.
This book is phenomenal, and definitely very much worth a read!posted 3 years ago.
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Wintergirl2
I loved this book. I have always been fascinated with the lives of that era. Being a woman in the era was especially tough. The intrigue was what hooked me.
posted 3 years ago.
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Lady Di
I agree the book is waaay better. I saw the movie first then got interested to read the book. I am loving this book.
posted 3 years ago.
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Saavedra
In my opinion, books are always better then a movie created from a book. The only thing I liked about the movie for this book was the time-period clothes, that was it.
posted 3 years ago.
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Lacey
I really liked this book. I decided to read it after watching the movie. I did like the movie but the book is so much better.
posted 2 years ago.
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Stefanie L
I happen to find this book way much better than the movie. I loved the movie but I felt a bit disappointed because they rushed through the movie to get to Anne's beheading. I wish that they had followed more of the book. I can't even remember how I got into this time period but this by far one of my favorite books. I read this book in one sitting and I couldn't stop reading it. I read it at least several times and couldn't put it down at all.
posted 2 years ago.
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Jemma R
I found that the book and the movie were both great in their own way. There were some points throughout the movie that made it seem totally different to the book. Like how in the book Mary's mother was made out to be hard and swayed more towards her uncle and fathers views, whereas in the film - she was made to show more commpassion and fear for her children.
The only thing that bugged me was how they rushed through the movie and didnt include alot of what was written, and the film made it seem like Mary only had 2 children and not 3. So overall I think that the book was better than the film :) possibly my favourite book i have read so far.posted 2 years ago.
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Raving Witch
The books of movies are usually better. I have not watched the movie but I will try and make that happen this week.
posted 2 years ago.
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Jemma R
I found that the book and the movie were both great in their own way. There were some points throughout the movie that made it seem totally different to the book. Like how in the book Mary's mother was made out to be hard and swayed more towards her uncle and fathers views, whereas in the film - she was made to show more commpassion and fear for her children.
The only thing that bugged me was how they rushed through the movie and didnt include alot of what was written, and the film made it seem like Mary only had 2 children and not 3. So overall I think that the book was better than the film :) possibly my favourite book i have read so far.posted 2 years ago.
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Christina L
Yah.. I couldn't put this book down! Honestly.. I can count on one hand how many books I have read cover to cover.. and I got this as a present and couldn't stop reading it! The way Gregory takes a piece of history and elaborates on the characters is amazing. It really drew me in, the movie did not do that at all. I was disappointed when I saw the movie, in comparison.
posted 2 years ago.
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Suz
I absolutely ADORED this book. I just can't put down any of Philippa Gregory's books. What I love the most is knowing that her books are written after lengthy periods of research of her characters and the era. So it really makes me feel like i'm part of that period, experiencing it word for word... thre is just no way to descrive how fantastic this book and all her books are. Ten out of Ten and then some!
posted 2 years ago.
