Book Review: The Other Boleyn Girl

When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, Mary falls in love with both her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots as the king's interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king, and take her fate into her own hands.

A rich and compelling tale of love, sex, ambition, and intrigue, The Other Boleyn Girl introduces a woman of extraordinary determination and desire who lived at the heart of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe and survived by following her own heart.

When one thinks of Tudor England, he thinks of The Other Boleyn Girl. It's unfortunate, but true. Now, I've written a whole article disproving several highly fictional points of this novel, and so repeating all the wretched depictions I hated about this book would be awfully irksome and repetitive. There are many points I made here in my article "Breaking Down 'The Other Boleyn Girl'" that, if you're considering reading this should definitely read first before this review and before the actual novel.

Now to begin the actual review. With a story like Anne's and Mary's, there was so much potential for a great novel. And Gregory did create a great novel: just not a historical one. The Other Boleyn Girl was a rotten blend of lies and twisted truth, and it is a real shame that it represents Tudor books and has destroyed Anne Boleyn's reputation. All history grudge's aside, it's an entertaining book, but there should be a warning label so that readers can know just how fictional the novel is. Aside from history and plot, Gregory's writing style is laid-back yet sensory, rich and yet stylishly dry. Sure, I hated this book but there's no denying that she's one of the most talented writers out there. I don't recommend the novel, but as long as you're aware of the truth, go ahead and take a try at it, but warning, your blood will boil.

Statistics
Pages: 672
Publisher: Touchstone
Year Published: 2001
Kylie's Rating: ♛/♛♛♛♛♛ (1/5 Stars)