Philippa Gregory’s novel, “The Other Boleyn Girl,” is a great historical fiction read that takes the reader right into the exciting times of Henry VIII. The story is told from the point of view of Mary Boleyn, the younger sister of Anne. Her story unfolds in the English court of Henry VIII around the time when he began to look for a new wife to replace his first, Queen Katherine of Aragon. His eye falls on Mary, who is 14 at the time, and married. Her only option is to become his mistress, and her family pushes her forward in hopes of getting favors from the king. After bearing him two children, one girl and one boy, Mary still stays with the king, but he has a new favorite at court; Mary’s sister Anne. Anne was brilliant, beautiful, and captivating. Henry couldn’t resist her. Slowly Mary is eclipsed by Anne’s glory and is forced to step back as her sister becomes the favorite in the family and the court. Though she isn’t first anymore, Mary has learned that being the favorite isn’t the most important thing her in her life. Her children and her own happiness become more important than family and king.

A great example of Gregory’s writing comes from the first chapter of the novel.

“The court returned quietly to Westminster Palace in three barges, rowed up the river. The men on the riverbank pulled off their hats and kneeled as the royal barge went swiftly past with a flurry of pennants and a glimpse of rich cloth. I was in the second barge with the ladies of the court, the queen’s barge. My mother was seated near me. In a rare moment of interest she glanced at me and remarked, ‘You’re very pale, Mary, are you feeling sick?’

‘I didn’t think he would be executed,’ I said. ‘I thought the king would forgive him.’

My mother leaned forward so that her mouth was at my ear and no one could have heard us over the creaking of the boat and the beat of the rowers’ drum. “Then you are a food,” she said shortly. ‘And a fool to remark it. Watch and learn, Mary. There is no room for mistakes at court.’”

I chose to read The Other Boleyn Girl because of my love for all things Tudor-related. If you enjoy reading historical fiction, or love learning about the Tudors, this book is for you. Gregory took one of the most important historical events in English history (the Protestant Reformation) and brought it to life through the characters of Mary, Anne, and their brother George. Though the reader knows what the outcome of this story is, it is still a gripping novel. Gregory’s knowledge of the English court and castles throughout the country made the reader feel as if they were there alongside Mary running through the halls of Hever or Whitehall. I felt that this was one of the best Tudor novels I’ve read as well. Gregory shows sides of Henry that many people don’t know of. He was a devoted father and husband who was given all the power in the world, and chose to use it for his own purposes. I enjoyed this novel so much that I have read almost all of Gregory’s novels, including her other Tudor time period ones The Queen’s Fool and The Virgin’s Lover. I would recommend this to anyone who loves history and drama.