The Boleyn Inheritance, Phillipa Gregory’s novel about Henry VIII’s fourth and fifth marriages lacks the brilliant touch which brought The Other Boleyn Girl its fame.
Anne of Cleves travels to England to marry the aging and ill King Henry VIII. A short-lived marriage, Henry blames his impotence on Anne and seeks the attention of her pretty lady-in-waiting, Katherine Howard. However, as a young girl she is unwary of the dangers of court, which might prove to be her undoing.The constant repetition present in the narrative of The Boleyn Inheritance is belittling and condescending to its audience, whilst characterisation relies heavily common perceptions. As a consequence is flat characters with whom it is hard to empathise. In such a much praised author I expected more.
The redeeming qualities of this book were its tragic climax and the level of historical description. Once again, Gregory has done her research and is presenting her readers with an accurate chain of events meaning that the history is well padded out with an artistic flare.
The redeeming qualities of this book were its tragic climax and the level of historical description. Once again, Gregory has done her research and is presenting her readers with an accurate chain of events meaning that the history is well padded out with an artistic flare.
Overall, The Boleyn Inheritance receives 3 out of 5 for being well researched but producing unimaginative characters.
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