The Other Boleyn Girl

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

*This is a fictitious account of historical events...........very fictitious.*
The story of the rise and fall (crash) of the Boleyn/Howard family written through the eyes of Mary, sister of Anne Boleyn. Henry VIII is married to Katherine of Aragon. His every thought is either consumed with creating a male heir or adulterating with a member of the court. The three Boleyn children, Mary, Anne and George were birthed and bread to come to court and climb the ladder, dragging their scheming family with them.
Mary is taken as Henry's mistress at the tender age of 14. She is already married to a courtier, but once the king has his eye on her, nothing else matters to her family. Mary is able to give birth to a daughter and son for the king. As she is pregnant and birthing their son, the kings eye is turned to the darker (physically and emotionally) sister, Anne.
The Boleyn/Howard family along with Anne hatch a historically diabolical scheme to have Katherine dethroned as the queen and subplant her with Anne. Anne must use all of her energy, feminine wiles, intrigue, even incest and sorcery to keep the king and give him a male heir.
I was completely captivated by the story. I loved the historical setting and the juxtapose of the scheming Anne and the contrary and sweet Mary.
Rating 4.5
Rating R The court is wild and sexual. Sexual themes and descriptions.