I really appreciated the deeper understanding of court politics in very personal terms while reading this book and the intimate dilemmas of living within a family whose fortunes are dependent on such a political system.
I did often wonder as reading if the book could have been half or two thirds as long if every dress worn had not been described in detail.

This is a very interesting book based on historical events. I found myself wanting to know more about the English court and royalty throughout history. The three main characters provide many different aspects for discussion as does the whole royalty concept.

I loved this book. I loved the story, the characters, the tone of the book. I have read this book which led me to read Philippa Gregory's other books... Queen's Fool, The Virgin's Lover.. and I have to say I have loved every book by Philippa. Her books are very hard to put down and when you find yourself in situation where you can not read... you can't concentrate because all you want to do is go home and pick up this book. A great read and awesome author.

This book reads like a soap opera, but don't hold that against it. It is thoroughly engrossing and you will not be able to put it down. This book is quite historically accurate, though there are places where the author takes creative liscense as is her perogative. Nevertheless, you will be inspired to research the history for yourself, both to learn more and to see where it diverges.

There is discussion aplenty with this book. The discussion guide is merely supplemental. Topics include the characters' motivatons, roles of women in society then and now, and did the author's portrayal of history make for a better story. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this book is for you.

A book I wouldn't have normally picked, absolutely loved it! Great discussion!

I loved this book and its insights into Henry VIII's court. The characters are well-developed and the plot is intriguing. However, I was very disappointed to learn how historically inaccurate it was where the real Mary Boleyn is concerned.

Clearly Philippa Gregory did extensive research into the Tudor dynasty of England. Having read much regarding this period I found this book to follow known facts accurately and it provided a fascinating speculation from the author's prospective. It is certain that the author took liberties with the nature of the culture. It is doubtful that Mary would have resigned herself to being the loving caring wife and mother after having been so indoctrinated her entire life to be subordinate and no more than property to be manipulated. But it made for a great story...much more enjoyable than reality probably offered. The idea of Mary Boleyn narrating the book made it absolutely captivating.

I thought the character development of this book was good. I was creeped out by how young the girl characters are when they are married off...and having sex...but I know that is a product of the times not of her writing. LONG book but good story!

Leah

I did not vote for this book at our meeting; however, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! This is the reason I love being in a book club - I loved a book that I never would have read on my own.

Couldn't put it down!

Wow! What a fantastic read. I blasted through it in a matter of days. It grabs your attention and never lets go. It's intelligent, well researched and completely mouth-watering! Everyone that I gave the book to was enthralled with it. it's a book lover's MUST!

This is one of my favorite books. Up there with The Red Tents, Memoirs of a Geisha and Gone With the Wind. Great use of history as a fictional backdrop. Has turned me on to all things Tudor and all books by Gregory.

Oh the treachery!

A good read! A little confusing at first about the blood lines, so I went on line and made a family tree and read a little history of the Boleyn Girls. That provide core understanding to the time, events and place. I do not often read historical history but when I do it always makes my education of whatever event come alive and I keep it with me. The one major negative comment I would have to make: it often reads like a soap opera. That is why I would only give it 3 stars.

I thought this read too much like a Harlequin romance. I know the story but the detail was too much, the book was too long and I did not think the writing was worth all the attention it has been receiving lately.

I wasn't very impressed with this book. It was simplistic and the characters seemed very flat. Mary is the sweet one. Anne is ambitious and ruthless. Henry is the spoiled, pouting king. Ho hum. I had big hopes for this and I love historical fiction but this was just a bodice ripper set it Tudor England.

Engaging story hich got me hooked instantly

This novel takes you on a journey of a family driven to win the favor of the King and all the prizes that come with that.

It will take you on an jorney of emotions from enchanted, intrigue to suprise and thrilling. It brings to life the experiences of the court never captured by your school books. History becomes intersting and makes you want to know what happens next.

Although the book is very "wordy", I enjoy descriptions of the times, castles, clothing, customs, etc. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I enjoy reading Philippa Gregory's novels. I am a fast reader, but depending on how often a club meets and how much time the members have to read, this may not be a good choice. My club chose not to read this one. I read it on my own.

Although longer than our usual book club reads, this book kept me interested to the end. P. Gregory did a very good job combining a fictional story with historical facts. Not only was it an entertaining story, but I learned a lot about the period and the royal lineage. We also watched the Tutors on Showtime which is about Henry VIII and Anne. Interesting parallel to the book.

This book is highly entertaining and quite addictive. The characters are well presented, and the plot moves quickly. All in our group enjoyed this book. We had a lively discussion about the time period, the characters and the plot. Or course, the movie had just been released so we're curious as to what had been included and changed from the book.

Highly recommended!

Historical fiction based on the true story of the Boleyn family's struggle to gain the crown of England. They stop at nothing - using their two young daughters as pawns to pull the attention of the king away from his wife.

This book was a great read and really brought you into the world of Henry VIII. We've all heard about his various wives, but this story was really great. Always interesting to read the info in the back later to see how much as true and how much was made up. The group enjoyed the book very much and we have a good discussion as well.

I enjoyed this book immensely even though I knew what the outcome was going to be, given that is is historical fiction. Entertaining.

Several years ago I read Philippa Gregory's name on a review and set about collecting all her books. They sat quietly in my book case a couple of years and in early 2008 when The Other Boleyn Girl came out, I pulled the Tudor series down and began reading. My first mistake was to read this book first, followed by the Boleyn Inheritance. I should have read the Constant Princess (Catherine of Aragon's story) first. In any case, I was just mesmerized with this series. Actually to the point I decided it was so rich with history that I purchased a half dozen various books on Henry VIII. Inasmuch as this is historical fiction, its rich in details of life in court and the trials and tribulations related to the royal life. I just could not imagine living in that time but it was fascinating in any case. I highly recommend reading the series.

Most of our club members enjoyed this book. Those members with Sisters seemed to enjoy it most. Some felt that the pages could have been slimmed down for a better story and a bit less description and romance.

Thought this was a fascinating book telling all about the courts of Henry the Eigth - Loved it.

Our club LOVED this book..so much to discuss. Historical fiction that goes beyond the storybook tales of royalty.

Everyone loved this book. There was so much meat for discussions. Meetings always ran over. Later we watched the movie, and of course preferred the book.

Is a wonderful book for fans of the Tudors or fans of Henry VII. Adventerous, romantic, historical, etc. Very good!

i love all of phillipa gregory's books. One of my favorite authors.

Loving these historical fiction novels. Can't wait to read the whole series.

“Watch and learn Mary, there’s no room for mistakes at Court’ warns her mother, Elizabeth Boleyn, whilst they watch another life being ended at the whim of King Henry VIII. No one keeps their head intact if they obstruct his bludgeoning path through life.
This is a novel and not a biography and seen through the eyes of Anne Boleyn’s sister Mary, an unknown in traditional British history. His Majesty is attracting, in equal measures, admirers to be impressed and enemies (actual and perceived) to be overpowered. His first wife, known to us as Catherine of Aragon, is depicted as a natural Queen, loving, loyal and an ideal consort. Mary Boleyn is one of the Royal Ladies-in-Waiting and, initially at least, respects and loves the Queen who is devastated that she unable to produce a living male heir.
In a time when women were marketable and a commodity to be used by any man with influence on the family to enhance its position in court, Mary, at first unwillingly it would seem, assumes the role of mistress to the King, falls in love with him and produces him a ‘Fitzroy’, an illegitimate son. Henry, in the meantime, has eyes only for her sister and wants nothing more to do with mother or child.
Anne makes the most of Henry’s obsession for her and convinced that he will worship her forever, denies him sex before marriage. To overcome this obstacle, he is persuaded to set up a new religion ‘The Church of England’ that allows him to divorce his long-suffering wife, whereas his original religion, The Catholic Church, does not. (Ironically, the Vatican in Rome reputedly still houses a series of love letters from King Henry to Anne Boleyn.)
Mary asks the King to show mercy towards Anne when her death sentence is announced: ‘Is she to die for being an obedient daughter?’ Their brother, George and their father, are executed in due course too. George Boleyn, is shown to be obsessive and immoral. Needlessly marrying a woman he detests (Jane Parker) and being accused of incest with Anne, his involvement in the story helps to seal her immortal infamy.
We are lead to believe that, because Mary loved Henry as a man not as a king, he let her survive. She lived happily (albeit for a short time) far away from the Royal Court and inherited the family estate.

We gave it an average mark of 8/10

Loved reading a historical fiction. The only problem was the length, but it was a fast read. Learned about King Henry the 8th reign & what happened in that period.

Well written and researched.