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amylikestoread's review
3.0
3.5*
Interesting to hear from the perspective of Henry VIII as often it is done from one of his wives. The book could have done with being shortened and the Will sections added little to the book.
Interesting to hear from the perspective of Henry VIII as often it is done from one of his wives. The book could have done with being shortened and the Will sections added little to the book.
ophilia_rose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bex_702's review
4.0
This is a beautifully researched book and helps bring to life and incredibly fascinating figure. This book is incredibly detailed and enjoyable. However it is a great commitment to finish this book. I listen to an audio book and found myself growing tiresome at spots. It was nice in audio format because I felt as if the King himself was talking to me, and I a dutiful subject, recording his memoirs. This is worth the effort as I am fascinated by Henry and his wives and done a great deal of my own research on the subjects. My advice is it is worth the time, but be prepared to give it that.
lisamshardlow's review against another edition
5.0
This was really good. I’d never read any historical fiction set from the point of view of Henry VIII before. Would he really have been like this though? I kind of felt sorry for his very deluded self. This is not how I imagined him to be, but I enjoyed it regardless. Anne Boleyn too, I just don’t know if she would have been like how she was depicted in this book, but I guess we were seeing her through the eyes of "Henry VIII". Really enjoyed his not very flattering descriptions of Anne of Cleves as well!
thegirlinpolitics's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kschmoldt's review
5.0
Wow. I can’t believe I finally finished this huge book. It seems like I’ve been reading it for a very long time, but it’s only been three weeks, so I guess that’s not too bad. Yes, it deserves a five. It is a stunning piece of fiction. I highly recommend it if you have any interest in Tudor history. Obviously, it isn’t really Henry VIII’s autobiography, but George did her research, so I think I can trust her. You will probably come away from this book liking Henry VIII a little more than you previously had, I know I did.
amibunk's review
1.0
Another book I cannot finish this summer. And I really did try. This book seemed like it would be right up my alley: Margaret George is a decent writer, I love the Tudor period intrigue and drama, and 900 page books don't scare me. However, 900 pages of being stuck in Henry VIII's pompous, hypocritical, tyranical point of view is more than this poor player can stand. "I was always forced to play the villain, only because I knew things that others did not...." I made it to the Anne Boleyn debacle and then gave up in defeat.
colorfulleo92's review
5.0
This took me quite a while to finish but not because this chunky book dragged at all. Actually was surprised how intruiging and easy it was to keep reading. Was expecting not to like this one very much as I doubted I would enjoy the story from Henry's point of view. Margaret George didn't romantisaised Henry in anyway, I feel. And while the author obviously had taken her own ideas on what happened between historical figures, I thought it was very well done.
akenny614's review
2.0
My complaint is more with Henry than with the author. He's a whiny, power-hungry, man-baby, and I just cannot take it.