This book reminded me of how great it is to read. I bought this book years ago on an impulse. I remembered how much I enjoyed watching The Six Wives of Henry VIII on PBS long ago. So one rainy Saturday afternoon at a local cafe, I picked up the book and was immediately absorbed into another world that was so different and yet so familiar. I remembered much of the story from the PBS series. That didn't matter. I was interested in how feelings could so easily translate from long ago to modern times. After a period of time where I had read out of habit, I had found a page turner.
Part of me was a little embarrassed. Shouldn't I be trying to read Faulkner once again? Isn't this perilously close to being what one might call bodice ripper fiction?
When that thought would come up, I would take comfort in the historical notes that Gregory had with her books, where she would talk about her research and her thoughts on this particular subject. Since that day that I read this book, I have read many other novels of historical fiction, particularly the work of Jean Plaidy and Margaret George. At this point, I think I have read enough about Henry VIII. In a few years, I will probably pick up yet another book about him and his wives. Sometimes the writing does make me cringe. I haven't liked Gregory's books on the Plantagenets. It seemed the Tudor stories elevated her prose. I just bought Margaret George's book on Elizabeth I on Kindle, and after a few pages realized that for me, it was unreadable. I will revisit it later, but it just reminds me of the importance of requesting a sample always before purchasing.
But most of the time, I am completely entranced, and it all started wtih this book. It all started with a writer who had a great idea, to take a familiar story and turn it slightly on its head, to write about the other sister. I think it was that tilt that caused me to pick up the book, that persuaded me to read this story yet again, only to be captivated once more.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
