Reading: The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory

"You must use what you have,' he says, the advice of a good man to a whore for time immemorial. 'You must use what you are allowed'" Philippa Gregory, Taming of the Queen

Title: The Taming of the Queen (Tudor Court #5)

Author: Philippa Gregory

Published: 2015

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

It's weird to say that you "really liked" a book when at the same time it made you angry and frustrated and, at points, sick to your stomach. To be fair, certain historical figures made me feel that way and maybe the book shouldn't be held accountable?

I've been reading Philippa Gregory's historical fictions for so long, I really can't remember a time before them. Certain periods/points in my adult life (trips, friends, college) are very easily associated with specific books. (the same is true of Harry Potter and my chlidhood).

I've read all of the published books in her Tudor and Cousins' War series and it's so interesting to see how her opinions, interpretations, and liberties have changed as the books progressed. As a fiction writer, she is entitled to take certain liberties. As the books and stories of Henry VIII have progressed, it feels like Gregory (through her research and writing) is 100% done with his shit. This book follows the last few years of his life as told from the perspective of his last wife, the one that outlived him: Kateryn Parr.

We're all quite familiar with some of Henry's wives, particularly the first two. Even as a British history buff, I couldn't protest to know very much about Katherine Parr. It was fascinating to get a better idea of this brilliant, devout, and wily woman who was able to outlive one of the most dangerous monarchs in their history. Especially at a time when he found killing his wives an acceptable solution to marital strife.

Anyway, rather than go on all day about Henry Viii and his wives, go ahead and read the series for yourself. The narrative writing style, revelations along the way, and empathetic storytelling creates a really interesting read that sets you on the path of research and discovery to learn more.

I leave you with this:

BBC's Horrible Histories has this fun little ditty to help remember Henry VII's wives:

Divorced, Beheaded, and Died

Divorced, Beheaded, Survived

#bookreview #history #historicalfiction #nerd