This novel takes a much more sympathetic look at the infamous Queen Anne which is a
take on her that I had not read before. In this novel Anne fights off Henry's advances and is not trying to get anything from him. Here she is not the grasping power hungry woman that is usually portrayed. Weir does a great job illustrating the long and drawn out courtship between King Henry and Anne. It is incredible to consider just how long he pursued her. I do wish that Weir had speculated more on why Anne was allowed to stay unmarried for so long, when clearly her father had been preparing her for a good marriage but then seems to allow her to become spinster without explanation. This is a very well written novel that manages to remain compelling even with an ending that is so well known. Weir shows us how quickly Anne fell from grace after her marriage, which is in and of itself fascinating when considered against their long courtship and what it took for their marriage even to take place.

Weir also chose to show Anne's intellectual side and her involvement in the religious battles of her day. Anne is very much shown as a proponent of religious reform against the excesses and corruption of the Catholic Church. The charges of heresy and treason and the famous men sentenced to die set the stage for what will be the final end for Queen Anne.

Weir's take on Anne's sentence and execution is nothing less than compelling. While her end is well known I will avoid spoiling Weir's take on it in the book with spoilers here. This book is very different than Philippa Gregory's version. Anne and her family are portrayed very differently here. The difference is fascinating and leads a reader to wonder at the truth of the events portrayed and the death of Anne and the men who also met their end under the same accusations. Weir has a wonderfully detailed author's note at the end of the book which discusses her decision to write this novel as she did with the sympathetic Anne. I also have to say having read Weir's Innocent Traitor and The Lady Elizabeth this novel is much better. Weir is much improved as a writer and this book not only flows much better but is also a fast pace novel, which is really impressive for a novel based on events that are so well known. I had not intended to get hooked on Weir's series of these Tudor Queens but now I find myself very much intrigued on her take of these famous women.

5 Plus Stars

This historical novel starts out with Anne at age eleven at Hever Castle. Soon, she is informed by her father, Sir Thomas Boleyn that she is to go to the Regent’s land of Netherlands. She is excited to go. When she arrives, she finds the Regent, the daughter of Emperor Maximillian, a kind and learned lady. She learns French, dancing and a host of other lady-like pursuits.

At fifteen while she is in France, Anne announces she is done with men. She gets the reputation that she is an ice maiden. She is fed up with French men, for they take whatever they want without repercussions. She is horrified to learn that her father is contracting a marriage for her to James Butler of Ireland.

Anne returns to England. After her sister, Mary is essentially raped by King Henry Anne goes to her father, Sir Thomas Boleyn who shrugs off the whole encounter. He is far more intent on gaining riches and fame to be incensed about the treatment of his daughter.

As Sir Thomas Boleyn rises in the court and in the eyes of the king, Anne returns to his court. She falls in love with Harry Percy, and they contract between themselves to marry. But the King puts an end to it through the auspices of Cardinal Wolsey. Anne is naturally upset at this news. Anne finds many eligible young men – and some not so eligible – courting her. She finds King Henry staring at her frequently. She is uncomfortable.

And so the rest of our story goes… Henry pursues Anne relentlessly. He sends Thomas Wyatt away as an ambassador because he is pursuing Anne as well. Anne wants Thomas only as a friend.

The ambassador of France questions Henry’s daughter, Mary’s, legitimacy based on his “incestuous” relationship with Queen Katherine, who was Henry’s brother, Arthur’s wife first. Henry is beset by doubts and begins to question whether he should have his marriage to Katherine annulled because he has no heirs – namely legitimate sons.

This book portrays Anne as a reluctant suitor to Henry. Although she intensely desires the crown, she doesn’t love Henry at all. Over time, she gets more used to him. From the start of their relationship, her mouth seems to get her into much trouble. This irritates the King, but Anne seems unable to stop herself. She appears vindictive to the former Queen Elizabeth and her daughter, Mary.

This is a remarkable book, based on what is known about Anne and her life and downfall. It is detailed and well researched. There is some speculation, of course, but with an incomplete historical record, some speculation is to be both expected and understood.

Ms. Weir is a very good writer and I look very much forward to the next in her series on the Tudor queens.

I want to thank Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for forwarding to me a copy of this most remarkable and edifying book to read.