Book Review - The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

I have just finished the best historical fiction book I have ever read. Incidentally, it would be The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.

I read this because a) I have been wanting to read her for awhile, b) Best Friend bought the book so I had to have it also (petty, yes, I know), and c) I wanted to read the book before I watched the movie.

I thought it would be a quick, easy read. You know, a fluff book. Oh Boy! Was I wrong! I was wrong! I was wrong! (I may be petty but I can at least admit when I’m wrong.) Let me say it again…The Other Boleyn Girl is not a fluff read.

I enjoyed the writing so much that I had to look up the author, Philippa Gregory, and devour her website. I respect her use of the details to history without taking away from the story. I respect her work in women’s studies, which is an area of interest to me, and how it plays out in the book.

Philippa Gregory’s characters have strength and they have depth. When I was reading Mary I felt as though I were her. When I was reading about Anne I was Anne. For the time I was reading the book I was another Boleyn girl. When I wasn’t reading I was thinking about the book, the characters, and trying to find a way to pick it back up again to read.

I finally finished the book and was not disappointed. The book was captivating all the way up to the end. Now I have to get my hands on more of her books. I’ve been wanting to read The Virgin’s Lover so hopefully that will be next.

Thank you Philippa Gregory for sharing your love of history, women’s studies, and writing skills with us (especially me). Hey, I said I was petty.