Here is a wonderful work of Historical Fiction! Its a large book, (661 pages), but doesn’t seem to take that long to read, because the story stays interesting from start to finish. It allows the reader to complete lose one’s self in England of the 1500’s.

Its based on the lives of two sisters from the Boleyn family. Mary is 12, and already married to a man named William Carey when the book starts. (The young age is not considered to be too young to be married by anyone who lived at that time.) Her slightly older sister, Anne, is just returning from France, where she was part of the French King’s Court. Both girls, and their older brother George, are going to be part of the English King Henry’s Court.

The entire story is told from the point of view of Mary. She starts out very innocent, but gets drawn deeper and deeper into her families devious plans, despite her wishes to do what she wants, and to follow her heart. The story is full of political intrigue, something that seems to be a part of all Royal Courts. These people seem to have had nothing more to do than to gossip, flirt, and attempt to gain the most favor with the King! Its better than most Soap Operas!

Mary and Anne soon discover that they are nothing more than pawns for their family to use to gain wealth, favor, and power. King Henry takes a liking to Mary, and her family pushes her to flirt with the King, even though she is already married! Mary objects, but has to do it anyway. Things get deeper and deeper. As the story goes on, its unclear if Henry favors Mary the most, or her sister Anne, or his wife, Queen Katherine. I cannot begin to explain here all the twists and turns this story goes through and do it any justice. You will have to read it for yourself.

Anyone who knows a little about history can accurately guess what happens to Anne, George, and Queen Katherine. Even with that knowledge, it’s a great story. Gregory did quite a bit of homework to write this one. She details some of that work at the end of the book, after the story is done, and I found that to be interesting as well.

Readers who enjoyed Birth Of Venus by Dunnant, or Leonardo’s Swans by Essex, both of which I consider to be a form of Historical Fiction, will enjoy The Other Boleyn Girl by Gregory. One major difference is that this book takes place in England, and the other two are set in Italy. All are hard to put down.