You know those writers who release a book every year and you just automatically buy it…because you know they never let you down?
Phillipa Gregory is one of those writers for me. The reigning queen of historical fiction, she steadily releases new books, and I’ve loved her work for years.
The book that began it all for me, The Other Boleyn Girl, is such a corker read that it’s a must for anyone who likes history – or anyone who just loves a good yarn.
It’s the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to the infamous Anne. Many might be unaware that Mary was the first to have a relationship with Henry the Eighth, before being “put aside” for Anne. Mary, though she is already married, is instructed by her ambitious family to yield to Henry’s advances for their financial and social gain. Despite her fear and reluctance, Mary finds herself genuinely attracted to the charismatic Henry, who has not yet transformed into the monstrous tyrant of his later years. Later, headstrong and ambitious Anne embarks on a doomed relationship with the king while Mary, both jealous and protective of her sister, watches from a distance.
The best thing about this book is how skilfully Gregory weaves together historical fact and human drama into a compelling story of love and betrayal. The danger the sisters find themselves in – falling in and out of favour of the king – is frankly terrifying. You can really feel how stifling and treacherous it was living at court, particularly as a woman.
It’s like an intellectual soap opera, where relationships and flirtations are closely linked to high-stakes politics, and simply kissing the wrong person could mean death.
And I know that I almost always have a movie to suggest alongside my book recommendations but in this case the film, despite the stellar cast and gorgeous costumes, just doesn’t do justice to the intrigue and passion of this fantastic book.
Cherie lives, works, and reads in beautiful Tasmania – the green island gem below Australia known for its gorgeous landscape and beautiful wildlife. She holds multiple academic qualifications in English, journalism, and fine art theory, and has worked in writing, editing, and communications roles for more than a decade. Most importantly, she has a deep love for books that began as soon as she learned how to read.
Old, new, any genre – for Cherie, reading is about as vital as breathing. She is interested in sharing books that move, excite, and compel, so others can share the joy of a truly great read. While she reads across most genres, her favourite is literary fiction. Particularly anything by Margaret Atwood, Ottessa Moshfegh, Kate Atkinson, Elizabeth Berg, Ann Patchett, and Anne Tyler.
Cherie frequents Tasmania’s beautiful boutique book shops as well as scouring secondhand shops for books to add to her extensive home library. Catch up with her on LinkedIn and on Instagram.
