The Six Wives of Henry VIII

The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir

My rating: 4 of 5 stars




I've put off writing a review of this book because I'm sure that in attempting to do so, I would be divulging my inexperience at writing book reviews. Weir's book, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, is so rich in detail and history that this novice reviewer was too engrossed in it to even take notes!

What I can recall was the meticulous writing and research of Weir. That she is an excellent writer of fiction makes for a vivid and easy-to-read historical narrative. Not only does Weir include the public records to account for this biography, but unlike other biographers, Weir also includes a wealth of private letters and documents that attribute to a deeper understanding of the personalitites and characteristics of those within its pages.

The author did an excellent job of describing the political and religious expectations of those living in Tudor England, especially women. Women were to be seen, not heard, and certainly not heard with any opinions. Their sole value was determined according to the children they bore (heaven forbid if the bore only daughters). The fact that Henry's wives consistently produced female heirs and not his long-sought male heirs, I believe marked the actions of his entire reign. I think he would have been a very different king and husband if the stability he sought in both his family life and reign could have been secured by male issues.

From the annullments, beheadings, and setting aside of his wives to the Reformation and splitting from the Roman Catholic Church. Weir's book thoroughly covers the tumultuous reign of one of the most notable sovereigns of England's history.

More specifically, her book gives a concise and objective picture of the lives of each of these women, the challenges they faced, and the powers they were up against that formed their person and contributed to their actions. "From the cradle to the grave, the lives of Henry's Queens - and all women - were lived according to prescribed rules and conventions." Weir goes on to say that the perilous journey of the Queen was to "produce heirs for the succession" and to "set a high moral standard for court and kingdom by being a model of wifely dignity and virtue." Much to live up to, especially when during those times, childbirth was difficult and often led to death.

Overall, this biography read like a book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, fiction readers and non-fiction readers alike.

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Tags: Biography

The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily

The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily by Nancy Goldstone

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this biography by Nancy Goldstone! I had never heard of Queen Joanna, so obscure is she in history, but she was quite a remarkable woman. Living in the 1300's, Joanna was the granddaughter of Robert the Wise, King of Naples and was the first woman to govern a realm in her own name. Even though married four times, Joanna masterfully guarded her rule while dealing with complex political issues, constant war, economic "recessions," jealous and manipulative cousins, and even the black plague.

The book opens with Joanna standing trial in the papal courts for the murder of her first husband. Goldstone gives us insight into the character of the queen and this may be what hooked me. Joanna was a woman who never let the trials and challenges in her life bring her down. She always carried herself as a noble queen would and used her quick mind to argue with anyone who would oppose her or prevent her from carrying out the plans she made. She had a way with words and could almost always sway her audience to her side, and no matter what the circumstance, she always maintained a calm manner.

Throughout her life and reign, Joanna had to always look over her shoulder. Always fighting, it seemed. Cousins and others were constantly trying to steal her throne, ruthlessly plotting against her in hopes of usurping her. Husbands and their families, greedy monarchs of other nations, but Joanna managed to keep what was rightfully hers.

Quite devout in her beliefs, I was appalled at the papal courts interference in the matters of state. Joanna couldn't do anything without the approval and consent of the popes (which I found absolutely ridiculous!). In her shrewdness, Joanna managed to rule them without their realization by supporting them militarily and generously donating to their causes. She was a great leader to her subjects, honestly caring for them. She built hospitals and churches, encouraged education, and supported the arts. She did much to reduce crime and bring civility to her monarchy, and yet the church still excommunicated her towards the end of her life.

Joanna was murdered in the end, her body tossed like a rabid dog. She received no proper burial and to this day, her excommunication has never been lifted. I was so angry when I got to the end of this book. Goldstone's writing had a way of making me love Joanna as a dear friend and I was angered over the injustice of her death. After all she had done and been through, there was no burial, no ceremony, no acknowledgement of her life. I, of course, blame the Catholic Church.

Goldstone's detail to history throughout this book is impeccable; her writing style effortless. Not once did I feel like putting the book down to read something more interesting. Many notable characters can also be found within it's pages. Goldstone did a great job with her research and then relaying it to the readers. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read another book by Goldstone!

Tags: Biography