The Spanish Queen: A Novel Of Henry VIII And Catherine Of Aragon (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This was different. I'm so used to Allison Weir and Philippa Gregory. First of all, there is hardly any mention of Princess Mary (Catherine's daughter, simply a few sentences here and there about her arranged marriages. Catherine never says much about missing her, and seems to be more concerned about being usurped by Anne Boleyn. I love historical re-imaginings more than the next girl, but this one seemed so contrived. I didn't feel like I was reading about the Catherine of Aragon with the steel resolve, but a woman who didn't want to displease her mother's memory by giving up easily. I felt really let down about the character, which was a shame as I loved Erickson's "The Last Wife of King Henry VIII". I am a big fan of Historical fiction. This book gave me the fix I needed. Catherine of Aragon, whose parents were King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella, a warrior princess, is sent to England to marry Arthur, who is a weakly prince & leaves her a young widow. It is then decided for her to marry his brother, Henry, an athletic & energetic young man. These were times when a son ensured a strong & lasting dynasty, & all but one child of Catherine & Henry survived, that being a girl, much to Henry's dismay. Catherine faces many obstacles married to Henry, including his many infatuations, including his most famous with Anne Boleyn. Catherine goes through many turns in her life, many humiliating, many heartbreaking. She has been portrayed as being very pious, a very quiet & suffering woman. This book brings her to light as a strong and proud daughter of the King & Queen of Spain. The book shows a different kind of character for Catherine. It depicts her as truly having & going through a woman's emotions. And I did enjoy the story.
What do You think about The Spanish Queen: A Novel Of Henry VIII And Catherine Of Aragon (2013)?
I enjoy historical fiction so it his book kept my interest. Otherwise, it really was just mediocre.
—haze2day
This was an awesome book. A good page turner. I could not put it down.
—turakhia
