Review by Maggie Perkovic on show 28th Jan 2010.
I am a great fan of Anne Boleyn. I have read a lot of works about her, both in fact and fiction and this book by Alison Weir is certainly a definitive version. She has assimilated the facts and shifted through both the documents and fantasy that make up her legend.
Anne was accused of adultery with five men, one her own brother and sentenced to death at a court hearing where only one verdict was possible. Cromwell may have been following Henry's wishes to rid himself of a wife that had failed to provide a male heir but did Henry actually wish to be labelled a cuckold??
He disinherited his daughter Elizabeth, for being born of the 'concubine' as Anne was insultingly called. Yet apart from one youthful romance with Harry Percy her past was quite pure, with a sister like Mary whose reputation for many lovers caused her embarassment, she presented an aloof though fascinating demeanour. Witty, clever, not beautiful but elegant, disguising her slight disfigurements, a mole on her neck and extra nails on the side of her little fingers, with garments to conceal them.
Henry waited 7 long years to wed her. Sadly the great infatuation he had for her waned once the pursuit was over, probably the first woman to refuse the king (don't believe all you see on the Tudors).
The book I think, proves that Anne was innocent of the charges, but she went to her death very bravely with her usual wit, thanking the King for raising her from a lady to a Marchioness, from thence to a Queen and now to a Martyr!!!
Her wit and lack of respect to his majesty helped to bring her downfall!!
A well researched book that admirers of this period of history will apreciate.
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