La dernière reine d'Henri VIII

by Luise Mühlbach, Jean-Louis Morgan (Translator)

It was in the year 1543. King Henry the Eighth of England that day once more pronounced himself the happiest and most enviable man in his kingdom, for to-day he was once more a bridegroom, and Catharine Parr, the youthful widow of Baron Latimer, had the perilous happiness of being selected as the king's sixth consort.

Genres: History, Tudor Period, Nonfiction

498 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1867

About the author

Luise Mühlbach was the pen name of Clara Mundt, a German writer best known for her works of historical fiction.

Luise Mühlbach, Pseudonym für Clara Mundt (Geboren Clara Maria Regina Müller) war eine deutsche Unterhaltungs-Schriftstellerin. Ihr Gesamtwerk umfasst 250 Bände und Mehrere ihrer Bücher wurden ins Englische übersetzt und besonders auch in den USA gelesen.

Reviews

[Alonzo Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you were a woman of the upper classes — what was the most dangerous you could have? Our author posits that job would be the wife of Henry VIII, and she has a point. On the one hand, you have Henry, who is bloodthirsty, mercurial, and pretty much convinced he is the best interpreter of God’s intent. On the other hand, you have scheming Lords and Ladies, whose goal is to replace you with another wife, who is a member of their political faction. And who is in your corner? Your would be lover? Well maybe, but he is dangerously ambitious. Princess Elizabeth? Well, perhaps, but she loves the same guy you do. The King’s fool? Well, he’s nice guy, but what can a mere joke teller do?

But Katherine Parr did outlive Henry, and this book imagines how she did it, as every plot against her fails. But it’s a wild ride, and our nineteenth century author does a decent job of depicting it. However, this is written in 1867, and it shows. There is a lot of campy romantic dialogue, characters speaking their innermost thoughts while alone ( like a Shakespearean aside), and a lot of odd and bad narrative choices. The reward is surprisingly tense plotting, some amusingly campy moments, and an extraordinary scene involving a fool, angry ladies in waiting, and a bored decadent king.

[Jeff J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical novel of the final years of the reign of Henry VIII, beginning with his wedding to his final wife, Catherine. The norms of historical fiction had yet to be established when this novel was written, however some of the awkward language could have been due to the translation from the original French. I confess I was looking for a history of his entire reign, which this isn’t, but as a portrait of Henry VIII at peak dissolution is fulfills it’s purpose.

[Lynn Berman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and paranoia everywhere!

Good as far as historical content. Love the footnotes, especially the actual words said by king or queen. Much too much 'inner musings' text, sometimes pages long.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Henry VIII's court during the last years of his reign, during his marriage to Catherine Parr. Catherine Parr did not want to marry King Henry VIII, she only complied with his wishes because she thought she might lose her life if she refused. Entering the court of Henry VIII as a queen was a very dangerous position. People plotted against Catherine Parr, and having to daily entertain a king that was cruel, sadistic, and moody was a difficult enough task. Catherine kept her life by using her mental fortitude, understanding her husband's mercurial temperament, keeping a watchful eye on her rivals, and using her considerable charm to nullify Henry's anger when it wad directed toward her. An entertaining and interesting read on the court of Henry VIII.

[Phil Syphe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work of historical fiction covers the period of 1543-48 when Henry VIII was in his final years. The author doesn't hold back from portraying the Tudor king as a tyrannical bloodthirsty sinner.

The story opens just after Henry's marriage to his sixth wife, Catharine Parr, and it is she who emerges as the heroine of the piece.

The German author has been faithful to these accounts of English history, and as the occasional footnote points out, certain lines are recalled word for word.

To say Catharine "survived" her husband is an understatement, for every day in the king's presence was a challenge.

A very good read, filled with intrigue and romance, never pausing for needless digression.

[Ramona · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally enjoy historical fiction as a fun read, so I don't necessarily have the highest expectations for writing quality. However this was extremely painful. Should have stopped but kept expecting it couldn't get worse - it did!

[Juley Berglund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical fiction. I felt the terror that every member of Henry VIII's court must have known daily under his capricious & violent hand.

[Therese]

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