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Wives of King Henry VIII
The Favored Queen
From The New York Times bestselling author of The Last Wife of Henry VIII comes a powerful and moving novel about Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII, who married him only days after the execution of Anne Boleyn and ultimately lost her own life in giving him the son he badly needed to guarantee the Tudor succession
Born into an ambitious noble family, young Jane Seymour is sent to Court as a Maid of Honor to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's aging queen. She is devoted to her mistress and watches with empathy as the calculating Anne Boleyn contrives to supplant her as queen. Anne's single-minded intriguing threatens all who stand in her way; she does not hesitate to arrange the murder of a woman who knows a secret so dark that, if revealed, would make it impossible for the king to marry Anne.
Once Anne becomes queen, no one at court is safe, and Jane herself becomes the object of Anne's venomous rage when she suspects Jane has become the object of the king's lust. Henry, fearing that Anne's inability to give him a son is a sign of divine wrath, asks Jane to become his next queen. Deeply reluctant to embark on such a dangerous course, Jane must choose between her heart and her loyalty to the king.
Acclaimed biographer and bestselling novelist Carolly Erickson weaves another of her irresistible historical entertainments about the queen who finally gave Henry VIII his longed for heir, set against the excitement and danger of the Tudor Court.
Born into an ambitious noble family, young Jane Seymour is sent to Court as a Maid of Honor to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's aging queen. She is devoted to her mistress and watches with empathy as the calculating Anne Boleyn contrives to supplant her as queen. Anne's single-minded intriguing threatens all who stand in her way; she does not hesitate to arrange the murder of a woman who knows a secret so dark that, if revealed, would make it impossible for the king to marry Anne.
Once Anne becomes queen, no one at court is safe, and Jane herself becomes the object of Anne's venomous rage when she suspects Jane has become the object of the king's lust. Henry, fearing that Anne's inability to give him a son is a sign of divine wrath, asks Jane to become his next queen. Deeply reluctant to embark on such a dangerous course, Jane must choose between her heart and her loyalty to the king.
Acclaimed biographer and bestselling novelist Carolly Erickson weaves another of her irresistible historical entertainments about the queen who finally gave Henry VIII his longed for heir, set against the excitement and danger of the Tudor Court.
295 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
28 people are currently reading
1935 people want to read
About the author
Carolly Erickson
32 books709 followersDistinguished historian Carolly Erickson is the author of The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette, The First Elizabeth, Great Catherine, Alexandra and many other prize-winning works of fiction and nonfiction. She lives in Hawaii.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/caroll...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/caroll...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
February 20, 2015
Do yourself a favor and don't read this book. A nice alternative would be Plain Jane: a novel of Jane Seymour (Jun 2006), by Laurien Gardner. Although I have not read it, it got a good review from Library Journal and it would have to be better than this book.
The other alternative would be for one of you fair readers to write your own novel. I'd read it. I promise.
Now, on to the review.
******************************************************************
Really? Really?
Like many other folks on this here site, I was really looking forward to this book. (Especially as, I have to admit, The Tudors depicted Jane Seymour as an extraordinarily compassionate, humane, and generous woman.) I think the story of Jane Seymour would be a great one to tell.
Ms. Erickson, you dropped the ball.
Completely apart from the incredible stretching of the truth (this book bordered on the fantastical), it just wasn't really well-written. It read like mediocre fanfic (of which I have read plenty, kthxbye.)
Historical FICTION is one things. But this was practically fantasy fiction. Jane becomes the rescuer of her sister-in-law and two nephews? She's practically BFF with Queen Catherine and envied by the Spanish ladies in waiting? She randomly falls in lust with a glazier? Anne Boleyn kills off said glazier and makes Jane vengeful? Queen Catherine nurses Anne Boleyn back to health, and many years later, gives Jane her deathbed blessing to marry Henry? And King Henry calls Anne HIS LITTLE PUFFBALL???????
The other alternative would be for one of you fair readers to write your own novel. I'd read it. I promise.
Now, on to the review.
******************************************************************
Really? Really?
Like many other folks on this here site, I was really looking forward to this book. (Especially as, I have to admit, The Tudors depicted Jane Seymour as an extraordinarily compassionate, humane, and generous woman.) I think the story of Jane Seymour would be a great one to tell.
Ms. Erickson, you dropped the ball.
Completely apart from the incredible stretching of the truth (this book bordered on the fantastical), it just wasn't really well-written. It read like mediocre fanfic (of which I have read plenty, kthxbye.)
Historical FICTION is one things. But this was practically fantasy fiction. Jane becomes the rescuer of her sister-in-law and two nephews? She's practically BFF with Queen Catherine and envied by the Spanish ladies in waiting? She randomly falls in lust with a glazier? Anne Boleyn kills off said glazier and makes Jane vengeful? Queen Catherine nurses Anne Boleyn back to health, and many years later, gives Jane her deathbed blessing to marry Henry? And King Henry calls Anne HIS LITTLE PUFFBALL???????
October 26, 2011
I knew within the first ten pages that this book would be a challenge. The way Jane is written, she seems to suffer from "special snowflake syndrome". You know, the "I'm not like other girls, I'm completely different, I'm the favorite of Queen Catherine", etc.
Why on Earth would a writer, who claims that they’ve done all this research and have written both fiction and nonfiction books on Tudor-esque subjects, perpetuate a rumour that was disproved back in 1876? Clearly, if Anne Boleyn had “a finger that was cleft at the tip, so that it appeared to be two fingers and not one” would not have been brought to court, let alone have caught the eye of the King.
(In regards to the exhumation: "Since physical deformities were generally interpreted as a sign of evil, it is unlikely that Anne Boleyn would have gained Henry’s romantic attention had she had any. Upon exhumation in 1876, no abnormalities were discovered. Her frame was described as delicate, approximately 5’3”, with finely formed, tapering fingers.”)
I would be a bit more understanding if this was written, oh, in the early 1900s. But it's been 135 years. Why are people still perpetuating rumours that were brought about by Nicholas Sander, "a Roman Catholic recusant born c. 1530, was committed to deposing Elizabeth I and re-establishing Roman Catholicism in England"?
You are NOT a "distinguished historian", and I shudder to think about what other falsehoods are written in the non-fiction books. I will not be reading another book by this author.
Why on Earth would a writer, who claims that they’ve done all this research and have written both fiction and nonfiction books on Tudor-esque subjects, perpetuate a rumour that was disproved back in 1876? Clearly, if Anne Boleyn had “a finger that was cleft at the tip, so that it appeared to be two fingers and not one” would not have been brought to court, let alone have caught the eye of the King.
(In regards to the exhumation: "Since physical deformities were generally interpreted as a sign of evil, it is unlikely that Anne Boleyn would have gained Henry’s romantic attention had she had any. Upon exhumation in 1876, no abnormalities were discovered. Her frame was described as delicate, approximately 5’3”, with finely formed, tapering fingers.”)
I would be a bit more understanding if this was written, oh, in the early 1900s. But it's been 135 years. Why are people still perpetuating rumours that were brought about by Nicholas Sander, "a Roman Catholic recusant born c. 1530, was committed to deposing Elizabeth I and re-establishing Roman Catholicism in England"?
You are NOT a "distinguished historian", and I shudder to think about what other falsehoods are written in the non-fiction books. I will not be reading another book by this author.
December 17, 2011
I picked up this book because I'm interested in the Tudor family, particularly in Henry VIII's decision to break from Rome in pursuit of a male heir. But I was disappointed with the way Erickson handled Henry's 'Great Matter'. The story started out interesting and fairly fast-paced, but once Henry set Catherine aside and married Anne Erickson started skimming through time/events very quickly. It was like Erickson decided everyone already knew the history so she just wrote the bare minimum to get to the end of Jane's life. Unfortunately, the 'Great Matter' of Henry's marriage and especially his decision to wed Jane &/or the birth of Edward *should* have been the climax of Jane's story. Instead the story seemed to lack a climax, moving from building tension to marking time until the story was over. (Frankly by the time I reached the end I was really happy to see it, even if it was extremely unsatisfying.)
Very unsatisfactory as historical fiction. The sense of time and place was almost nil.
Most of the characters were sketches rather than being well-developed. Jane, on the other hand, was a little too perfect, especially when compared to Anne who Erickson demonized from the start. And there was one plot point that seemed a bit strange.
Very unsatisfactory as historical fiction. The sense of time and place was almost nil.
Most of the characters were sketches rather than being well-developed. Jane, on the other hand, was a little too perfect, especially when compared to Anne who Erickson demonized from the start. And there was one plot point that seemed a bit strange.
September 4, 2019
If you’re looking for a different twist on a story that we all know so well, then this book is for you. Erickson did a delightful job in creating a fictional account of Jane Seymour’s life at court, marriage to Henry VIII, the birth of Prince Edward, and her death. Very enjoyable!
September 30, 2011
I'm sorry, this was bad! I did not enjoy this at all. I was looking forward to reading this for a while also. Too many inconsistencies, and VERY far fetched. I know this is fiction, but could the author at least try to stick to the well known history behind this??? After getting 3/4 through this I had to stop. I kept trying to finish, but it was like pulling teeth! I even skipped ahead to see if it was worth carrying on....it wasn't. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but too far away from the story we all know! Very disappointing! That's just my opinion of course!
August 20, 2012
[3.5]
At first, I would've given this book a five star rating. The writing and details are great; easy-to-read and interesting. Halfway through the book though, I began to realize that it wasn't about Jane Seymour, it was about Anne Boleyn and the Nun of Kent (Elizabeth Barton) told from Jane Seymour's point of view. So far, I haven't come across any books that mention the Nun of Kent at all, so I did learn something. . . and that is always a bonus. But because I felt the book wasn't really about Jane Seymour it brought my rating down to a 4. I also felt that the book was stretched out a little, bringing it down to a 3.5.
I don't think I'd really recommend this book to anyone, especially if they wanted to read a book about Jane Seymour.
At first, I would've given this book a five star rating. The writing and details are great; easy-to-read and interesting. Halfway through the book though, I began to realize that it wasn't about Jane Seymour, it was about Anne Boleyn and the Nun of Kent (Elizabeth Barton) told from Jane Seymour's point of view. So far, I haven't come across any books that mention the Nun of Kent at all, so I did learn something. . . and that is always a bonus. But because I felt the book wasn't really about Jane Seymour it brought my rating down to a 4. I also felt that the book was stretched out a little, bringing it down to a 3.5.
I don't think I'd really recommend this book to anyone, especially if they wanted to read a book about Jane Seymour.
July 10, 2017
I liked the idea of using Jane Seymour's voice to narrate her time in Henry viii's court until her marriage and sadly her death after birth of Prince Edward
a quiet careful lady who I have a fondness for as she tried to live a quiet life whilst being a member of the royal Tudor court.
a quiet careful lady who I have a fondness for as she tried to live a quiet life whilst being a member of the royal Tudor court.
February 12, 2016
I initially thought I was going to like this book as it follows Jane Seymour at Court when Henry VIII is trying to put aside Queen Catherine to marry Anne Boleyn. However the book after a while goes from Tudor novel based on fact into utter ridiculous bodice ripping fiction which is when I got fed up with it and stopped reading it.
In this version Jane has always wanted to marry Will, the son of friends of the Seymours but their union is threatened when her own father has relations with Will's young sister. Will's furious family refuse to allow the betrothal to take place but the couple are anxious to find a way to escape Court together as Anne's star rises. I liked Will as he was a genuine man who loved Jane and would have made her happy. Every plan he has for them to marry seems doomed and it was hard not to feel sorry for the couple.
As you expect in Tudor fiction, the story changes slightly to allow for a dramatic addition. In this, when the sweating sickness comes, Anne Boleyn does not return to Hever to be treated, but instead comes to Court looking for Henry and thinking he is with Catherine. When he is not there, Anne is forced to stay with Catherine, Jane and a few others who stayed with the Queen. When Anne gets sick, a few of the people try to throw her out the window and into the moat, solving several problems at once, but Catherine steps in to save her rival. I know this is pure fantasy but I liked that something different had been put into the plot to make things more interesting.
However as the book went on, the plot took several turns that I could not forgive. As everyone who reads Tudor non fiction knows, despite her brothers turning to the new religion, Jane remained a pious catholic right up to her death. So in this book when she starts with her 'Luther has a point' thoughts, I found that very unsatisfying. Jane captured Henry's attention by protecting her virtue and remaining innocent, compared with Anne's flirting and alleged adultery. So in this version, Jane turns away from her (fictional) betrothed love who she would not sleep with until she was married, to jump into bed with a married lowborn glazer on their second meeting? WTF is THAT all about? Sorry but NO. Jane was not a Tudor slut and this was beyond annoying for me!
According to reviews I read, Anne Boleyn has this glazer and soulmate murdered for some reason (I never read this far) so she plots to seduce the King away from Anne as revenge for her lover's death. Oh man, this was beyond crazy stuff and I'm glad I had already given up with it! The book also hints that Anne had lovers before the King. So Henry, who put aside Katherine Howard for not being a virgin, would accept Anne and Jane as wives despite them sleeping around? Yeah right.
There's fiction, and there is stupidity.
In this version Jane has always wanted to marry Will, the son of friends of the Seymours but their union is threatened when her own father has relations with Will's young sister. Will's furious family refuse to allow the betrothal to take place but the couple are anxious to find a way to escape Court together as Anne's star rises. I liked Will as he was a genuine man who loved Jane and would have made her happy. Every plan he has for them to marry seems doomed and it was hard not to feel sorry for the couple.
As you expect in Tudor fiction, the story changes slightly to allow for a dramatic addition. In this, when the sweating sickness comes, Anne Boleyn does not return to Hever to be treated, but instead comes to Court looking for Henry and thinking he is with Catherine. When he is not there, Anne is forced to stay with Catherine, Jane and a few others who stayed with the Queen. When Anne gets sick, a few of the people try to throw her out the window and into the moat, solving several problems at once, but Catherine steps in to save her rival. I know this is pure fantasy but I liked that something different had been put into the plot to make things more interesting.
However as the book went on, the plot took several turns that I could not forgive. As everyone who reads Tudor non fiction knows, despite her brothers turning to the new religion, Jane remained a pious catholic right up to her death. So in this book when she starts with her 'Luther has a point' thoughts, I found that very unsatisfying. Jane captured Henry's attention by protecting her virtue and remaining innocent, compared with Anne's flirting and alleged adultery. So in this version, Jane turns away from her (fictional) betrothed love who she would not sleep with until she was married, to jump into bed with a married lowborn glazer on their second meeting? WTF is THAT all about? Sorry but NO. Jane was not a Tudor slut and this was beyond annoying for me!
According to reviews I read, Anne Boleyn has this glazer and soulmate murdered for some reason (I never read this far) so she plots to seduce the King away from Anne as revenge for her lover's death. Oh man, this was beyond crazy stuff and I'm glad I had already given up with it! The book also hints that Anne had lovers before the King. So Henry, who put aside Katherine Howard for not being a virgin, would accept Anne and Jane as wives despite them sleeping around? Yeah right.
There's fiction, and there is stupidity.
October 22, 2011
For some reason, I feel a loyalty bond with Carolly Erickson. Although, we all complain about her “historical entertainments” and her use of speculation and inaccuracies; something draws me to read her books (I still haven’t read her non-fiction works but plan to). Sadly, as much as I tried to push myself, I couldn’t finish The Favored Queen. Yes, it WAS THAT bad.
I truly gave The Favored Queen a hearty attempt (I was around page 100) but after much debate, I closed the book. The Favored Queen simply lacks any depth and character development. Never did I feel like I “knew” Jane Seymour. It was more like words on a page with no emotional back-up. The image which was presented of her didn’t fit inline with any other texts I have previously read. Erickson portrays Jane as Catherine of Aragon’s most trusted companion and further, as a high-born lady who doesn’t want to be at court but merely wants to marry. Basically, she was given a saintly image. I have encountered such views of Jane Seymour (including ones which give her doses of ambition); but my problem wasn’t necessarily with the personality she was given but the fact that Erickson didn’t support the view or back it up. Jane is basically one-dimensional and, well, boring.
Anne Boleyn plays a large role in the novel. Expect a haughty, sex-obsessed, prissy girl. Perhaps this stereotype is not far from the truth in some eyes, but also very one-dimensional.
The text is easy to understand and a very quick read so perhaps I could have trudged along to the end but it truly reads like a bad episode of The Tudors. In fact, I think even The Tudors gave Jane more “to work with” than The Favored Queen.
I generally write long, detailed reviews but I don’t know what much to say except that sadly, this novel is terrible. I would suggest it for an entry-level reader into the world of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Jane Seymour but if you have read other novels or historical works, this isn’t for you.
I truly gave The Favored Queen a hearty attempt (I was around page 100) but after much debate, I closed the book. The Favored Queen simply lacks any depth and character development. Never did I feel like I “knew” Jane Seymour. It was more like words on a page with no emotional back-up. The image which was presented of her didn’t fit inline with any other texts I have previously read. Erickson portrays Jane as Catherine of Aragon’s most trusted companion and further, as a high-born lady who doesn’t want to be at court but merely wants to marry. Basically, she was given a saintly image. I have encountered such views of Jane Seymour (including ones which give her doses of ambition); but my problem wasn’t necessarily with the personality she was given but the fact that Erickson didn’t support the view or back it up. Jane is basically one-dimensional and, well, boring.
Anne Boleyn plays a large role in the novel. Expect a haughty, sex-obsessed, prissy girl. Perhaps this stereotype is not far from the truth in some eyes, but also very one-dimensional.
The text is easy to understand and a very quick read so perhaps I could have trudged along to the end but it truly reads like a bad episode of The Tudors. In fact, I think even The Tudors gave Jane more “to work with” than The Favored Queen.
I generally write long, detailed reviews but I don’t know what much to say except that sadly, this novel is terrible. I would suggest it for an entry-level reader into the world of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Jane Seymour but if you have read other novels or historical works, this isn’t for you.
November 7, 2013
Cada vez gosto mais de romances históricos. Bem sei que nem tudo o que é contado foi real mas por isso mesmo acho engraçado, não sou fanática do rigor histórico e acho piada que se tentem encontrar várias versões para a mesma história. Por isso gostei bastante deste livro, tendo simpatizado bastante com a personagem principal Jane. Apenas achei que algumas partes da história era um pouco precipitadas e podiam ter sido contadas com mais calma, ou seja, o livro podia ter sido um pouco mais longo. De resto gostei bastante e recomendo vivamente
March 16, 2020
2.5 star
It was a fun, quick read but not really good. I had hoped for more.
It was a fun, quick read but not really good. I had hoped for more.
March 7, 2012
As an amateur Tudor expert (gleaned mainly from the show by that title), I feel that Erickson has, yet again, put herself on par with the likes of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory in capturing an excellent fact and fiction mix in this, her latest book. She gives some excellent background and deals with some of the poignant issues and developments, while leading the reader down a historically accurate path of the rise and fall of the first two wives of Henry VIII before his selection of Jane Seymour, his favored one.
Erickson spends a great deal of time laying the foundation for Jane's place in the Tudor court and stitches together some great background to 'fill out' her character. Using her usual first person narrative, it brings the story to life as we see history unfold in Jane's eyes. While the author does give the explanation that there are some inaccuracies in the story, they are seamless and one would really have to know what happened to know where literary freedoms were taken.
One small issue, though not of the author's fault, is the time spent on the lead up to Jane's becoming queen, as her time in that position is so brief. I suppose one cannot understand her time as Queen without knowing how she got there. It just seems to be that we spend so much time with Queens Catherine and Anne and so little time with Jane as Henry's wife.
Great work, though. Well worth the time if you are a Tudor lover!
Erickson spends a great deal of time laying the foundation for Jane's place in the Tudor court and stitches together some great background to 'fill out' her character. Using her usual first person narrative, it brings the story to life as we see history unfold in Jane's eyes. While the author does give the explanation that there are some inaccuracies in the story, they are seamless and one would really have to know what happened to know where literary freedoms were taken.
One small issue, though not of the author's fault, is the time spent on the lead up to Jane's becoming queen, as her time in that position is so brief. I suppose one cannot understand her time as Queen without knowing how she got there. It just seems to be that we spend so much time with Queens Catherine and Anne and so little time with Jane as Henry's wife.
Great work, though. Well worth the time if you are a Tudor lover!
June 17, 2020
Cumparata din Immedio Gara de Nord.
Shitty book.
Se contrazice prea mult. La 5 pagini maxim contrazicea ce a zis initial. Plus ca orice femeie sanatoasa la cap nu s-ar fi casatorit cu nebunul ala. Also,
Traducerea in romana e execrabila, multe greseli gramaticale, cuvinte in plus sau in minus, propozitii care nu aveau sens, dezacorduri, uneori scriau Henric al VIII-lea, in loc de Henric al VII-lea si ma speriam ca nu intelegeam ce citeam.
In romana: "A treia regina", colectia Iubiri si destine. Prima carte din colectia asta care NU mi-a placut.
Shitty book.
Se contrazice prea mult. La 5 pagini maxim contrazicea ce a zis initial. Plus ca orice femeie sanatoasa la cap nu s-ar fi casatorit cu nebunul ala. Also,
Traducerea in romana e execrabila, multe greseli gramaticale, cuvinte in plus sau in minus, propozitii care nu aveau sens, dezacorduri, uneori scriau Henric al VIII-lea, in loc de Henric al VII-lea si ma speriam ca nu intelegeam ce citeam.
In romana: "A treia regina", colectia Iubiri si destine. Prima carte din colectia asta care NU mi-a placut.
October 3, 2011
Words fail me to describe how bad this book is.
It’s the equivalent a few high schoolers scrolling through the Wikipedia entry on Henry VIII, picking out a few key words, and performing Jane Seymour’s life as a sexy interpretive dance
Look at me, I did research, I’ve got all the names of the historical people of the time period! The book screams as it tap dances around the facts. Um, yeah, ok, you got the names – but your presentation of the facts, while not always wrong per say, are always warped.
Also, the book commits the worst sin possible in historical fiction – its flat out boring.
July 20, 2016
Um livro fluido e fácil de ler sobre Jane Seymour, 3a mulher de Henrique VIII de Inglaterra.
Embora fácil, o livro não se aprofundou muito quanto á politica do reino e as movimentações da corte. Aliás, Jane apenas aparece por si própria nas ultimas páginas do livro. Talvez o facto de o livro estar escrito como se fosse um diário dela prejudique o poder ser mais aprofundado, pois Jane não era um animal politico como Ana Bolena ou Catarina de Aragão.
Aconselho a quem se queira iniciar no mundo dos Tudors. É fluido e nada maçador. Para mim, que já li ins quantos livros sobre eles, soube a muito pouco.
Embora fácil, o livro não se aprofundou muito quanto á politica do reino e as movimentações da corte. Aliás, Jane apenas aparece por si própria nas ultimas páginas do livro. Talvez o facto de o livro estar escrito como se fosse um diário dela prejudique o poder ser mais aprofundado, pois Jane não era um animal politico como Ana Bolena ou Catarina de Aragão.
Aconselho a quem se queira iniciar no mundo dos Tudors. É fluido e nada maçador. Para mim, que já li ins quantos livros sobre eles, soube a muito pouco.
October 28, 2011
I was pretty impressed with Erickson's why-let-the-facts-get-in-the-way-of-a-good-story approach to Jane Seymour--Henry VIII's third wife-who is usually portrayed in these kind of books as a boring goody-two-shoes. Erickson calls her work "historical entertainment" and cautions that she's played fast and loose with the documentation. Thus, her Jane is promiscuous, devious, quick-witted, and very entertaining. O.K., so I might not use this book to teach English history. But then again, I don't teach English history.
January 17, 2016
If you have any sense of Tudor era history this book will be nearly impossible to read. I agree with another reviewer that it would have made more sense to have the fiction warning at the front of the book instead of the back. History has been rewritten so much as to be laughable.
May 14, 2017
1.5 stars. This is the highly fictionalized story of Henry VIII's favorite wife, Queen Pollyanna (aka, Jane) Seymour. She is perfect and good and kind and sweet and the only one trusted by everyone at court. She not only is Queen Katherine of Aragon's closest (English) confidante, but all of the other ladies in waiting and maids of honor love her, too. Except, of course, for Anne Jezebel Boleyn. But it's only natural that Anne hates Jane---after all, Anne is not only conniving and manipulative, she's also well versed in bribery (trying to pay men---including Jane's married French lover!?!?!?---to impregnate her) and, apparently, murder (another lady in waiting who might know a scandalous secret about the Boleyn family, and at least one man who refuses to stand stud for her).
The caricatures drawn of every single character in this book are ridiculous---but not in an amusing/entertaining way. Jane is completely perfect. Anne is completely evil. Katherine is perfectly patient. Henry is perfectly . . . well, any stereotype of Henry VIII you can think of.
And even though I was listening to this on audio as I fell asleep at night, I still easily caught multitudinous historical errors as well as continuity errors.
I was hoping this author would be a good shelf-companion to Alison Weir as a go-to writer for all-things-Tudor; but after this book, I won't be reading any of her other titles.
The caricatures drawn of every single character in this book are ridiculous---but not in an amusing/entertaining way. Jane is completely perfect. Anne is completely evil. Katherine is perfectly patient. Henry is perfectly . . . well, any stereotype of Henry VIII you can think of.
And even though I was listening to this on audio as I fell asleep at night, I still easily caught multitudinous historical errors as well as continuity errors.
I was hoping this author would be a good shelf-companion to Alison Weir as a go-to writer for all-things-Tudor; but after this book, I won't be reading any of her other titles.
February 7, 2012
Yet another book about Tudor England! This time the book was told through the voice of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife. It is so sad to me in modern times to think about a person marrying for position and/or money with no account for love. Jane would have had a much happier life if she had married her beloved Will for her childhood or her passionate Galyon from her twenties. Alas, it wasn't meant to be an she became another of Henry's conquests. I wonder how her life might have played out in Henry's court if she hadn't died after bearing a legitimate prince for England. Would she have been divorce or beheaded eventually too?
I didn't know the ladies "sneezed" to show their disapproval to Anne Bolyen when she came into power. That is a new one to me but I'm guessing the author picked up this tidbit somewhere based on fact. Also, I had never heard about the Nun of Kent and her prophesies about Anne's reign - again I am sure it is based on some fact. How awful the prophesy with a plague of frogs, a place of lice, and the first born son born dead. I am sure this did drive both Henry and Anne into a bit of madness that drove their fated lived. Also, did Anne plot to kill Jane Popyngcort, Prince Henry and Galyon? Certainly, she is depicted as horrible in many books but was she a murderess?
I felt so sorry too for Jane being so alone when giving birth to her only child. I am so glad to live in modern times where my husband was able to be with me and help me. How awful that Henry continued to "play" while his wife lay dying. It is also shocking to me that within a week of her death, Henry was already sending out requests to find him a new wife. Of all the women he married, it seems to me this was the best match, but he didn't seem to mourn her at all! Wow!
I didn't know the ladies "sneezed" to show their disapproval to Anne Bolyen when she came into power. That is a new one to me but I'm guessing the author picked up this tidbit somewhere based on fact. Also, I had never heard about the Nun of Kent and her prophesies about Anne's reign - again I am sure it is based on some fact. How awful the prophesy with a plague of frogs, a place of lice, and the first born son born dead. I am sure this did drive both Henry and Anne into a bit of madness that drove their fated lived. Also, did Anne plot to kill Jane Popyngcort, Prince Henry and Galyon? Certainly, she is depicted as horrible in many books but was she a murderess?
I felt so sorry too for Jane being so alone when giving birth to her only child. I am so glad to live in modern times where my husband was able to be with me and help me. How awful that Henry continued to "play" while his wife lay dying. It is also shocking to me that within a week of her death, Henry was already sending out requests to find him a new wife. Of all the women he married, it seems to me this was the best match, but he didn't seem to mourn her at all! Wow!
October 22, 2016
This wasn't the first "historical entertainment" by Carolly Erickson that I've read. For the reader looking into trying out an Erickson, be forewarned; it's not a history lesson. While these books feature familiar historical personages, they're not historically accurate. Similar to when a new Nicholas Sparks comes out on the market, I know that I'll still pick up Erickson's latest fast and loose retelling of history. The Favored Queen, could possibly have been subtitled "Why British History tends to overlook Jane Seymour" or " 1001 ways Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn were more awesome and exciting."
All jests aside, Lady Jane Seymour was certainly a witness to what both Queens endured under King Henry's reign- the wrath he could display when neither woman fails to produce an heir to the throne. What is jarring is that for a woman in her 20's, Jane Seymour's dialogues with the king come across more like a modern woman than the 16th century woman she actually was. But I still felt myself lost in the story and I do read them because they are quick and easy reads.
If you like television shows( I like them too) like, "The Tudors" and "Reign", then you'll have a good time reading these books.
All jests aside, Lady Jane Seymour was certainly a witness to what both Queens endured under King Henry's reign- the wrath he could display when neither woman fails to produce an heir to the throne. What is jarring is that for a woman in her 20's, Jane Seymour's dialogues with the king come across more like a modern woman than the 16th century woman she actually was. But I still felt myself lost in the story and I do read them because they are quick and easy reads.
If you like television shows( I like them too) like, "The Tudors" and "Reign", then you'll have a good time reading these books.
February 1, 2015
I picked this book up off the Best Seller's table at the library. I enjoy Tudor England books (guilty pleasure, I guess you'd say, because they're not really that enlightening but they are entertaining) and thought I'd pick this one up since I couldn't find any of the other books I was looking for. So, that kind of sums it up. I didn't necessarily want to read it, it looked ok, it was hard to get through to a certain extent, but I read it and it was just ok.
According to some other reviews, the information presented is quite erroneous. The author's note at the end basically says: This is all faked out. I basically know some stuff and purposely changed it to make it more interesting. The only thing is, I'd add, that it wasn't really more interesting.
It was also not very well-written. Very little depth to the characters, point of view was all messed up, it was basically lame. I was able to keep reading, though, mostly because I wanted to know more about Jane. Ironically, I'm pretty sure that what happened at the end, according to this book, was not based in much fact... Oh well.
Not very good, but ok only because the subject matter is somewhat interesting.
(You know what? This review is actually a good example of what the book sounded like!)
According to some other reviews, the information presented is quite erroneous. The author's note at the end basically says: This is all faked out. I basically know some stuff and purposely changed it to make it more interesting. The only thing is, I'd add, that it wasn't really more interesting.
It was also not very well-written. Very little depth to the characters, point of view was all messed up, it was basically lame. I was able to keep reading, though, mostly because I wanted to know more about Jane. Ironically, I'm pretty sure that what happened at the end, according to this book, was not based in much fact... Oh well.
Not very good, but ok only because the subject matter is somewhat interesting.
(You know what? This review is actually a good example of what the book sounded like!)
January 19, 2015
*Me and B did a joint review! With Q&A questions. Follow the link:http://www.caroleraesramblings.com/20... *
In summary, this was an okay book. Certainly better then the last one I read from Carolly Erickson. This was light and a quick read. I am Team Anne, but it was nice reading about Jane for a change. Honestly, this is my first book in Jane's POV. Crazy, right? Anne was a total and utter bitch in this book, but Jane would perceive this especially when she was trying to win the heart of the King and Anne fighting back.
Like I said above, there were a few scenes that were cheesy/made me annoyed/I rolled my eyes at, but overall, it was an interesting take on Jane and her story. I would recommend it for people that don't mind historical inaccuracies and are looking for a light and quick read about a queen. In the end, I shall stamp this with.....2 stars.
In summary, this was an okay book. Certainly better then the last one I read from Carolly Erickson. This was light and a quick read. I am Team Anne, but it was nice reading about Jane for a change. Honestly, this is my first book in Jane's POV. Crazy, right? Anne was a total and utter bitch in this book, but Jane would perceive this especially when she was trying to win the heart of the King and Anne fighting back.
Like I said above, there were a few scenes that were cheesy/made me annoyed/I rolled my eyes at, but overall, it was an interesting take on Jane and her story. I would recommend it for people that don't mind historical inaccuracies and are looking for a light and quick read about a queen. In the end, I shall stamp this with.....2 stars.
December 20, 2014
I do not mind that she took freedom with things, even if we know things, they did not then.
It's a book about Jane Seymour. We get to see her as a lady in waiting to Queen Catherine, then to Queen Anne. And we get to see what that all means, courtship, danger, death. The book does skip a lot, as it has a lot of ground to cover in just 300 pages. But I do not mind a few timejumps when the author wants to take in the big events.
What I liked best was that it was so easy to read, light, flowing and suddenly I was at page 200. It was cotton-candy historical fiction, not heavy with facts, but interesting and rumor filled.
Also, it was nice to read about Jane for once, there are just way too many books about Anne (also liked what a total B Anne was here ;).
I enjoyed it and breezed through it was.
It's a book about Jane Seymour. We get to see her as a lady in waiting to Queen Catherine, then to Queen Anne. And we get to see what that all means, courtship, danger, death. The book does skip a lot, as it has a lot of ground to cover in just 300 pages. But I do not mind a few timejumps when the author wants to take in the big events.
What I liked best was that it was so easy to read, light, flowing and suddenly I was at page 200. It was cotton-candy historical fiction, not heavy with facts, but interesting and rumor filled.
Also, it was nice to read about Jane for once, there are just way too many books about Anne (also liked what a total B Anne was here ;).
I enjoyed it and breezed through it was.
October 6, 2011
Probably more of a 2.5...
Ms. Erickson should have maybe put her note to the reader before the book and not after. "Once again, dear reader, a caution and a reminder: The Favored Queen is a historical entertainment, in which the authentic past and imaginative invention intertwine... Fresh interpretations of historical figures and their circumstances are offered, and traditional ones laid aside."
And it probably doesn't help that I was really looking forward to this book. Oh well. It just wasn't the Jane Seymour I'm used to and I would have maybe rated it more favorably if I had known beforehand how inaccurate it would be.
Ms. Erickson should have maybe put her note to the reader before the book and not after. "Once again, dear reader, a caution and a reminder: The Favored Queen is a historical entertainment, in which the authentic past and imaginative invention intertwine... Fresh interpretations of historical figures and their circumstances are offered, and traditional ones laid aside."
And it probably doesn't help that I was really looking forward to this book. Oh well. It just wasn't the Jane Seymour I'm used to and I would have maybe rated it more favorably if I had known beforehand how inaccurate it would be.
April 15, 2012
Attractive, demure, intelligent, and trustworthy, lovely Jane Seymour is Queen Catherine's favorite lady-in-waiting. Conniving, self-centered, and mean-spirited, Lady Anne Boleyn catches Henry VIII's eye through her exquisite dancing and extroverted personality. Henry, in fact, becomes so enamored of Anne that he impregnates her even before he can conclude his nullity suit against Catherine. We know what became of Anne Boleyn. What about Jane, the king's third wife? Embellished by the novelist's imagination, this is the mezmerizing tale of Jane Seymour's fascinating life at court. It's well worth the afternoon required to read this short book.
July 28, 2013
3,5estrelas
Jane Seymor é uma personagem pouco explorada da época de Henrique VIII. Depois da opulência e escândalos ocorridos durante o casamento do rei com Ana Bolena, este acabou por casar com uma rapariga pacata, que apenas queria uma vida pacífica. Uma rapariga muito querida por todos que a conheciam e um amor de pessoa. Uma das esposas de Henrique cujo reinado foi dos mais pequenos, mas que acabou por morrer de morte natural após dar à luz um herdeiro para inglaterra. Um livro muito bom, um relato calmo de uma personagem que embora não tenha dito uma vida muito movimentada, acaba por nos encantar com a sua maneira de ser.
Jane Seymor é uma personagem pouco explorada da época de Henrique VIII. Depois da opulência e escândalos ocorridos durante o casamento do rei com Ana Bolena, este acabou por casar com uma rapariga pacata, que apenas queria uma vida pacífica. Uma rapariga muito querida por todos que a conheciam e um amor de pessoa. Uma das esposas de Henrique cujo reinado foi dos mais pequenos, mas que acabou por morrer de morte natural após dar à luz um herdeiro para inglaterra. Um livro muito bom, um relato calmo de uma personagem que embora não tenha dito uma vida muito movimentada, acaba por nos encantar com a sua maneira de ser.
November 6, 2011
I'm surprised to see all the negative reviews of this book, because I actually really liked it! This is the first one of Carolly Erickson's books, and I was very pleasantly surprised, as I thought a novel about Jane Seymour would be boring. I know it's a bit far-fetched, in terms of the romantic rendezvous she has in the book (which I don't believe actually happened), it made the story more interesting! I think Erickson did a nice job with this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My advice would be to read it and ignore the negative reviews - just decide for yourself!
July 31, 2012
I am glad I won a copy of this book. I looked forward to reading this book because I love historical novels. The book started off good but half way through the book I felt like Erickson was rushing everything. The book left me feeling unsatisfied because I feel like a huge chunk of Jane's life was left out. For example, her life married to Henry VIII. I really don't see how she is the "favored queen" based on how he treated her in the book.
October 20, 2011
A good, serviceable historical fiction. Erickson did a different take on Jane Seymour than I have read before and that was refreshing and interesting, even though I didn't think it rang totally true historically. Erickson is brilliant at straight history and good at historical fiction; I will definitely continue to read all of her titles.
November 7, 2013
If you want your usual portrayal of poor, shallow Jane Seymour, read Plain Jane. If you want a more compelling rendering of her, go for Wolf Hall. Don't waste your money on this book unless you're looking for nothing: Erickson is a decent biographer but clearly isn't gifted as a novelist, and although she calls her writing "historical entertainment" she just can't entertain.
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