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Catherine Howard: Henry's Fifth Failure
This historical novel has it all: sex and romance, violence and war, infidelity and intrigue.
Catherine Howard, the Duke of Norfolk’s niece, is raised in the very free atmosphere of her grandmother’s palace. Here she becomes aware of her own sexuality and the exciting effect she has on the men at court around her. She is also an unknowing part of her uncle’s devious plan to obtain more influence with the king - he pushes her onto the newly-divorced and lovesick King Henry VIII who is looking for a fifth wife.
Meanwhile, John Butcher has become a guard in the dreaded Tower of London. He guards the king, witnesses the executions of Anne Boleyn and Thomas More and takes part in the fighting in Ireland. However, when he returns to London, his meeting with Catherine Howard, the king’s fifth queen, produces unexpected and dramatic results.
In D. Lawrence-Young’s second Tudor novel we learn how Catherine Howard’s passionate nature mixed with the murky, deadly politics of the Tudor court and a furious king produce a classic story of passionate love, disappointment and revenge on a royal scale.
Catherine Howard, the Duke of Norfolk’s niece, is raised in the very free atmosphere of her grandmother’s palace. Here she becomes aware of her own sexuality and the exciting effect she has on the men at court around her. She is also an unknowing part of her uncle’s devious plan to obtain more influence with the king - he pushes her onto the newly-divorced and lovesick King Henry VIII who is looking for a fifth wife.
Meanwhile, John Butcher has become a guard in the dreaded Tower of London. He guards the king, witnesses the executions of Anne Boleyn and Thomas More and takes part in the fighting in Ireland. However, when he returns to London, his meeting with Catherine Howard, the king’s fifth queen, produces unexpected and dramatic results.
In D. Lawrence-Young’s second Tudor novel we learn how Catherine Howard’s passionate nature mixed with the murky, deadly politics of the Tudor court and a furious king produce a classic story of passionate love, disappointment and revenge on a royal scale.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2014
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86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 21, 2017
I would like to give 4 stars...but...
A nice enough tale of the life of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII's fifth queen, who was executed, as was her cousin, Anne Boleyn. The story is told from the viewpoint of Catherine, as well as a young man who becomes a guard at the Tower of London, so it skips back and forth between both stories.
I was initially going to give 4 stars, taking one off for language. It is difficult to watch words and phrasing while writing historical fiction. A writer has to find a balance between writing something too archaic to be easily read, and writing in too modern a style that is a bit jarring to anyone who has studied history and knows details of the style of language used then. This book is a bit too modern for my taste...also be true to your character's history. It is highly unlikely that Catherine would be at the execution of Anne Boleyn yelling "It's not fair!"
Also, I took another star off for an unforgivable error. On page 264 of the Kindle edition, two of the guards are discussing Lady Rochford, who is being questioned about her involvement with Catherine and her paramours. One says, "She already had a bad name over what she said about her brother-in-law , George Boleyn, at his trial."
George Boleyn was Lady Rochford's husband. She was sister-in-law to Anne Boleyn and it is thought that she was the person who accused Anne and George of an incestuous relationship. Her supposed testimony was instrumental in destroying her husband. Calling him her brother-in-law was a very large error that should have been caught.
A nice enough tale of the life of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII's fifth queen, who was executed, as was her cousin, Anne Boleyn. The story is told from the viewpoint of Catherine, as well as a young man who becomes a guard at the Tower of London, so it skips back and forth between both stories.
I was initially going to give 4 stars, taking one off for language. It is difficult to watch words and phrasing while writing historical fiction. A writer has to find a balance between writing something too archaic to be easily read, and writing in too modern a style that is a bit jarring to anyone who has studied history and knows details of the style of language used then. This book is a bit too modern for my taste...also be true to your character's history. It is highly unlikely that Catherine would be at the execution of Anne Boleyn yelling "It's not fair!"
Also, I took another star off for an unforgivable error. On page 264 of the Kindle edition, two of the guards are discussing Lady Rochford, who is being questioned about her involvement with Catherine and her paramours. One says, "She already had a bad name over what she said about her brother-in-law , George Boleyn, at his trial."
George Boleyn was Lady Rochford's husband. She was sister-in-law to Anne Boleyn and it is thought that she was the person who accused Anne and George of an incestuous relationship. Her supposed testimony was instrumental in destroying her husband. Calling him her brother-in-law was a very large error that should have been caught.
May 1, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and simply could not get enough. Like one of the other readers, I did notice the error regarding Lady Rochford. However, it didn't ruin the book for me and I just went with it. I like how the story is told both from Catherine's point of view as well as Rob's. Both lived seemingly different lives, but each had a very important story to tell. At first, I was frustrated by having to keep up with both points of view, but then I found myself enjoying it. I felt as though I couldn't read the book fast enough. I've read several books about Henry's infamous wives, and this is definitely one of my favorites. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
December 17, 2020
Enjoyed it very much. I would have rated it a five but there were grammar, spelling and I too couldn't bypass calling George Boleyn brother in law to his wife Jane. These are errors that his editor should not have missed. I did like the story being told by two points of view.
June 10, 2014
I have always been fascinated by Henry VIII and his six wives. In fact, I have read several books on the subject. Catherine Howard: Henry’s Fifth Failure is the story of the king’s penultimate wife, from her birth to her death. She spent her childhood and teenage years with her step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. She was raised with other young nobility, and they could do pretty much what they wanted, as supervision was minimal. Needless to say, young Catherine got into trouble more than once, especially in regards to her involvement with boys. When she was 16 years old, the Howard family decided to use her to improve their status in court, and she became Anne of Cleves’ lady-in-waiting. That’s when Henry VIII noticed her, and when Catherine’s star rose. Unfortunately, it didn’t last very long as Catherine’s past caught up to her, and she paid the ultimate price for her naivete and bad judgement.
David Lawrence-Young chose to write the story from two different points of view: Catherine Howard’s and Robert Butcher’s, a guardsman in the Tower of London. Each chapter alternates between the two points of view, and I thought it was interesting to read the story from an outsider’s perspective, someone who was from a different class than the main protagonists. However, the character of Catherine could have been better developed. In addition, Robert Butcher was not a believable character. Indeed, it was very unlikely that he would ask his superiors repeatedly to explain their orders. He also seemed to know all the major players at court even when he had just started working as a guard at the Tower. This was surprising, especially as he would not have had a very good education as the son of a butcher. In fact, he barely knew how to read and write. However, I certainly enjoyed the historical parts of the novel, and it was interesting to have some background information regarding Catherine Howard’s short life.
To read the full review, please go to my blog (Cecile Sune - Book Obsessed).
David Lawrence-Young chose to write the story from two different points of view: Catherine Howard’s and Robert Butcher’s, a guardsman in the Tower of London. Each chapter alternates between the two points of view, and I thought it was interesting to read the story from an outsider’s perspective, someone who was from a different class than the main protagonists. However, the character of Catherine could have been better developed. In addition, Robert Butcher was not a believable character. Indeed, it was very unlikely that he would ask his superiors repeatedly to explain their orders. He also seemed to know all the major players at court even when he had just started working as a guard at the Tower. This was surprising, especially as he would not have had a very good education as the son of a butcher. In fact, he barely knew how to read and write. However, I certainly enjoyed the historical parts of the novel, and it was interesting to have some background information regarding Catherine Howard’s short life.
To read the full review, please go to my blog (Cecile Sune - Book Obsessed).
March 30, 2014
I wasn't sure whether to give this a 2* or 3* so I think it is somewhere inbetween.
This book is written from the perspective of Catherine Howard, who becomes the 5th wife of Henry VIII, and Robert Butcher, a butcher’s son who dreams of making a better life for himself and enlists as a soldier at the Tower of London.
Catherine is a pretty girl, who, even at her young age, knows how to use her charms to attract the men. She has several suitors, who she manages to have secret assignations with, and who all manage to clamber through the window of the Maidens’ Chamber at night and climb into her bed. She eventually catches the eye of the King, who marries her and for eighteen months all is well until she rekindles a friendship with Thomas Culpepper, which is her downfall.
A soldier’s life at the Tower is not what Robert Butcher envisaged. He witnesses the beheading of Anne Boleyn and the cruel treatment of many others at the hands of Henry VIII. He eventually leaves.
The book is interesting in as much as it gives the reader an insight into what life would have been like in those days, but I didn’t like the way the book was written. The use of conversation as a way of explaining life at court and life at the Tower seems to be an easy way out for the author to tell his story.
This book is written from the perspective of Catherine Howard, who becomes the 5th wife of Henry VIII, and Robert Butcher, a butcher’s son who dreams of making a better life for himself and enlists as a soldier at the Tower of London.
Catherine is a pretty girl, who, even at her young age, knows how to use her charms to attract the men. She has several suitors, who she manages to have secret assignations with, and who all manage to clamber through the window of the Maidens’ Chamber at night and climb into her bed. She eventually catches the eye of the King, who marries her and for eighteen months all is well until she rekindles a friendship with Thomas Culpepper, which is her downfall.
A soldier’s life at the Tower is not what Robert Butcher envisaged. He witnesses the beheading of Anne Boleyn and the cruel treatment of many others at the hands of Henry VIII. He eventually leaves.
The book is interesting in as much as it gives the reader an insight into what life would have been like in those days, but I didn’t like the way the book was written. The use of conversation as a way of explaining life at court and life at the Tower seems to be an easy way out for the author to tell his story.
April 2, 2014
I just finished reading Catherine Howard: Henry's Fifth Failure. It is a book about King Henry The VIII's fifth wife. It is written by D. Lawrence-Young. He also wrote Anne Of Cleves: Henry's Luckiest Wife. Both of these books were narrated in two points of views. The final chapter gives the real events that actually happened.
I personally enjoyed the fact that he narrated it out. I know there are many people who probably are not okay with the narration, but I personally am. I feel that it helped me understand that point in history better than I ever have. I especially liked that he used modern English. Not many people would think to write it out like this.
I can't think of anything that was wrong with this book at all. It did everything that I feel a historic novel is supposed to do. It kept me intrigued and wanting to know more and more. I wasn't bored at all with the storyline.
I fully recommend this book to anybody who is into historical events. Especially those who are interested but don't really comprehend textbook descriptions of events. I think it's awesome that there are authors out there who can take a time from history and narrate it this good. It's just simply amazing. I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book.
I personally enjoyed the fact that he narrated it out. I know there are many people who probably are not okay with the narration, but I personally am. I feel that it helped me understand that point in history better than I ever have. I especially liked that he used modern English. Not many people would think to write it out like this.
I can't think of anything that was wrong with this book at all. It did everything that I feel a historic novel is supposed to do. It kept me intrigued and wanting to know more and more. I wasn't bored at all with the storyline.
I fully recommend this book to anybody who is into historical events. Especially those who are interested but don't really comprehend textbook descriptions of events. I think it's awesome that there are authors out there who can take a time from history and narrate it this good. It's just simply amazing. I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book.
May 27, 2014
Living in the fast lane, too young to die
This is a great book about Queen Catherine. Mr. Young uses the voice of the main character in each chapter. When Catherine speaks, you learn quite a bit about what it is like to be a queen, a teenager, rich, very pretty, and have lots of boy friends- not all in that order, not all at the same time, but she did have all that, and that was the problem. She was a brave girl. The other character worth mentioning, Rob, who is fictional, is an outstanding young man whom Mr. Young brings into the book to explain features outside Catherine's everyday realm.
Even if you know all there is to know about Henry VIII's 5th wife, read this. It has a crisp new voice that is very enjoyable. I also recommend his other book about the 4th wife, Anne of Cleves.
This is a great book about Queen Catherine. Mr. Young uses the voice of the main character in each chapter. When Catherine speaks, you learn quite a bit about what it is like to be a queen, a teenager, rich, very pretty, and have lots of boy friends- not all in that order, not all at the same time, but she did have all that, and that was the problem. She was a brave girl. The other character worth mentioning, Rob, who is fictional, is an outstanding young man whom Mr. Young brings into the book to explain features outside Catherine's everyday realm.
Even if you know all there is to know about Henry VIII's 5th wife, read this. It has a crisp new voice that is very enjoyable. I also recommend his other book about the 4th wife, Anne of Cleves.
April 14, 2014
Catherine Howard: Henry's Fifth Failure by D. Lawrence-Young
This is the story of Catherine Howard, the Duke of Norfolk’s niece, and King Henry VIII's 5th wife. The story starts with a bit of history on Catherine and how she became the kings Wife. We also hear of his other wive's, their executions and the point of view of one of the King's guards John Butcher.
This Historical tale has a bit of it all, sex, adultery, betrayal, infidelity, love and war. I liked the historical facts and fiction they blended well together. Those who love History with intrigue, and page turning drama will enjoy Catherine Howard: Henry's Fifth Failure.
This is the story of Catherine Howard, the Duke of Norfolk’s niece, and King Henry VIII's 5th wife. The story starts with a bit of history on Catherine and how she became the kings Wife. We also hear of his other wive's, their executions and the point of view of one of the King's guards John Butcher.
This Historical tale has a bit of it all, sex, adultery, betrayal, infidelity, love and war. I liked the historical facts and fiction they blended well together. Those who love History with intrigue, and page turning drama will enjoy Catherine Howard: Henry's Fifth Failure.
June 1, 2014
Simplistic, and only mildly entertaining.
Simplistic, and only mildly entertaining.
When I bought this book, I had thought it would be a thorough examination on the life of Catherine Howard. Instead, it was rather simplistic, and almost childish in its telling of the events of Catherine Howard. I was extremely disappointed with this novel, though I appreciate the summary of events that took place before Catherine Howard ascended to her throne.
Simplistic, and only mildly entertaining.
When I bought this book, I had thought it would be a thorough examination on the life of Catherine Howard. Instead, it was rather simplistic, and almost childish in its telling of the events of Catherine Howard. I was extremely disappointed with this novel, though I appreciate the summary of events that took place before Catherine Howard ascended to her throne.
June 26, 2014
I was given the opportunity to read this for free in exchange for an honest review from librarything.com.
Although this wasn't as historically accurate as most of the historical fiction I have read, it was still an engaging piece. Most historical fiction is that way though, if you stop t think about it. Just another take on sad little Catherine Howard, who had no idea what she was getting in to with the lecherous tyrant that was Henry VIII. i really enjoyed reading this!
Although this wasn't as historically accurate as most of the historical fiction I have read, it was still an engaging piece. Most historical fiction is that way though, if you stop t think about it. Just another take on sad little Catherine Howard, who had no idea what she was getting in to with the lecherous tyrant that was Henry VIII. i really enjoyed reading this!
September 5, 2014
I have read multiple books about Henry VIII, both fiction and nonfiction. While I do find the historical fiction easier and more enjoyable to read, I often wonder what is fact or fiction. This book was the same. Some believable, some not. However, it was a good interpretation of an old subject. It was anjoyable readbut I would not recommend for strict historical prospect.I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
April 14, 2014
This is an amazing story of Catherine Howard the fifth wife of King Henry VIII. The story is full of romance, sex, intrigue, and deceit. While Anne Boleyn is waiting to be executed King Henry the VIII has already moved on to Catherine. This story is well crafted and if you like historical settings you will love this book. I could not put it down.
May 13, 2014
Although noble born Catherine Howard is rather a dim-witted floozie in this historical fiction. Her counterpoint, a guardsman at the Tower, provides a nice balance and interesting point of view. Reminders of high school history abound taking us through the time period from Anne Boleyn's execution to Catherine's own.
January 16, 2016
This is the second book I have read by the author and unfortunately I just do not like his style of writing. I did wonder if I had failed to appreciate his book on Anne of Cleves, however, this one on Catherine Howard has had the same effect on me and I did not enjoy reading either book.
June 8, 2014
Loved this story, an how it was told from the two separate points of view... Fantastic read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews