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Anne of Cleves: Henry's Luckiest Wife
It is winter 1539. King Henry VIII is galloping through the night to Rochester to meet a young woman. Just arrived in England from Germany, Anne of Cleves is destined to become his fourth wife. He has never met her before. He has only seen her portrait – the portrait of a sweet, demure and innocent young woman. The impatient and lovesick king must see her before their marriage. But this rushed and unplanned rendezvous will shock them and the country both. It will also lead to some completely unexpected and fatal results.
In D. Lawrence-Young’s well-researched novel, we learn of the strong passions and the deadly politics when the romantic plans of a frustrated Tudor king go badly wrong.
In D. Lawrence-Young’s well-researched novel, we learn of the strong passions and the deadly politics when the romantic plans of a frustrated Tudor king go badly wrong.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 7, 2017
This book reads like some sort of badly written essay. First problem is that the Anne of Cleves is written in first person, but others are not. It would be fine, except they are not really seen from Anne’s perspective either. It just appears like a mishmash of different styles and can be very confusing. Second, dialogue is very often done away with or is very stilted and monotonous and the book reads in parts like a never ending essay on Henry’s court, Anne’s life or Tudor times. This prevents the characters from actually having a character. And that brings me to point three, no characterisation. None of the characters in the book have any kind of positive or negative qualities – they just are. There is no drama, no life, no fun about these people.
The Henry – Cromwell sessions do absolutely nothing for the story, even with plenty of dialogue thrown in. It is mostly Henry being vulgar (and for some obscure reason, obsessed with dukkies), throwing around threats and Cromwell being sycophantic and fearful. It’s like some sort of educational lesson, with Cromwell teaching Henry the basics of politics, kingship and life – like where Cleves could be found on the globe – because Henry is a moron? Sadly, the educational lesson does not bring much to the table either because the understanding and analysis is lacking. I am strictly going to keep from discussing the historical inaccuracies of the portrayal in this book. But suffice it to say that the author has not shown a very good understanding of Henry or his Court.
The story is linear and talks only about Henry’s and Anne’s feelings throughout the book. There is no plot development, no discussion of the wider political issues, no discussion of Anne’s adjustment of her religious beliefs, no talk about the international repercussions of both the marriage and the annulment. The fall of Cromwell, which should have been spectacular, was very lame as the author failed to discuss or even mention anything about the religious upheavals of the times. Might as well have left Cromwell out entirely!
There are many historical mistakes, and some of them are simply hilarious. For instance, Cleves must have been an amazing place – a heaven on earth! Anne’s father and brother NEVER executed anyone. They only locked up robbers and such. What an enlightened place in the 16th century! Wonder why everyone didn’t flock to Cleves? And apparently, random women would bandage up the King’s leg to give him relief. Cost cutting by firing the King’s physicians? Katherine Howard would sit at the king’s feet and caress him in front of the entire Court – before they even got married! Did the author mix this up with an Ottoman harem or something (and even there, this would not actually happen)? Everyone in the English court spoke ONLY English and expected everyone else to learn it. “... the English do not like to learn or speak foreign languages. They are convinced that their language is the language.” Ermmm, if you say so! Let’s just disregard all the people in the Court who spoke Latin and French with perfect ease, shall we?
The author takes the fault of too much telling, not enough showing, to dizzying heights. Occasionally, there are Tom, Dick, and Harry talking to themselves about the events taking place. It was so bad, it was actually funny! Instead of a straight description or perhaps dialogue between the main characters of the “story”, the author has brought in complete random outsiders just to talk to each other about what is taking place. It does not work.
The author also buys into all the myths – Cromwell was executed because of his role in Henry’s marriage, Edward was a serious child who didn’t like riding, Jane Grey was forced into marriage, etc. I am giving an extra star to this book just because the author actually has Anne of Cleves considering trying to become Queen again after Katherine Howard’s execution. Well done, author! The sole redeeming factor is that the author seems to have actually consulted primary documents and has made use of them in the book. Good research peeks through once in a while from the bad writing and lack of understanding of Tudor times. But overall, I would recommend Tudor fans to give this book a miss. It’s simply not well written in any way.
The Henry – Cromwell sessions do absolutely nothing for the story, even with plenty of dialogue thrown in. It is mostly Henry being vulgar (and for some obscure reason, obsessed with dukkies), throwing around threats and Cromwell being sycophantic and fearful. It’s like some sort of educational lesson, with Cromwell teaching Henry the basics of politics, kingship and life – like where Cleves could be found on the globe – because Henry is a moron? Sadly, the educational lesson does not bring much to the table either because the understanding and analysis is lacking. I am strictly going to keep from discussing the historical inaccuracies of the portrayal in this book. But suffice it to say that the author has not shown a very good understanding of Henry or his Court.
The story is linear and talks only about Henry’s and Anne’s feelings throughout the book. There is no plot development, no discussion of the wider political issues, no discussion of Anne’s adjustment of her religious beliefs, no talk about the international repercussions of both the marriage and the annulment. The fall of Cromwell, which should have been spectacular, was very lame as the author failed to discuss or even mention anything about the religious upheavals of the times. Might as well have left Cromwell out entirely!
There are many historical mistakes, and some of them are simply hilarious. For instance, Cleves must have been an amazing place – a heaven on earth! Anne’s father and brother NEVER executed anyone. They only locked up robbers and such. What an enlightened place in the 16th century! Wonder why everyone didn’t flock to Cleves? And apparently, random women would bandage up the King’s leg to give him relief. Cost cutting by firing the King’s physicians? Katherine Howard would sit at the king’s feet and caress him in front of the entire Court – before they even got married! Did the author mix this up with an Ottoman harem or something (and even there, this would not actually happen)? Everyone in the English court spoke ONLY English and expected everyone else to learn it. “... the English do not like to learn or speak foreign languages. They are convinced that their language is the language.” Ermmm, if you say so! Let’s just disregard all the people in the Court who spoke Latin and French with perfect ease, shall we?
The author takes the fault of too much telling, not enough showing, to dizzying heights. Occasionally, there are Tom, Dick, and Harry talking to themselves about the events taking place. It was so bad, it was actually funny! Instead of a straight description or perhaps dialogue between the main characters of the “story”, the author has brought in complete random outsiders just to talk to each other about what is taking place. It does not work.
The author also buys into all the myths – Cromwell was executed because of his role in Henry’s marriage, Edward was a serious child who didn’t like riding, Jane Grey was forced into marriage, etc. I am giving an extra star to this book just because the author actually has Anne of Cleves considering trying to become Queen again after Katherine Howard’s execution. Well done, author! The sole redeeming factor is that the author seems to have actually consulted primary documents and has made use of them in the book. Good research peeks through once in a while from the bad writing and lack of understanding of Tudor times. But overall, I would recommend Tudor fans to give this book a miss. It’s simply not well written in any way.
April 22, 2018
I've always found Anne of Cleves the most interesting of Henry VIII's six wives and am therefore always thrilled when I find a novel concentrating on her rather than her more famous counterparts. This one, I'm afraid, was not one of the better books written about her. Despite offering several chapters narrated in first person by Anne herself, it doesn't manage to bring her character alive and I generally didn't care for the writing style in which all exposition is achieved by means of infodumps and "As you know..."-style dialogue.
November 12, 2013
I loved the Tudors, so you can just imagine how much I looked forward reading all about Anne of Cleves, Henry’s luckiest wife.
This novel was well written and I felt as if David took me back to that time. He’s dialogue, description, and everything is above expectations. I really enjoyed this novel. He must have done a thorough researched and that I must praise him for.
His characters were well developed and I do believe that was how the mad King was. This was by far one of the best novels I’ve read this year, and I do recommend it for everyone that loves Historical fiction. It’s not my favorite genre, but because this was about King Henry, and reminded me so much of The Tudors, I grabbed it with both hands.
You’ve done an exceptional job with this one, and I can’t wait for David’s next installment and his on take with one of Henry’s other wives.
I wish you all the luck with Anne Of Cleves: Henry’s Luckiest wife.
This novel was well written and I felt as if David took me back to that time. He’s dialogue, description, and everything is above expectations. I really enjoyed this novel. He must have done a thorough researched and that I must praise him for.
His characters were well developed and I do believe that was how the mad King was. This was by far one of the best novels I’ve read this year, and I do recommend it for everyone that loves Historical fiction. It’s not my favorite genre, but because this was about King Henry, and reminded me so much of The Tudors, I grabbed it with both hands.
You’ve done an exceptional job with this one, and I can’t wait for David’s next installment and his on take with one of Henry’s other wives.
I wish you all the luck with Anne Of Cleves: Henry’s Luckiest wife.
March 26, 2023
This period in English history is one of my favourite.
March 25, 2017
SNOOOOOOOOOZE!!!!!
This book is beyond boring. And I love those crazy Tudors.
I have to admit, I was excited about this one because I love learning about all things Tudor England, and Anne of Cleves is probably the Henry's wife I know the least about. The author could have done one of two things with this novel to make it infinitely more successful:
1- Write a very historically detailed and accurate account about Anne and her life before, during, and after her marriage to the whale of a king, including political secrets and intrigue and all those things that readers love about the truth.
2- Go completely Philippa Gregory on everyone and make shit up.
D. Lawrence-Young did neither.
Yes, on one hand this book was somewhat interesting, thus the two stars. On the other hand, I feel that everything I "learned" about Anne and her successors I could have looked up on Wikipedia and gotten the same information in like an eighth of the time needed to get through this. Particularly toward the end I felt like I was reading historical cliff notes. Everything that happened in the years since Anne and Henry divorced was summarized briefly, and was boring boring boring. I couldn't have cared less. My desire for book club fidelity is the only thing that kept me on board.
The other thing that I hated was the style of writing. OH MY GOD IN HEAVEN! Whoever thought it was a good idea to write this in first person needs to get out of the literary business. Not only do we get first person POV from Anne, but from many others as well (Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII, people of London) depending on the chapter. This is confusing and a distraction since the author clearly does not write in the vernacular of Tudor England. It almost made me feel like I was reading one of those hardcover "Great Illustrated Classics" books I read when I was younger of Moby Dick or The Three Musketeers. Writing that was so unimaginative and SOOOO not accurate of the times. This style was simplistic to the nth degree, and I swear 8 year olds could have read this and known what was going on. Not my cup of tea at all. I read a lot of reviews about how people loved this because they loved the Showtime series The Tudors so much. My question is HOW???? I loved that show as well.....because there was action and sex and intrigue and a LOT OF MADE UP SHIT THAT MADE IT INTERESTING! This book pales so much in comparison to that trashy Tudor-themed soap opera that it isn't even funny.
When it comes to the Tudors, give me rich accurate history or give me trash. Do NOT give me this dribble. I am not interested.
This book is beyond boring. And I love those crazy Tudors.
I have to admit, I was excited about this one because I love learning about all things Tudor England, and Anne of Cleves is probably the Henry's wife I know the least about. The author could have done one of two things with this novel to make it infinitely more successful:
1- Write a very historically detailed and accurate account about Anne and her life before, during, and after her marriage to the whale of a king, including political secrets and intrigue and all those things that readers love about the truth.
2- Go completely Philippa Gregory on everyone and make shit up.
D. Lawrence-Young did neither.
Yes, on one hand this book was somewhat interesting, thus the two stars. On the other hand, I feel that everything I "learned" about Anne and her successors I could have looked up on Wikipedia and gotten the same information in like an eighth of the time needed to get through this. Particularly toward the end I felt like I was reading historical cliff notes. Everything that happened in the years since Anne and Henry divorced was summarized briefly, and was boring boring boring. I couldn't have cared less. My desire for book club fidelity is the only thing that kept me on board.
The other thing that I hated was the style of writing. OH MY GOD IN HEAVEN! Whoever thought it was a good idea to write this in first person needs to get out of the literary business. Not only do we get first person POV from Anne, but from many others as well (Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII, people of London) depending on the chapter. This is confusing and a distraction since the author clearly does not write in the vernacular of Tudor England. It almost made me feel like I was reading one of those hardcover "Great Illustrated Classics" books I read when I was younger of Moby Dick or The Three Musketeers. Writing that was so unimaginative and SOOOO not accurate of the times. This style was simplistic to the nth degree, and I swear 8 year olds could have read this and known what was going on. Not my cup of tea at all. I read a lot of reviews about how people loved this because they loved the Showtime series The Tudors so much. My question is HOW???? I loved that show as well.....because there was action and sex and intrigue and a LOT OF MADE UP SHIT THAT MADE IT INTERESTING! This book pales so much in comparison to that trashy Tudor-themed soap opera that it isn't even funny.
When it comes to the Tudors, give me rich accurate history or give me trash. Do NOT give me this dribble. I am not interested.
June 14, 2016
There are a LOT of “As you know Bob” conversations to awkwardly fit in all the backstory the author thinks we need to know but can’t figure out any smoother way to slip in.
Also, Anne of Cleves naiveté is dialed up to about 11. I will buy that she started out pretty green, but not that she was outright continually, happily stupid, as she’s presented here.
Still, there are parts of the story that do work when Anne is treated with a little subtly and when the story moves forward without stopping and starting every other sentence to quote a primary source.
The book suffers from “overacting” – if that’s term I want – as characters speak and act and think in broad terms, but there is still a good basic story in here.
July 5, 2016
ehhhhhh. glad i only spent 99p on it. too much exposition.
February 4, 2018
Anne of Cleves is one of Henry VII's less known wives. He got her after looking at a portrait done by someone making her much more desirable than she was. When she arrived Henry was appalled by her. He married her to keep international relations intact. I won't give any more away. A fascinating look at a much overlooked Queen!
June 27, 2017
Interesting.
March 17, 2017
Written as if Anne herself dictated this book. I only rated it 3 stars because I had some problems with credibility but it was an interesting book and didn't take me long to finish it. Had a few examples of "spin" to the tale that surprised me.
May 19, 2014
Most of us know something of mad King Henry the VIII's history, we know he beheaded more than one wife, and broke away from The Roman Catholic church to form a new religion, The Church of England. Nevertheless few, if any of us know much about Anne of Cleves, or of the turmoil rampant in England at the time. D Lawrence Young gives us an in depth perspective of what it must have been like to live as an aristocrat during those years, from the point of view of Anne of Cleves, who hailed from a small duchy in Germany. The author has a firm grasp on his subject and tells the tale of Henry's luckiest wife with skill, insight and aplomb.
The most salient factor about this novel, for me anyway, was the sensitive way the author describes Anne's first knowledge of her future prospects as probable Queen of England, she has heard rumors of Henry's petulant, spoilt actions, but she is not certain those rumors are accurate. What she uncovers, after careful investigation, is that she is bound for England to marry a man who has indiscriminately cast aside his loyal, loving first wife, to marry a second, and bathed England in blood (even priests blood) in order to achieve the right to do it. Then, as soon as he is tied to Anne Boleyn, he deems her an unworthy, whore and witch and has her head severed from her young body. But, to add insult to injury, his third wife, the docile, Jane Seymour, is allowed to die alone, without the comfort of her husband, soon after giving him a much wanted son, simply because mad Henry is too afraid to get close to illness. Anne, is afraid, as she should rightly be, but she has no choice other than to cross the seas to a foreign land, whose people speak a foreign tongue, and make the best of things.
Due to a fortunate misunderstanding the king and Anne dislike each other from the outset, but marry anyway. The conniving nature of the members of court, the power of Cromwell, and the confusion of a fast aging and deteriorating king are marvelously told with an unusual attention to detail which I have not found in many other historical fictions. Ah... and there is the crux, this is fiction, but so well woven into the facts that the reader is swept into the lives of these royals to see history as if it has a totally new face, a face worth looking closely at. A most enjoyable read.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This review first appeared on Extaordinaryreads
The most salient factor about this novel, for me anyway, was the sensitive way the author describes Anne's first knowledge of her future prospects as probable Queen of England, she has heard rumors of Henry's petulant, spoilt actions, but she is not certain those rumors are accurate. What she uncovers, after careful investigation, is that she is bound for England to marry a man who has indiscriminately cast aside his loyal, loving first wife, to marry a second, and bathed England in blood (even priests blood) in order to achieve the right to do it. Then, as soon as he is tied to Anne Boleyn, he deems her an unworthy, whore and witch and has her head severed from her young body. But, to add insult to injury, his third wife, the docile, Jane Seymour, is allowed to die alone, without the comfort of her husband, soon after giving him a much wanted son, simply because mad Henry is too afraid to get close to illness. Anne, is afraid, as she should rightly be, but she has no choice other than to cross the seas to a foreign land, whose people speak a foreign tongue, and make the best of things.
Due to a fortunate misunderstanding the king and Anne dislike each other from the outset, but marry anyway. The conniving nature of the members of court, the power of Cromwell, and the confusion of a fast aging and deteriorating king are marvelously told with an unusual attention to detail which I have not found in many other historical fictions. Ah... and there is the crux, this is fiction, but so well woven into the facts that the reader is swept into the lives of these royals to see history as if it has a totally new face, a face worth looking closely at. A most enjoyable read.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This review first appeared on Extaordinaryreads
September 17, 2013
Anne of Cleves review
ANNE OF CLEVES - HENRY’S LUCKIEST WIFE
By David Lawrence-Young
“Anne of Cleves - Henry’s Luckiest Wife” is a well-written, great read! The author, David Lawrence-Young does a fantastic job in telling the tale of Anne of Cleves - one of the notorious King Henry’s many wives.
Set in the early 1500s, the author provides great foreshadowing of things to come in the innocent Anne of Cleves’ life with King Henry. Tension builds as one learns of King Henry’s personality and his ultimate reactions when he becomes displeased. The King sets aside his first wife - abandons her really. His 2nd wife is beheaded and his third wife died after childbirth. In fact, even though his 3rd wife lay dying, King Henry made no attempt to see, nor comfort her. Knowing this, how will life be for the young Anne of Cleves?? She may become queen, - but for how long, and will she survive? Furthermore, if the King is displeased with Anne - then what does life hold for the man who arranged the marriage - Chancellor Thomas Cromwell?
Author David Lawrence-Young has done a fabulous job in his narration of the time, the place, and the misadventures of King Henry the 8th, and his time with “Anne of Cleves:- Henry’s Luckiest Wife”.
I was provided this book for free to review. I am a member of Wordpress, Net Galley, Goodreads and Librarything. Dbettenson
______________________
ANNE OF CLEVES - HENRY’S LUCKIEST WIFE
By David Lawrence-Young
“Anne of Cleves - Henry’s Luckiest Wife” is a well-written, great read! The author, David Lawrence-Young does a fantastic job in telling the tale of Anne of Cleves - one of the notorious King Henry’s many wives.
Set in the early 1500s, the author provides great foreshadowing of things to come in the innocent Anne of Cleves’ life with King Henry. Tension builds as one learns of King Henry’s personality and his ultimate reactions when he becomes displeased. The King sets aside his first wife - abandons her really. His 2nd wife is beheaded and his third wife died after childbirth. In fact, even though his 3rd wife lay dying, King Henry made no attempt to see, nor comfort her. Knowing this, how will life be for the young Anne of Cleves?? She may become queen, - but for how long, and will she survive? Furthermore, if the King is displeased with Anne - then what does life hold for the man who arranged the marriage - Chancellor Thomas Cromwell?
Author David Lawrence-Young has done a fabulous job in his narration of the time, the place, and the misadventures of King Henry the 8th, and his time with “Anne of Cleves:- Henry’s Luckiest Wife”.
I was provided this book for free to review. I am a member of Wordpress, Net Galley, Goodreads and Librarything. Dbettenson
______________________
February 19, 2015
I've always believed Anne of Cleves to be the most intriguing of Henry VIII's wives, even if she isn't generally regarded as the most interesting. D. Lawrence-Young does a wonderful job capturing her as “Henry's Luckiest Wife” and I think most would agree she was. This fictional account follows Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves from the birth of Edward and the death of Jane Seymour through to the death of Henry VIII.
The book is written in a combination of third and first person, but the transitions back and forth didn't hamper the flow. The first person is always Anne and she delivers her story as a welcome guest in your home would, telling you her account, in her own words.
Living so close to Hampton Court myself and having walked its halls many times, I felt Lawrence-Young bringing me back with his fleshed out descriptions. The language and dialogue were a bit modern for my taste, but the simplistic nature of its writing makes this an easy read for all. I do think it is best suited for young adult readers, and will be setting this aside for my daughter when she gets a little older.
I recommend Anne of Cleves: Henry's Luckiest Wife to anyone looking for a sympathetic, casual read that provides an entertaining look into this short Tudor marriage.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Readers' Favorite.
The book is written in a combination of third and first person, but the transitions back and forth didn't hamper the flow. The first person is always Anne and she delivers her story as a welcome guest in your home would, telling you her account, in her own words.
Living so close to Hampton Court myself and having walked its halls many times, I felt Lawrence-Young bringing me back with his fleshed out descriptions. The language and dialogue were a bit modern for my taste, but the simplistic nature of its writing makes this an easy read for all. I do think it is best suited for young adult readers, and will be setting this aside for my daughter when she gets a little older.
I recommend Anne of Cleves: Henry's Luckiest Wife to anyone looking for a sympathetic, casual read that provides an entertaining look into this short Tudor marriage.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Readers' Favorite.
March 26, 2014
I just finished reading Anne Of Cleves: Henry's Luckiest Wife. It is written by D. Lawrence-Young. It is about King Henry The VIII's fourth wife. It talks somewhat about her life before marrying the king. Her marriage to him. How she was treated after his marriage. It also talks about his third, fifth, and sixth wives.
I can honestly and whole heartedly say that I loved this book. I have never been a history fanatic, but this book definitely got me into this particular story in history. I feel like I know a little bit more about King Henry The VIII and some of his wives. I feel I understand it better than I did when I was in school. I especially loved how it intrigued me to want to know and learn more about what was going on.
I didn't really see any problems with this book at all. It was well written and its sources were well documented. It was very easy to read and understand. I'm sure there were some typing and spelling errors, but I didn't really find any.
I fully recommend this book to everybody. I especially recommend it to people who love the subject of history. I fully recommend everybody give it a try. I promise that you wont regret it. I am truly honored that I got the privilege to read it and review it.
I can honestly and whole heartedly say that I loved this book. I have never been a history fanatic, but this book definitely got me into this particular story in history. I feel like I know a little bit more about King Henry The VIII and some of his wives. I feel I understand it better than I did when I was in school. I especially loved how it intrigued me to want to know and learn more about what was going on.
I didn't really see any problems with this book at all. It was well written and its sources were well documented. It was very easy to read and understand. I'm sure there were some typing and spelling errors, but I didn't really find any.
I fully recommend this book to everybody. I especially recommend it to people who love the subject of history. I fully recommend everybody give it a try. I promise that you wont regret it. I am truly honored that I got the privilege to read it and review it.
April 16, 2014
Anne of Cleves is the compelling novel of King Henry the VIII fourth wife, who just happens to be one who escapes the marriage with her head in tact and a generous settlement from the King.
In an attempt to ensure the success of his lineage to the throne, King Henry the VIII desires to have a house full of sons. After giving birth to a son, his wife Jane Seymour dies and Henry must marry again. He puts his trusted advisers to work in search of the next Queen of England. They discover Anne of Cleves and send an artist to paint a portrait of her. Convinced she is the perfect woman for him, King Henry the VIII has the marriage arranged and Anne's life changes forever. But, when the King finally meets her face to face he is disgusted and seeks to have the marriage ended as quickly as possible. What will become of Anne of Cleves?
Anne of Cleves is a fascinating account of the violent reign of Henry the VIII and his disregard for human life. D. Lawrence Young did a remarkable job in researching his book, which is evident on every page. The riveting story flows easily and is an all around satisfying read.
Anne of Cleves is indeed "Henry's luckiest wife" and I highly recommend picking up a copy.
In an attempt to ensure the success of his lineage to the throne, King Henry the VIII desires to have a house full of sons. After giving birth to a son, his wife Jane Seymour dies and Henry must marry again. He puts his trusted advisers to work in search of the next Queen of England. They discover Anne of Cleves and send an artist to paint a portrait of her. Convinced she is the perfect woman for him, King Henry the VIII has the marriage arranged and Anne's life changes forever. But, when the King finally meets her face to face he is disgusted and seeks to have the marriage ended as quickly as possible. What will become of Anne of Cleves?
Anne of Cleves is a fascinating account of the violent reign of Henry the VIII and his disregard for human life. D. Lawrence Young did a remarkable job in researching his book, which is evident on every page. The riveting story flows easily and is an all around satisfying read.
Anne of Cleves is indeed "Henry's luckiest wife" and I highly recommend picking up a copy.
June 29, 2014
I am not a huge fan of Historical Fiction, although, I have read some really fine novels that utilized excellent historical research, with carefully crafted fictional story-lines. Anne of Cleves: Henry's Luckiest Wife is packed with accurate historical information, and I give the author an A for that. That said, while I found this novel to be interesting, and quite enjoyable, the story-line, in my view, was nothing spectacular. Particularly, the first person narration by Anne of Cleves herself, was a bit strange in some areas, especially in the end, when she narrates her own death. My question is why? This is not to say that this was not a good read, because it actually was enjoyable; I just wish the last couple of chapters, particularly the ending were fleshed out as bit more. The first person narrative works in other areas better, most notably where Anne's special viewpoint in relation to historical events is concerned- it just adds a bit more depth in this way.
Overall, this was an entertaining read, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in British Royal History, or more specifically, the history of King Henry the VIII.
Overall, this was an entertaining read, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in British Royal History, or more specifically, the history of King Henry the VIII.
March 5, 2014
Oh, how I loved this! From all of the other Tudor-related books that I've read, the historical content does seem to be very accurate. In reading and film, we rarely ever hear about Anne of Cleves; it's usually either Mary, Elizabeth, or the infamous Anne Boleyn. With that being said, I was extremely fascinated to find out more about this not-so-talked about royal member. After reading this book, it is my humble opinion that she does not get the recognition that she deserves. Anyone who could stomach Henry after being granted a divorce from him deserves kudos, so to speak. To the author: please write more books!
August 12, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book...it starts as a narrative by Anne of Cleves then progresses to the story of her short marriage to Henry VIII, her divorce and his marriages that followed. A lot of historical information and all the political moves going on. Really put things in that era in perspective.
The last few chapters go back into a narrative by Anne of Cleves as she observes all the political maneuvering, executions, power struggles etc,
The Epilogue after her death catches us up with other characters in the book...
The last few chapters go back into a narrative by Anne of Cleves as she observes all the political maneuvering, executions, power struggles etc,
The Epilogue after her death catches us up with other characters in the book...
October 25, 2014
The best of the wives
This book shows the character of Anne of Cleves, and how she turned a potentially ill-fated situation to her advantage. If Henry VIII had showed better judgment instead of looking at the aesthetics, she would have made a fine queen. It is also most curious that he objected to her being fat and flabby with an offensive odor, when the same could be said of him. This book goes into more detail about why the marriage was short lived, and it also gives an overview of the other known participants in this very interesting saga of English history.
This book shows the character of Anne of Cleves, and how she turned a potentially ill-fated situation to her advantage. If Henry VIII had showed better judgment instead of looking at the aesthetics, she would have made a fine queen. It is also most curious that he objected to her being fat and flabby with an offensive odor, when the same could be said of him. This book goes into more detail about why the marriage was short lived, and it also gives an overview of the other known participants in this very interesting saga of English history.
January 28, 2016
This was quite an interesting book, but had many editorial errors. I find these so distracting! I suppose I should consider myself lucky that I don't run across this problem often. However, it has been prevalent so far this year.
I liked the story, though I wish it had been clear which parts of the book were supposed to be first person, and which were for historical background. Instead, the author wrote all as though they were first person.
I conclude by stating that the ending did cement a higher rating. It was simply so sweet.
I liked the story, though I wish it had been clear which parts of the book were supposed to be first person, and which were for historical background. Instead, the author wrote all as though they were first person.
I conclude by stating that the ending did cement a higher rating. It was simply so sweet.
September 20, 2013
Well written, well researched fictional account of Henry's luckiest wife. The Anne of this novel is a charming person. She led a rich and fulfilled life during a dangerous period in history.
I enjoyed this book, it is full of wonderful historical figures. The writing flows and the book is easy to read.
I enjoyed this book, it is full of wonderful historical figures. The writing flows and the book is easy to read.
July 29, 2014
An interesting read about one of Henry VIII lesser known wives. It is a good blend of history and historical fiction. There is no attempt to gloss over Henry's penchant for beheading, but neither does the author dwell on it. I would recommend the book if you are interested in English history, royal history, and/or the Tudors.
May 31, 2014
This was a really good book, and I would have given it 4 stars, but for the missing/repeated sections of text in the first half of the ebook. Other than that, I have no complaints. The story was very good, rich in historical detail. I would definitely recommend reading it...perhaps not as an ebook, though.
November 23, 2014
Very Enjoyable
Although I have read a lot of historical fiction, especially the Tudor courts, I really didn't know much about Anne of Cleves except that she escaped Henry VIII without "lasting" damage. I truly enjoyed reading about this fortunate woman.
Although I have read a lot of historical fiction, especially the Tudor courts, I really didn't know much about Anne of Cleves except that she escaped Henry VIII without "lasting" damage. I truly enjoyed reading about this fortunate woman.
July 3, 2014
Info was interesting, but I would expect a teacher of English and literature to take better care with sentence structure and spell-check. Those errors distracted me from what would otherwise have been a 4 to 5 star review.
March 7, 2015
Historical fiction
The life of Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's fourth wife. If you are unfamiliar with her, pick this up and read it. Not a hard read and it covers most of the historical points in her life.
The life of Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's fourth wife. If you are unfamiliar with her, pick this up and read it. Not a hard read and it covers most of the historical points in her life.
September 21, 2015
A nice read
An entertaining book. Some facts, some fiction. A few grammatical errors, but overall, well written. If you're interested in this period of history, you'll like this book.
An entertaining book. Some facts, some fiction. A few grammatical errors, but overall, well written. If you're interested in this period of history, you'll like this book.
April 13, 2014
I
loved this book. Anne of Cleves is brought to life. She surely was the "luckiest" wife of King Henry. While I am partial to this era of history, I recommend it for any to read.
loved this book. Anne of Cleves is brought to life. She surely was the "luckiest" wife of King Henry. While I am partial to this era of history, I recommend it for any to read.
June 23, 2015
Quite an interesting account of a great survivor..
April 30, 2014
I enjoyed this book about Anne of Cleves. It is told from her viewpoint, in first person. But it was nice to read something like this, it puts things in a different perspective.
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