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The King's Pleasure
Released for the first time in decades, this international bestseller powerfully tells of the life of Katharine of Aragon, from her childhood in Spain to her reign and downfall in England as the first wife of Henry VII. A princess by birth and a queen by marriage, Katharine always held the highest aspirations for her life, never doubting a vision both she and her mother, Isabella of Spain, had of her becoming one of the great rulers of Europe.
After a short-lived and childless marriage to sickly prince Arthur of England, Katharine finds herself handed down to his brother, the future king Henry VII, a handsome, passionate man with whom she forms a strong bond of mutual admiration and love. Their relationship seems ideal -- equals in status, ambition, and respect for each other.
As the years go by, King Henry becomes consumed by greed, paranoia, and arrogance, with a roving eye that has settled on the young Anne Boleyn. It is this obsession that will lead to his destruction and the humiliation of Katharine, the woman he once would have done anything to protect, forever changing the face of English history and religion.
Beloved by her fans and a queen of the genre, Norah Lofts wrote tales of royal Britain that have stood the test of time, and The King's Pleasure is now reissued for a new generation of adoring readers.
After a short-lived and childless marriage to sickly prince Arthur of England, Katharine finds herself handed down to his brother, the future king Henry VII, a handsome, passionate man with whom she forms a strong bond of mutual admiration and love. Their relationship seems ideal -- equals in status, ambition, and respect for each other.
As the years go by, King Henry becomes consumed by greed, paranoia, and arrogance, with a roving eye that has settled on the young Anne Boleyn. It is this obsession that will lead to his destruction and the humiliation of Katharine, the woman he once would have done anything to protect, forever changing the face of English history and religion.
Beloved by her fans and a queen of the genre, Norah Lofts wrote tales of royal Britain that have stood the test of time, and The King's Pleasure is now reissued for a new generation of adoring readers.
429 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
19 people are currently reading
1555 people want to read
About the author
Norah Lofts
106 books309 followersNorah Ethel Robinson Lofts Jorisch (27 August 1904–10 September 1983) was a 20th century best-selling British author. She wrote over fifty books specialising in historical fiction, but she also wrote non-fiction and short stories. Many of her novels, including her Suffolk Trilogy, follow the history of a specific house and the residents that lived in it.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 13, 2024
3.5 stars
"He wanted a son; he should have passed me over and married some Princess with two or three thriving brothers.”
While the story primarily focuses on Katherine of Aragon, I found the glimpses into the minds of other characters to be more engaging. I appreciated this author’s interpretation of Anne Boleyn, which made me excited to dive into another book by the same author that centers on another wife of Henry VIII. However, I did find this particular narrative a bit slow at times.
Although Katherine of Aragon's perspective is valuable, it didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped. The author’s writing is thoughtful, but I felt a lack of connection to Katherine’s internal struggles. In contrast, the insights into the thoughts of other characters were much more lively and entertaining. For example, Henry VIII’s thoughts are brilliantly humorous; his delusions and overconfidence provide comic relief.
Katherine firmly believed that Henry was not at fault for what transpired, insisting he was misguided by others, primarily Anne. This belief remained steadfast until her death, which was incredibly frustrating.
Additionally, I found Katherine’s portrayal of Anne to be intriguing yet puzzling. Although Anne was not widely considered a great beauty during that period, Katherine's description of her seemed overly harsh, especially before Anne’s rise to prominence with the king. It’s possible that my admiration for Anne influenced my perception of this book. Nonetheless, I appreciated the book and enjoyed its exploration of these historical figures.
"He wanted a son; he should have passed me over and married some Princess with two or three thriving brothers.”
While the story primarily focuses on Katherine of Aragon, I found the glimpses into the minds of other characters to be more engaging. I appreciated this author’s interpretation of Anne Boleyn, which made me excited to dive into another book by the same author that centers on another wife of Henry VIII. However, I did find this particular narrative a bit slow at times.
Although Katherine of Aragon's perspective is valuable, it didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped. The author’s writing is thoughtful, but I felt a lack of connection to Katherine’s internal struggles. In contrast, the insights into the thoughts of other characters were much more lively and entertaining. For example, Henry VIII’s thoughts are brilliantly humorous; his delusions and overconfidence provide comic relief.
Katherine firmly believed that Henry was not at fault for what transpired, insisting he was misguided by others, primarily Anne. This belief remained steadfast until her death, which was incredibly frustrating.
Additionally, I found Katherine’s portrayal of Anne to be intriguing yet puzzling. Although Anne was not widely considered a great beauty during that period, Katherine's description of her seemed overly harsh, especially before Anne’s rise to prominence with the king. It’s possible that my admiration for Anne influenced my perception of this book. Nonetheless, I appreciated the book and enjoyed its exploration of these historical figures.
October 27, 2008
I really enjoyed this. I read the Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory some time ago, and I thought this one was much better. Whether fiction or fact, Lofts had a lot of interesting anecdotes about Katherine of Aragon. Everyone is most familiar with Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII second wife because of her rise and fall from glory in a violent manner. I think Katherine's story is often portrayed as the whiney wife who would not move out of the way for the new mistress of her greedy selfish husband. In reality Katherine was a Princess of Spain, and legitimate Queen of England. She frustrated all the men around her for not giving way-but it seems she did this not only for her pride, but for her daughter Mary to one day take her rightful place as heir to throne. Her constancy to such a tyrant of a man, is frustrating, but her determination never to give way was also a brave act of defiance. Both historical and fictional novels state that she loved Henry to the end, and her death was probably the most tragic of all of his wives.
April 25, 2017
Good, solid, factual historical fiction concerning the King's Great Matter. Early glimpses into Katharine's life build the foundation for her later actions, and Henry is correctly portrayed (unlike many fictions I've seen Sandra Worth Sandra Worth Sandra Worth) as being stubborn and conceited, but ultimately generous, in youth, and only beginning his descent into paranoid and disgruntled at middle age.
December 10, 2016
I thought I had several of Ms. Lofts' books on my shelves but this turned out to be the only one. I vowed I would finally read one of hers, thanks to G'reads friend Autumn, so here I go. So far it's pretty standard stuff. The prose is serviceable and easy to stay with.
Didn't get to read much yesterday what with the NFL and a six-hour-work shift(and an hour of driving). One of the things I appreciate about good hi-fi is how an author can inform the reader of lives in different times and still stay focused on the "story." In this book an important thread is how the whole marriage-and-offspring thing is so vital to political structures and alliances. And money, of course. Women were mostly just pawns in the game, though some did achieve great power - see the reign of Q.E. I, who was Catherine's ... what?
- some questionable word usage/phrasing on p. 31
Halfway through now as the "good stuff" looms ahead. The story is a familiar one by now. I've seen "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" on Masterpiece Theater years ago plus "A Man for All Seasons" and "Anne of the Thousand Days." And ... I've read Hilary Mantel's first two Cromwell books and a minor tome titled "Mary, Bloody Mary"(I think). So far the author maintains that Anne B. is not putting out for Henry. Too bad for her. She'd have been better off in the long run if she'd just been his mistress. She's not really much of a presence so far but is still the most interesting character in the book. Ms. Lofts continue to provide plenty of interesting historical details about side characters like Charles of Spain as well as the French king, Francis. All that political stuff with marriage having so much to do with it all. Hard to know if there's any accuracy to her personality generalizations/descriptions, however. She must have had to rely on the testimony of others, I would assume. I saw a picture of Charles in my encyclopedia and even though the artist MUST have toned it down you could still see the tremendous under-bite. Poor, ugly guy.
Back to Tudor England last night after fixing a stovepipe that didn't need to be fixed. What a waste of perfectly good reading time! Anyway, what's happening now is covering familiar territory, but from a different perspective. Katharine and her marriage at trial. Henry VIII - what an effing creep a-hole.
And now, the endgame. Did she die of nat. causes or was she poisoned. My money's on the poison but ...
- Except misspelled as exept.
- Thomas More's about to get into the story, as he's resigned his position.
- NL uses the phrase "two English girls" in referring to Jane Seymour and Anne Boleyn in France. That's also the title of a Truffaut(I think) film.
- Not much Cromwell yet. Wolsey's gone bye-bye. A LOT about that in Wolf Hall/Bring up the Bodies.
- I liked the bit about drying the green/wet firewood by stacking it by the burning fireplace. I do that too with my woodstove.
Finished up last night with this entertaining, informative and easy-to-read book. Not sure that I'll be reading any more of Ms. Lofts books as there are so many OTHER books to be read that call out from my bookshelves but this one was OK. My next Tudor read will likely be Hilary Mantel's final Cromwell book - whenever she gets it finished - poor girl. Talk about pressure!
Didn't get to read much yesterday what with the NFL and a six-hour-work shift(and an hour of driving). One of the things I appreciate about good hi-fi is how an author can inform the reader of lives in different times and still stay focused on the "story." In this book an important thread is how the whole marriage-and-offspring thing is so vital to political structures and alliances. And money, of course. Women were mostly just pawns in the game, though some did achieve great power - see the reign of Q.E. I, who was Catherine's ... what?
- some questionable word usage/phrasing on p. 31
Halfway through now as the "good stuff" looms ahead. The story is a familiar one by now. I've seen "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" on Masterpiece Theater years ago plus "A Man for All Seasons" and "Anne of the Thousand Days." And ... I've read Hilary Mantel's first two Cromwell books and a minor tome titled "Mary, Bloody Mary"(I think). So far the author maintains that Anne B. is not putting out for Henry. Too bad for her. She'd have been better off in the long run if she'd just been his mistress. She's not really much of a presence so far but is still the most interesting character in the book. Ms. Lofts continue to provide plenty of interesting historical details about side characters like Charles of Spain as well as the French king, Francis. All that political stuff with marriage having so much to do with it all. Hard to know if there's any accuracy to her personality generalizations/descriptions, however. She must have had to rely on the testimony of others, I would assume. I saw a picture of Charles in my encyclopedia and even though the artist MUST have toned it down you could still see the tremendous under-bite. Poor, ugly guy.
Back to Tudor England last night after fixing a stovepipe that didn't need to be fixed. What a waste of perfectly good reading time! Anyway, what's happening now is covering familiar territory, but from a different perspective. Katharine and her marriage at trial. Henry VIII - what an effing creep a-hole.
And now, the endgame. Did she die of nat. causes or was she poisoned. My money's on the poison but ...
- Except misspelled as exept.
- Thomas More's about to get into the story, as he's resigned his position.
- NL uses the phrase "two English girls" in referring to Jane Seymour and Anne Boleyn in France. That's also the title of a Truffaut(I think) film.
- Not much Cromwell yet. Wolsey's gone bye-bye. A LOT about that in Wolf Hall/Bring up the Bodies.
- I liked the bit about drying the green/wet firewood by stacking it by the burning fireplace. I do that too with my woodstove.
Finished up last night with this entertaining, informative and easy-to-read book. Not sure that I'll be reading any more of Ms. Lofts books as there are so many OTHER books to be read that call out from my bookshelves but this one was OK. My next Tudor read will likely be Hilary Mantel's final Cromwell book - whenever she gets it finished - poor girl. Talk about pressure!
June 13, 2009
This novel is a look at Katherine of Aragon, a person to which I've given little thought since high school history classes. I was surprised how interested I became in her story.
The title may suggest that it, like other books of it's kind, concentrates on the more scandalous and tawdry aspects of King Henry's dealings with his first two wives. Although Henry's obsession and marriage to Anne Boleyn is included, the story almost entirely focuses on Katerine and her battle to uphold the legitimacy of her marriage for the sake of her daughter and her sense of right from wrong.
The book was fascinating. Although it is obvious the the story and time lines are heavily based in fact, I recognize that personalities and motives can only be speculative. Though perhaps this author, in her thoroughness, has more correctly portrayed Katherine by giving her more depth than that of a stubborn old woman embittered by the inability to produce a male heir.
The title may suggest that it, like other books of it's kind, concentrates on the more scandalous and tawdry aspects of King Henry's dealings with his first two wives. Although Henry's obsession and marriage to Anne Boleyn is included, the story almost entirely focuses on Katerine and her battle to uphold the legitimacy of her marriage for the sake of her daughter and her sense of right from wrong.
The book was fascinating. Although it is obvious the the story and time lines are heavily based in fact, I recognize that personalities and motives can only be speculative. Though perhaps this author, in her thoroughness, has more correctly portrayed Katherine by giving her more depth than that of a stubborn old woman embittered by the inability to produce a male heir.
August 22, 2007
I love novels about historical figures and this is one of my favorite books. It's a fascinating look at Katherine of Aragon, wife to Henry VIII, who was cast aside in favor of Anne Boleyn. Katherine responds with amazing grace and dignity. She is a woman to be admired.
March 20, 2012
I am completley fascinated-like so many-with the Tudor Era. Perhaps more than any other epoch in English history, we come across a vastly populated and interesting world. Although this is a rather old book, it reads well-gives lots of historical and background data, and portraying the main characters, overall, in a symptahetic light.
My sympathies have long been with Katherine of Aragon )although for what it's worth, I'm inclined to be in the camp who believe her marriage with Arthur to have been consummated. Her determination for Elizabeth to succeed to the throne was so intense that it seems as if she would be prepared to bend the truth in this dilemna! Whatever the truth of the matter, we'll never know, and I have found the resulting, close relationship between Mary and her half sister Elizabeth, to be immensely poignant. This aspect will continue to hold my interest, and I will no doubt hunt down more novels on this theme.
Lofts' sympathies also appear to lie with Katherine-as demonstrated by the wealth of detail surrounding her years of banishment from the court-and it makes for intense reading.Overall a good read based in a fascinating era.
My sympathies have long been with Katherine of Aragon )although for what it's worth, I'm inclined to be in the camp who believe her marriage with Arthur to have been consummated. Her determination for Elizabeth to succeed to the throne was so intense that it seems as if she would be prepared to bend the truth in this dilemna! Whatever the truth of the matter, we'll never know, and I have found the resulting, close relationship between Mary and her half sister Elizabeth, to be immensely poignant. This aspect will continue to hold my interest, and I will no doubt hunt down more novels on this theme.
Lofts' sympathies also appear to lie with Katherine-as demonstrated by the wealth of detail surrounding her years of banishment from the court-and it makes for intense reading.Overall a good read based in a fascinating era.
December 3, 2008
I read this many years ago in the hardcover version and it still remains one of my favorite books. I love the story of Katherine of Aragon. The portrayal of King Henry VIII shows his gluttony in every aspect of his life.
September 27, 2013
Well written, Norah Lofts was perhaps one of the world's most talented author of historical English novels - this is one example of her excellence.
December 6, 2016
I have read this book several times like all my books by Norah Lofts.
September 15, 2020
I love how Norah Lofts writes, which is why this book gets a good rating. That being said, look how long it took for me to read this! I felt dumb the whole time because I only knew who three people were. It became a slog, but I did it; I finished it!
October 22, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm a bit Tudor obsessed,so this was right up my alley.
I found it well written, and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I found it well written, and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 28, 2019
While considering what rating to give this pitch-perfect, absorbing historically fictitious account of the life of Katharine of Aragon, later Queen of England as Henry VIII's first wife, I considered giving it only 4 stars, but then I realized that was due to the dolorous circumstances of her life which I wanted, so much, to be different from what they actually were! And I further understood that it was because of the powerful narrative that I felt that way...so it definitely deserves the full five stars because it made the whole pathetic story come alive and made me care deeply about the characters. Only a great writer can do that and Norah Lofts is one of the very best.
Also, this is not my first reading of this book. I read it many years ago, before Good Reads, or even PC's existed. I remember very clearly the ache in my heart from reading it and as I've just said, with a story told by a master, everything is elevated to a memorable, if sorrowful, experience. I am happy for the opportunity we now have to set down our opinions on our most cherished reads.
The history of this marriage and divorce (or putting away of the rightful Queen) is well-known and well-worn. It has fascinated (and horrified) people, probably since it happened in the early 16th century. But despite covering old ground, Lofts is able to bring the tale to life in such a way that it not only seems fresh, but subject to a possible change of ending! It doesn't seem like it has to follow the inevitable, but reads like first-hand action! What an achievement! (I'm sorry, exclamation points are my favorite punctuation.)
If you like excellent, authentic historical fiction and/or genuine glimpses of the Tudor age, this is a "can't miss" book for you. If you've read it before, do yourself a real favor and read it again. It not only holds up, it holds new insights. I promise!
Also, this is not my first reading of this book. I read it many years ago, before Good Reads, or even PC's existed. I remember very clearly the ache in my heart from reading it and as I've just said, with a story told by a master, everything is elevated to a memorable, if sorrowful, experience. I am happy for the opportunity we now have to set down our opinions on our most cherished reads.
The history of this marriage and divorce (or putting away of the rightful Queen) is well-known and well-worn. It has fascinated (and horrified) people, probably since it happened in the early 16th century. But despite covering old ground, Lofts is able to bring the tale to life in such a way that it not only seems fresh, but subject to a possible change of ending! It doesn't seem like it has to follow the inevitable, but reads like first-hand action! What an achievement! (I'm sorry, exclamation points are my favorite punctuation.)
If you like excellent, authentic historical fiction and/or genuine glimpses of the Tudor age, this is a "can't miss" book for you. If you've read it before, do yourself a real favor and read it again. It not only holds up, it holds new insights. I promise!
March 4, 2020
The Queen of Castile has a daughter
Who wont come home again
She lies in a gray cathedral
Under the arms of Spain.
O the Queen of Castile has a daughter
Torn out by the roots
Her lovely breast in a cold stone chest
Under farmers' boots
Poem by Charles Causley
The King's Pleasure is a historical novel based upon the life of Catherine of Aragon Queen of England. Bringing her story to life Norah Lofts has written a beautiful tale which paints Catherine in different light through out the book. Starting with Isabella of Castiles pregnancy and the hopes for another boy, we follow the early years of Catherine as a Princess of Spain. Guided by her older sister Joanna she learns the basics of what it is to be a Princess and future Queen. At five Catherine begins to realise her destiny and starts to enjoy the prospect of being the future Queen of England. However, the age of twelve tragedy strikes when her older brother John and eldest sister Isabelle die. This sends her mother into deep mourning and seeks comfort in her youngest daughter. For the next three years Queen Isabella is reluctant to let her youngest and most loved child go, however, Catherine eventually persuades her mother otherwise. Once reaching the shores of England she immediately gains the love of the people, and the respect of her new family. But when young Arthur dies only months into their marriage Catherine's future becomes unsure.
The story continues right up until Catherine's death in 1536, and paints us a picture of a woman wronged by the man she loved. For anyone who enjoys Philippa Gregory or Alison Weir's books I would highly recommend it. As a heroine Catherine of Aragon is an inspiration to all of us to keep going and fight for what we believe in.
Who wont come home again
She lies in a gray cathedral
Under the arms of Spain.
O the Queen of Castile has a daughter
Torn out by the roots
Her lovely breast in a cold stone chest
Under farmers' boots
Poem by Charles Causley
The King's Pleasure is a historical novel based upon the life of Catherine of Aragon Queen of England. Bringing her story to life Norah Lofts has written a beautiful tale which paints Catherine in different light through out the book. Starting with Isabella of Castiles pregnancy and the hopes for another boy, we follow the early years of Catherine as a Princess of Spain. Guided by her older sister Joanna she learns the basics of what it is to be a Princess and future Queen. At five Catherine begins to realise her destiny and starts to enjoy the prospect of being the future Queen of England. However, the age of twelve tragedy strikes when her older brother John and eldest sister Isabelle die. This sends her mother into deep mourning and seeks comfort in her youngest daughter. For the next three years Queen Isabella is reluctant to let her youngest and most loved child go, however, Catherine eventually persuades her mother otherwise. Once reaching the shores of England she immediately gains the love of the people, and the respect of her new family. But when young Arthur dies only months into their marriage Catherine's future becomes unsure.
The story continues right up until Catherine's death in 1536, and paints us a picture of a woman wronged by the man she loved. For anyone who enjoys Philippa Gregory or Alison Weir's books I would highly recommend it. As a heroine Catherine of Aragon is an inspiration to all of us to keep going and fight for what we believe in.
February 9, 2021
Nobody writes historical fiction like Nora Lofts, whose stories get inside the character's heads so completely that you feel you are literally walking in their shoes, living through their lives, experiencing their loves, and suffering through their tragedies. In this book, she explores the marriage between King Henry VIII of England and Katharine of Aragon of Spain, which lasted from 1509 to 1533, until she died at fifty. Henry went to great lengths to have this marriage annulled by the Pope, even separating the Church of England from the Roman church's papal authority, to marry his mistress, Anne Boleyn—who he later had beheaded for treason. Because Katharine was extraordinarily pious and moral, Henry's quick solution to get rid of his first wife turned into an eight-year ordeal that ultimately got him excommunicated and placed in low esteem by his English subjects. This book has all the intrigue and trickery of the best spy novels. Nora's incredible research and attention to detail always makes history more exciting than fiction and more interesting than any traditional history book.
July 19, 2020
Começando com seu nascimento durante a campanha de sua mãe Isabella contra os mouros, Katherine é retratada desde a infância como um personagem muito humana, uma menina precoce e divertida que se transforma em uma jovem inteligente e decidida a tornar sua vida melhor do que as suas irmãs. Katherine é uma mulher vivaz e apaixonada que combina com a personalidade ardente de Henry. Ela não tem culpa, tendo um forte lado obstinado e uma confiança em sua fé e em seu rei, que se tornam mais cegos e teimosos com o passar dos anos. Como Katherine percebe que seus sonhos estão condenados e que ela realmente seguirá o triste caminho que sua mãe previra, o leitor continua torcendo por ela como se talvez desta vez as coisas pudessem terminar de maneira diferente.
June 8, 2020
I have read this book several times, and as much as I like it, it just crossed my mind that every time I've read it it's been a library book. I live in a rural area so it's possible I have never seen it outside of a library. Ok Amazon or Ebay, time for me to do some shopping. I definitely want to get a copy of this one. I highly recommend this book. For that matter, I highly recommend anything by Norah Lofts.
October 3, 2020
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is very well written and follows Katharine of Aragon's life from birth to death. Using the facts and weaving in the imagined conversations I felt that I got to know Katharine as a person. She obviously loved Henry VIII and was a very strong woman, determined that her daughter should have her rightful place as a future Queen. Henry VIII and his six wives have been much written about and portrayed in various dramas but I still found something new in this book and I came to understand how important it was for him to produce a male heir to continue the Tudor dynasty. I had not heard of Norah Lofts before but I would like to read more of her historical work.
January 18, 2022
Worth the Read
Nora Lofts is one of those amazing storytellers that you can’t get enough of. Her trilogy of the House at Old Vine was the best fiction I have read in many years. This novel of Katherine of Aragon “The Kings Pleasure “ does read well, however unlike Loft’s other novels this one does drone on and on in the second half.
That being said Nora Lofts was such a talented and well researched author of historical fiction that I feel guilty even critiquing her work 🙌
Nora Lofts is one of those amazing storytellers that you can’t get enough of. Her trilogy of the House at Old Vine was the best fiction I have read in many years. This novel of Katherine of Aragon “The Kings Pleasure “ does read well, however unlike Loft’s other novels this one does drone on and on in the second half.
That being said Nora Lofts was such a talented and well researched author of historical fiction that I feel guilty even critiquing her work 🙌
April 15, 2025
This book is from hte 1970's, but was republished in 2008, probably to capitalize on Tudor TV shows. At one point I had to check the back of the book to make sure this was published by a real publisher because there are a lot of grammatical mistakes, like missing quotation marks, incorrect use of colons, and missing spaces after a period. Simon and Schuster should be embarrassed.
The book is only okay. She plays fast and loose with point-of-view, which I don't like. Otherwise it's fine.
The book is only okay. She plays fast and loose with point-of-view, which I don't like. Otherwise it's fine.
April 24, 2024
I learned quite a bit about Queen Katherine but I wish the novel had devoted more time to the years she was with Henry. The novel focused more on her waiting to go to England and then Henry’s abandonment of her. It was hard to understand her undying love for him because “the good” times had sparse details
February 2, 2017
This story was so familiar to me from so many different sources...A Man for All Seasons, Anne of a Thousand Days, and Shakespeare's Henry VIII...but I still learned much more about Katherine of Aragon...and the people who loved her. It ends with her death.
July 14, 2019
Was good, but it was a little bit full of things that made the book a little bit longer than it should.
But, Katharine's story has ever been one of the most tragic of the british and spanish history.
I wish I could give it a higher rating.
But, Katharine's story has ever been one of the most tragic of the british and spanish history.
I wish I could give it a higher rating.
November 5, 2019
This was excellent. I love the Tudors, I love good historical fiction and this book had all of that plus an excellent writer going for it. Catherine of Aragon is made very human here, and the period details are gorgeous. Highly recommend.
June 30, 2021
This is a pleasing read and ties in oddly well with Phillipa Gregory's book about the Boleyn sisters. I like norah Lofts writing style, her strong female characters and their often deeply pragmatic approach to life. However, I found this novel slightly too dry in places
December 1, 2024
It was fine, but likely won't stand out among all the other books I've read on the subject. The last third or so seemed to drag; I could have used more attention given to the earlier part of Katherine's marriage and less on the slow and terrible descent.
July 21, 2018
About what one would expect. A little repetitive at times, buy a solid re-telling of Henry's first wife.
April 10, 2019
Enjoyable read, from a different perspective, well researched and written.
February 16, 2021
I thought this was really well written and really interesting. Katherine's life seems to be left out a bit compared to the adventures of Henry's other wives.
March 7, 2024
Pretty good story if Catherine of Aragon, HenryXIII first wife. Tells of their marriage, live and divorce.
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