The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn

The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn by Robin Maxwell
Historical Fiction

Elizabeth I is queen and in love with Robin Dudley when she receives a diary written by her mother, Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn changed the course of English history.

After returning home from being in the French court Anne is seen by King Henry VIII. Her sister is already the king's mistress and Anne has no wishes to be another of his mistresses. She aims higher. She 'holds' out with granting the king any sexual favours and thus starts a six year engagement.

The pope refuses to dissolve the king's marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The king declares himself head of the Church in England and dissolves his marriage himself. Upon marriage to Henry, Anne bears him a daughter and not the promised son. Their relationship sours and finally Anne is beheaded.

The book explores: the politics surrounding Anne's marriage to King Henry, each of the machinations the king must go through in order to wed Anne, the schemes of Anne and her father, Anne's relationship with her brother George and her father. This book also shows how woman were chattels only to be used as pawns in the game of power.

Elizabeth after reading this story realizes the love her mother had for her and learns from her mother's mistakes in trusting any man.

First Line: "God's Death! roared Elizabeth."

Rating:

(3.5/5)