Review of The Other Boleyn Girl by Philipa Gregory

Everyone knows the fate of Anne Boleyn, but not many know the story of her rise to majesty and the part played by her rival and sister, Mary, who was Henry's mistress and mother to two of his bastard children before the dazzling older Boleyn girl even caught his eye. Philippa Gregory, whose own role as the Queen of historical romance grows more secure with each new novel, has surpassed her self with this epic tale of lust, jealousy and betrayal.

The Other Boleyn Girl charts the lives of both Boleyns--each in their turn "the other Boleyn Girl" - and their fiercely ambitious, conniving family who used the girls as pawns to advance their own positions at the court of Henry VIII. At 13, Mary is little more than a child when she is presented to Henry, ordered by her scheming family to serve her King and country by opening her legs whenever commanded. And while his loins are satisfied, life at court is sweet for the unofficial Queen and her pushy coterie. Inevitably though, the King's eyes soon begin to wander and Mary is overlooked, helpless to do anything but aid her family's plot to advance their fortunes, replace her with Anne and give Henry the greatest gift of all: a son and heir

The story of Anne Boleyn has been told so many times, in many different ways. The story is legendary. One man's ambition to have a son and one women's ambition to haves kingdom. This story takes the point of view of Mary Boleyn, Anne's sister.

I'm a fan of the film, and this was partly the reason why I read this book. For me, the film and the book are nothing alike. The film focuses on Mary's love for Henry, the relationship between the sisters and the ambition of her family. The book however for me was so much better. Mary is a gentle soul, she is obedient, a dutiful daughter. She does everything she is told to do. The film doesn't portray this a strongly. Also the film doesn't show her love for William Stafford, and it doesn't show the level of Anne's vindictiveness - talk about giving the Hollywood treatment

Every page of Gregory's novel is engaging and beautiful. Sheer delight to read.