Book 16: Final review
Considering this was the longest book we've ever undertaken for a monthly selection, I finished it in record time. To this, I owe that one great and splendid afternoon that I spent sitting on the deck reading for FIVE CONSECUTIVE HOURS. And for that luxury, I have my mother to thank. Without which I'm not sure I would have ever finished this book within the month.
Did you get around to reading and/or finishing The Other Boleyn Girl? How did you like it? Would you count this as a "bodice ripper" as one reviewer stated? Did you feel like you learned anything from this fictional account of history? Did you like the writing style? Were you inspired to read any other books by this same author or about this period in history? And the final question, if you had to choose like Mary did... which would you be - courtier or butter-churner?
And of course, give the book your final score:
***** = This was one of the best books I've ever read.
**** = It was a great book, I'd definitely recommend it.
*** = It was pretty good.
** = There were some parts that were OK, but overall not great.
* = Not great. At all.
0 = Didn't quite get around to this one.
Did you get around to reading and/or finishing The Other Boleyn Girl? How did you like it? Would you count this as a "bodice ripper" as one reviewer stated? Did you feel like you learned anything from this fictional account of history? Did you like the writing style? Were you inspired to read any other books by this same author or about this period in history? And the final question, if you had to choose like Mary did... which would you be - courtier or butter-churner?
And of course, give the book your final score:
***** = This was one of the best books I've ever read.
**** = It was a great book, I'd definitely recommend it.
*** = It was pretty good.
** = There were some parts that were OK, but overall not great.
* = Not great. At all.
0 = Didn't quite get around to this one.
I am a butter churner. With that out of the way.... It has been a while since I have read a book that I looked so forward to reading each day. I, too, finished when I thought I could not. But what of my wine pairings? Red, under $8.00 a bottle or box. Thanks for this book. I would give this author another try in the future. I am interested to see how they do with the film version of this book - due this winter.
Reply to this
One of my all time favorite movies was/is 'Elizabeth' and I have been patiently awaiting the sequal which is coming out this fall. Because I love this movie I had a few friends recommend 'The Other Boleyn Girl' to me, all of whom stated that although the writing could be a tad 'trashy' at times the overall story was interesting and one of the many times where fact is truely more bizarre than fiction. I knew very little of Anne Boleyn outside the beheading (can anyone believe that really went on?) and I found the historical part of the book fascinating....the fact that families were as manipulative as they were, serving the queen as a lady in waiting and not really having your own life made me think a lot about how lucky we are to have as much freedom as we do. This is a book that takes a certain type of person to like. On some levels it is the perfect girl-novel for those who want a light read and something that will be a page turner, but I also found that being able to understand what went on before Elizabieth came into power and essentially ruled Europe is very interesting. I tend to get hooked on certain authors and read all of their books if I am even remotely into one book so I can see reading another of her books. And most importantly I am a butter-churner through and through! ***1/2
Reply to this
I am afraid I have not finished, yet, but have very much enjoyed this book for its history, and its drama! Thank, too, for the history lesson mid-way through the month.
Reply to this
****
I have already recommended it to others, although I have to admit that I will not be rushing out to read another in that time period right away. I kept waiting for the famous quote "Off with her head!" Alas, no quote, but an enjoyable read...
Reply to this
Just finished last week and have now started the follow-up, "The Boleyn Inhertitance". I'd give it a ***. Writing wasn't the deepest but neither were there lives. I found the history fascinating and couldn't believe how manipulative and single minded the court was. It also made me realise that I really need to get out more and see some of these palaces. Suddenly so much more interesting when you layer on the real drama.
Reply to this
I read this book awhile ago and really enjoyed it. I did find the writing annoying at times (they didn't really talk like that, I am sure), but loved that it was easy-reading history. In fact, it was fascinating enough for me that I picked up another of her novels, 'Virgin Earth' which I found far less trashy (my husband enjoyed it!), and informative about another historical period in British history about which I knew nothing and some about the settling of the Jamestown area and conflicts with the native Americans, etc.
Reply to this
BTW, what is a butter churner???
Reply to this
***
I thought that this was a pretty good book. I liked it, it was engaging, I thought about it when I wasn't reading it, it brought the history to life even if it wasn't completely accurate. I wouldn't say that I thought the writing itself was particularly good, but I'd still read other books by the same author. It was enjoyable. Kind of like eating at McDonalds. Its not particularly nourishing and you wouldn't want to eat it every day, but DANG, those double cheesburgers are GOOD.
Classy, aren't I?
Reply to this