The Other Boleyn Girl

by Philippa Gregory
The Other Boleyn Girl cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1553
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781416562900
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2007-07-01
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 3
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Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
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Format • £10.44

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory is a captivating historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Mary Boleyn, often overshadowed by her more famous sister, Anne. Set in the dangerous and politically charged court of Henry VIII, the story explores themes of power, family loyalty, and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of ambition. Mary's journey is one of resilience and survival, as she navigates the treacherous waters of royal favor and the consequences of her family's actions. Gregory's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the Tudor era to life, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical period. The novel is a compelling blend of romance, intrigue, and historical detail, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

Reviews
Becky's Book Blog · Becky · 2021-08-13
engaging 4.00

The book delves into the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry, particularly the tension between jealousy and pride. The narrative effectively captures the emotional turmoil and strategic maneuvering within the Boleyn family.

Becky's review highlights the intricate exploration of sibling rivalry in 'The Other Boleyn Girl'. She appreciates how the book portrays the delicate balance between jealousy and pride, especially in the context of the Boleyn sisters. The narrative's ability to capture the emotional and strategic aspects of their relationships is particularly noteworthy. Becky finds the historical details and character development compelling, making it a rich and engaging read. She also notes the book's ability to immerse readers in the claustrophobic and cutthroat world of Tudor court politics.

Quick quotes

    The book examines closely the balance between jealousy and pride in a sibling – how happy you can be for them balanced against how far from the spotlight you feel.

    The narrative effectively captures the emotional turmoil and strategic maneuvering within the Boleyn family.

    Gregory's portrayal of historical details and character development is compelling, making it a rich and engaging read.

Keeping Up With The Penguins · 2021-07-06
mixed 3.50

The book offers a vivid depiction of the claustrophobic palace life in Tudor England. However, the narrative can feel heavy at times due to the dense historical details.

The reviewer from Keeping Up With The Penguins praises 'The Other Boleyn Girl' for its vivid depiction of life in the Tudor court, describing it as claustrophobic and immersive. They note that the book's strength lies in its ability to transport readers to a bygone era. However, they also mention that the narrative can feel heavy at times due to the dense historical details and the complex political maneuvering. The reviewer acknowledges that while the book is well-researched and engaging, it may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer a lighter historical fiction read.

Quick quotes

    Reviews of The Other Boleyn Girl were mixed. Fans praised its depiction of 'claustrophobic palace life in Tudor England', while critics...

    The book's strength lies in its ability to transport readers to a bygone era.

    The narrative can feel heavy at times due to the dense historical details and the complex political maneuvering.

Books On The 747 · 2018-08-25
exciting 4.50

The book is a brilliantly paced and exciting read, even for those not typically interested in royal history. The intense sibling rivalry and political intrigue make it compelling.

The reviewer from Books On The 747 highly recommends 'The Other Boleyn Girl', praising its brisk pace and exciting narrative. They find the book compelling, even for readers who are not typically drawn to royal history. The intense sibling rivalry between Mary and Anne Boleyn, as well as the political intrigue of the Tudor court, are highlighted as key strengths. The reviewer appreciates how Gregory brings the historical period to life, making it an engaging and enjoyable read. They also note that the book's exploration of the characters' motivations and actions adds depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    I find the Royal Family (current and historical) fascinating, but even if you're not a Royal fan, this is a brilliantly paced, exciting book.

    The intense sibling rivalry between Mary and Anne Boleyn, as well as the political intrigue of the Tudor court, are highlighted as key strengths.

    Gregory brings the historical period to life, making it an engaging and enjoyable read.

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