The Constant Princess (Boleyn)
by Philippa Gregory
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Book Reviews of The Constant Princess (Boleyn)
Book Review: Sadly disappointed
Summary: 2 Stars
"The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The Queen's Fool" are two of the best books I've ever read--and I've read a LOT of books, especially about this period, which especially fascinates me. They were gripping to the end, and my involvement with the characters was complete--true masterpieces. So whenever a new book by Philippa Gregory comes out, I buy it, hoping to have the same experience, and lately have been sorely disappointed. "The Virgin's Lover" fell flat, and now I am trying to read this book but not finding myself engaged, must give it up. One reviewer suggested the books were being written too quickly--that is always an easy guess, however it depends on the writer. Anthony Trollope, for instance, was able to turn out amazing book after amazing book with incredible speed. That may or may not be the case with Gregory. I know, as a writer myself, that there are times when the work flows out, feeling almost as if it's channeled from another source, and times when it's harder, more mechanical. The more challenging situations are those when I'm not entirely convinced or in love with my subject. So to me, neither of these books feels as if they spring from a natural impulse. They feel forced, constructed. I'm going back to Trollope.Book Review: Disappointing and repetitive novel
Summary: 2 Stars
I did not finish this book. It was very repetitive and uninteresting. While I was looking forward to reading about Catherine of Aragon - books about Henry VIII typically focus on Anne Boleyn and ignore Catherine's motivations - the execution was poor. First, there were significant implausibilities in the portrayal of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Gregory protrays them as rather open minded and solicitous of Islamic practices. Catherine is portrayed as very appreciative of the Muslim legacy of Spain. This is absolutely ridiculous, considering the fact that Ferdinand and Isabella were brutal religious fanatics who sparked the infamous Spanish inquisition. Second, Gregory portrays the relationship between Catherine and Henry VIII's older brother, Prince Arthur as a love affair. I suppose it is possible, but very unlikely in that time period. Gregory's purpose, of course, is the key premise of this book - that Catherine of Aragon lied when she said that her marriage to Arthur was not consummated, which means that her marriage to Henry was unlawful under church law. However, the efforts to make this point are rather forced - the romance between Arthur and Catherine reads like a nauseating dime store romanceBook Review: Constant Princess - my favorite Philippa Gregory
Summary: 5 Stars
At risk of sounding like a cheesy writer of book-cover blurbs, I have to say "Gregory delivers another gem."
The Constant Princess follows the story of Queen Katherine of Aragon, daughter of Isabella and Ferdinand, wife of first Prince Arthur and then his younger brother, King Henry VIII. Katherine may just be Gregory's strongest heroine yet. Her faith and poise never falter - from the five-year-old raised on the Crusade trail, to the young girl who takes her destiny in her hands, to the Queen who battles both Scotland and Anne Boleyn. She's not blinded by passion like Queen Elizabeth - yet the blossoming love between she and Arthur had me in tears. And despite her steadfast nature, she grows throughout the novel, eventually recognizing her mother's persecution of the Moors for what it was.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Gregory's descriptions of the Alhambra Palace in Grenada. If I hadn't seen the photos of it to know it is indeed real, I would think it was the most glorious fantasy palace any princess could dream up. I'm not sure if this book could quite edge out The Other Boleyn Girl as my favorite from Gregory, but I think it just might.
Book Review: Katherine was amazing!
Summary: 4 Stars
I got this book from the library because I liked a previous book of Phillipa Gregory. And this book was great as well. Perhaps it takes a few pages to really get you into it, but from then on, I couldn't put it down!
It is told in third and sometimes first person, Katherine of Aragon being the main character. She is the daughter of Isabella of Spain, and has been raised to be an independent woman, a warrior, even. Gregory has made her come alive again with her words.
I havnt really read much about Henry VIII's first wife, and it amazes me to hear about him. From Katherine's point of view, Henry (previously Harry) cannot compare to her first husband, Arthur. It is a very sad tale of lost love. In order to secure a seat on the throne, Katherine promises her dying husband Arthur that she will tell all that the marriage was never consumated. It rips her up inside.
I think that, historically, that might have actually been the case. It is possible that Katherine really did tell a lie so that she could become queen. Although she never did have Athur's child.
It is definately a book that every historical reader, should read.
Book Review: Constant Princess is Right....
Summary: 2 Stars
....because we never stop being reminded that Catalina is a "princess of Spain" and the "Princess of Wales" from the very first! I wanted to love this book because I'm interested in learning about Catherine of Aragon, but this is obviously not the place. Right now I'm trying to decide whether to spend time finishing this book! The main character, sadly, is not one we can really love or sympathize with...she's so busy touting herself as princess and queen that it's hard to see underneath that. Also, I think the story seems ridiculous because it jumps from Catherine being cast aside and living in poverty after Arthur's death to manipulating Henry and ending up as the one in charge and "ruling" England! I know this is a novel, fiction....but much of it is not the slightest bit believable. This is the first book by Phillipa Gregory that I've read, and it's disappointing...perhaps I'll talk myself into trying another one some time due to many of the glowing reviews here of a number of her other stories. I'm a person who despises picking up a book and not finishing, but in this case, I may have to go against my principles!