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Wives of King Henry VIII
The Last Wife of Henry VIII
From the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette comes a powerful new novel about Catherine Parr, The Last Wife of Henry VIII .
The least known of Henry VIII's six wives was the cleverest of them all. Alluring, witty, and resourceful, she attracted the king's lust and, though much in love with the handsome Thomas Seymour, was thrown into the intrigue-filled snakepit of the royal court. While victims of the king's wrath suffered torture and execution, Catherine withstood the onslaught, even when Henry sought to replace her with wife number seven. She survived her royal husband, and found happiness with Seymour---but it was shadowed by rivalry with the young Princess Elizabeth, whose affection Seymour coveted. Catherine won the contest, but at great cost.
The least known of Henry VIII's six wives was the cleverest of them all. Alluring, witty, and resourceful, she attracted the king's lust and, though much in love with the handsome Thomas Seymour, was thrown into the intrigue-filled snakepit of the royal court. While victims of the king's wrath suffered torture and execution, Catherine withstood the onslaught, even when Henry sought to replace her with wife number seven. She survived her royal husband, and found happiness with Seymour---but it was shadowed by rivalry with the young Princess Elizabeth, whose affection Seymour coveted. Catherine won the contest, but at great cost.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 1980
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About the author
Carolly Erickson
37books693followersDistinguished historian Carolly Erickson is the author of The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette, The First Elizabeth, Great Catherine, Alexandra and many other prize-winning works of fiction and nonfiction. She lives in Hawaii.
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August 16, 2021
The Last Wife of Henry VIII, Carolly Erickson
Courageous, attractive, romantic, intelligent, Catherine Parr became the sixth wife of Henry VIII.
Henry married his last wife, the wealthy widow Catherine Parr, in July 1543. A reformer at heart, she argued with Henry over religion.
Henry remained committed to an idiosyncratic mixture of Catholicism and Protestantism; the reactionary mood that had gained ground after Cromwell's fall had neither eliminated his Protestant streak nor been overcome by it.
Parr helped reconcile Henry with his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. In 1543, the Third Succession Act put them back in the line of succession after Edward. The same act allowed Henry to determine further succession to the throne in his will.
Her story, as Carolly Erickson re-creates it, is page-turning drama: from the splendors of the Field of the Cloth of Gold to the gory last years of the outsize King Henry, when heads rolled and England trembled, Catherine bestrode her destiny and survived to marry her true love.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز پانزدهم ماه آگوست سال 2017میلادی
عنوان: آخرین زن هنری هشتم؛ نویسنده: کارولی اریکسون (اریکسن)؛ موضوع داستانهای تاریخی از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
کاترین پارر (متولد: دوروبر سال 1512میلادی؛ درگذشت: روز پنجم ماه سپتامبر سال 1548میلادی) ششمین و آخرین همسر «هنری هشتم» پادشاه «انگلستان» بودند؛ لقب «هنری هشتم» در زمان وی از «لرد ایرلند» به «پادشاه ایرلند» تغییر یافت، و «کاترین پارر» تنها همسر ایشان بودند، که لقب «ملکهٔ ایرلند» را دریافت کردند
زن شجاع و جذاب و باهوش «کاترین پارر»، ششمین همسر «هنری هشتم» شدند: (همسر نخست «کاترین آراگن»، همسر دومش «ماری بولین»، همسر سوم «جین سیمور»، و همسر چهارم «آن کلیوز»، همسر پنجم «کارین هاوارد»، و همسر ششم «کاترین پارر»)؛ داستان ایشان، همانگونه که «کارولی اریکسون» دوباره آن را آفریده اند، درامی سه اپیزودی از شکوه و جلال تا سالهای پایانی ترسناک شاه بزرگ «هنری هشتم»، هنگامی بود که «انگلستان» میلرزید، «کاترین پارر» تمایلی به ازدواج با «هنری هشتم» نداشت («هنری» همسران دوم و پنجم خود را اعدام کرده بود) اما پاسخ منفی به پیشنهاد شاه، میتوانست پیامدهای بدی داشته باشد، برای همین «کاترین پارر» برای سومین بار ازدواج کرد، همسرهای «کاترین پار»: (همسر نخست «ادوارد بورو، یا برگ»، همسر دوم «جان نویل»، همسر سوم «هنری هشتم»، همسر چهارم «توماس سیمور»)؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 24/05/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Courageous, attractive, romantic, intelligent, Catherine Parr became the sixth wife of Henry VIII.
Henry married his last wife, the wealthy widow Catherine Parr, in July 1543. A reformer at heart, she argued with Henry over religion.
Henry remained committed to an idiosyncratic mixture of Catholicism and Protestantism; the reactionary mood that had gained ground after Cromwell's fall had neither eliminated his Protestant streak nor been overcome by it.
Parr helped reconcile Henry with his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. In 1543, the Third Succession Act put them back in the line of succession after Edward. The same act allowed Henry to determine further succession to the throne in his will.
Her story, as Carolly Erickson re-creates it, is page-turning drama: from the splendors of the Field of the Cloth of Gold to the gory last years of the outsize King Henry, when heads rolled and England trembled, Catherine bestrode her destiny and survived to marry her true love.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز پانزدهم ماه آگوست سال 2017میلادی
عنوان: آخرین زن هنری هشتم؛ نویسنده: کارولی اریکسون (اریکسن)؛ موضوع داستانهای تاریخی از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
کاترین پارر (متولد: دوروبر سال 1512میلادی؛ درگذشت: روز پنجم ماه سپتامبر سال 1548میلادی) ششمین و آخرین همسر «هنری هشتم» پادشاه «انگلستان» بودند؛ لقب «هنری هشتم» در زمان وی از «لرد ایرلند» به «پادشاه ایرلند» تغییر یافت، و «کاترین پارر» تنها همسر ایشان بودند، که لقب «ملکهٔ ایرلند» را دریافت کردند
زن شجاع و جذاب و باهوش «کاترین پارر»، ششمین همسر «هنری هشتم» شدند: (همسر نخست «کاترین آراگن»، همسر دومش «ماری بولین»، همسر سوم «جین سیمور»، و همسر چهارم «آن کلیوز»، همسر پنجم «کارین هاوارد»، و همسر ششم «کاترین پارر»)؛ داستان ایشان، همانگونه که «کارولی اریکسون» دوباره آن را آفریده اند، درامی سه اپیزودی از شکوه و جلال تا سالهای پایانی ترسناک شاه بزرگ «هنری هشتم»، هنگامی بود که «انگلستان» میلرزید، «کاترین پارر» تمایلی به ازدواج با «هنری هشتم» نداشت («هنری» همسران دوم و پنجم خود را اعدام کرده بود) اما پاسخ منفی به پیشنهاد شاه، میتوانست پیامدهای بدی داشته باشد، برای همین «کاترین پارر» برای سومین بار ازدواج کرد، همسرهای «کاترین پار»: (همسر نخست «ادوارد بورو، یا برگ»، همسر دوم «جان نویل»، همسر سوم «هنری هشتم»، همسر چهارم «توماس سیمور»)؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 24/05/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
November 23, 2017
Very, very bland.
Somehow Erickson made the Tudors boring, which I didn't think was possible.
Somehow Erickson made the Tudors boring, which I didn't think was possible.
July 11, 2008
This book is ROYALLY irritating. Carolly Erickson is a "distinguised historian turned popular novelist" - I would have hoped the simple task of getting the right order and personage of Catherine Parr's multiple marriages could have been achieved. The lack of getting even these basic facts straight really bothered me in the beginning of the book. However, trying to keep in mind that it is simply a work of fiction helped me read through it for the most part. The truth could have been stranger, and more entertaining than fiction.
I would have given it 4 stars (and I think that is being very generous) IF the author had kept at least the outline of the historical facts correct. Not to mention the complete void of any mention of Lady Jane Grey. So, minus one star for lack of facts and minus a star for lack of the "9 Day Queen"
I would have given it 4 stars (and I think that is being very generous) IF the author had kept at least the outline of the historical facts correct. Not to mention the complete void of any mention of Lady Jane Grey. So, minus one star for lack of facts and minus a star for lack of the "9 Day Queen"
October 24, 2010
This book was absolute rubbish. I found myself tutting out loud whenever I came across a historical inaccuracy (which was depressingly often) and I actually threw the book across the room when I read that Catherine was sleeping with Thomas Seymour whilst married to the King. WTF. ?!?!?!?!?! WHY would she do that? Didn't she JUST warn Katherine Howard a couple of chapters ago that she was an utter idiot for sleeping with someone when married to Henry?!?!
I skimmed the last 3 or 4 chapters of this book because I just wanted it to end. None of the characters were likeable at all and I never felt connected with them. The author rushed over events too quickly, as if she had a word limit for each event; for example in one chapter we went from Henry being happily married to Anne Boleyn, and the next it's the Pilgrimage of Grace, briefly explaining "He [Henry VIII] just hasn't been the same since Anne Boleyn was executed" or something to that effect. Um... Sure. Not like it was a major scandal to the whole of Europe at the time. Hang on, wasn't her brother also executed? For incest? Really?! Well fancy that. And four other men were executed for adultery too?! Golly. Why didn't you say?
As for the whole Anne Bourchier scandal, Katherine's brother didn't just shrug it off like it was no biggie, he wanted her executed for her adultery, which was the punishment in those days. She escaped punishment because Katherine persuaded her brother not to. And I'm guessing the only reason Anne Bourchier died from being tortured for heresy in the 1540's (she actually died in 1571) was so Ms Erickson did not have to go through the labourous task of creating a place for Anne Askew.
And the way Erickson portrayed Catherine's relationship with Princess Elizabeth was disgraceful. As was Katherine Howard's execution, where Lady Rochford gabbled insanely and stripped herself naked. Yup. Good inventing there... Well done.
Another thing that irked me was how the author kept claiming Katherine was descended from royalty through her mother. It was actually through her father, who was descended from John of Gaunt, the son of Edward III.
This book was awful, from the characters to the appalling historical inaccuracies. I will definately be steering clear of anymore of Ms Erickson's works.
I skimmed the last 3 or 4 chapters of this book because I just wanted it to end. None of the characters were likeable at all and I never felt connected with them. The author rushed over events too quickly, as if she had a word limit for each event; for example in one chapter we went from Henry being happily married to Anne Boleyn, and the next it's the Pilgrimage of Grace, briefly explaining "He [Henry VIII] just hasn't been the same since Anne Boleyn was executed" or something to that effect. Um... Sure. Not like it was a major scandal to the whole of Europe at the time. Hang on, wasn't her brother also executed? For incest? Really?! Well fancy that. And four other men were executed for adultery too?! Golly. Why didn't you say?
As for the whole Anne Bourchier scandal, Katherine's brother didn't just shrug it off like it was no biggie, he wanted her executed for her adultery, which was the punishment in those days. She escaped punishment because Katherine persuaded her brother not to. And I'm guessing the only reason Anne Bourchier died from being tortured for heresy in the 1540's (she actually died in 1571) was so Ms Erickson did not have to go through the labourous task of creating a place for Anne Askew.
And the way Erickson portrayed Catherine's relationship with Princess Elizabeth was disgraceful. As was Katherine Howard's execution, where Lady Rochford gabbled insanely and stripped herself naked. Yup. Good inventing there... Well done.
Another thing that irked me was how the author kept claiming Katherine was descended from royalty through her mother. It was actually through her father, who was descended from John of Gaunt, the son of Edward III.
This book was awful, from the characters to the appalling historical inaccuracies. I will definately be steering clear of anymore of Ms Erickson's works.
December 14, 2019
I've read a few of this author's biographies, so it was interesting to see her tackle historical fiction. However, I have mixed feelings. In her biographies, especially that of Anne Boleyn, the author did some speculating on the thoughts of Anne or those around her, it seems that that sort of thinking is what led to a book like this. It's near impossible to know what real-life people thought back then, unless they left behind diaries or letters.
As a work of fiction, this book was fairly interesting, though like with any histfic that stars a real-life historical figure, the reader would be advised to do his/her own research to separate fact from fiction.
As a work of fiction, this book was fairly interesting, though like with any histfic that stars a real-life historical figure, the reader would be advised to do his/her own research to separate fact from fiction.
June 25, 2011
This is one of my favorite Carolly Erickson books. Although like all of her works, she took many historical liberties to enrich the story; it worked. The novel is rich with imagery, emotional context, and personifications.
Yes, some of the timelines and facts are a bit off and the readers whom read history book on the Tudor times will notice these instantly but hey, so did "The Tudors" on TV and you still watched that! In fact, this books reads sort of like an over-dramatic episode of The Tudors focusing on Cathering Parr and her obsessive love with Thomas Seymour (another dirtbag who got the ladies. Ew).
Interesting, vivid, and entertaining. A delicious bite of historical entertainment.
Yes, some of the timelines and facts are a bit off and the readers whom read history book on the Tudor times will notice these instantly but hey, so did "The Tudors" on TV and you still watched that! In fact, this books reads sort of like an over-dramatic episode of The Tudors focusing on Cathering Parr and her obsessive love with Thomas Seymour (another dirtbag who got the ladies. Ew).
Interesting, vivid, and entertaining. A delicious bite of historical entertainment.
September 14, 2019
The Last Wife of Henry VIII by Carolly Erickson was well written, very descriptive and educational. I was very engaged in the characters and had the feeling that I was present during those most difficult years.
This is the first novel I have read by this author but not my last.
This is the first novel I have read by this author but not my last.
October 4, 2017
È stato molto interessante leggere la storia, anche se molto romanzata, dell'ultima moglie del re Enrico VIII (in pratica quello che cambiava le mogli come se fossero calzini 🙈) , proprio perché non molto nota e studiata. Solo la parte finale del libro non mi è piaciuta..tanto furba a gabbare il vecchio re, ma completamente inutile e senza flemma con il suo amato Tom, che la infinocchia da dritto e da rovescio! E poi la sua morte è proprio brutta
June 28, 2017
I loved this book so much but when I got to the end of the book . I wished their was more to the story like maybe another book where the ending left off at . I will be reading more books by this author in the future . I am happy someone decided to write more about the last wife of king henry the 8th because their is not a lot known about her . I would love to read more books about her because she was able to live and be queen of England while being married to king henry the 8th . She helped so many people that did not have any food or money or was sick with the plague . She also stand up for what she believed in even if cost her life . She was and still is wonderful woman that more people she know about her and her life . This is the best book I have readed so far this year by far .
January 29, 2018
To be honest, it was just OK. 4 of 5 stars here on ŷ, and that is being very generous.
On the positive side, it was interesting to hear the "voice" of the Tudor wife who survived.
She seems to get much less attention than, say, Anne Boleyn or Catherine of Aragon, and her story is a prime example of how an intelligent woman survives in a society where she has no power over her own life.
The biggest negative for me, however, was the fact that I just don't like the author's writing style.
With such a fascinating plot already written in history, it's a pity the story wasn't told with more skill.
Just my two yen...worth slightly less than two cents by today's exchange rate!
On the positive side, it was interesting to hear the "voice" of the Tudor wife who survived.
She seems to get much less attention than, say, Anne Boleyn or Catherine of Aragon, and her story is a prime example of how an intelligent woman survives in a society where she has no power over her own life.
The biggest negative for me, however, was the fact that I just don't like the author's writing style.
With such a fascinating plot already written in history, it's a pity the story wasn't told with more skill.
Just my two yen...worth slightly less than two cents by today's exchange rate!
September 6, 2012
Interesting, well-researched look at the last wife of Henry VIII, Catherine Parr. She survived him, but not for long. She died in childrbirth at the advanced age of 37.
July 4, 2009
Catherine Parr's mother is a lady-in-waiting to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife. Her life intersects with Henry's in various ways like this through the years. She loves, marries, mourns, and just generally lives her life until Henry beheads wife number five, Catherine Howard. It isn't long before Henry's avaricious gaze falls on her as wife number six.
I think I was expecting something a little meatier. There is so much drama in that whole period, juicy material shouldn't be hard to find. This story of Catherine Parr's life felt rushed through her early years. Once Henry started courting her, I expected the pace to slow down and linger over all that. But it still felt rushed. This mostly felt like an overview of her life. Give me details when it comes to those infamous Tudors!
The writing was okay. It felt a little simplified and in parts it felt a little cheesy, like the author was trying too hard. I can see that she could be a good author, but I think that will come as she publishes more novels. It looks like this was only her second.
I did enjoy reading about Henry's last queen. It sounds like she had an interesting life. I didn't know much about her before this. I'll probably try to find a different book that tells her story in a little more detail. But this was a decent book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is Tudor-crazy.
I think I was expecting something a little meatier. There is so much drama in that whole period, juicy material shouldn't be hard to find. This story of Catherine Parr's life felt rushed through her early years. Once Henry started courting her, I expected the pace to slow down and linger over all that. But it still felt rushed. This mostly felt like an overview of her life. Give me details when it comes to those infamous Tudors!
The writing was okay. It felt a little simplified and in parts it felt a little cheesy, like the author was trying too hard. I can see that she could be a good author, but I think that will come as she publishes more novels. It looks like this was only her second.
I did enjoy reading about Henry's last queen. It sounds like she had an interesting life. I didn't know much about her before this. I'll probably try to find a different book that tells her story in a little more detail. But this was a decent book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is Tudor-crazy.
August 20, 2009
It seems lately that respected historians, previously noted for their excellent non-fictional accounts of various important figures, have taken to writing historical fiction about these same subjects.
I've read many books by Erickson about The Tudors. She also wrote an excellent accounting of the life of Marie Antoinette; "To The Scaffold".
Now, she's turned to historical fiction and, although the work was relatively engaging and I made my way through it quickly, it simply was not as enjoyable to me as her other books.
But, I got a bit tired of the bodice-busting writing style; I almost felt like I was reading Barbara Cartland.
I know a lot about Catherine Parr (the last wife of Henry VIII) and her story is somewhat sad and tragic, even the non-fictionalized version. But, this telling was a bit over the top and the ending, well, all I can say is PULEEZE!
I'm fairly sure these fine historians turned historical fiction writers are so doing to both jump onto the Tudor fever bandwagon the show "The Tudors" has brought into town. I've noticed republishings of books about The Tudors written decades ago. They are also, likely trying to compete with those writers who have become known for their historical fiction accounts of these subjects (Phillippa Gregory comes to mind).
Anyway, this book is sort of Tudor mind candy. I'm glad I only paid $6 for it (hardcover) in the bargain bin at B&N!
I've read many books by Erickson about The Tudors. She also wrote an excellent accounting of the life of Marie Antoinette; "To The Scaffold".
Now, she's turned to historical fiction and, although the work was relatively engaging and I made my way through it quickly, it simply was not as enjoyable to me as her other books.
But, I got a bit tired of the bodice-busting writing style; I almost felt like I was reading Barbara Cartland.
I know a lot about Catherine Parr (the last wife of Henry VIII) and her story is somewhat sad and tragic, even the non-fictionalized version. But, this telling was a bit over the top and the ending, well, all I can say is PULEEZE!
I'm fairly sure these fine historians turned historical fiction writers are so doing to both jump onto the Tudor fever bandwagon the show "The Tudors" has brought into town. I've noticed republishings of books about The Tudors written decades ago. They are also, likely trying to compete with those writers who have become known for their historical fiction accounts of these subjects (Phillippa Gregory comes to mind).
Anyway, this book is sort of Tudor mind candy. I'm glad I only paid $6 for it (hardcover) in the bargain bin at B&N!
February 20, 2015
Holy crap, thus far I am completely unimpressed with this book. My first and actually, only beef with it is that it is historically inaccurate. It portrays Catharine as a teenage girl who marries a young man after she begs the king to intercede and prevent her family from marrying her to the young man's grandfather. Um, that is TOTAL POPPYCOCK. In real life, Parr's first husband was, in fact, a very elderly man, the grandfather that she does not marry in the book. Why would the author deviate so blatantly? Yeah, she was 17 and had to marry a grandpa. That's how it worked! What the heck?!? Why make something SO inaccurate?!?
September 11, 2017
Catherine Parr was the 6th and last wive of Henry VIII and the wife I knew least off, hence my interest in reading this book.
The overall story is told well and keeps you involved, however, the many historical errors made it a frustrating read at times.
Not sure I will actively hunt other books by this author.
The overall story is told well and keeps you involved, however, the many historical errors made it a frustrating read at times.
Not sure I will actively hunt other books by this author.
December 11, 2015
Full review at . This was the 13th Literary Wives read (find us on FB). . I believe I am the only hosting blogger who truly enjoyed this one. I felt as if I truly learned what it might be like to live as a woman/wife in 16th Century Tudor England, and that's what I always want in a historical fiction novel! I really respected and liked Catherine Parr, though I was disappointed that she had an adulterous affair. Though if you check our reviews some of the other bloggers felt this was not historically accurate. I guess I don't know enough about that time period or this person to argue the point. (Ignorance is bliss? lol) I felt Erickson put me right their in Tudor England, and that is what I expect historical fiction to do, above all else!
June 12, 2018
This year I read a Rose Tremain book, about the Lutenist of the King of Denmark. The brother of an earlier King of Denmark is referred to a couple of times in this book and I really enjoy it when I can join the dots in different books.
Despite enjoying the genre and the period, the only Tudor books I've read have been Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies. Both of which are simply stunning. Knowing the Carolly Erickson had a hard act to follow, I didn't give her much hope. However, I enjoyed reading this book, especially as it fills in the story where Bring up the Bodies leaves off.
I thought the characters were well-drawn and the sense of place was well-established. The story arc was plotted well so that I didn't lose interest and I did feel a sense of empathy with Cat Parr. Towards the end of the book I did feel that the second half of the book could have been just as easily called 'The Tale of Tom Seymour', as it was his schemes and motives that kept my interest. EDITED TO ADD, having perused Wikipedia I now see that the author has taken major liberties with the sequencing of events in her novel and that they do not follow the historical record. I still enjoyed the read though.
I'll be recommending this to my bookclubbers in Nethertown.
Despite enjoying the genre and the period, the only Tudor books I've read have been Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies. Both of which are simply stunning. Knowing the Carolly Erickson had a hard act to follow, I didn't give her much hope. However, I enjoyed reading this book, especially as it fills in the story where Bring up the Bodies leaves off.
I thought the characters were well-drawn and the sense of place was well-established. The story arc was plotted well so that I didn't lose interest and I did feel a sense of empathy with Cat Parr. Towards the end of the book I did feel that the second half of the book could have been just as easily called 'The Tale of Tom Seymour', as it was his schemes and motives that kept my interest. EDITED TO ADD, having perused Wikipedia I now see that the author has taken major liberties with the sequencing of events in her novel and that they do not follow the historical record. I still enjoyed the read though.
I'll be recommending this to my bookclubbers in Nethertown.
February 17, 2018
È stata una lettura piacevole, anche se l'aspetto storico si perde un po' nel grande lavoro di fantasia dell'autrice, al punto che non saprei se definirlo un romanzo storico o un romance.
Tuttavia è bello trascorrere qualche ora in un'epoca lontana, alla corte di Enrico VIII. Ovviamente sappiamo tutti che razza di personaggio fosse questo monarca, che nella sua vita non ha fatto altro che cambiare moglie a ripetizione, nutrendo sempre la speranza di poter avere un figlio maschio che gli succedesse al trono.
Qui la storia viene narrata dal punto di vista di Catherine Parr, appunto l'ultima moglie di Enrico. La lettura mi ha dato modo di riflettere ancora una volta su quanto fossero marci gli ambienti di corte (un po' come la politica di oggi) e su quanto fosse misera la vita delle persone comuni, in particolare delle donne.
Tuttavia è bello trascorrere qualche ora in un'epoca lontana, alla corte di Enrico VIII. Ovviamente sappiamo tutti che razza di personaggio fosse questo monarca, che nella sua vita non ha fatto altro che cambiare moglie a ripetizione, nutrendo sempre la speranza di poter avere un figlio maschio che gli succedesse al trono.
Qui la storia viene narrata dal punto di vista di Catherine Parr, appunto l'ultima moglie di Enrico. La lettura mi ha dato modo di riflettere ancora una volta su quanto fossero marci gli ambienti di corte (un po' come la politica di oggi) e su quanto fosse misera la vita delle persone comuni, in particolare delle donne.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2018
I have a weird fascination with historical families. I could care less about the modern day royals and what they're up to, but the Tudors.....
As for this book.... Not bad. Not great either. Carolly Erickson is kind of hit/miss for me with her historical fiction. You can never really know what a historical figure was actually like, and I realize that some liberties have to be taken, but in my head there was a different version of Catherine Parr than Erickson portrayed... at least at the end.
I always pictured Catherine Parr as a level headed, shrewd woman who did what she needed to do to survive. And she was that. But she also came across as a lovesick fool, and it was obvious to the reader that Tom Seymore was a giant peaturkey who was just using Catherine for her position and money. For some reason, Catherine fell for it, up until the bitter end. It made the ending more depressing than it needed to be.
As for this book.... Not bad. Not great either. Carolly Erickson is kind of hit/miss for me with her historical fiction. You can never really know what a historical figure was actually like, and I realize that some liberties have to be taken, but in my head there was a different version of Catherine Parr than Erickson portrayed... at least at the end.
I always pictured Catherine Parr as a level headed, shrewd woman who did what she needed to do to survive. And she was that. But she also came across as a lovesick fool, and it was obvious to the reader that Tom Seymore was a giant peaturkey who was just using Catherine for her position and money. For some reason, Catherine fell for it, up until the bitter end. It made the ending more depressing than it needed to be.
March 22, 2021
One can't help but wonder what went through the 6th wife's head when the tyrant king, who had already had two wives executed, proposed marriage. Foreign royalty could beg off, but Englishwomen were subject to their sovereign Henri. So, (an albeit fictional) account of Catherine Parr, the sixth wife, who did keep her life. (So did Anne of Cleves, and probably isolation and comfort is better than losing one's head). Some parts didn't seem to line up with what is accepted as factual recordings (?) of certain events...but it still is good historical fiction, if one likes anything concerning the Tudors.
September 9, 2022
The Last Wife of Henry VIII (Wives of Henry VIII) by Carolly Erickson was definitely more accessible and interesting than The Sixth Wife by Jean Plaidy, but I wouldn't exactly call it exciting or a must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2012
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I generally love anything to do with the Tudors, and I enjoyed the author's book, , so I had some reasonable hopes for this one. Much as I tried, though, I couldn't get into it. I would read, and read, and read, come up for air and find I had only managed to read a few pages when it felt as if I had been reading forever. There were times when it showed promise and I felt a little more engaged. I think my problem with it was partly because I couldn't get past the deviations from historical record and partly because the author's take on Catherine clashed with my take on her. I just about went mad at wondering how someone as intelligent as Catherine could fall for such a rotten apple as Thomas Seymour. Hopefully he was somewhat worthier of her in real life than he was in this book (although I have my doubts on that matter). All that aside, I'm still glad that I read the book because, after all, it let me spend time with my favorite royal family. If it was possible to give half stars on ŷ, I would give it 2 and 1/2 instead of 2 (2 isn't quite generous enough, 3 maybe a little too generous).
August 23, 2008
I really liked this book. It was told from the pov of Catherine Parr-the last wife of king henry viii.
The author took quite abit of license with accepted historical fact-for instance she has her first husband as her age when history shows both of her first 2 husbands as having been older men. However, she was a strong and likable protagonist-I was drawn into the story and really cared about what happened to her. It is also tragic in a way because she manages to outlive Henry and keep her head-towards the end he makes half-hearted attempts to have her named a heretic-only to marry Tom Seymour who uses her for her money and status. In the end she finally gets pregnant and dies in childbirth while her husband has gathered an army against his brother Edward who is King Edward's Protector until he comes of age. Again-the end differs somewhat from accepted historical fact-but she was interesting and even managed to write and publish some books for women on prayers and what not while she was queen.
The author took quite abit of license with accepted historical fact-for instance she has her first husband as her age when history shows both of her first 2 husbands as having been older men. However, she was a strong and likable protagonist-I was drawn into the story and really cared about what happened to her. It is also tragic in a way because she manages to outlive Henry and keep her head-towards the end he makes half-hearted attempts to have her named a heretic-only to marry Tom Seymour who uses her for her money and status. In the end she finally gets pregnant and dies in childbirth while her husband has gathered an army against his brother Edward who is King Edward's Protector until he comes of age. Again-the end differs somewhat from accepted historical fact-but she was interesting and even managed to write and publish some books for women on prayers and what not while she was queen.
January 24, 2018
Come disse il saggio (quell'impiccione di mio figlio): "Ma non ne hai abbastanza di Enrico 8°? Mogli, amanti... ecc ecc"
La risposta: ebbene, no. Anche se so la storia a memoria, attimo per attimo, personaggio per personaggio, non mi stanco mai di leggere dei Tudor, dell'Inghilterra di quegli anni, degli intrighi e delle passioni.
La Erickson inoltre è bravissima a tratteggiare e caratterizzare i personaggi di cui racconta, anche nelle storie romanzate come questa dove presenta una Caterina Parr che di solito arriva per ultima nelle biografie sul Grande Enrico e viene un po' liquidata in fretta. Qui riviviamo la sua storia e la storia di quell'epoca attraverso i suoi pensieri, da un'ottica innovativa e diversa, scoprendo una donna moderna per il suo tempo che ha saputo sopravvivere a molte bufere.
La risposta: ebbene, no. Anche se so la storia a memoria, attimo per attimo, personaggio per personaggio, non mi stanco mai di leggere dei Tudor, dell'Inghilterra di quegli anni, degli intrighi e delle passioni.
La Erickson inoltre è bravissima a tratteggiare e caratterizzare i personaggi di cui racconta, anche nelle storie romanzate come questa dove presenta una Caterina Parr che di solito arriva per ultima nelle biografie sul Grande Enrico e viene un po' liquidata in fretta. Qui riviviamo la sua storia e la storia di quell'epoca attraverso i suoi pensieri, da un'ottica innovativa e diversa, scoprendo una donna moderna per il suo tempo che ha saputo sopravvivere a molte bufere.
July 8, 2009
I guess I did things a little backward and got into the work of Phillipa Gregory after I discovered Carolly Erickson. "The Last Wife of Henry VIII: a novel" follows Katherine Parr, who is pursued by the king following his dispatch of Catherine Howard. As a member of the court, Katherine has witnessed first-hand the demise of his past wives and determines to avoid marriage to the King. Finally, forced into acceding to his wishes, she is able to garner a writ from Henry, which does not allow her to be killed no matter what wrong the King's addled mind perceives. The writ serves her well as we are plunged headlong into the final days of Henry's monarchy. Erickson, primarily a non-fiction writer, uses her talents well in this piece of historical fiction which has a solid ring of truth.
September 20, 2013
It is really tough to go wrong with historical fiction, and this author delivers. I had never read about this time and place before, and I found myself googling to distinguish fact from fiction on this one. This is a good, light book to read on vacation or when work is just too much. It will take you to another world.
March 6, 2014
Read by Terry Donnelly. Unabridged
Great historian turned rogue. Will I like the romantic swerve *shrugs*
later - Nope, I didn't like the romantic swerve at all, no surprise there I suppose*shrugs*
Great historian turned rogue. Will I like the romantic swerve *shrugs*
later - Nope, I didn't like the romantic swerve at all, no surprise there I suppose*shrugs*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 24, 2016Just couldn't do this one after reading half of Mary Luke's 'The Ivy Crown'. I thought the dialog was pretty unbelievable and the characterizations and motivations were too simplistic.
September 22, 2011
Henry VIII is one of my favourite historical figures, love to read stories about his life
March 15, 2014
Good for a trip. Easy and forgettable.
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