So, I finished reading the new Philippa Gregory novel and it was awesome!
I loved the nature of Gregory's writing and the subtle hints of worry tinged with sadness. Each piece of dialogue makes the reader cautious about certain characters.
Characters:
My favourite character was probably Katherine of Aragon. This was because Margaret's opinion of her seemed to change so often. One minute, she was "Katherine of Arrogant" the next minute she was "royal princess" or "fit to be the queen". I loved the way Margaret's narration made everyone out to be simply human and nothing more. Including the Queen of England: Katherine of Aragon.
Themes:
I loved the theme of betrayal and kinship. There was something very sinister about characters such as Archibald and Mary. Even the character of King Henry VIII was quite shifty at times. Each character keeps their word as long as it is necessary to do so. The moment it is not convenient for them - they don't find the need to keep their word any longer. Uprisings, rebellions and grand escapes are made against and for the life of the Queen of Scotland as she carries and miscarries many children. Some of it makes you feel sorry for her being surrounded by machiavellian characters 24/7 - but you fail to see that she herself, is one.
Storyline:
I think Philippa Gregory got it right with this storyline. It was really interesting how much sisters could betray each other - and their brother acting like he had nothing to do with it. The fact that the brother (who was meant to be king) died seemed to resonate as a haunting that spread over the entire novel - coming back whenever a child died.
Verdict:
I give this book 8/9
100% for characters: Philippa Gregory is naturally the best at creating the most convincing historical figures.
100% for themes: If you read many of her books - you will see that she does this particular theme perfectly.
2/3 for storyline: Only because I thought it ended in an awkward place. Something I didn't really understand.
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