Hardback: 488 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins 2025Source: Tywyn Library
First Sentence: In the hammered silver of the mirror, we look like two headless ghosts - our black hoods hiding our faces.
Review Quote: ‘An immersive visit to the Court of Henry VIII with its magnificence and machinations, its pageantry and plotting' Saga
My Opinion:
'Boleyn Traitor,'' is the story of Jane Boleyn who became a Boleyn when she married Anne and Mary Boleyn's brother George. It is the eleventh book in her series about the Plantagenets and the Tudors. Once thought of as a high spirited eccentric Henry VIII is these days seen more as a tyrant, a throughly unpleasant man who abused women. It is whilst living in his court that ambitious Jane survives in the service of five Queens, guiding them as a lady in waiting whilst watching the decline of the Kings health. As a voyeur for Thomas Cromwell she was somewhat protected by him, so it was only after his death and later her fateful decision to help Katheryn Howard meet her lover that we witness her downfall.
If you want to read a fictional but well researched account of Jane Boleyn's life at the court of Henry VIII, then I recommend Philippa Gregory's take on the treachery of the court during this period of history, through the eyes of this lesser known Boleyn.
Precis Courtsey of Goodreads:
#1 New York Times bestselling author and “queen of royal fiction” (USA Today) Philippa Gregory returns with a dazzling historical novel of ambition, betrayal, and survival in the court of Henry VIII.
Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.
For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.
Philippa Gregory masterfully shines a spotlight on the untold story of Jane Boleyn, peeling back the myths to reveal a complex portrait of a woman who dared to survive at any cost. Perfect for fans of thrilling historical drama and readers captivated by the intrigue of the Tudor period, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read.
DR Philippa Gregory was born in Kenya. She studied history at the University of Sussex and was awarded a PhD by the University of Edinburgh where she is a Regent and was made Alumna of the Year in 2009. She holds an honorary degree from Teesside University, and is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Neilsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output. In 2021, she was awarded a CBE for services to literature and to her charity Gardens for the Gambia. and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
.
Goodreads Author Profile Amazon Author Profile Facebook Profile. Philippa Gregory - Official Website
Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.
For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.
Philippa Gregory masterfully shines a spotlight on the untold story of Jane Boleyn, peeling back the myths to reveal a complex portrait of a woman who dared to survive at any cost. Perfect for fans of thrilling historical drama and readers captivated by the intrigue of the Tudor period, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read.
Author Profile:
Courtesy of Amazon
DR Philippa Gregory was born in Kenya. She studied history at the University of Sussex and was awarded a PhD by the University of Edinburgh where she is a Regent and was made Alumna of the Year in 2009. She holds an honorary degree from Teesside University, and is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Neilsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output. In 2021, she was awarded a CBE for services to literature and to her charity Gardens for the Gambia. and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
.
The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing.
Goodreads Author Profile Amazon Author Profile Facebook Profile. Philippa Gregory - Official Website