Helpful Score: 7
Although I am a huge fan of historical fiction, I found this book to be a People magazine version of "literature". The dialogue was juvenile and almost unreadable, and I felt as though the author was condescending to the reader. It also felt as though the author had done no research to prepare for this book, but instead relied on old movies and heresay as her main source material. The only reason I finished it at all is because I was on vacation and had no other reading material. A real disappointment.
Helpful Score: 6
I have to emphasize that this story is fiction, based VERY LOOSELY on history. If you're looking for an accurate depiction of Anne Boleyn's story, you're in the wrong place. That being said, I LOVED the book. Very captivating and easy to read. Philippa Gregory does a wonderful job of putting you in the story and the feel of those times. I purchased this for a plane ride, and had a very difficult time putting it down! I highly recommend the book, especially if you watched the movie and were disappointed (as I was!). The Other Boleyn Girl is detailed and enthralling.
Helpful Score: 5
This book was such frivolous rubbish that after 120 pages I had to count it a loss and quite. I'd rather read a non-fiction account or watch a fictionalized show such as "The Tudors" of these events because I've found them to be more interesting. This book was just blah and pure torture to try and like.
Helpful Score: 2
A particularly engaging story based on historical facts. I had to force myself to put it down from time to time in order to drag out the enjoyment. Truly felt like I was there.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an absolutely intriguing novel. Addictive, really - this one led me to read everything Philippa Gregory has published to date. Although there are fictional characters mixed in with real characters, it simply did not matter at all to me. Philippa did a great job with this one. (If you see the movie, you will be disappointed - it is barely a Cliff's Notes version of this fine novel).
