Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen: A Novel (Six Tudor Queens Book 1)

Wow.Forgive me, but I’m a little overwhelmed.I have read and studied a great deal of Alison Weir’s historical accounts and biographies regarding the English monarchy, ranging from the War of the Roses to Katherine Parr. I love how she does her best to show all sides of the story and to remain as true to the facts as absolutely possible. While in her other historical works she does wander into the realm of speculation on occasion, she allows her readers to know just when she does and provides them with multiple view points so the reader can make their own informed opinions. However, it was Weir’s absolute concern with the facts that made me unsure whether or not she would be able to write a good historical fiction novel. While I knew it would be close to the truth as any fiction book could be, I did not know how Weir’s style would translate into the realm of fiction.She definitely assured me, with this book, that there was nothing to worry about at all. I was right when I thought Weir would stick to the facts, but she wrote beautifully and elegantly, carefully incorporating actual dialogue and written letters to craft an engaging tale of the first, and true, wife of King Henry VIII. Told in third person limited, readers only see the story and facts as from Katherine’s point of view. We see her arrival to England as the Infanta and her transition from Princess of Wales to Queen of England to the discarded wife of a King enthralled with another. All the facts are there, but set forth in such a manner that makes the reader absolutely sympathetic towards Katherine’s cause. Though Anne Boleyn is present, she is not seen much more than a lurking, angry figure in the distant reaches of London. This makes me so much more eager to read the next volume in which Anne Boleyn’s story will be encapsulated.The book was quite hard to read in places; not because it was dull or that it was hard, but because there is just such raw emotion. By the end of the book I had finally cried. Katherine’s story is not a happy one, though it does have many happy moments. Her story is one of hardship and unwavering conviction. I could not help but be moved by the strength of this woman in her beliefs and the kindness that overflowed her heart. If you read this book, bring a box of tissues along with you. By the end, you’ll need it.

Since this is based on history, much of the story is predictable to those familiar with this time period and Tudor history. Alison Weir, however, does a great job fleshing out the major characters with some invented dialogue most of which is based on facts taken from actual letters written by them. This book really makes Kathrine come alive as a person with complex emotions and conflicting loyalties. It also does a good job of giving life to some more obscure but relevant characters such as Kathrine's sister, the "Mad Queen, Juanna." I felt that I understood Katherine's thinking and motivation much better having read this book. At times the book seems to drag but that is because Katherine's life was defined by lengthy delays, first in her marriage to Henry the Eighth and then as she awaited a ruling by the Pope regarding the validity of this same marriage. I can only imagine what it must have been like to actually live in this world of communication delivered by horse. It's a good read for anyone who wants a better understanding of Henry's first wife, The True Queen.

I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK. I MUST ADMIT I HAD TO GET THE KLEENEX OUT WHEN I GOT FURTHER INTO THE BOOK. SUCH A SWEET LADY TO BE TREATED SO BAD BY HENRY 8 JUST SO HE COULD HAVE ANN BOLYN.I LEARNED ALOT FROM THIS BOOK THAT I DID NOT KNOW. I LOVE ENGLISH HISTORY. BUT HER DEATH JUST TORE ME UP, AND TO NOT BE ABLE TO SEE HER DAUGHTER, WELL I WANTED TO TAKE A SKILLET TO HENRY'S HEAD AND KNOCK SOME SENSE INTO HIM. BUT THIS IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN BOOK. I HIGHLY RECAMEND IT.

I love Allison Weir. I delved right into this book with high expectations. We meet Katherine before she even sets sail for England. The first third of this book was really slow for me. A lot of time was spent during the voyage, the marriage to Arthur and her time locked away before she finally married Henry. In true Weir style, I was emerged in what Katherine must have felt. I got bored with this part though, ready to move on. I actually stopped reading it for awhile and decided to pick it up again. I have a hard time not finishing a book I’ve started. I’m so glad I came back to it! It really picked up once she married Henry. The detail was perfect and I felt like I was there. I’m reading the second book now and the third is in my library!

I’m not sure I’m going to be able to finish this, which is really unfortunate because it started so well. I’m about halfway through and for the last several chapters, it has been many pages of really the same thing- especially during the chapters where Katherine of Aragon was waiting to marry Henry. I found myself skimming and skipping paragraphs just to keep going. Once she was married, things picked up and it got interesting again but for the last few pages it’s has been paragraph after paragraph of the same.I have liked everything I’ve ever picked up by Allison Weir but this is not her best work. I’m scared to buy the Jane Seymour installment.

The book is well-researched, but the characters have little depth, perhaps due to the fact that they are based on historical figures. I found the book to move extremely slowly, and had to trudge my way through it. I was excited for the series, yet after reading this first novel, I am hesitant to continue on due for the reasons above.

Fantastic read

Love Alison Weir's first book into her six tudor Queens series. I was absolutely drawn into this book despite I never actually thought I would be interested in the story of Katherine of Aragon.I first read her book of Anne Boleyn and just knew I had to read this as well to see the same story from another important historical figure's p.o.v.

I was aware of Katherine's story but this book brought it all to life. Alison Weir deserves her reputation, she weaves a very beautiful story and I am very much looking forward to the next 5 tales of King Henry's wives. If you like to have a good read and are interested in history, you will love this book.

Ms. Weir's knowledge of subject matter and research, as always, is impeccable. Having read many of Ms Weir's previous works of the Tudor era, I found this a little dusappointing. It seems a little "dumbed down" in style and perhaps does a dis-service to actual events from a political and dynastic perspective. Historical fiction written in a romance novel format. A good read but well below Ms. Weir's capabilities as a writer.

Loved the book and the best story i have read oñ Queen Katherine...a must read book