The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory

After finishing The Orenda, by Boyden, I wanted to read something a little less intense and chose to read about a wife of King Henry VIII.  What was I thinking?  Being Henry's wife is decidedly more elegant but only slightly safer than living in a 17th century Huron village.   

Philippa Gregory has a Ph.d in history from the University of Edinburgh. She is a prolific writer and her novel, The Other Boleyn Girl, has been made into a movie.

She writes about the women in history instead of the men. These women may have had influence and power in their time but their accomplishments are often dominated or claimed by the men of the era.  Enough has been said about Henry VIII, so it is interesting to learn about his wives. However, the most famous of his wives, Anne Boleyn, (perhaps because she was young and beautiful but quickly fell out of favour and met a sudden and horrific end) overshadows his other wives, even Katherine Parr, one of his most intelligent and accomplished wives.

It is strange that not more is known about Katherine Parr since she did out live him, and that wasn't just luck.  She had to outmaneuver the King and the royal characters plotting against her. As Henry's sixth wife she followed two who were beheaded, two who were exiled and one dead through childbirth. She had reason to live in fear. Much of her time had to center around not ticking him off which was quite a chore since he was already quick to anger, egotistical and easily insulted.  He was at this time in constant pain from a well described ulcerous leg and he also had great discomfort from his over indulgence in food and wine, making him even grumpier.

Katherine was well read, a great thinker and well written.   She was the first woman in England to publish a book that she had written and not just translated.  As part of the court she was very involved in religious and theological discussion. Part of Henry's legacy is how he shaped religion in England during his time, and Katherine seems to have influence on Henry's thinking on religion and his place as head of the Church of England, as well. That is, she had influence when he was favouring the reformists; when he switched to the papists; she was in danger of losing her head.

Katherine had a considerable life outside of her royal life. She was a twice widowed but without children before she married the King. She also had a secret that would have ended her life and the life of a few others had he discovered it.

The Taming of the Queen, like Gregory's other novels is rich in detail. However, the intricacies of the court can be confusing, especially with Henry who liked to keep factions fighting between themselves and would favour one side and then the other to keep everyone on their toes.

I would recommend it to read if you are interested in a story about a strong, intelligent woman who is able to keep a secret. The rich detail of the Tudor court creates an atmosphere of intrigue and danger.  There are points when the discussion of religion seems tedious but it always turns out to be necessary to the story.  It is a good biography about a clever and innovative woman.

Reading Challenge:  

I chose to use this novel for the READ HARDER challenge to fulfill the Read a Biography entry.  I could also use it as a book set in Europe for the 2016 Reading Challenge from Popsugar, but I am sure that I will read another book set in Europe before the year is over.