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Henrietta Howard: King's Mistress, Queen's Servant
Henrietta Howard, later Countess of Suffolk, was the long-term mistress and confidante of King George II. Described by Swift as a consummate courtier who packed away her 'private virtues...like cloaths in a chest', by Pope as 'so very reasonable, so unmov'd', and by the world at large as 'the Swiss' (due to her apparent neutrality), she remains as fascinating and perplexing today as she was for her contemporaries.
At the age of nine, Henrietta's idyllic childhood was shattered when her father was killed in a duel. Her mother's death three years later left her an orphan, and she soon afterwards made a disastrous marriage to Charles Howard, youngest son of the Earl of Suffolk. Having been dragged into poverty by her brutal husband, Henrietta used her own ingenuity and determination to secure a role at the very heart of the royal court. Although renowned for her passivity and mildness, her relations with the Queen became increasingly acrimonious, and she made an enemy of Prime Minister Robert Walpole before eventually resigning her position amidst intense political scandal.
As well as providing a fascinating insight into the dynamics of the Georgian court, Tracy Borman's wonderful biography reveals a woman who was far more than the mistress to the King: a dedicated patron of the arts; a lively and talented intellectual in her own right; a victim of violence and adultery; a passionate advocate for the rights of women long before the dawn of feminism. Above all, she was a woman of reason in an Age of Reason. The mark that this enigmatic and largely forgotten royal mistress left on the society and culture of early Georgian England was to resonate well beyond the confines of the court, and can still be felt today.
At the age of nine, Henrietta's idyllic childhood was shattered when her father was killed in a duel. Her mother's death three years later left her an orphan, and she soon afterwards made a disastrous marriage to Charles Howard, youngest son of the Earl of Suffolk. Having been dragged into poverty by her brutal husband, Henrietta used her own ingenuity and determination to secure a role at the very heart of the royal court. Although renowned for her passivity and mildness, her relations with the Queen became increasingly acrimonious, and she made an enemy of Prime Minister Robert Walpole before eventually resigning her position amidst intense political scandal.
As well as providing a fascinating insight into the dynamics of the Georgian court, Tracy Borman's wonderful biography reveals a woman who was far more than the mistress to the King: a dedicated patron of the arts; a lively and talented intellectual in her own right; a victim of violence and adultery; a passionate advocate for the rights of women long before the dawn of feminism. Above all, she was a woman of reason in an Age of Reason. The mark that this enigmatic and largely forgotten royal mistress left on the society and culture of early Georgian England was to resonate well beyond the confines of the court, and can still be felt today.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2007
About the author
Tracy Borman
18 books691 followersTracy Borman, PhD, FRHistS, FSA is a historian and author from Scothern, United Kingdom. She is most widely known as the author of Elizabeth's Women.
Borman was born and brought up in the village of Scothern, England near Lincoln. She was educated at Scothern Primary School (now Ellison Boulters School), William Farr School, Welton, and Yarborough School, Lincoln. She taught history at the University of Hull, where she was awarded a Ph.D in 1997. Elizabeth's Women was serialized and became a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week in September 2009. Tracy Borman appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, also in September 2009
Borman was born and brought up in the village of Scothern, England near Lincoln. She was educated at Scothern Primary School (now Ellison Boulters School), William Farr School, Welton, and Yarborough School, Lincoln. She taught history at the University of Hull, where she was awarded a Ph.D in 1997. Elizabeth's Women was serialized and became a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week in September 2009. Tracy Borman appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, also in September 2009
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 18, 2017
While I can't argue that Henrietta Howard is a fascinating woman, I was a bit disappointed that a book about a Kings Mistress was so entirely lacking in sex and scandal.
Basically the King would, like clockwork, spend a few hours in her room on set days. And he did this for rather a long time until he found new mistress. And that's the main title explained.
Although the rest of her life as a noblewoman is interesting, it's a very dry read most of the time. I like my history to read like fiction and this book doesn't manage that. Worth a read if you are passionate about Hanover history.
Basically the King would, like clockwork, spend a few hours in her room on set days. And he did this for rather a long time until he found new mistress. And that's the main title explained.
Although the rest of her life as a noblewoman is interesting, it's a very dry read most of the time. I like my history to read like fiction and this book doesn't manage that. Worth a read if you are passionate about Hanover history.
July 17, 2018
This is sort of a factual account but also borders on historical fiction. The main character is Henrietta Howard, who was mistress to King George II.
To be honest, I found it quite dull. Although, the descriptions of court life were interesting.
I did not know that Howard had been part of the Pope, Gay, Swift etc. circle so that was the most fascinating part for me. When I reread their works now, I will definitely be looking for mentions of Henrietta.
I did feel that the book was very biased towards Howard, in that it did not seem to accept that she possibly could have done anything wrong.
To be honest, I found it quite dull. Although, the descriptions of court life were interesting.
I did not know that Howard had been part of the Pope, Gay, Swift etc. circle so that was the most fascinating part for me. When I reread their works now, I will definitely be looking for mentions of Henrietta.
I did feel that the book was very biased towards Howard, in that it did not seem to accept that she possibly could have done anything wrong.
February 24, 2019
Didn't enjoy. That's what I get for trying to expand into an area of history that just doesn't interest me.
March 28, 2015
I first read this book in 2011 and only gave it 2 stars. I think that’s proof that you have to be in the right mood for a book because this time I would easily give it 4 stars if not 4 1/2.
It’s all so interesting!! Not just the life of Henrietta, but the history of the Hanoverian Court, how King George I and II came to the throne, their acrimonious relationship, life in London in the early 1700s, the lifestyle of George and Caroline when they were still Prince and Princess of Wales… all of it!
It’s a very well written book; not dry or text-booky at all. I really feel like I learned something… I’m glad I decided to pick it up again.
It’s all so interesting!! Not just the life of Henrietta, but the history of the Hanoverian Court, how King George I and II came to the throne, their acrimonious relationship, life in London in the early 1700s, the lifestyle of George and Caroline when they were still Prince and Princess of Wales… all of it!
It’s a very well written book; not dry or text-booky at all. I really feel like I learned something… I’m glad I decided to pick it up again.
February 9, 2024
4.5 stars
An extremely interesting and well-written account of the life of an extraordinary, intelligent and determined woman. Henrietta Howard had much to endure - an abusive husband who brought her to the brink of poverty and turned her own son against her, the whims of her lover the Prince of Wales then George II, the demands of his wife Caroline for whom she worked. But with the support of her many friends (including Gay, Pope, Swift and Horace Walpole) she was eventually able to build a house and an independent life for herself, and found love and happiness with her second husband George Berkeley. The book also affords a fascinating insight into life at the courts of Georges I and II. You couldn’t make it up. Real scope for a TV miniseries, I feel. And for Londoners who have never visited Henrietta’s house at Marble Hill, Twickenham - do so!
The only reason I failed to give 5 stars was Borman’s very annoying overuse of ‘the latter’!
An extremely interesting and well-written account of the life of an extraordinary, intelligent and determined woman. Henrietta Howard had much to endure - an abusive husband who brought her to the brink of poverty and turned her own son against her, the whims of her lover the Prince of Wales then George II, the demands of his wife Caroline for whom she worked. But with the support of her many friends (including Gay, Pope, Swift and Horace Walpole) she was eventually able to build a house and an independent life for herself, and found love and happiness with her second husband George Berkeley. The book also affords a fascinating insight into life at the courts of Georges I and II. You couldn’t make it up. Real scope for a TV miniseries, I feel. And for Londoners who have never visited Henrietta’s house at Marble Hill, Twickenham - do so!
The only reason I failed to give 5 stars was Borman’s very annoying overuse of ‘the latter’!
November 15, 2016
This is my review on my youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpB2R...
June 6, 2018
Of all the non-fiction books I've read in 2018 this was perhaps the easiest to get into and I found it very difficult to put down! 18th century history is not something I know well and this book not only gave a good profile of Henrietta Howard but placed her squarely in the the context of early to mid 18th century politics and court life.
One of the bugbears about some of the history books I've read is how badly they insert quotes from contemporary sources. Thankfully quotations were skillfully added to enhance the book rather than obscure it.
I would definitely read more books by Tracy Borman.
One of the bugbears about some of the history books I've read is how badly they insert quotes from contemporary sources. Thankfully quotations were skillfully added to enhance the book rather than obscure it.
I would definitely read more books by Tracy Borman.
August 18, 2017
A fascinating look into the life, times and loves of the Hanoverian ruler George II. Henrietta Howard's life was unique and spanned a quite brilliant time of change in Great Britain. She experienced poverty, hardships, abuse by her first husband and then independent wealth, love and happiness with her second husband. In between she became the mistress of George II while simultaneously serving his wife the Queen.
This book provides a fascinating look into this time period ...I learned a lot from reading his book and enjoyed it very much!
This book provides a fascinating look into this time period ...I learned a lot from reading his book and enjoyed it very much!
December 17, 2023
Henrietta Howard (1689-1767) was born wealthy into the gentry, into the Hobart family, which boasted a line of distinguished lawyers and politicians. However, her early life was not easy.
In 1698, when Henrietta was about eight years old, her irascible father incited a duel, in which he was killed. This event plunged the family ~ Henrietta, her brother and two sisters into straightened circumstances. When her mother died four years later, Henrietta was left an orphan at the aged of twelve.
However, in those days, children of genteel families were made wards of court of other families who had the means and the station to help them make "good" marriages. And so Henrietta became a ward of Henry Howard, 5th Duke of Suffolk (1627-1709), eventually marrying Henry’s youngest son Charles, 9th Duke of Suffolk (1685-1733) in 1706, when she was around sixteen years old. The couple had only one child, a son Henry, 10th Duke of Suffolk (1710-1745.)
If Henrietta hoped that by making a dynastic marriage with the Howard family, she would be set for life, she was to be bitterly disappointed. Charles Howard was a compulsive gambler and an alcoholic. He managed to gamble away his wife’s dowry so that within a few years they were reduced to penury. And when drunk, he was vicious. He beat his wife so badly, that Henrietta became deaf at an early age.
But Henrietta had spirit, and was determined to escape her brutal marriage. She persuaded her husband to travel to Hanover to acquaint themselves with the Elector of Hanover (1660-1627) and his family, as Elector George was the Heir Presumptive of the Throne of England, becoming George I in 1714 on the death of Queen Anne. While there, Henrietta made friends with George’s son, also called George (1683-1760) and his highly intelligent wife Caroline (1683-1737.) This proved to be a stroke of genius on Henrietta’s part, for she proved to be so agreeable ~ listening with polite and apparently fascinated attention while George rambled on about various military campaigns ~ that he made her his mistress. While Caroline was not thrilled about this, nevertheless she liked Henrietta, who was famous for being discreet.
All of this meant that by the 1720s, Henrietta was gradually able to free herself from her marriage. George (now the Prince of Wales) gave her a generous income, and Caroline gave her a place at court. And so Henrietta began secretly planning a country house for herself, now known as Marble Hill, located in what was the pleasant Surrey countryside near Twickenham.
Matters were greatly improved when George and Caroline became King and Queen of England in 1727, and the King increased her income. IN 1731, Charles succeeded his brother as Earl of Sussex and Henrietta was elevated to Mistress of the Robes. In that same year, Finally, Henrietta finally persuaded her husband to draw up a formal deed of separation, which ended their toxic marriage of twenty-five years. The cost was that Henrietta was never allowed to see her son again.
In 1733, must to Henrietta’s relief, her husband died and she was at last free. The first thing she did was call in the architects to make a dream a reality, and the building of Marble Hill House began. After two years of "mourning" her husband, Henrietta finally married for love finding in her second husband George Berkeley (1693-1746) the passion and devoted love that had been so absent in her first marriage.
If you want to learn more about his fascinating woman who was a champion for women’s rights long before most people knew there was such a thing, then read Tracy Borman’s King’s Mistress, Queen’s Servant. You won’t be disappointed! Five Stars.
In 1698, when Henrietta was about eight years old, her irascible father incited a duel, in which he was killed. This event plunged the family ~ Henrietta, her brother and two sisters into straightened circumstances. When her mother died four years later, Henrietta was left an orphan at the aged of twelve.
However, in those days, children of genteel families were made wards of court of other families who had the means and the station to help them make "good" marriages. And so Henrietta became a ward of Henry Howard, 5th Duke of Suffolk (1627-1709), eventually marrying Henry’s youngest son Charles, 9th Duke of Suffolk (1685-1733) in 1706, when she was around sixteen years old. The couple had only one child, a son Henry, 10th Duke of Suffolk (1710-1745.)
If Henrietta hoped that by making a dynastic marriage with the Howard family, she would be set for life, she was to be bitterly disappointed. Charles Howard was a compulsive gambler and an alcoholic. He managed to gamble away his wife’s dowry so that within a few years they were reduced to penury. And when drunk, he was vicious. He beat his wife so badly, that Henrietta became deaf at an early age.
But Henrietta had spirit, and was determined to escape her brutal marriage. She persuaded her husband to travel to Hanover to acquaint themselves with the Elector of Hanover (1660-1627) and his family, as Elector George was the Heir Presumptive of the Throne of England, becoming George I in 1714 on the death of Queen Anne. While there, Henrietta made friends with George’s son, also called George (1683-1760) and his highly intelligent wife Caroline (1683-1737.) This proved to be a stroke of genius on Henrietta’s part, for she proved to be so agreeable ~ listening with polite and apparently fascinated attention while George rambled on about various military campaigns ~ that he made her his mistress. While Caroline was not thrilled about this, nevertheless she liked Henrietta, who was famous for being discreet.
All of this meant that by the 1720s, Henrietta was gradually able to free herself from her marriage. George (now the Prince of Wales) gave her a generous income, and Caroline gave her a place at court. And so Henrietta began secretly planning a country house for herself, now known as Marble Hill, located in what was the pleasant Surrey countryside near Twickenham.
Matters were greatly improved when George and Caroline became King and Queen of England in 1727, and the King increased her income. IN 1731, Charles succeeded his brother as Earl of Sussex and Henrietta was elevated to Mistress of the Robes. In that same year, Finally, Henrietta finally persuaded her husband to draw up a formal deed of separation, which ended their toxic marriage of twenty-five years. The cost was that Henrietta was never allowed to see her son again.
In 1733, must to Henrietta’s relief, her husband died and she was at last free. The first thing she did was call in the architects to make a dream a reality, and the building of Marble Hill House began. After two years of "mourning" her husband, Henrietta finally married for love finding in her second husband George Berkeley (1693-1746) the passion and devoted love that had been so absent in her first marriage.
If you want to learn more about his fascinating woman who was a champion for women’s rights long before most people knew there was such a thing, then read Tracy Borman’s King’s Mistress, Queen’s Servant. You won’t be disappointed! Five Stars.
April 18, 2024
Дуже приємна біографія Генрієтти Говард, придворної дами, в якої вистачало пригод, незважаючи на позір стандартне життя. Рано осиротіла, рано вийшла заміж за наче романтичного молодшого сина графа, але оскільки грошей було мало, довелося влаштовуватися на придворну службу до майбутнього короля Георга Другого. Любов протрималася недовго, бо чоловік прогуляв усі і власні, і зароблені гроші, підкріплюючи подружні права стусанами, тому служба при дворі для Генрієтти стала буквально спасінням від фізичної шкоди і способом не померти з голоду у бідному кварталі. Там вона служила королеві, яка до неї добре ставилася, поки королю не вступило в голову, що в нього все має бути як у людей, а отже потрібна коханка (от реально обґрунтування було прямо таке), але щоб далеко не ходити (я ж кажу, дуже було тупо). Вибору Генрієтта особливо не мала, тим більше що чоловіка вже від шибениці рятувало тільки походження (а дарма), а він вимагав її повернення, тому двадцять років Генрієтта прослужила ще й коханкою, часом намагаючись злитися зі стіною, а часом і долучаючись до інтриг.
Але що цікаво, отримала вона свій хеппі-енд! Граф Саффолк, старший брат чоловіка, надивившись на пригоди молодшенького, залишив йому лише титул, а всі вільні гроші якось хитромудро відписав Генрієтті. Чоловік лютував, але нічого зробити не міг, та за кілька років і помер. Генрієтта, радісно зітхнувши, звільнилася к чортовій матері, покинувши і короля, і службу, побудувала собі чудовий будиночок у затишному місці під Лондоном, вийшла заміж за дуже симпатичного дядечка, який її обожнював, а в старості розповідала придворні байки юним і спраглим літераторам, ні від кого не залежачи. Приємно, коли так все добре закінчується.
Але що цікаво, отримала вона свій хеппі-енд! Граф Саффолк, старший брат чоловіка, надивившись на пригоди молодшенького, залишив йому лише титул, а всі вільні гроші якось хитромудро відписав Генрієтті. Чоловік лютував, але нічого зробити не міг, та за кілька років і помер. Генрієтта, радісно зітхнувши, звільнилася к чортовій матері, покинувши і короля, і службу, побудувала собі чудовий будиночок у затишному місці під Лондоном, вийшла заміж за дуже симпатичного дядечка, який її обожнював, а в старості розповідала придворні байки юним і спраглим літераторам, ні від кого не залежачи. Приємно, коли так все добре закінчується.
January 27, 2022
I was given this book as a gift by my family who knew I was keen to be a volunteer at Marble Hill, the home of Henrietta Howard, and wanted to know more about its owner. Tracy Borman is a historian who can write very readable books backed up by scholarship. In this case there are many quotations from the correspondance of Henrietta Howard and her friends.
I was fascinated by the biography. Tracy Borman is sympathetic to her subject. She describes the abusive first marriage to Charles Howard, which was filled with poverty and violence and included removing their son from his mother. This son became permanently estranged from Henrietta. She describes the poor health especially the headaches probably caused by the stress of the combination of being mistress to the king and part of the household of the queen. Thankfully the later years are happier once Henrietta Howard retires from court to her villa in Twickenham and marries again.
Henrietta Howard was part of an intelluctual group including Alexander Pope, John Gay and Horace Walpole. So this book opens up my eyes to these important figures.
I enjoyed this book. My only quibble would be the poor quality of the illustrations and the faint small print, which requires reading with a strong light. I read the paperback and have poor sight and the hardback may not have these defects.
I was fascinated by the biography. Tracy Borman is sympathetic to her subject. She describes the abusive first marriage to Charles Howard, which was filled with poverty and violence and included removing their son from his mother. This son became permanently estranged from Henrietta. She describes the poor health especially the headaches probably caused by the stress of the combination of being mistress to the king and part of the household of the queen. Thankfully the later years are happier once Henrietta Howard retires from court to her villa in Twickenham and marries again.
Henrietta Howard was part of an intelluctual group including Alexander Pope, John Gay and Horace Walpole. So this book opens up my eyes to these important figures.
I enjoyed this book. My only quibble would be the poor quality of the illustrations and the faint small print, which requires reading with a strong light. I read the paperback and have poor sight and the hardback may not have these defects.
March 21, 2021
Really, really well written book that takes you into the life and times of the Georgian court as well as Henrietta's extraorindary life. Whilst the text is a little repetitive, it's fascinating in terms of women supporting other women; how a woman got out of an abusive, violent marriage when the law, society and economics confined her within it, and the things women had to do to get an income/power in a time when employment opportunities were limited.
Great use of original documentary sources and portrayal of family relationships. I wish the author hadn't felt the need to share the bad poetry of Henrietta's second husband, to hint at it was enough - but that aside, this is a really interesting book about the creator of Marble Hill House, and the subject does get a happy ending, which is all the more extraordinary. A celebration of marriage in later life and of enduring friendships.
Great use of original documentary sources and portrayal of family relationships. I wish the author hadn't felt the need to share the bad poetry of Henrietta's second husband, to hint at it was enough - but that aside, this is a really interesting book about the creator of Marble Hill House, and the subject does get a happy ending, which is all the more extraordinary. A celebration of marriage in later life and of enduring friendships.
November 7, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the life in George II court, got introduced to the key characters and got a sense of what it was like for Henrietta to play the game until eventually she got the bag.
I would have liked more detail about Henrietta's own thoughts though, even though I understand that there is not much material on this, as she was known as ''The Swiss'' and generally didn't indulge in avid descriptions. It would be so cool if she had though!
Definitely wanted more info on her years as a hostess, descriptions of parties, what was talked about etc...
It was a fun read though, definitely got a lot out of it.
I would have liked more detail about Henrietta's own thoughts though, even though I understand that there is not much material on this, as she was known as ''The Swiss'' and generally didn't indulge in avid descriptions. It would be so cool if she had though!
Definitely wanted more info on her years as a hostess, descriptions of parties, what was talked about etc...
It was a fun read though, definitely got a lot out of it.
December 31, 2020
Henrietta Howard Berkeley, Countess of Suffolk, is an inherently interesting person in many ways--an intelligent woman, trapped in a brutal marriage, surrounded by predatory people who wanted to use her, a friend to some of the most interesting literary people of her time (Swift--until he turned against her, as he did with almost everybody eventually--Pope, Gay, Horace Walpole)-- but what's most interesting about the book, I think, is the insight it provides into the political, cultural, social, and sexual life and values of the time.
May 11, 2018
I loved this book. Tracy Borman has a lovely way of writing, it reads like a novel. Henrietta's story is wonderfully sad and beautifully presented.
I wrote a very long review on my blog: Coffee & Books
I wrote a very long review on my blog: Coffee & Books
July 16, 2021
Absolutely loved reading about Henrietta Howard. I know some people have found this read but Tracy Borman to be boring but I really enjoyed this style of writing, and learning about a figure in history who is never mentioned was an incredible experience.
May 21, 2022
Very well written and not as “dry” as historical accounts can be. A good story, quite scandalous but well worth reading. Thank you English Heritage as it was you telling of the renovation of Marble Hill that pointed me in this direction.
May 18, 2017
An interesting lady and an enjoyable book about Georgian society.
March 20, 2019
[Audiobook version]
If you're going to write an entire book about one person, that person has to be interesting. Maybe it was just poor writing on the author's part, but it seemed like Henrietta led a very tedious life, shuttling between menial tasks for the Queen and (probably also menial) sex with the King, before finally building her own house and escaping court. (Henrietta loved interior design, so cue lots of description about her wallpaper and furnishings...)
And like... idk if this is taken directly from a source at the time, but there was a line about one of the Queen's babies dying because they were separated and "without breast milk, the infant weakened." Surely the Queen would have had wet nurses...?
If you're going to write an entire book about one person, that person has to be interesting. Maybe it was just poor writing on the author's part, but it seemed like Henrietta led a very tedious life, shuttling between menial tasks for the Queen and (probably also menial) sex with the King, before finally building her own house and escaping court. (Henrietta loved interior design, so cue lots of description about her wallpaper and furnishings...)
And like... idk if this is taken directly from a source at the time, but there was a line about one of the Queen's babies dying because they were separated and "without breast milk, the infant weakened." Surely the Queen would have had wet nurses...?
July 2, 2022
I read this for work, a good read and very factual. Borman does a good job giving an overview of Henrietta Howard’s life and her trials and tribulations and her triumphs.
May 29, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable
September 7, 2024
This book is a straightforward biography of Henrietta Howard. She led quite an eventful life, which is worth learning about.
June 23, 2024
Pros :: Learned so much from this biography; it's well written, excellently sourced and I feel I have a better of understanding of who Henrietta Howard was. Not only did I learn about this little known historical amazing woman, I got a great overview of how she lived during her awful (and horrid) marriage to Charles, her life as the Queen Caroline's servant, her time as the mistress to George II and how she found love again with George Berkeley. What an incredible sense of ethics she had not to get involved in the court drama, to seek a separation from Charles when divorces were frowned upon and how she was able to balance her financial livelihood and build her own home in Twickenham.
Cons :: Nothing
Cover art :: 5 out of 5! Yipeee -- a female face that is actually looking straight into the eyes of the reader. Fabulous!
Cons :: Nothing
Cover art :: 5 out of 5! Yipeee -- a female face that is actually looking straight into the eyes of the reader. Fabulous!
May 10, 2008
Really excellent. I had to have a friend bring this to me from the UK because it's not available in the U.S., at least not that I could find. I would have gotten even more out of it if I knew more about British royal history. Henrietta goes from being the daughter of one of the leading families of Britain, loses her father in a deul, marries an abusive gambler, sinks to living in the slums, sells everything she has to travel to Germany to become part of the court of a woman who might, maybe be Queen of England someday, becomes another princess's servant, then the mistress of that woman's husband, then back to London when the English queen dies ... wow.
December 28, 2010
I enjoyed this book. It managed to get a nice balance between factual recording and a good story. I did not give it a four star as, even though I enjoyed reading it, I didn't finish the book and feel inspired to rush off and find more books about either the characters or the period. It just has not really stayed with me in the same way other similar books have.
January 14, 2011
So far, interesting, but difficult to read about a person's economic decline-
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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