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A review by elementarymydear
Henry VIII, The Heart and the Crown by Alison Weir
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was an ambitious novel to write, but Alison Weir managed to triumphantly pull it off.
Everyone reading this book will know at least something about Henry VIII. At the very least, they will know the fates of his wives, and most people will know at least something more about his role in history. And it’s safe to say that this is a figure everyone has an opinion on. This isn’t a book about a hero, or an anti-hero, or a villain, or a tyrant. It gives a very nuanced, thoughtful depiction of one of British histories most charismatic characters.
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Weir did an excellent job of creating a character who did many terrible things, but was always convinced that it was the right decision. A lot of time and care goes into not only building the wider world and context, but also establishing Henry’s character from childhood. As we follow his journey, we see him growing up as a young prince and then king who is never told no. His whole life he is surrounded by people who either want to please him, manipulate him, or both, which he is often ignorant to. The balance was just right, that we as the reader could see clearly what was going on, but Henry either couldn’t or wouldn’t. Weir never passes moral judgement on Henry; instead, this book exists as a lengthy character study, bringing to life a complex and divisive figure.
This also takes place in the same slightly-fictionalised world as the Six Tudor Queens series. There were plenty of nods and references to the things in those books that Weir invented, and it is definitely worth reading all seven books for the full story.
The audiobook had excellent narration from Elliot Fitzpatrick. Coming in at just under 22 hours, having a good narrator is essential, and it was an incredibly engaging listen.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Everyone reading this book will know at least something about Henry VIII. At the very least, they will know the fates of his wives, and most people will know at least something more about his role in history. And it’s safe to say that this is a figure everyone has an opinion on. This isn’t a book about a hero, or an anti-hero, or a villain, or a tyrant. It gives a very nuanced, thoughtful depiction of one of British histories most charismatic characters.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
Weir did an excellent job of creating a character who did many terrible things, but was always convinced that it was the right decision. A lot of time and care goes into not only building the wider world and context, but also establishing Henry’s character from childhood. As we follow his journey, we see him growing up as a young prince and then king who is never told no. His whole life he is surrounded by people who either want to please him, manipulate him, or both, which he is often ignorant to. The balance was just right, that we as the reader could see clearly what was going on, but Henry either couldn’t or wouldn’t. Weir never passes moral judgement on Henry; instead, this book exists as a lengthy character study, bringing to life a complex and divisive figure.
This also takes place in the same slightly-fictionalised world as the Six Tudor Queens series. There were plenty of nods and references to the things in those books that Weir invented, and it is definitely worth reading all seven books for the full story.
The audiobook had excellent narration from Elliot Fitzpatrick. Coming in at just under 22 hours, having a good narrator is essential, and it was an incredibly engaging listen.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.