Philippa Gregory: The Other Boleyn Girl

By SARAH McRAE

At age 12, Mary Boleyn's family made her marry one of Henry VIII's courtiers, and at 14 she was forced to cuckold her new husband and begin a four-year relationship as the King's mistress.

After bearing Henry two children, she then surrendered to a further demand that she relinquish her near-royal role to make way for her renowned and clever older sister, Anne. And all these manoeuvres to suit the Boleyns' dynastic interests.

English writer Philippa Gregory neatly combines her historical knowledge and literary craft to create a sensational and compelling account of life in Henry VIII's court.

Told through the eyes of the young Mary, we learn of some of the Boleyn family's plotting to ensure one of their kin joins Henry on the throne.

Pressure to please Henry and fulfil family duty creates a dilemma for the youngest Boleyn girl, who would prefer a more simple life away from the lavish comfort and politics of court. In stepping aside for the ambitious Anne, Mary sees the real cost of her family's royal obsession.

The birth of Anne's daughter Elizabeth is not enough for the heir-hungry Henry, and Anne's popularity slides in favour of the younger and more settled Jane Seymour.

Reform of the English church leaves no constraint on Henry's power and, now angered and dissatisfied with the birth of the young Elizabeth who will eventually be Queen, he pursues Anne's demise.

Mary is alerted to the danger and we learn of her actions to rescue some of the Boleyn family fabric. A frightfully good novel, backed up by a chronicle of famous English events.

* Sarah McRae is a Wellington reviewer.

Harper Collins, $29.95