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    The Boleyn Inheritance
    The Boleyn Inheritance
    The Boleyn Inheritance
    Audiobook (abridged)6 hours

    The Boleyn Inheritance

    Written by Philippa Gregory

    Narrated by Dagmara Dominczyk, Ruthie Henshall and Bianca Amato

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    From “the queen of royal fiction” (USA TODAY) comes this New York Times bestseller featuring three very different women whose fates are each bound by a bloody curse: the legacy of the Boleyn family.

    After the death of his third wife, Jane Seymour, King Henry VIII of England decides to take a new wife, but this time, not for love. The Boleyn Inheritance follows three women whose lives are forever changed because of the king’s decision, as they must balance precariously in an already shaky Tudor Court.

    Anne of Cleves is to be married to Henry to form a political alliance, though the rocky relationship she has to the king does not bode well for her or for England.

    Katherine Howard is the young, beautiful woman who captures Henry’s eye, even though he is set to marry Anne. Her spirit runs free and her passions run hot—though her affections may not be returned upon the King.

    Jane Rochford was married to George Boleyn, and it was her testimony that sent her husband and infamous sister-in-law Anne to their deaths. Throughout the country, her name is known for malice, jealousy, and twisted lust.

    The Boleyn Inheritance is a novel drawn tight as a lute string about three women whose positions brought them wealth, admirations, and power, as well as deceit, betrayal, and terror.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSimon & Schuster Audio
    Release dateDec 5, 2006
    ISBN9780743563543
    Author

    Philippa Gregory

    Philippa Gregory is an internationally renowned author of historical novels. She holds a PhD in eighteenth-century literature from the University of Edinburgh. Works that have been adapted for television include A Respectable Trade, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Queen's Fool. The Other Boleyn Girl is now a major film, starring Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman and Eric Bana. Philippa Gregory lives in the North of England with her family.

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    Reviews for The Boleyn Inheritance

    4/5

    113 ratings94 reviews

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    • 4/5
      As always, I was swept up in Philippa Gregory's accounts of the Tudors. I didn't find this book quite as engaging as some of her others, however. Jane Boleyn/Lady Rochford is just as despisable in this book as in The Other Boleyn Girl, although she's presented in the first person here, which gives the reader an alternate view into why & how she was as she was. The Howard family, for the most part, were definitely a bunch of conniving power-seekers who didn't care who or what they destroyed to get where they wanted to be. Katherine was basically a victim of her family's making, and too young to know the difference. And you can't help but feel sorry for Anne of Cleves, coming into a strange country and also a victim of King Henry's varying moods & whims. More than anything, Philippa Gregory has enlightened me into the lives of the Tudor years. Though her works are fiction, they've provided me with a history that I previously knew virtually nothing about, and now I'm keen on knowing more and more about this fascinating period in England.
    • 4/5
      I was initially wary about reading a book with a 3-way narrative, but it ended up working well. Philippa Gregory gave different voices to each of the three women, and it was not at all confusing. I also thought it was very interesting to hear the story of some of the more obscure characters in King Henry VIII's life. I had not known anything about Anne of Cleves or Katharine Howard before reading this book except their fates. I also thought this book was a little less tedious than some of her other novels.
    • 4/5
      This book alternates between the voices of 3 interesting women: Henry VIII's 4th and 5th wives (Anne of Cleves & Katherine Howard) and Jane Boleyn, the lady-in-waiting who serves them (as well as Henry VIII's previous 3 wives). The book focuses on the differences between the women and their relationship to one another, as well as Henry VIII's decline into tyrannical madness. Of the 3 women, Anne of Cleves is definitely the most admirable. Occasionally Katherine Howard's chapters annoyed me, since of the 3 she was the most shallow and naive in some ways, but somehow managed to make perceptive insights. But I pitied her. Jane Boleyn was definitely the most complicated -- I did pity her, but in this book, she also shows a malicious and evil streak. And both Henry VIII and the Duke of Norfolk emerge as villains (who seem to go basically unpunished, especially the latter). And I loved how each woman consciously dealt with her Boleyn inheritance.

      Ultimately, I think I sympathized with all 3 women -- as fascinated as I am with this period, I would not have wanted to live through this time! Although you could read this book without having first read The Other Boleyn Girl, I strongly recommend reading The other Boleyn Girl first.
    • 1/5
      Compared to The Other Boleyn Girl (which is one of my favorites), this seemed as if it weren't even from the same author. The Boleyn Inheritance is pretty much the same three boring chapters over and over and over and over and over again. Not exaggerating. And King Henry is so disgusting at this point in his life that I wanted to puke every time she mentioned (over and over and over again) that he stank, he was fat, he wobbled, his breath smelled, his wound stank, he stank, he stank, he stank. I think she fell short here. I'd have to be thoroughly convinced before reading another of her books. Huge disappointment and waste of my time.
    • 5/5
      I am a fan of Philippa Gregory. I have enjoyed all the books that I have read by her. That being said, I have to say that this is probably one of the best that I have read. She tells the story of Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard, both wives of Henry VIII. Bridging these two together is the story of Jane Boleyn, the sister in law to his second wife Anne Boleyn. Her characterizations and the telling of the story had me on the edge of my chair. Which is pretty remarkable considering that I know the historical story. So I knew what was going to happen. If you have enjoyed her in the past...or if Gregory is new to you...give this book a shot, chances are that you won't be disappointed!
    • 4/5
      The Boleyn Inheritance recounts the lives of King Henry VIII's fourth and fifth wives: Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard. The book begins in 1539, when Anne is chosen to be Henry's wife. Once at court, she is attended by Jane Boleyn as her lady in waiting. During Anne's brief reign as queen, Katherine is a young lady's maid. She is no more than 15 years old, and portrayed as self-centered, materialistic, and loose. Jane is older and wiser, and has the dubious distinction of having given evidence against her husband, George, and her sister-in-law, Anne Boleyn, which led to their execution (Gregory's earlier novel, The Other Boleyn Girl, covers that period in Tudor history). Throughout the book, Jane is in cahoots with her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, developing schemes to build her family's wealth and status at court.The story is told from three points of view: Anne, Jane, and Katherine. This is an excellent device, which allows for many aspects of the story to be revealed in ways that would be impossible if told by a single narrator. I most enjoyed Gregory's portrayal of Anne of Cleves. Anne comes across as the smartest one of the bunch, level-headed and able to forgive the egregious allegations against her. The descriptions of court life, and Henry VIII's tyrannical rule, make for compelling reading. While some liberties may have been taken in the interest of storytelling, Gregory includes an author's note at the end of the book, where she acknowledges the aspects of the story based on historical record, and those she had to invent (chief among them, Jane Boleyn's motives in perpetrating evil on the two queens). This was an enjoyable read, and at some point I'd like to add to my knowledge by reading non-fiction works on Tudor history.
    • 5/5
      I enjoyed reading this account of Lady Jane Rochford, going back and forth in her mind about how she turned on her husband George Boleyn Lord Rochfor and his sister Queen Anne Boleyn, out of jealousy and spite. The end result her husband and Anne were beheaded as well as others. Jane feeling she was the one who was betrayed by her husbands devotion to his family especially his sister, Queen Anne, she felt she deserved more than she got. Eventually she ends up a Lady in Waiting to George and Annes cousin Katherine Howard who also becomes wife to King Henry Vlll. Jane as an older women shoulld have been wiser and warned Katherine about proper behaviour becoming a Queen, but The Duke of Norfolk out to gain from his neices marraige to the King plots with Jane to help get Katherine pregnant by Thomas Culpepper Katherines handsome cousin who is infatuated with her. Henrys men learn of the plot and Jane and Katherine are both beheaded for treason. A good story based on alot of truth.
    • 4/5
      The Boleyn Inheritance is the story of Henry VIII's fourth and fifth wives, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard, and Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. Anne of Cleves comes to England, the product of a dynastical alliance between the Duchy of Cleves and Tudor royal house. She arrives speaking no English and quickly becomes distasteful to her husband when she rejects him. And even when they divorce six months after marriage, Anne of Cleves is still not safe from the tyranny of her ex husband. Ultimately, she's the character we most sympathize with. Her inheritance is the lands that once belonged to Anne Boleyn, which she was given at her divorce. History has a bad impression of Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. The former sister-in-law of Anne Boleyn, Jane Boleyn sent her sister-in-law and husband to their deaths--allegedly to save her inheritance, though more likely than not because of jealousy. Part of the story is told through Lady Rochford's eyes, and its an interesting view. She sees herself as utterly blameless. At the very end, she pretends that she's mentally unstable so that she won't be executed--a gamble that eventually doesn't pay off. This was a detail that Gregory made up to show that Jane Boleyn was mentally unstable for having sent her brother and sister-in-law to their deaths, though I would argue that, in order to fully realize what she had done, Jane Boleyn was completely sane. In the Author's Note at the end of the book, Gregory claims that she wanted to show Katherine Howard as anything but silly; but there's no other way that Henry VIII's foolish and vain fifth wife can be portrayed. Married at sixteen to the fat, aging king, Katherine Howard has an affair with Thomas Culpeper, the handsome Groom of the Bedchamber. She naievely believes that, because she's Queen of England, she'll be saved from the ax. Her inheritance is the block, which she requested be brought to her chamber the night before her execution, so that she could practice. This is the best book I've seen from Philippa Gregory in a long time. The Boleyn Inheritance is a welcome change from the single-person narratives she's written in the past, where the main character is seen as utterly blameless and pure. I liked The Boleyn Inheritance maybe more than I enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl.
    • 4/5
      Follows the 2 or 3 years of Henry VIII's reign involving wives four and five. Told from 3 voices: Anne of Cleves, Kathryn Howard, and Lady Jane (Rochford) Boleyn, George's widow. Anne of Cleves is the most likeable, perhaps the only likeable character in the saga. Kathryn Howard is portrayed as very young, immature, silly, and materialistic. I'm not sure how I fell about Jane Boleyn, a victim perhaps, but not very admirable.
    • 5/5
      Love her writing.
    • 5/5
      i knew very little about Anne of Cleves and Katharine Howard so this was a really interesting read. You should read it after the Other Boleyn Girl to properly understand the story.
    • 4/5
      Returning to the court of Henry VIII, this book is the story of three women, Henry VIII?s fourth wife, Anne of Cleaves, Henry?s fifth wife, Kitty Howard, and Jane Boleyn. Anne of Cleaves travels to England in order to marry Henry VIII. Expecting a dashing older gentleman, she is put off to discover her new husband is a large, putrid self-absorbed and indulgent man. When Henry VIII is unable to consummate his marriage his attention turns to young Kitty Howard, a flirtatious lady-in-waiting. Jane Boleyn, the sister-in-law of the late Anne Boleyn, coaches Kitty to become the next Queen of Englang. Wanting nothing more than riches, Kitty Howard plays to the King, as he decides to set aside Anne and marry Kitty instead. Unlike other Gregory novels, the characters appear a bit stereotypical. Kitty is a young flirtatious teenager, thinking of nothing more than riches. Anne of Cleaves only wishes to escape her brother and quickly adjusts to her new role as the King?s ?sister.? Jane Boleyn is a bit self-deluded and irrational. Overall, this book is not as good as Gregory?s other novels, however, it is still worth a read.
    • 4/5
      Sequal of The Other Boleyn Girl - it was almost as good, and written in a very different style. While I love the ornate, descriptive writing of 18th and 19th century novelists, Gregory's easy ""adaption"" of 16th century English makes these novels easy to fly through - while still maintaining the historical relevence I so love. Highly recommed it to anyone who loved Boleyn Girl..
    • 5/5
      Excellent read
    • 5/5
      This excellent Tudor historical fiction was made even better by outstanding narration on the Recorded Books unabridged audiobook. Gregory's book focuses on Henry VIII's fourth and fifth wives, Anne of Cleves and Katharine Howard. Tying their stories together is Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford, wive of George who was executed along with his sister Anne Boleyn, thanks in part to Jane's testimony. Jane serves as a lady-in-waiting to both Anne and Katharine.Davina Porter narrates Jane, and her voice is perfect for the bitter widow who refuses to acknowledge her part in her own husband's demise. Gregory's portrait of the Germanic Anne of Cleves, voiced by Bianca Amato, is that of a not-unattractive, intelligent woman hampered by her sheltered upbringing, unfashionable style, and poor English. Gregory contrives a plausible incident for Henry taking an immediate dislike to Anne.The highlight of this novel was Charlotte Parry's rendition of Tudor teenager Katharine Howard - at times overly excitable, at times sulky, always a bubbly airhead. Gregory started most of Katharine's narrations with "now, let me see...what do I have now?", an accounting of the materialistic girl's rising, then declining wealth. I loved the way Gregory had Katharine use the French "voila!" when realization dawned on the naive girl, and Parry did a marvelous job depicting Katharine's flirtations and growing passion for the king's aide, Thomas Culpeper.Gregory's books have made me want to read more about these real people, including the ambitious and cruel Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard, kin to Jane and Katherine, who used them both.
    • 5/5
      Pub. Date: December 2006 * Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing * Sold by: Simon & Schuster Digital Sales * Format: eBook, 528pp * Sales Rank: 4,580 * Series: Philippa Gregory Tudor Series, #3 * Product Browse duration in Minutes: 60 * File Size: 603 KB * ISBN-13: 9780743298544 * ISBN: 0743298543The Boleyn Inheritance is told from three points of view: Jane Boleyn (wife to the deceased Thomas), Anne of Cleaves (Henry?s fourth wife), and Katherine Howard (Henry?s fifth wife). Jane is the expert maid in waiting. She is called upon by the Duke of Norfolk to keep an eye on the new queen and report back to him anything that she does. Jane owes her life to the Duke, and so she is in his pocket to survive. Jane poses as a friend to the new queen Anne and attempts to be in her confidence as the story continues. However, Jane begins to like the queen and when plots against her begin to crop up, she has doubts whether she can put another queen to death as she did to her sister-in-law Anne Boleyn. The thoughts of Anne Boleyn and her husband Thomas haunt her throughout the book. Jane poses as the wise older woman who has been through quite a lot, but her transformation towards the end shows that she still has a lot to learn.Anne of Cleaves is considered an unreformed woman by her family, but she is chosen to become the new queen of England because an alliance between England and Cleaves would be helpful. She does not speak a word of English, but as she moves into her new life, she learns quickly. Because of her troubles at home, she has no idea how to please the king in bed. This leaves their marriage unconsummated. Henry also detests her after a mix-up in one of his games. Although she is a pure and strong girl, she often finds herself bending to the will of the men that she finds in charge of her. When she is dethroned, she becomes a sister to the king and finds herself much happier in the countryside. She loves England, but counts herself lucky to be one of the few that survives King Henry?s marriage.Lastly, Katherine Howard is a young, flirty girl. Her beauty catches the king?s eye and he courts her while he is married to Anne and Katherine is a maid in waiting. Katherine?s uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, wants to see the king and Katherine wed. He schemes and encourages the flirtations until it actually happens. Katherine is a flighty little girl and only measures things in what materials she receives. She often begins her narration with a list of what she owns. This is probably because she is only around fifteen when she marries the king. She attempts to please him in bed, but it is difficult work when he is so old, fat, and wounded. Finally, with the help of Jane, she takes on a lover. Then, as with Anne Boleyn, all hell breaks loose and the king attempts to kill everyone.I know that I keep saying this, but I have been on a historical fiction kick. I really enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl (book only, movie was terrible), so I decided that I would continue with this series. As time moves on, I am hoping to go through each one. Gregory has a way with characters. It?s like you get to see into their souls and travel inside their heads with them. Anne of Cleaves was by far my favorite character in this story, but all three women were beautifully illustrated. As I was reading, I could feel my moods shift with the difference in narration. Katherine was always bubbly and it made me want to read her parts faster as if I was speaking them like a young girl would in a quicker, happier tone. The plot is predictable, but that shouldn?t surprise anyone. It is nothing new what happened within King Henry?s court. Her books are much more interesting than anything else that I have read about him though. I?m sure that she has taken liberties with parts of history to make her tales more enchanting and personable, but I would recommend it to people who want a glimpse of what he was like. Gregory?s tales are definitely worth a reread and they are something that I will keep upon my shelves.5/5 stars
    • 4/5
      Philippa Gregory has written another good continuation to the Tudor Series. This book is about Ann of Cleves, Henrys fourth wife and Katherine Howard, Henrys fifth wife. Jane Boelyn rounds out the cast of characters and the book alternates between these ladies perspectives. An interesting view of the madness of the English Court during this timeframe.
    • 5/5
      The court of King Henry VIII was a court ruled by fear and abject horror at the time that the German princess, Anne of Cleves arrived to become the fourth wife of the King. Having escaped living life under the thumb of her abusive brother and cold, domineering mother, Anne arrived in England, relieved but hopeful in her marriage to Henry, that she would have a much better life.Instead of the tall, majestic personage of King Henry VIII - an image which was continually fostered abroad - Anne of Cleves encountered a man for whom she could only feel intense pity and no small measure of revulsion. This was the infamous King Henry VIII - a man whose volatile temper was legendary at court and a man whom Anne of Cleves feared above all others. A King who would eventually come to despise her when she proved unable to conceive a son and heir. Anne of Cleves bore Henry's bitter recriminations, accusations and false witness with as much quiet grace as she could - finally agreeing to grant Henry a divorce.Katherine Howard was a woman in love - but certainly not with the diseased old man who made her his queen and bedded her night after night. In desperation, and to avoid the constant threat of the axe, Katherine Howard turns for help to Jane Rochford - otherwise known as Jane Boleyn - the Boleyn wife whose testimony sent her husband and sister-in-law to their deaths. In an effort to save their lives, a dangerous and treasonous plan is concocted, but to no avail. Throughout Europe, the name Jane Rochford is synonymous with malice, jealousy and twisted lust - however, her ultimate Boleyn inheritance was a fortune and a title, in exchange for her soul.I absolutely loved this book. I've always been fascinated by the reign of Henry VIII, and especially the lives of his six wives. The setting of The Boleyn Inheritance really highlighted for me the fear that Henry's subjects lived with constantly and how tyrannical Henry's rule had become. I give this book an A+! Philippa Gregory is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
    • 5/5
      Philippa Gregory is fantastic. I always find her characters well-developed, intriguing and always indentifiable. The stories that she weaves are rife with mystery, drama and emotion that make me as a reader sympathize with nearly everyone. This book was no exception. I loved every second of it and was physically thrown by the ending. Well worth the money and the time.
    • 4/5
      Philippa Gregory's "The Boleyn Inheritance" picks up three years after the end of "The Other Boleyn Girl", Gregory's blockbuster novel about Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary. Many of the characters from the earlier novel make a return appearance here, but the story is told from a different perspective--with three narrators, Anne of Cleaves, Kitty Howard, and Jane Boleyn. These three narrators give a very different perspective on Henry VIII's court than is seen in the earlier novel, although all three women are subject to Henry's rapidly changing temper. The court is now one of fear instead of the golden court of the earlier novel, and everyone has to watch her back to keep from getting caught up in the Boleyn Inheritance. As first Anne, and then Kitty become Queen and then quickly fall, the treachery of the English court is explored with all of Gregory's usual detail and intrigue. Although I don't think this book was as good as "The Other Boleyn Girl" or "The Virgin's Lover" it is definitely a strong addition to Gregory's "Boleyn" series. The novel is a fast paced and easy read, and it keeps moving to keep the reader interested. I wished frequently that Gregory would have spent more time getting into the head of each of her characters--sometimes the chapters felt a little rushed. But overall I did feel like this was an enjoyable read that captured the spirit of the Tudor period and life at court. I would recommend this book to fans of the Tudor period or people who enjoyed Gregory's other works.
    • 3/5
      not as good as the other boleyn girl, but i enjoyed this one, actually i think mostly for the history. I wasn't thrilled with the was that phillipa gregory wrote some of the sections but oh well. I just skipped them :-)
    • 5/5
      I've always wanted to be back in this time period and Philippa to me is the best at transporting you there. This is a history lesson with all the makings of a Blockbuster film. She is my favorite author ever. I read this in a sitting couldn't put it down even took it to the restroom with me. Now that is good.
    • 2/5
      This novel is part of a series about the wives of Henry the Eighth, and centers on two of the wives, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard. Also of prime importance is Jane Rochford, whose testimony helped to send her husband, George Boleyn, and sister-in-law, Anne Boleyn, to their deaths. This novel illustrates an interesting facet of English royalty ? the absolute rule of a monarch and the woe that envelopes those who displease the king. But this novel dragged on and on, with repetitive themes and dialogue. We understood that the king was older, decrepit, and smelled; no need to keep stating that fact. We know that some wives just wanted the luxuries and power that came with being queen. But others in the court wanted power, too, and secret dealings and underhandedness abounded. Not the best written tale, this novel would have benefited from some serious editing and rewriting of the dialogue. Long before this novel ended, I was wishing for the beheadings, just to get it over with.
    • 5/5
      Whoa what a gripping book! It recalls the fates of two of Henry VIII's later queens, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard. Jane Boleyn, Queen Anne Boleyn's sister-in-law, plays a pivotal role in both of their fates, just as she did in Anne's. I felt extremely sorry for all of the women who despite their faults, were victims of Henry and the evil Duke of Norfolk.
    • 4/5
      The follow-up to 'The Other Boleyn Girl.' Focuses on Jane (Parker) Boleyn, one of the side characters of the previous novel (although a very influential one), the wife of George Boleyn, and her influence on Henry VIII's doomed fifth wife, Katherine Howard. Although I didn't enjoy this one as much as 'The Other Boleyn Girl,' I did find this to be more poignant, especially with regards to Katherine.
    • 3/5
      I really liked this book, but I had to read it a lot at a time to really get into it. I thought the ending was really cheesey. I mean Jane was going nuts and Kitty Howard was crying her eyes out. Anne acted as if nothing was happening. Overall, I thought it was a good book.
    • 4/5
      No, I am not becoming a Philippa Gregory groupie. I had purchased The Boleyn Inheritance to read on vacation. Thanks to an hour and a half flight delay, I finished it ahead of schedule and needed another airplane book. Juan Santamaria Airport (San Jose, Costa Rica) had limited options. And paperbacks that normally cost $12-$14 were selling for $22-$24. So I went with a book that wouldn't be much of a gamble, and was in the less expensive range. Hence, The Other Queen.Both works of historical fiction follow the same format: a story unfolding from the viewpoint of three characters at the same time. The chapters are short which, in my opinion, makes a great vacation book. It does seem a bit disjointed at times, though. And also tiresome given that the two books combined total over 1000 pages.The Boleyn Inheritance tells the story of Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard, the fourth and fifth wives of Henry VIII. Also involved in their tale is Jane Rochford, the widow of Anne Boleyn's brother George. Jane serves as lady in waiting and confidante to both queens.The Other Queen begins 25 years after the end of The Boleyn Inheritance. Queen Elizabeth has been on the throne of England for ten years. She has imprisoned her rival for the throne of England, Mary Queen of Scots. This story is told by Mary, as well as her captors, George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife Bess of Hardwick.As with her other books, Philippa Gregory has done a tremendous amount of historical research. She paints a vivid picture of life among the nobility in sixteenth-century England. After reading a number of these books, I do understand English history a bit more. At least now I know the difference between the Tudors and the Stuarts and why they were rivals for the throne.I do recommend both of these books, but not one right after the other. And now I have to read the two books that cover the time span in between. My "must read" list keeps getting longer. I have three books on my nightstand, and another on reserve at the library. Well-I'd better get to it!
    • 1/5
      Not as good as the rest of the series. This one seemed like odds and ends cobbled together. A pretty dreary story.
    • 4/5
      Very good book first time heard of Lady Rochford and interesting about Catherine Howard and Thomas Culpeper. The scene with Anne of Cleves and Henry VIII in disguise was amusing
    • 4/5
      The Boleyn Inheritance continues Gregory?s theme from The Other Boleyn Girl ? Tudor women were at the mercy of their male relatives, and the wives of King Henry VIII were as disposable as toilet paper. Pardon my crassness.I have read three of Gregory?s Tudor books in quick succession (the two aforementioned plus The Constant Princess), and of the three, I liked The Boleyn Inheritance the best. Gregory chooses to tell this story from three women?s perspectives: Anne of Cleves (Henry?s fourth wife), Katherine Howard (Henry?s fifth wife) and Jane Boleyn (Anne Boleyn?s sister-in-law who also was a lady-in-waiting for these queens). Together, they tell of Henry?s continuing madness, paranoia, health problems and impotence. If Gregory?s depiction of Henry is only half-true, then he was a mad tyrant, and any woman who was associated with him deserved a medal for putting up with his antics. Unfortunately, it seems that none of them fared well, enduring banishment (if she was lucky) or death. Moreover, there was no glory in being a wife of Henry VIII, despite the queenly status. It was, in effect, a death sentence.Like The Other Boleyn Girl, I would recommend this novel to lovers of medieval court fiction or perhaps readers who enjoy stories about the role of women in history. If you are of the latter, prepare to be disgusted for The Boleyn Inheritance is a story rich in female pawns, unscrupulous men and wombs for hire. As the last line of the book so richly concludes: ?It is no small thing, this, for a woman: freedom.?