The SECRET DIARY OF ANNE BOLEYN

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Summary: The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn
Review: Having read just about every book ever written about Anne Bolyen as well as dozens of others about Tudor England, I have to say this one enthralled me the most. When I first saw it I wasn't interested, thinking I need another book about Anne Boleyn like a hole in the head. On a whim and a sale price I bought it---so glad I did. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Historically accurate and well crafted.

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Summary: through the eyes of a daughter
Review: i have read this book twice and found it very interesting its not a political book but a fictional look at anne's life through her daughter elizabeth,looking at her life with her family and as a mistress,wife and mother it gives you an idea of how she felt about henry and her nearing death, well worth a read

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Summary: through the eyes of a daughter
Review: this was a very nice change, a book about life not just the boring political angle, the book is read throught the eyes of her daughter elizabeth although fiction, you get an idea of how her feeling were,from her family life to being a mistress of henry and then wife and mother and then her death, well worth a read

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Summary: QUEEN ANNE BOLEYN IN HER OWN WORDS
Review: As an avid reader of Tudor biographies with a particular fascination for Queen Anne Boleyn, I approached this historical fiction novel with some skepticism. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed! Not only was it factually accurate, but the best read on Anne Boleyn I've had. This novel is premised on the idea that Anne Boleyn kept a diary from the inception of her romance with King Henry VIII up until the day before her execution. This diary was discreetly given to Anne's daughter Queen Elizabeth I shortly after her coronation. Most of the book is comprised of the chronological diary excerpts, which I ravenously devoured. Robin Maxwell captured the language pattern of these Medieval times so magnificently. As I read Anne Boleyn's heartfelt thoughts it was a most intimate and poignant experience. I fought back tears reading Anne's tender words for the daughter she would never live to see grow up. This fictional but authentically presented diary gives the reader a personal and unique forum to experience this royal trajedy.

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Summary: Historically Inaccurate, But Good Fiction
Review: Although Tudor England is not best represented by the inaccuracies and bias towards Anne Boleyn in this book, it makes for an entertaining work of fiction. So if you're not looking for a history lesson but instead for a good novel, by all means give this one a try. But if it's history you want, try Alison Weir's "The Six Wives of Henry VIII".

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Summary: A good, light, weekend read
Review: The book kept my interest and I liked the different plot - the "communication" between Anne and Elizabeth. However, I didn't think it rang true, because from all I've read of the Great Harry he was nothing like the wimpy guy in this story.

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Summary: A Good Romp!
Review: Robin Maxwell's book, The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn: A Novel, was well written. Maxwell's interesting read was a blend of female introspection, historical "facts" and a modern look into a 16th century world. This book is not to be taken as the difinitive historical account of its characters but as a creative approach at understanding and relishing a time long gone. No, it is not the most accurate book written about the Tudor tristes and scandals; but nor does the author present the book as such. To enjoy this book suspend your disbelief and take a leap into one of the most "romantic" romps in history.

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Summary: Sorely Disappointed
Review: I love fiction and nonfiction books about Queen Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots, and their century. But this was a real disappointment. It didn't offer any new understanding of the time period or of Elizabeth or Anne's characters. The love scenes were awkward and embarrasing. They seemed gratuitous and out of place. Thank goodness there are other good books about this period out there. Check out Alison Weir, Reay Tannahill or Patricia Finney for good books set in 16th century England.

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Summary: Absolutly Spellbinding! Hail Queen Anne!
Review: This book is a must read. Fiction or non, it gives a new spin to the Tudor reign. I have a new found affection for Anne, and a sour taste for Henry. I found this book beyond endearing, and have relished my time spent.

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Summary: Interesting premise that fails to deliver
Review: Even though the author claims to be a student of Tudor England's history, the book's many inaccuracies and her portrayal of Anne lead me to believe that her knowledge of this era is, at best, superficial.

The novel is only romance pulp disquised as historical fiction. Mildly entertaining and not much more.