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Summary: an enjoyable historical novel? yes, it IS possible!
Review: i am a 16 year old student and chose this book at random to do a book review on for a history class. though i was already interested in the topic, the book is written so that even young readers can understand...yet at the same time, older readers enjoy and get the information needed.
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Summary: What a story it is!
Review: "You who are quick to judge me, I beg you, hear my story." These are the words of young Mary Tudor before she begins her tale of intrigue and reachery in the royal court. It was although as if she were talking to YOU personally! Splendid! In her narration of her frightening ten years as a teenage princess in the 16th century,I did not see her as a terrible monster.Though a Protestant myself,I actually pitied her. With a hateful stepmother,neglectful father, her own loving biological mother sent far away,being stripped of her title as princess,and forced to be the personal servant of her new baby sister Elizabeth,her life sounds like that of a real-life Cinderella. She was a good woman, but a terrible queen. There is a saying"Power corrupts" and is indeed evident in the life of Mary Tudor. But as for the book-I could not put it down! I borrowed it from my local library,and wish I had bought my own copy when I got the chance.
The story begins with a marriage proposal to King Francis who is muhc older than young Princess Mary-and a terrible match. Chapter 1 beigns with Mary throwing a royal tantrum,a pampered princess indeed, the petted darling of the English Court.
From then on, Mary's terrifying teenage years unfold. From her father seeking a divorce with her mother,being stripped of her title as Princess of Wales,being forced to recognize her father as Head of the Church-defying her most inner beliefs as a Catholic,treated as though she were a disease by her stepmother Anne Boleyn,living in terror of poison being slipped into her food or drink,thrown into a dungeon for not signing the paper recognizing her father as the leader of the Church,terrified of possibly being tortured,seeing her love Reginald Pole forced to leave England..... This girl had a lot going against her. This is indeed a SUPERB book, one that everyone should read.
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Summary: Brings the Dulldrums of Henry VIII to Life!
Review: This is an absolute MUST READ book for any 7th to 12th grader taking a trip to London, and plans to be visiting the Tower of London there, is interested in history, or is studying about the reign of Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Bolyn or Bloody Mary. I coincidentally read this book before traveling on a summer trip to Europe, including London where I visited the Tower of London. I can't even begin to say how well this book brings the characters to life and clarifies the whole situation. Upon reaching the tower, and hearing all this stuff about "King Henry VIII this, and Anne Bolyn that..." it was like, wow!, I know exactly what there talking about, and this is what happened! This book is full historical information, suspense, and sadness. It makes you desperately happy that you are now living in the 21st century! The book is told from the view of Mary, Queen of Scots, (also known as Bloody Mary, find out why by reading the book), the sole original heir to Henry VIII. Because it is told from Mary's point of view, we get a whole other twist/view on the whole affair, one that is not usually taken in history books. Although, I, after talking with my English friend, who knows all about this type of stuff, realized that I now had a bit of biased view on all of this (naturally, taking the side of Mary), I still think it was excellent in providing a clear and exciting view of England's royalty during the time of Henry VIII. This book also has a sequel, "Beware, Princess Elizabeth" which I am planning to read, and which I think will also give yet another view of this royal mess! So, take care and read this book!! (especially if you currently find the subject overly boring/don't understand it at all!)
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Summary: Bloody Well Done
Review: This book is incredible! It gives the startling background of a girl, Mary Tudor, who suffered unimaginable pains as she grew up. I have been especially interested in the history of Elizabeth I and her family. Before I read this book, I pictured Mary as a mean and rude older half-sister to Elizabeth. Afterwards, though, I really connected with Mary and the way she felt towards Elizabeth. This was because it was Elizabeth and her mother who stripped her of her title. At first she was this beautiful princess with a title to be the next queen, but then Anne Boleyn turned her into a lowly servant girl. I believe the way Mary used her power of deception as a servant girl to spy was unique and clever. She also had friends who helped her all along the way. At times these friends had to be rude to literally keep their heads, but they told Mary why they had to treat her like this. Mary is extremely understanding with these people and this causes you to care about her. This book gives a wonderful, but fictionalized historical point of view. It really turns your mind around. I think that anyone who is interested in history, or that is just looking for a good read, should buy this book!
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Summary: Mary, Bloody Mary
Review: As much as I am entralled by history, I wasn't going to pick this books up at first. The stories of the Tudors are SO overdone. But after seeing it countless times, I finally did, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was a refreshing look into the emotions of Mary. It was nice not to see her just as someone who killed and opressed people (although when Lady Jane and her husband, Guilford, were in the tower, she recognized that the wants of their parents that had put them into power was by no fault of their own--Jane never wanted to be queen--she said she would let them go provided they convert and forgive them for the rallies against her). The writing was simple, yet powerful, and it was sad how her life just kept taking turns for the worst. I am eager to read the book about Elizabeth, although I would love to see something that isn't about the Tudors--Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry III, who was only 9 when he inherited the throne, Eleanor of Castile and Edward I...there are so many possibilities!
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Summary: Mary, Bloody Mary
Review: My 11 year old daughter recommended this book to me. I began to read it and could not put it down! It was well written and was a very quick read. I enjoyed the character development. I have read several books about the Tudor family, but this one made me appreciate the very difficult life Mary must have lived. I am looking forward to the next book this author will write!
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Summary: The narration was rather flat.
Review: While it's nice to hear about Mary Tudor's childhood -- everyone knows about Elizabeth's already -- I can't say I liked this book all that much. The problem for me was the voice. Mary just seemed to be recounting all her trials and tribulations in a flat, matter-of-fact manner. It was like reading a newspaper. I would rather she have shown more emotion.
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Summary: Great book about Mary
Review: This was a very good book explaining how a soft fragile girl could have turned into one of the most hated monarchs in England's history. The story starts as Mary's father starts courting the Anne Boyeln. As a father neglects her mother and decides to marry Anne Mary's world fall apart. She is declared illegitimate and called a "bastard." As if things could get any worse Mary is made to baby-sit her new half-sister Elizabeth. This is a really good book about how a lonely girl became one of the most hated queens in history. I also recommend to peple who like this book to read the Dear America Series!
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Summary: A Good Book from a Different Perspective
Review: This book tells you of the teenage years of Princess Mary Tudor, daughter of King Henry VIII and his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon. You have to feel bad for Mary in this book. Most books portray Anne and Elizabeth in a good way, and Catherine and Mary in a bad way. King Henry is portrayed in the beginning of this book as a kind-hearted, loving man. But keep reading and you'll find him cruel, heartless, and mean. He leaves poor Queen Catherine for the witch, Anne Boleyn, with whom he has a daughter, Elizabeth. Mary is not allowed to see her mother, not even exchange letters. Fortunately for Mary, she befriends Chapuys, who keeps her up-to-date on what's going on with Henry and Anne. Just to be mean and spiteful, "Queen" Anne sends for Mary to come and be a servant to her and Henry's daughter, Elizabeth. She even has her to change her napkins (diapers). Nearing the end of the story, Catherine sends Mary a letter through Chapuys. Catherine is nearing death now. When Mary receives the letter, Queen Catherine is already dead. Her ladies-in-waiting had slowly poisoned her by adding it to her little food. At death, her heart was completely black. Meanwhile, Anne delivered a stillborn son to Henry. This was the last straw for Henry, and he decided to lock Anne up in the Tower of London, and finally had her beheaded.
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Summary: just love it
Review: I just loved this book. Is so interesting. When I stared couldn't put it down. You'll learn alot of how royalty was. I highly recomended.
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