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Title: A gripping & entertaining novel
Review: A very enjoyable book. It spans the years 1521-1536 and brings to light the high handedness of King Henry VIII as well as the plight of women. The sisters Mary and Anne Boleyn and their brother George are front and centre in this story serving up a brew of corruption, rivalry, greed and incest.Servants were used to accentuate the feelings of importance in the upper classes, where everyone aspired to be. Cruelty to animals was common - bear baiting was among the king's favorite past times.The plague was rampant at that period and to escape it King Henry would take off to the countryside away from the crowds of beggars and supplicants.Interesting to note that at age 45, he was fat and aging with a stinking wound on his leg, thwarted by what he most desired - a male heir to succeed him.Has society improved much since that period? I sure hope so.
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