"Grand sweep of late fifteenth century into early sixteenth century England"

Katherine spent her preadolescent years on the battlefield as her parents King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella defeated the Moors. Once the kingdom was secure the trio resided in Alhambra. When she turned fifteen Katherine traveled from the Peninsular to England to marry Arthur. She finds England barbaric lacking obvious amenities like in-door plumbing and tasty healthy food. She and the sickly Arthur fall in love as they plan to raise the standard of living for the people. However, a few months into their political marriage, Arthur dies.

Instead of a period of mourning, Katherine is quickly wedded to Arthur's healthier younger brother Henry, which she accepts with grace especially since her spouse forced a deathbed pledge to do so as he wants her to complete his dreams for England; besides she understands the ties between the two nations being much more important than personal feelings. Thus she weds preadolescent Henry and eventually becomes the Queen devoted to her second husband. Alas her loyalty ends tragically.

This epic look at Katherine brings to life the reign of Henry VIII as few tales do. Katherine, the idealistic Arthur, her parents, and of course Henry come off of the staid textbooks as full blooded individuals filled with passion even while their ardor varies making for a richer historical. Though Katherine's sudden insight into Holy Wars and her life long enemy the Moors seem too convenient and twenty-first century in outlook, readers will appreciate Philippa Gregory's grand sweep of late fifteenth century into early sixteenth century England

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 15, 2005