The Boleyn Inheritance

Written by Philippa Gregory

Narrated by Emilia Fox

From the bestselling author of ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’, Philippa Gregory, comes a wonderfully atmospheric evocation of the court of Henry VIII and his final queens.

The Last Boleyn is Jane, Lady Rochford – widow of the disgraced George Boleyn. Caught in the intrigues of the Tudor court, she manoeuvres for personal position as her family in turn tries to manipulate her.

The king has married again; his bride is the deceptively astute Anne of Cleves. Her wits are tested as she senses a trap closing around her, with the Howards ready to take advantage of her fall. Central to their plot is the pretty, flirtatious Catherine, ready to take the place once held by her cousin Anne Boleyn.
Jane briefly believes that she will escape the fate of all who attempt to betray the royal trust but she reckons without Henry's growing maliciousness. Her fate is sealed; she will be the last Boleyn.

Philippa Gregory is the acknowledged queen of historical fiction and this novel again displays her trademark blend of passion and politics, authenticity and tremendously gripping storytelling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Nov 5, 2007
• ISBN: 9780007265879

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.

Reviews for The Boleyn Inheritance

[nsestak_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love her writing.

[sweetcatastrophe_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[riofriotex · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[marthahuntley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent read

[kkovach_6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[moonshineandrosefire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[dgmlrhodes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[missreadsalot · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[pam8enser · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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 :-)

[bibliophile26 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[anitapotter_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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

[bachaney · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

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.

[ladydymondz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

No other Author has done justice to Henry VIII's court like Phillipa Gregory. Gregory takes us back to court life after Anne Boleyn's demise. As Henry tries to gain an Heir, we are transported seemliness between the life of Anne of Cleves, Henry's 4th Wife, Kathrine Howard, young enough to be Henry's granddaughter, but will become his 5th Queen, and JANE ROCHFORD, the most manipulating woman at Henry's Court, who has seen the demise of Henry's Wife from Katherine of Arragon, to Katherine Howard. This is definitely a page turner, one you will not want to put down as you are thrown into passion, deceit, betrayal, and murder. The pages just fly by.

[clueless_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Not as good as the rest of the series. This one seemed like odds and ends cobbled together. A pretty dreary story.

[amandacb_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This work of Gregory's did not grip me as much as some of her other Tudor works, probably because I absolutely despise Jane Boleyn, and a large part of this novel is focused on her character/historical figure. If one can get past that, it is rather interesting and well-written, similar to [The Other Boleyn Girl] in nature.

[jeannemarkert · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Another...Bolyne book. OK but not greatDec 2009

[michdubb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Follows on from The Other Boleyn Girl. Not quite as good as the others in the series but still enjoyable. It's similar to The Other Queen in that the narrator changes from chapter to chapter. Gregory is able to switch between these different voices effectively and believably.

[mrstreme · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.”

[jolerie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Essentially a romance novel with a large dallop of historical creative license thrown into the mix but overall a easy read to pass the time. Philippa Gregory seems to have found a niche for herself and has stuck to this genre because the magical formula is finding enough historical trails to build a story and throw in a whole lot of imagination and scandal for good measure.

[bratlaw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Because King Henry decides to form an alliance with the Kingdom of Cleves by marrying Princess Anne, This book is seen through the eyes of three of the women most effected by this alliance. Anne of Cleves, the Protestant princess that Henry marries; Katherine Howard, the English beauty that Henry falls for; and Jane Boleyn, the widow of George Boleyn, whose testimony sent her husband and her infamous sister-in-law, Anne Boleyn, Henry's second wife, to the execution block.

[lmm161 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have this love hate relationship with Philippa Gregory's books. In the beginning, I have such a hard time getting into them. There's something about her writing style that I find hard to read. But in the end the fiction she weaves around the strange truths sucks me in.

I found the fact that this was told from 4 points of view hard to follow at first. I was alwasy confused about who was speaking. As the characters grew, it became easier.

All and all, I didn't dislike the book, but I'm not going to start telling people to read it.

[journey2thepast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book! I liked this one better than The Other Boleyn Girl. Gregory does a great job of getting the reader into the minds of three lesser written about members of Henry VIII's court - his wives Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard, as well as Jane Boleyn - the sister in law of Anne. I didn't realize Jane Boleyn had such a large role in all the court intrigue surrounding Henry and his wives. Great read!

[enemyanniemae · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I listened to the audio version and it was quite a treat. The story is told from three distinct points of view and the narration is done by three excellent actresses (Davina Porter as Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford; Bianca Amato is Anne of Cleves; and Katherine Howard is read by Charlotte Parry). I don't have to worry about spoilers because I am quite certain that we all know the particulars about how this story turns out. The book is broken up into sections, with each character relating events from her unique perspective. I love the way Gregory reminds us that Katherine Howard was no more than a teenager when she caught the eye of Henry VIII. Katherine is concerned about her gowns, flirting and having fun. Even after she is sentenced to death for treason, she believes that she will be forgiven and returned to court because she has apologized. Her young mind does not grasp the seriousness of her position. Anne of Cleves is steady and composed. She has become the first wife of the Tudor monarch to lose her title and keep her head. She remains cool and collected throughout, although she lives in constant fear of Henry's whims and his wrath. Lady Rochford is an opportunist, willing to use and be used so that she can be a part of the court while she fights the ghosts of her past. Hers is the most complicated story. The narrative of her willingness to spy for the Duke of Norfolk, her denial of the part she played in the deaths of her husband and his sister, Anne Boleyn, and her slide into madness all unfold with conviction. You can't help but get caught up in the drama that unfolds. I enjoyed this book.

[caroren_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just when we think we have heard the last of the Boleyns, after The Other Boleyn Girl (2002), Gregory resurrects the ill-fated family in the persona of Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. After her damning testimony results in the execution of both her husband and her sister-in-law, Anne Boleyn, Jane continues her ruthless scheming as she serves as lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's reviled Bavarian-born fourth wife, and naive, doomed [fifth] wife, Catherine Howard. Narrated in turn by this trio of intriguing women, this tale of court politics and treachery unfolds from three equally compelling points of view. Margaret Flanagan

[coffeenut1992 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it! I'm a bit obsessed with King Henry and his many wives, and this book is about Lady Jane Boleyn, Anne Boleyn's sister-in-law - the one who helped send both her husband and her sister-in-law to their deaths. Philippa Gregory is a gifted writer whose books I really enjoy. Who doesn't love a big fat book?

[readingrat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book had quite a different tone than The Other Boleyn Girl but it worked just as well. I enjoyed this glimpse into the surmised lives of 2 more of Henry's wives and to see Jane Boleyn from her own point-of-view.

[rabidmunkee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was an amazing book! The detail that was in this book made me feel like I was actually there. I loved that there were three different viewpoints during the book. It gave a more precise explanation of what happened to Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Jane Boleyn. Katherine of Aragon is still my favorite queen, but I did like Anne of Cleves quite a bit. Katherine was just a young foolish girl and Jane Boleyn seemed to be a bit crazy from the loss of her sister-in-law and husband due to her testimony.

[mbmackay · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Historical fiction around Anne of Cleves & Katherine Howard - 4th & 5th wifes of Henry VIII. Good light reading.Read mar 2007

[bookworm_naida · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It seems every time I pick up a Philippa Gregory book, I cannot put it down. Since reading The Constant Princess, I have been hooked on her books and find myself totally absorbed in her storytelling. The Boleyn Inheritance was no different. The story is set between 1539 and 1542 after Jane Seymour dies and King Henry VIII decides to marry once again. He marries a German princess, Anne of Cleves, but after a bad first encounter with her, he quickly begins to hate her. Once Anne is in England she finds herself alone and barely able to speak the language, with a husband who will not consummate the marriage and who dislikes her from the start. The story is told from the points of view of Queen Anne, Katherine Howard who is a lady in waiting, and Jane Boleyn, who is George Boleyn's widow. Jane's own testimony helped send her late husband and his infamous sister Anne Boleyn to the chopping block. I enjoyed this book very much. The Boleyn Inheritance has been the perfect read on a cold winters night. There was drama, romance and plenty of interesting characters to keep me hooked. I was completely hooked on the last few chapters and was up until late into the night reading. Philippa Gregory had me on the edge of my seat.