Anne Boleyn, A King's Obsession: A Novel (Six Tudor Queens)

In this second novel of Alison WeirÆs epic Six Tudor Queens series, the acclaimed author and historian weaves exciting new research into the story of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIIIÆs most infamous wife, a woman ahead of her time whose very lifeùand deathùforever changed a nation. Born into a noble English family, Anne is barely a teenager when she is sent from her familyÆs Hever Castle to serve at the royal court of the Netherlands. This strategic move on the part of her opportunistic father also becomes a chance for the girl to grow and discover herself. There, and later in France, Anne thrives, preferring to absorb the works of progressive writers rather than participate in courtly flirtations. She also begins to understand the inequalities and indignities suffered by her gender. Anne isnÆt completely inured to the longings of the heart, but her powerful family has ambitious plans for her future that override any wishes of her own. When the King of England himself, Henry VIII, asks Anne to be his mistress, she spurns his advancesùreminding him that he is a married man who has already conducted an affair with her sister, Mary. AnneÆs rejection only intensifies HenryÆs pursuit, but in the absence of a male heirùand given an aging Queen Katherineùthe opportunity to elevate and protect the Boleyn family, and to exact vengeance on her envious detractors, is too tempting for Anne to resist, even as it proves to be her undoing. While history tells of how Anne Boleyn died, this compelling new novel reveals how fully she lived. Praise for Anne Boleyn, A KingÆs Obession ôSuperb . . . page-turning biographical fiction, hauntingly and beautifully told . . . psychologically penetrating.öùHistorical Novels Review ôImmaculately researched and convincing . . . This tale of AnneÆs ascent and demise cannot escape comparisons with Hilary MantelÆs Wolf Hall series.öùThe Times ôA tragic, misrepresented figure, one of historyÆs original nasty women . . . WeirÆs fictional Anne is ferociously smart and guilty of nothing but craving the power that's rightfully hers to claim.öùNPR ôOne of historical fictionÆs most compelling and exciting portraits of the enduringly fascinating and mysterious Anne Boleyn.öùLancashire Evening Post ôAs always, Weir demonstrates a keen eye for crafting dramatic scenes of beautiful, accurate detail, instilling in the reader a vivid sense of being there.öùBooklist

• | Author: Alison Weir
• | Publisher: Ballantine Books
• | Publication Date: Apr 24, 2018
• | Number of Pages: 592 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Paperback/Fiction
• | ISBN-10: 110196653X
• | ISBN-13: 9781101966532