Henry VIII is infamous for his good looks, charm, religious reform, tyranny and the six wives that were best known for being "divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived." History has been told from the male point of view for quite some time; however, the women in Henry VIII's life have their own contributions and their own stories to tell of their lives with Henry. Beginning with Henry's mother and moving through each of his six wives, Don't Lose Your Head allows the women to have their say.
I am a huge fan of all things Tudor, especially the Tudor women; so, Don't Lose Your Head is right up my alley. Written with the women all speaking after their deaths took place, I loved that the women had a modern tone and were able to be completely honest with no consequences. Each woman was able to tell her story in her own words with witty banter and with their own unique voice. Well timed interjections by the other wives in one another's stories add an extra level of humor. Through the women's stories, they share their accomplishments and what they would like to be known for other than being a wife of King Henry VIII. I learned that Catherine of Aragon served as an ambassador to Spain between being wed to Arthur and being wed to Henry. She was also Henry's regent during a military campaign and rode to address the troops in full armor while pregnant. Anne Boleyn heavily guided Henry in religious reformation. Jane Seymour, often painted as sweet and innocent, knew how to play her cards well and manipulated the situation to her advantage. Anna of Cleves sidestepped disaster and found happiness for herself away from her stifling family and was able to outlive all of Henry's wives. Catherine Howard was able to find the small joys in her short, tumultuous life. Catherine Parr was able to publish books under her own name as well as bridge the gap between his daughters. A fun, fast-paced read for young adults interested in history or for any Tudor-loving history buffs.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of all things Tudor, especially the Tudor women; so, Don't Lose Your Head is right up my alley. Written with the women all speaking after their deaths took place, I loved that the women had a modern tone and were able to be completely honest with no consequences. Each woman was able to tell her story in her own words with witty banter and with their own unique voice. Well timed interjections by the other wives in one another's stories add an extra level of humor. Through the women's stories, they share their accomplishments and what they would like to be known for other than being a wife of King Henry VIII. I learned that Catherine of Aragon served as an ambassador to Spain between being wed to Arthur and being wed to Henry. She was also Henry's regent during a military campaign and rode to address the troops in full armor while pregnant. Anne Boleyn heavily guided Henry in religious reformation. Jane Seymour, often painted as sweet and innocent, knew how to play her cards well and manipulated the situation to her advantage. Anna of Cleves sidestepped disaster and found happiness for herself away from her stifling family and was able to outlive all of Henry's wives. Catherine Howard was able to find the small joys in her short, tumultuous life. Catherine Parr was able to publish books under her own name as well as bridge the gap between his daughters. A fun, fast-paced read for young adults interested in history or for any Tudor-loving history buffs.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
