The Other Boleyn Girl Book Summary

In 'The Other Boleyn Girl', Philippa Gregory unravels the intoxicating tale of Mary Boleyn, overshadowed by her ambitious sister Anne in the court of King Henry VIII. As the captivating saga unfolds, Mary navigates the treacherous waters of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of power. With her heart entwined with the king, she must grapple with the consequences of her family's fierce aspirations. What sacrifices will Mary make to escape the looming shadow of her sister? This historical drama uncovers the hidden dynamics of a royal court and the resilience of a woman's spirit.

By Philippa Gregory

Published: 2001

"The world is not fair, and the cunning will feed off the gullible."

Book Review of The Other Boleyn Girl

The #1 New York Times bestseller from “the queen of royal fiction” (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory is a rich, compelling novel of love, sex, ambition, and intrigue surrounding the Tudor court of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and the infamous Boleyn family. When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of the handsome and charming Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, Mary falls in love with both her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her family’s ambitious plots as the king’s interest begins to wane, and soon she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. With her own destiny suddenly unknown, Mary realizes that she must defy her family and take fate into her own hands. With more than one million copies in print and adapted for the big screen, The Other Boleyn Girl is a riveting historical drama. It brings to light a woman of extraordinary determination and desire who lived at the heart of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe, and survived a treacherous political landscape by following her heart.

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The world is not fair, and the cunning will feed off the gullible.

The Other Boleyn Girl

By Philippa Gregory