The release of the movie, The Other Boleyn Girl drew even more fans to the popular historical fiction novels by Philippa Gregory. This fan-favourite was brought to justice in the book inspired film. Only a few subtle differences can be sought out, one of which was that the Boleyn girls were much older in the movie than in the book. Secondly, instead of the lead actor bearing a close resemblance to the unattractive King Henry, Eric Bana was chosen to play the lead.
The Other Boleyn Girl depicts the intense rivalry between two sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn. In a family driven together by a common desire for wealth and status, the girls’ uncle and parents will do anything to gain the King’s favour, including sending their young children to court to entice him. Drawn at first to Mary, she becomes his mistress and gives birth to a son and a daughter, before his attention moves elsewhere. To Anne’s satisfaction, King Henry begins to notice and desire her instead of her sibling which in turn ignites an enmity between the sisters. Anne, desperate to please the King and bear him a son, becomes distressed and unwell. The unorthodox and sinful practices the Boleyns used to their advantage eventually catch up with them, and they suffered harsher consequences than they could ever imagine. The Boleyn name, at first a name spoken with pride, makes its rapid decline in rank after they lose the King’s favour and Anne is accused of attempted witchcraft and adultery.
In most of Gregory’s published works, readers will enjoy her personal take on historical facts, events, and marriages and her innovative web of relationships, lust, and scandal. Gregory’s stories provide a fascinating glimpse of society in the 15th century. She gives details that allow readers to become aware of the royalties’ approach to the upbringing of children, the death penalty performed simply under the King’s command, and the obligation for women to have sons as early as possible.
The Other Boleyn Girl is an inside look at the scandal, intrigue, and the questioned secrets of ancient English royalty. It is a story of family, love, lust, secrets, and the strong bond of sisterhood.
Jessica, 15
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