Laurien Gardner A Lady Raised High: A Novel of Anne Boleyn

A Lady Raised High: A Novel of Anne Boleyn

Laurien Gardner

Jove, Mar 2006, $6.99, 304 pp.

ISBN 0515140899

In 1532, Frances Pierce rescues Anne Boleyn from a mud throwing mob that considered her to be the whore of King Henry VIII. Feeling obligated, Anne takes the country bumpkin with her to court where she is determined to pressure the monarch to divorce his Spanish Bride, Catherine of Aragon, so she can replace her on the throne. Frances' honesty and loyalty quickly make her a favorite confident of Anne. When Henry VIII does the unthinkable and defies Heaven by divorcing Catharine and marrying the pregnant Anne, Frances remains with her as her prime lady in waiting. She stays with her mistress over the thousand days as Anne falls from grace, and she is there when the second wife is accused and convicted of incest with her brother. Finally Frances is one of the witnesses to Anne's execution.

Laurien Gardner's Second wives of Henry VIII tale is an interesting historical look at the legendary Anne Boleyn through the eyes of a loyal, somewhat na ve servant. Readers will appreciate the tidbits of history, especially some of the lighter moments, though nothing new surfaces; perhaps because the tale has been told so often. Still this is a well written account of the relationship that changed England (not just religion, as that daughter that Henry wanted male and legit was Elizabeth), so that fans of Tudor tales will want to read.