In this second novel of Alison Weir's epic Six Tudor Queens series,
the acclaimed author and historian weaves exciting new research into the
story of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's most infamous wife, a woman ahead of
her time whose very life--and death--forever changed a nation.
Born into a noble English family, Anne is barely a teenager when she is
sent from her family's 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 isn't 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 advances--reminding him that he
is a married man who has already conducted an affair with her sister,
Mary. Anne's rejection only intensifies Henry's pursuit, but in the
absence of a male heir--and given an aging Queen Katherine--the
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 King's Obession
**
"Superb . . . page-turning biographical fiction, hauntingly and
beautifully told . . . psychologically penetrating."--Historical
Novels Review**
"Immaculately researched and convincing . . . This tale of Anne's ascent
and demise cannot escape comparisons with Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall
series."--The Times
"A tragic, misrepresented figure, one of history's original nasty women
. . . Weir's fictional Anne is ferociously smart and guilty of nothing
but craving the power that's rightfully hers to claim."--NPR
"One of historical fiction's most compelling and exciting portraits of
the enduringly fascinating and mysterious Anne Boleyn."--Lancashire
Evening Post
"As always, Weir demonstrates a keen eye for crafting dramatic scenes of
beautiful, accurate detail, instilling in the reader a vivid sense of
being there."--Booklist
