The Other Boleyn Girl, by Philippa Gregory

My girlfriends and I read this book together.  It is the book that got me hooked on historical fiction. It was easy to read, and inspired me to read other Philippa Gregory books.  I found this a very pleasant way to learn more about the Tudor era in England. It contains some scenes that border what my friends and I have dubbed "Smutty".  So, if you are easily offended by sexual scenes, this book has them.

The story begins as Mary Boleyn is sent to an arranged marriage at the young age of 14.   After the marriage, however, Mary's father sees a spark in the king's eyes  when Mary enters court.  Father Boleyn sees this as a potential way to worm his family into the upper crust, and sends Mary to flirt with King Henry VIII.  She does as her father requests, and a love affair is the result.  Mary has two children during the time of her affair with the king.  The affair is interrupted when Mary's young and beautiful sister, Anne, is introduced at court.  The king falls in love with Anne, and ultimately marries her.  Comes now the conflict, Anne is barren.  She can not give Henry the children he so desperately needs and it causes the sisters to have an intense rivalry.  This book is about Mary and Anne, and neither will give up on their dreams and desires.

Enjoy this book as much as I have.  I look forward to reading the Boleyn Inheritance, Philippa Gregory's newest novel.