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The Sixth Wife by Suzannah Dunn #Inbetweeny

What is it about historical fiction that's just so addictive?

You already know the ending (and if it's anything to do with the Tudors then, lets face it, it's not going to go well.) You already know the pages will contain lust filled, powerful men, Court intrigue and treachery and women at the mercy of a good marriage. Even though I know all of this I still find myself sucked in and in true 'non named crisp stylie' once I have read one page, I can't stop until I've read them all. 

The Sixth Wife is all about Henry VIII sixth and last wife, Katherine Parr. Henry is dead, Katherine (Kate) is finally free and celebrates by remarrying at the first opportunity Thomas Seymour, the brother of Henry's third wife and Uncle to the new King. Who needs Channel 5 when you have Tudors!

I have read endlessly about Henry, his wives and his children and this didn't break the mould. Told from the perspective of Kate's best friend the Duchess of Sussex - Cathy (her love life was even more complicated, don't ask!) As usual, I instantaneously became addicted becoming monosyllabic to my family and squirrelling myself away to squeeze in 'a few more pages' until I was called upon to tie a shoelace or referee the latest fall out. 

I kind of feel like I shouldn't like reading this particular strand of historical fiction, all full of women reduced to embroidering their husband's shirt sleeves. But I always enjoy this genre. And that is, after all, how we once were. I do get a bit fed up sometimes when it always seems to boil down to sex. It was intriguing to find out that Dunn followed Kate's story quite faithfully with the one addition of Thomas and Cathy's supposed affair. Why add sex? Why is it not a fascinating story as it is? There was the intrigue with Elizabeth, the makings of Jane Grey and even Bess Cavendish (one of my favourite historical figures) made an appearance. So why did it have to largely be about an affair. That said it didn't make me dislike it any less than other books featuring a wife of Henry VIII. 

I liked Dunn's comments in the information included at the back of the book about the style of language she used, choosing to write in a modern style rather than Olde English. Yes, we may have spoken differently back then but to faithfully replicate it doesn't necessarily add to the story and can alienate the reader at times. 

I did enjoy it, the book included so many powerful characters that all went on to lead such fascinating lives that it couldn't not be interesting to read. If you are fans of the genre but wanting something where Henry VIII isn't central, it's a good bet.

The link to the book takes you to Northumberland's Mobile Library Services. If you're unable to get to a library have the library come to you! There is also details as to how you can become a Home Library Service volunteer, New Years resolution??? 




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