Avatar
Please consider registering
guest
sp_LogInOut Log Insp_Registration Register
Register | Lost password?
Advanced Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
sp_Feed Topic RSSsp_TopicIcon
The confessions of Katherine Howard
May 30, 2011
11:44 pm
Avatar
BoleynBlue
UK
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 76
Member Since:
April 18, 2011
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

My lovely Husband bought me this book for my Birthday, the Author is Suzannah Dunn.

 

Has anyone read it?

May 31, 2011
5:44 am
Avatar
Gentillylace
West Covina, CA
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 34
Member Since:
May 20, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I am reading it now. It is quite good, though the dialogue has a contemporary sound.

Yours as long as lyffe endures, Katheryn

May 31, 2011
8:45 am
Avatar
BoleynBlue
UK
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 76
Member Since:
April 18, 2011
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Thanks, I cant wait to read it.

May 31, 2011
11:13 am
Avatar
Beth
England
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 104
Member Since:
January 27, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I've bought it but haven't got around to reading it yet. Glad that people seem to recommend it though 🙂

June 25, 2011
1:11 pm
Avatar
Bella44
New Zealand
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 933
Member Since:
January 9, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I've read it – and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Suzannah Dunns' writing style irks a lot of people; as has been pointed out it is very contemporary sounding, but if you don't mind that then it is well worth the effort.  What I like is how she writes about Tudor personalities as seen through the eyes of (usually) someone of a lower class so we get their story mixed in with Katherine Howard/Anne Boleyn/ Mary Tudor etc.  It's a slightly different spin on the historical novel genre and one that I personally find quite refreshing.

June 26, 2011
12:24 am
Avatar
Sophie1536
Lincolnshire UK
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 306
Member Since:
January 17, 2011
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I'm desparate to read this but as some of you may know I've currently started reading C.J Sansom books but I'm definitely going to get this book. It's always good to know what people think before buying.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh144/nicksbabe28/Backstreet%20n%20Graffix/Image4-1.jpg

June 26, 2011
11:24 am
Avatar
Sharon
Binghamton, NY
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 2114
Member Since:
February 24, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

WMJ,

When I first started reading “Wolf Hall” I thought it was a real snoozer.  It was kind of slow going.  I couldn't bring myself to buy into some of the storyline, but I am so glad that I finished it.  Although it is a novel, Hillary Mantel is an historian, and for the most part, she keeps  the book historically accurate. I saw her give an interview about the book.  She was very impressive.  I am not going to give away any details.  When it was done, I was left wanting the rest of the story. The book ends as Henry and Company are on summer progress and are heading to Wolf Hall. The year is 1535.  I am waiting patiently for Mantel to write part two.  Her Cromwell is seen as a man who is good to his family and who is extremely loyal to his King.  I see Cromwell in a different light than I did before I read this book.  I'm sure you will enjoy reading about him.

June 26, 2011
11:48 am
Avatar
Anyanka
La Belle Province
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 2333
Member Since:
November 18, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I loved Wolf Hall but then I have a soft spot for Thomas Cromwell.

It's always bunnies.

June 26, 2011
12:16 pm
Avatar
DuchessofBrittany
Canada
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 846
Member Since:
June 7, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Sharon said:

WMJ,

When I first started reading “Wolf Hall” I thought it was a real snoozer.  It was kind of slow going.  I couldn't bring myself to buy into some of the storyline, but I am so glad that I finished it.  Although it is a novel, Hillary Mantel is an historian, and for the most part, she keeps  the book historically accurate. I saw her give an interview about the book.  She was very impressive.  I am not going to give away any details.  When it was done, I was left wanting the rest of the story. The book ends as Henry and Company are on summer progress and are heading to Wolf Hall. The year is 1535.  I am waiting patiently for Mantel to write part two.  Her Cromwell is seen as a man who is good to his family and who is extremely loyal to his King.  I see Cromwell in a different light than I did before I read this book.  I'm sure you will enjoy reading about him.


I am ashamed to admit I bought Wolf Hall two years ago at Heathrow Airport, and have not read it. I tried, but like Sharon, I found it a bit slow. However, I am going to try again. I usually don't react to books like that.

Sharon, you sold me on trying to get into the book.

I am glad to know Mantel does a different take on Cromwell. I am always conflicted about how I feel about him. I cannot quite pin him down.

"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn

June 26, 2011
1:45 pm
Avatar
Bella44
New Zealand
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 933
Member Since:
January 9, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I think I've said elsewhere how much I adore this book but I'll say it again!  Laugh  

For me Wolf Hall was about so much more than just Cromwell; sometimes I think Hilary Mantel uses Cromwell not just to tell his story but to tell the story of how England stepped into the beginning of the modern age, where men like Wolsey and Cromwell were able to rise as far as they did solely on the basis of their merits rather than being born to it.  If that makes sense!  

I can see how the beginning was slow and sometimes it can be hard to figure out who's speaking etc but definitely stick with it.  Mantel is an intelligent writer and gives credit to her readers for having a brain too, which is nice I think in a historical novel!  The only bad point for me is that it ended where it did – and now I have to wait for the sequel!

June 27, 2011
3:41 am
Avatar
Clarebear
Boston, England
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 130
Member Since:
November 23, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I must admit, I started Wolf Hall and found it slow going so I put it down and didnt pick it back up again.  Its now back in my “to read” pile, I pick it up thinking yes I will read you each time I go through my book stack but put it down again.  I have heard quite a few good comments about it, so I think I'll defo try again and stick with it

Why not join my page on Facebook – Tudor Dynasty 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/.....9213293551

June 27, 2011
9:58 am
Avatar
Sharon
Binghamton, NY
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 2114
Member Since:
February 24, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

DuchessofBrittany said:

Sharon said:

WMJ,

When I first started reading “Wolf Hall” I thought it was a real snoozer.  It was kind of slow going.  I couldn't bring myself to buy into some of the storyline, but I am so glad that I finished it.  Although it is a novel, Hillary Mantel is an historian, and for the most part, she keeps  the book historically accurate. I saw her give an interview about the book.  She was very impressive.  I am not going to give away any details.  When it was done, I was left wanting the rest of the story. The book ends as Henry and Company are on summer progress and are heading to Wolf Hall. The year is 1535.  I am waiting patiently for Mantel to write part two.  Her Cromwell is seen as a man who is good to his family and who is extremely loyal to his King.  I see Cromwell in a different light than I did before I read this book.  I'm sure you will enjoy reading about him.


I am ashamed to admit I bought Wolf Hall two years ago at Heathrow Airport, and have not read it. I tried, but like Sharon, I found it a bit slow. However, I am going to try again. I usually don't react to books like that.

Sharon, you sold me on trying to get into the book.

I am glad to know Mantel does a different take on Cromwell. I am always conflicted about how I feel about him. I cannot quite pin him down.


LOL…I hope you all enjoy it and don't blame me if you don't, please?

The thing was even after I finished the book I wasn't all that sure of how I felt about Cromwell.  I did not have a very high opinion of him when I started reading the book.  As time has passed I have changed my view.  I see him as one of the most loyal men who served Henry.  Most of the men who served the king were out for themselves.  Cromwell seems to be one of the few men who served Henry for Henry's sake, not his own.  Now the book doesn't go past 1535, so I cannot tell if he changes with dissolution business, but from what I can tell, Cromwell will do what he is told to do by Henry.  Everyone else, including Anne, are beside the point.

Bella makes a great point also about this book telling the story of the move into the modern age.  Henry brought people into his circle who would never have been allowed to rise so high in previous reigns. 

June 27, 2011
10:02 am
Avatar
DuchessofBrittany
Canada
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 846
Member Since:
June 7, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Don't worry, Sharon. I won't blame you for what happens with my future plans to read Wolf hall. Laugh

"By daily proof you shall find me to be to you both loving and kind" Anne Boleyn

July 16, 2011
4:28 pm
Avatar
Boleynfan
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 503
Member Since:
August 2, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I read Wolf Hall a few months ago when the forum's Book Club read it, and I really enjoyed it! Like you, Sharon, I found the beginning extremely slow, but by the end, I had a whole different view on Cromwell. I also liked the writing style, once I got past the dryness anyway. And as for The Confessions of Katherine Howard, I didn't altogether love it. It was okay to good, I thought, but the modern writing style put me off, and while I thought the portrayal of Katherine Howard was definitely unique, I wasn't at all sure that I liked or agreed with it.

"Grumble all you like, this is how it's going to be"

July 17, 2011
6:30 am
Avatar
Wendy
UK
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 47
Member Since:
June 1, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I loved Wolf Hall. I was so disappointed when it finished and I can't wait for the sequel.  I disliked Cromwell before reading this book, mainly because of his part in Anne's downfall, but now I have revised my opinion of him. He was an intelligent man who saw which way the wind was blowing, and did what he had to do to stay in the King's favour.  I actually liked the fact that you were not always told who was talking, as the conversation flows as though you were in the room taking part if that makes sense.

July 17, 2011
2:30 pm
Avatar
Boleynfan
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 503
Member Since:
August 2, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I agree, Wendy. At risk of sounding very strange, it was almost like you were observing as if from the Pensieve in Harry Potter (I know that's terribly geeky, but for those who have read the books/seen the movies, I hope it'll make sense!).

"Grumble all you like, this is how it's going to be"

July 17, 2011
6:37 pm
Avatar
Anyanka
La Belle Province
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 2333
Member Since:
November 18, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Geekdom is good!

 

All hail Geeks!

It's always bunnies.

July 19, 2011
3:28 pm
Avatar
Boleynfan
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 503
Member Since:
August 2, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Haha rightly said, Anyanka! (Harry Potter geeks!!!)

"Grumble all you like, this is how it's going to be"

July 19, 2011
3:48 pm
Avatar
Anyanka
La Belle Province
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 2333
Member Since:
November 18, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

I'm trying to convince the kids they really want to see HP&TDH p2. The alternative is I have to go alone and they get baby-sat. They fancy the second option for some reason.

It's always bunnies.

July 24, 2011
2:25 pm
Avatar
Boleynfan
Member
Members
Forum Posts: 503
Member Since:
August 2, 2010
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Oh no, that's terrible!!! 😀 How old are they? I went to the midnight viewing, all dressed up, extremely proudly LOL.

"Grumble all you like, this is how it's going to be"

Forum Timezone: Europe/London
Most Users Ever Online: 214
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 1
Top Posters:
Anyanka: 2333
Boleyn: 2285
Sharon: 2114
Bella44: 933
DuchessofBrittany: 846
Mya Elise: 781
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1
Members: 425956
Moderators: 0
Admins: 1
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 13
Topics: 1679
Posts: 22775
Newest Members:
richardvy4, frankiegu11, franklk2, bradyj4, elaynery_xkKa, tyronecs2
Administrators: Claire: 958