This is the second book I've read from talented writer Karen Harper, although I must admit to not remembering exactly which member of the family was "The Last Boleyn." I plan to pick up her book "Mistress Shakespeare" as well, since the Tudor period is of particular interest to me.
That said, this book, deals with Kat Ashley, the companion of Elizabeth I of England for most of her life. While it is a novelization of historical fact, it was fascinating to hear the stories (as told by servant Kat) behind several Tudors thrones, as Kat is present in the glittering but dangerous courts of Henry VIII, as well as those of his son Edward, and daughters Mary and Elizabeth. Harper discusses the controversial putting aside of Henry's first Queen, Katherine of Aragon, for the Lady Anne Boleyn, but since Elizabeth is the latter's daughter by
Henry, Harper devotes much more time and sympathy on Henry's beheaded queen. Harper's lack of sympathy continues for Mary I, the daughter of Henry by Katherine of Aragon, even though that girl was as much a victim of Henry's marital merry-go-round as Elizabeth was.
In summary, this is a book that should be read by everyone interested in Tudor history, especially that of Elizabeth I, but it should be read with a healthy skepticism regarding the character assassinations of those historical figures Elizabeth, and hence Kat Ashley, didn't like. At 349 pages, it also seems over long, as though it could have used a bit more editing, although I find the early history of Kat Ashley more interesting than much of what is common knowledge about Queen Elizabeth. I wish the book had ended with her ascent to the throne, but I understand that the author felt the need to discuss all the time Kat spent
with that Queen.
Submitted by Gerti
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