The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen

Reading Level: Adult Fiction

Submitted by Gerti

"The Boleyn King" by Laura Anderson is a fascinating look at the "re-imagined history" of England.  Namely, what would have happened historically if Anne Boleyn had borne England's infamous King Henry VIII a son?  Author Andersen has utterly changed modern history in this novel, naming Henry's Boleyn son William, and having him ascend the British throne as he comes of age, as Henry VIII died when the boy was just 10.  In further historical rewrites, Queen Anne is still alive at the beginning of this book (historically, Henry had her executed), as are Henry's two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, who wait in the wings for the throne in this version of reality may never come to them.

Besides the royal family this story has another pair of important characters, and I'm not sure if they are based on real historical figures or not.  The first is a girl named Minuette, who is a good friend to the Princess Elizabeth, and is beloved by William.  The second is a boy named Dominic, whom the new king respects so much as a counselor and friend that he has named him the Marquis of Exeter.  Of course, Dominic is also in love with Minuette, and she with him.  But who can go against the will of a king?  Will the son repeat the mistakes of the father?

This book revolves around the plot hatched by one of the remaining aristocratic Catholic families to discredit William and put his Catholic sister Mary on the throne, a plot diffused by Minuette and Dominic at the last minute.  But the deeper concern here is whether Minuette will marry William or Dominic, and that question is not really resolved as the book ends.  The back cover tells us why-"The Boleyn King" is part of a trilogy, so we'll have to reach for more books to solve the mystery.

Will I look for the sequel to this first book?  Yes, because I love the subject matter (Tudor England), even if I find the re-imagined history disturbing in spots.  Do I mind that the author had taken historical fact and turned it into teen fiction on the order of "Twilight"?  A little, but I also find "The Boleyn King" to be an easy and interesting read, which nudges me to keep reading to find out what will happen to this group of characters.  Is this a modern literary classic?  No, but it is rarely dull, and that's about all you need for a summertime read.  This is a book which would appeal to a broad audience of adults and teens, and therefore, I recommend it highly.