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Wives of King Henry VIII
The Spanish Queen: A Novel of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon
When young Catherine of Aragon, proud daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, is sent to England to marry the weak Prince Arthur, she is unprepared for all that awaits her: early widowhood, the challenge of warfare with the invading Scots, and the utimately futile attempt to provide the realm with a prince to secure the succession. She marries Arthur's energetic, athletic brother Henry, only to encounter fresh obstacles, chief among them Henry's infatuation with the alluring but wayward Anne Boleyn.
In The Spanish Queen, bestselling novelist Carolly Erickson allows the strong-willed, redoubtable Queen Catherine to tell her own story—a tale that carries her from the scented gardens of Grenada to the craggy mountains of Wales to the conflict-ridden Tudor court. Surrounded by strong partisans among the English, and with the might of Spanish and imperial arms to defend her, Catherine soldiers on, until her union with King Henry is severed and she finds herself discarded—and tempted to take the most daring step of her life.
In The Spanish Queen, bestselling novelist Carolly Erickson allows the strong-willed, redoubtable Queen Catherine to tell her own story—a tale that carries her from the scented gardens of Grenada to the craggy mountains of Wales to the conflict-ridden Tudor court. Surrounded by strong partisans among the English, and with the might of Spanish and imperial arms to defend her, Catherine soldiers on, until her union with King Henry is severed and she finds herself discarded—and tempted to take the most daring step of her life.
276 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2013
44 people are currently reading
2573 people want to read
About the author
Carolly Erickson
33 books710 followersDistinguished historian Carolly Erickson is the author of The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette, The First Elizabeth, Great Catherine, Alexandra and many other prize-winning works of fiction and nonfiction. She lives in Hawaii.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/caroll...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/caroll...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
November 25, 2015
The story of Queen Catherine, the wife of Henry VIII of England, the daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabela of Spain, doesn’t tell much about her life in Spain. It starts with her voyage to England. This part was drawn out and there was not enough background of her life in Spain to show who she was. It was more about her father and mother, who they were.
There were some stagnant descriptions, not moving the story forward. And there were some that there were very interesting, for ex. the story of Catharine’s nephew, Charles, who later became the King of Spain.
She did a good job portraying women/Queens in the 15th century as a tool for bearing male children.
Overall, it was the first book that I’ve read about Catherine of Aragon. So it was nice to hear her ‘side of the story,’ the marriage to Henry VIII. But for me the book was missing some twists and turns to speed the pace a bit.
There were some stagnant descriptions, not moving the story forward. And there were some that there were very interesting, for ex. the story of Catharine’s nephew, Charles, who later became the King of Spain.
She did a good job portraying women/Queens in the 15th century as a tool for bearing male children.
Overall, it was the first book that I’ve read about Catherine of Aragon. So it was nice to hear her ‘side of the story,’ the marriage to Henry VIII. But for me the book was missing some twists and turns to speed the pace a bit.
April 8, 2014
Erickson returns with another great tale about one of the six wives of Henry VIII. On this novel, we tackle Catherine of Aragon, Henry's first and longest-serving wife. Born to Ferdinand and Isabella, famed Spanish monarchs of Columbus fame. Erickson paints young Catherine as one who seeks to match her mother's war prowess, even as a young princess. Sent to marry Prince Arthur, Crown Prince of England. Their marriage proved to be less than she hoped and turns out to be the key to her later life, as many Tudor fans will know. When Arthur dies, Catherine is left in limbo, neither Spain nor England happy that no prince came from the union. Through some tricky negotiating, Prince Henry is offered up and their union is sealed by the nympho prince. Erickson takes the reader through the many perils of the marriage; from the miscarriages that plagued the couple, to Princess Mary's healthy birth (which galled Henry as he had no male heir), and eventually the ongoing affairs that Henry undertook as king. With the arrival of Anne Boleyn, the affair moved from an issue to a catastrophe. Boleyn, one-time lady-in-waiting, becomes a major issue when Catherine discovers Henry seeks to make her his new wife. Through battles with Rome, Henry scoffs at the Church and its laws in order to serve his desires. Catherine yields nothing and has the backing of the Vatican and her own fellow Catholic countries, but Henry understands no defiant act. Through the latter half of the book Erickson shows the triangular battle in which Henry and Anne are sure they can prevail. Taking the reader through the ups and downs of Catherine's life, while offering much insight into her struggle to be treated so poorly while coming from royal blood. A cast of characters that keep the story moving and the plot multi-faceted, Erickson does well to present this well-known historical tale.
Being a great Tudor fan, both the family and the television program, Erickson does a wonderful job putting into words the trials and tribulations of one of England's most talked about families. Using her historical knowledge and fiction abilities, Erickson makes the story come to life. As a reader who enjoys both fiction and its non- cousin, I might have liked some filler story within the long marriage of Henry and Catherine. I felt as though some years were wrapped up in a single sentence, focused around a miscarriage or Boleyn antic. Other than that, it has been a great read with much to enjoy and loads about which to ponder.
Kudos, Madam Erickson for your splendid novel. Always a pleasure to delve into some more Tudor soap opera story lines.
Being a great Tudor fan, both the family and the television program, Erickson does a wonderful job putting into words the trials and tribulations of one of England's most talked about families. Using her historical knowledge and fiction abilities, Erickson makes the story come to life. As a reader who enjoys both fiction and its non- cousin, I might have liked some filler story within the long marriage of Henry and Catherine. I felt as though some years were wrapped up in a single sentence, focused around a miscarriage or Boleyn antic. Other than that, it has been a great read with much to enjoy and loads about which to ponder.
Kudos, Madam Erickson for your splendid novel. Always a pleasure to delve into some more Tudor soap opera story lines.
December 17, 2013
This review is from: The Spanish Queen: A Novel of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon (Kindle Edition)
Lackluster fictionalized biography of Catherine of Aragon, Henry the VIII long suffering first wife. Cherished by her mother and tolerated by her philandering father, Catherine is asked to attend her mother in her wedding dress before she departs for her new home, thus setting the stage for bad luck to follow her on the trip to England. She is cursed by her father's mistress as she goes overboard in stormy seas, and left with the care of her bastard half sister surely setting the stage for further misfortune. Carolly Erickson is faithful to recorded events and she represents all the key players, however, they appear one dimensional. She recounts Catherine's life, describing her reaction to her sickly husband, the limbo she is left in when he dies, but we never really get more that a recounting of her life. Henry is not the larger than life renaissance man, but a spoiled boy who ravages her on their wedding night. He is threaten by her popularity and her lack of bringing forth a son. Catherine was the daughter of one of the most powerful women of her time. Her siblings married royalty. She was groomed to be queen her entire life. She held England together as a regent when Henry left for France. The queen that Carrolly portrays does not do justice for the proud personage of the historical Catherine.
Lackluster fictionalized biography of Catherine of Aragon, Henry the VIII long suffering first wife. Cherished by her mother and tolerated by her philandering father, Catherine is asked to attend her mother in her wedding dress before she departs for her new home, thus setting the stage for bad luck to follow her on the trip to England. She is cursed by her father's mistress as she goes overboard in stormy seas, and left with the care of her bastard half sister surely setting the stage for further misfortune. Carolly Erickson is faithful to recorded events and she represents all the key players, however, they appear one dimensional. She recounts Catherine's life, describing her reaction to her sickly husband, the limbo she is left in when he dies, but we never really get more that a recounting of her life. Henry is not the larger than life renaissance man, but a spoiled boy who ravages her on their wedding night. He is threaten by her popularity and her lack of bringing forth a son. Catherine was the daughter of one of the most powerful women of her time. Her siblings married royalty. She was groomed to be queen her entire life. She held England together as a regent when Henry left for France. The queen that Carrolly portrays does not do justice for the proud personage of the historical Catherine.
July 26, 2016
Carolly Erickson is a master storyteller, and her new novel is not an exception in this sense. I have to admit I found it quite entertaining even though I had already read other books about Henry's first wife, both fiction and non-fiction. At the same time, the book didn't add a newer, novel perspective to what is already known about Catherine as a historical figure. Catherine's character is strong, and her first-person voice certainly evokes emotion although other novels have created her lyrical portraits well already (The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory and the excellent Katharine of Aragon by Jean Plaidy come to mind immediately.)
Catherine is typically described as a devout Catholic and a mother; in fact, according to some historians, she could even be called dogged. The role of the Catholic faith that drove her life is not described well here. Catherine's relationship with Mary was also one of the most significant forces in her existence. The abandoned queen and her daughter suffered greatly after Henry prevented them from seeing each other. It was one of her greatest sorrows as Catherine was dying, but in the novel, Catherine's relationship with Mary is not portrayed well.
To readers, who are truly curious about Catalina/Catherine, I strongly recommend the non-fiction book Catherine of Aragon: The Spanish Queen of Henry VIII by Giles Tremlett, which is not only thoroughly researched but is also fun to read.
Catherine is typically described as a devout Catholic and a mother; in fact, according to some historians, she could even be called dogged. The role of the Catholic faith that drove her life is not described well here. Catherine's relationship with Mary was also one of the most significant forces in her existence. The abandoned queen and her daughter suffered greatly after Henry prevented them from seeing each other. It was one of her greatest sorrows as Catherine was dying, but in the novel, Catherine's relationship with Mary is not portrayed well.
To readers, who are truly curious about Catalina/Catherine, I strongly recommend the non-fiction book Catherine of Aragon: The Spanish Queen of Henry VIII by Giles Tremlett, which is not only thoroughly researched but is also fun to read.
November 3, 2019
Why did I pick up another book of Erickson's? I know, because it was about my favorite Queen Consort, Catherine of Aragon. Just no! No! Another tale that seems to be too comedic (I don't find anything funny about what happened to her) and far fetched facts, like Katherine giving birth to a child after the Field of Cloth of Gold which occurred in 1520! And this half sister of hers who keeps popping up and causing trouble was pathetic! Henry, I didn't think he could get worse, but he was the coward of the highest order in this book, explosions occurring and he leaves his wife behind. Do not recommend this book at all.
November 17, 2013
Well-written, well-researched and very entertaining novel of Catherine of Aragon (first wife of Henry the Eighth). A must for any fan of the Tudor era.
This was my first book by Carolly Erickson, and I was very favorably impressed. I'll definitely seek out more by her.
I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Thanks!
This was my first book by Carolly Erickson, and I was very favorably impressed. I'll definitely seek out more by her.
I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Thanks!
December 4, 2016
I have a fondness for Catherine of Aragon of all of Henry's wives and this tale of her's was quite pleasurable. I love the awful portrayl of Anne. Would have liked more detail of her and Henry when they first met but tis okay I still enjoyed the read.
Read
January 20, 2015Definitely not historically accurate but entertaining still!
May 7, 2016
It's unfair of me to always expect Sarah Dunant-style prose when it comes to historical fiction but that is what I like and that is what I did not get in The Spanish Queen.
July 22, 2016
I thought this was going to be about Katherine but the minute Anne stepped in it became all about her. I found myself getting bored and zoning out.
March 21, 2024
Catherine of Aragon was the first queen to Henry VIII. In this novel, Queen Catherine of Aragon is a Spanish princess who is betrothed to Arthur, the Prince of Wales. She marries him, but she quickly becomes a widow. She eventually marries King Henry VIII. However, she fails to give birth to a son. Her husband decides to set her aside to marry Anne Boleyn. Queen Catherine of Aragon must stand up to her husband in order to keep her status as queen.
I did not like Mrs. Erickson’s portrayal of Queen Catherine of Aragon. Because of her illustrious parents, she thinks that she is better than everyone else. Therefore, Queen Catherine of Aragon is very judgmental and critical of those around her. I also did not like that she is very vengeful. She plots the downfall of her rival, Queen Anne Boleyn. Thus, it was hard for me to sympathize with her. She was a very unlikable character.
Overall, this novel is about religion, corruption, and revenge. I found all the characters to be one-dimensional. I did like Mrs. Erickson’s portrayal of Queen Catherine of Aragon’s first husband. I like how she portrayed her first marriage. However, The Spanish Queen felt very rushed. There were some plotlines that did not go anywhere. There were many inaccuracies and some of the scenes seemed far-fetched. Nevertheless, The Spanish Queen was a short and easy read. If you like to read everything about the Tudors, then you might want to give this a try. However, there are far more superior books on Queen Catherine of Aragon. Some of them I recommend are Alison Weir’s Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, Katherine of Aragon by Jean Plaidy, and Philippa Gregory’s The Constant Princess! Thus, I advise you to skip this book and read the other historical fiction novels on Queen Catherine of Aragon!
I did not like Mrs. Erickson’s portrayal of Queen Catherine of Aragon. Because of her illustrious parents, she thinks that she is better than everyone else. Therefore, Queen Catherine of Aragon is very judgmental and critical of those around her. I also did not like that she is very vengeful. She plots the downfall of her rival, Queen Anne Boleyn. Thus, it was hard for me to sympathize with her. She was a very unlikable character.
Overall, this novel is about religion, corruption, and revenge. I found all the characters to be one-dimensional. I did like Mrs. Erickson’s portrayal of Queen Catherine of Aragon’s first husband. I like how she portrayed her first marriage. However, The Spanish Queen felt very rushed. There were some plotlines that did not go anywhere. There were many inaccuracies and some of the scenes seemed far-fetched. Nevertheless, The Spanish Queen was a short and easy read. If you like to read everything about the Tudors, then you might want to give this a try. However, there are far more superior books on Queen Catherine of Aragon. Some of them I recommend are Alison Weir’s Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, Katherine of Aragon by Jean Plaidy, and Philippa Gregory’s The Constant Princess! Thus, I advise you to skip this book and read the other historical fiction novels on Queen Catherine of Aragon!
November 3, 2018
'The Spanish Queen' is a novel written by the novelist Carolly Erickson about the early life of Catherine of Aragon and continues into her marriage with Prince Arthur, and then her marriage to Henry VIII, which leads up to his infatuation with Anne Boleyn and eventually, Catherine's death.
Everyone knows Catherine of Aragon as Henry VIII's long-suffering first wife, but she was a fascinating person in her own right. She was the daughter of the most Catholic monarchs; Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, the aunt to Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. Most people imagine Catherine as this old wife, who Henry VIII wants rid of, but she had such an interesting and fascinating story to tell, and this is exactly how the author presents the story, as Catherine writing down her trials and tribulations throughout her long life.
Catherine's story begins in her childhood country of Spain, where from an early age, she understands that women have to put up with a lot throughout their lives, and her godly mother, who was known as a warrior queen, was no exception. Her mother had to put up with her husband's infidelity with his mistress, who believes herself to be more higher up than anyone else, but also Catherine has to put up with her half-sister, Ferdinand's illegitimate daughter, who is just as high and mighty as her mother.
The author uses the idea of a 'curse' to explain why Catherine of Aragon suffered over her many years, but I found this plot line very weird. It occurs when For me personally, it is a good idea, but it was only mentioned now and again throughout the book and by the nasty half-sister who liked to threaten Catherine and use her mother's death against Catherine and use it to torment her, but I felt that it didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the book.
There were two characters in this novel that you could not really connect with, and that is probably how the author wanted to portray them in comparison with Catherine, and they are: Henry VIII (for obvious reasons) and Anne Boleyn (dramatic music: dun dun dun......shocker.......not really!)
When Catherine first encounters Henry as a prince, he is depicted as hated by his father and restricted in what he is allowed to do. However, as a prince, he is shown as caring for Catherine and wants her as his wife, but when he becomes king and marries her, he shows a change in personality and not for the better! After Catherine gives birth to a stillborn daughter after her first pregnancy, Henry becomes quite rude and horrible to Catherine, which really surprised me and angered me whilst reading Henry's dialogue with Catherine. I don't often get angry with characters (this only happens if I become really drawn into the story) but with Henry, knowing what he will turn out to be like in the future, I began to actually hate him throughout the story. His comments towards Catherine throughout the novel, just made me hate Henry every time he said something! Although, with Catherine being the mean character, you tend to have sympathy for her, so Henry will look like the villain throughout the novel (which is the case in history anyway, with how he treats Catherine).
The case with Anne Boleyn, is the fact that when a novel is written about Catherine, she becomes the protagonist that you pity and want to protect, but of course Anne Boleyn is the homewrecker and a woman who is grasping for power, no matter who she hurts in the process. This book is no different! Anne's personality comes across as a rude, obnoxious, demanding and abrasive individual, who Catherine meets before she was sent to the French Court for shameful behaviour. However, Catherine was unsure of Anne in her early life, but when Anne presents herself at court during the 1520's, it is clear that Anne's personality has not changed and Catherine begins to detest Anne as she becomes close with Henry.
Be that as it may, I have one massive pet peeves with historical fiction and that is when the most impossible thing in history is made possible in a novel, but before anyone says something, I completely understand that the novel is a work of fiction, but you'll find out what I mean.
However, despite some of the flaws, I could enjoy the book for what it was, a historical fiction novel. I liked the book, but I didn't fall in love with it. I did feel like at times the book was being rushed, and I would have found it helpful for when a new chapter started to have the year at the top of the chapter so I could follow the events. Although, I do think that it was nice to read a novel about Catherine of Aragon for a change to Anne Boleyn (who I love though...) and there will be many people that would enjoy this novel.
Everyone knows Catherine of Aragon as Henry VIII's long-suffering first wife, but she was a fascinating person in her own right. She was the daughter of the most Catholic monarchs; Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, the aunt to Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. Most people imagine Catherine as this old wife, who Henry VIII wants rid of, but she had such an interesting and fascinating story to tell, and this is exactly how the author presents the story, as Catherine writing down her trials and tribulations throughout her long life.
Catherine's story begins in her childhood country of Spain, where from an early age, she understands that women have to put up with a lot throughout their lives, and her godly mother, who was known as a warrior queen, was no exception. Her mother had to put up with her husband's infidelity with his mistress, who believes herself to be more higher up than anyone else, but also Catherine has to put up with her half-sister, Ferdinand's illegitimate daughter, who is just as high and mighty as her mother.
The author uses the idea of a 'curse' to explain why Catherine of Aragon suffered over her many years, but I found this plot line very weird. It occurs when For me personally, it is a good idea, but it was only mentioned now and again throughout the book and by the nasty half-sister who liked to threaten Catherine and use her mother's death against Catherine and use it to torment her, but I felt that it didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the book.
There were two characters in this novel that you could not really connect with, and that is probably how the author wanted to portray them in comparison with Catherine, and they are: Henry VIII (for obvious reasons) and Anne Boleyn (dramatic music: dun dun dun......shocker.......not really!)
When Catherine first encounters Henry as a prince, he is depicted as hated by his father and restricted in what he is allowed to do. However, as a prince, he is shown as caring for Catherine and wants her as his wife, but when he becomes king and marries her, he shows a change in personality and not for the better! After Catherine gives birth to a stillborn daughter after her first pregnancy, Henry becomes quite rude and horrible to Catherine, which really surprised me and angered me whilst reading Henry's dialogue with Catherine. I don't often get angry with characters (this only happens if I become really drawn into the story) but with Henry, knowing what he will turn out to be like in the future, I began to actually hate him throughout the story. His comments towards Catherine throughout the novel, just made me hate Henry every time he said something! Although, with Catherine being the mean character, you tend to have sympathy for her, so Henry will look like the villain throughout the novel (which is the case in history anyway, with how he treats Catherine).
The case with Anne Boleyn, is the fact that when a novel is written about Catherine, she becomes the protagonist that you pity and want to protect, but of course Anne Boleyn is the homewrecker and a woman who is grasping for power, no matter who she hurts in the process. This book is no different! Anne's personality comes across as a rude, obnoxious, demanding and abrasive individual, who Catherine meets before she was sent to the French Court for shameful behaviour. However, Catherine was unsure of Anne in her early life, but when Anne presents herself at court during the 1520's, it is clear that Anne's personality has not changed and Catherine begins to detest Anne as she becomes close with Henry.
Be that as it may, I have one massive pet peeves with historical fiction and that is when the most impossible thing in history is made possible in a novel, but before anyone says something, I completely understand that the novel is a work of fiction, but you'll find out what I mean.
However, despite some of the flaws, I could enjoy the book for what it was, a historical fiction novel. I liked the book, but I didn't fall in love with it. I did feel like at times the book was being rushed, and I would have found it helpful for when a new chapter started to have the year at the top of the chapter so I could follow the events. Although, I do think that it was nice to read a novel about Catherine of Aragon for a change to Anne Boleyn (who I love though...) and there will be many people that would enjoy this novel.
June 14, 2015
Carolly Erickson’s THE SPANISH QUEEN is a fictionalized autobiography of Catherine of Aragon. Erickson recreates Catherine’s departure from Spain to England and we spend our time in Tudor court.
As a sixteen year old, Catherine of Aragon makes the journey from Spain to England but prior to her departure, Queen Isabella asks her to wear her wedding dress. Everyone around her says it will bring bad luck, but Catherine complies. Shortly afterwards, Catherine is told she’s cursed after a series of events prevent her departure from Spain. She decides to continue with her travel plans and arrives in England where she’ll marry Henry VII’s son, Arthur. Her marriage to Arthur doesn’t last long and finds herself developing a friendship with Henry VIII. She waits quietly in the wings unsure of her fate and doesn’t begin to blossom until her marriage to Henry VIII. In Erickson’s THE SPANISH QUEEN we see the birth of a queen along with her achievements and struggles.
Narrative is first person via Catherine and Erickson gives us a narrator that we can trust. It’s difficult for an author to give a historical figure an authentic voice and Erickson does a superb job. In THE SPANISH QUEEN, we see Catherine’s vulnerabilities and what her thoughts and desires are. We experience her pain at not being able to bear a son to having to contend with a jealous half sister. Erickson does gloss over a few known historical facts in this narrative. She focuses primarily on Bessie Blount and her son Fitzroy. Wolsey’s downfall is also glossed over and I got the feeling Erickson’s Catherine still viewed him as an ally instead of the man who supported Henry’s quest for an annulment. Then we have Anne Boleyn; fans of Anne you’ll want to skip this one since she’s not pictured in the best light, but you can feel Catherine’s betrayal regarding Anne. Here we are presented a young girl whose parents cannot keep her under control and Catherine councils and molds her. In the end, Anne’s portrayal is exactly what you’d expect and you can’t help but feel the sting of betrayal. It’s Henry’s portrayal that is the most interesting. He never seems to grow up and is portrayed as a boy who pouts in the corner because his wife is more successful on the battlefield than he is. It’s quite easy to dislike him and dismiss him from the narrative.
It’s always interesting to read how someone else interprets a historical figure. I’ve always had a soft spot for William Blount, Baron Montjoy because he commissions John Blount (no proof they were related) to translate Nicholas Upton’s DE STUDIO MILITARI. Upton’s chivalric text would have been interest to Montjoy especially since he was made a diplomat and Upton’s book goes into detail regarding the legality of war. Heraldry and chivalry enjoyed quite a boost under Henry VIII and imagine the prominence Montjoy could enjoy by presenting such a text or knowledge to Henry. My master’s thesis was on Upton, but used Blount’s translation and that’s my personal connection to Erickson’s The Spanish Queen. I enjoyed Erickson’s portrayal of Blount even though her version isn’t exactly what I know of Blount, but that’s okay. It was still fun to have a moment of discussion with a friend about this.
What I really enjoyed about Erickson’s THE SPANISH QUEEN is the life she gives Catherine. It’s easy to like her and take her side in all matters that you want to tell her what you know of history. She also makes you pause for a bit to reflect on the historical timeline especially the way the book ends. Anne Boleyn dies a few months after Catherine and one can’t help but wonder what Catherine would have made of Anne’s fate. And yet, the narrative goes back to Catherine being told she’s cursed in a subtle way. Your heart will break for a woman who doesn’t pause for a moment to think of the possibility and yet, she endures. I wish Erickson would have addressed this in some format. I know if I had been told I was cursed and bad things happen, I would have toyed with the idea. Then again, I have to remind myself that Catherine was a religious woman and in Erickson’s book, she believes in God’s intervention and his judgment which leads to the appropriate punishment as deemed by God.
While not perfect in terms of historical accuracy, Carolly Erickson’s THE SPANISH QUEEN was nevertheless is a delightful read. Do keep in mind that is historical fiction and some liberties were taken.
This review & more are posted at Literary, etc.
As a sixteen year old, Catherine of Aragon makes the journey from Spain to England but prior to her departure, Queen Isabella asks her to wear her wedding dress. Everyone around her says it will bring bad luck, but Catherine complies. Shortly afterwards, Catherine is told she’s cursed after a series of events prevent her departure from Spain. She decides to continue with her travel plans and arrives in England where she’ll marry Henry VII’s son, Arthur. Her marriage to Arthur doesn’t last long and finds herself developing a friendship with Henry VIII. She waits quietly in the wings unsure of her fate and doesn’t begin to blossom until her marriage to Henry VIII. In Erickson’s THE SPANISH QUEEN we see the birth of a queen along with her achievements and struggles.
Narrative is first person via Catherine and Erickson gives us a narrator that we can trust. It’s difficult for an author to give a historical figure an authentic voice and Erickson does a superb job. In THE SPANISH QUEEN, we see Catherine’s vulnerabilities and what her thoughts and desires are. We experience her pain at not being able to bear a son to having to contend with a jealous half sister. Erickson does gloss over a few known historical facts in this narrative. She focuses primarily on Bessie Blount and her son Fitzroy. Wolsey’s downfall is also glossed over and I got the feeling Erickson’s Catherine still viewed him as an ally instead of the man who supported Henry’s quest for an annulment. Then we have Anne Boleyn; fans of Anne you’ll want to skip this one since she’s not pictured in the best light, but you can feel Catherine’s betrayal regarding Anne. Here we are presented a young girl whose parents cannot keep her under control and Catherine councils and molds her. In the end, Anne’s portrayal is exactly what you’d expect and you can’t help but feel the sting of betrayal. It’s Henry’s portrayal that is the most interesting. He never seems to grow up and is portrayed as a boy who pouts in the corner because his wife is more successful on the battlefield than he is. It’s quite easy to dislike him and dismiss him from the narrative.
It’s always interesting to read how someone else interprets a historical figure. I’ve always had a soft spot for William Blount, Baron Montjoy because he commissions John Blount (no proof they were related) to translate Nicholas Upton’s DE STUDIO MILITARI. Upton’s chivalric text would have been interest to Montjoy especially since he was made a diplomat and Upton’s book goes into detail regarding the legality of war. Heraldry and chivalry enjoyed quite a boost under Henry VIII and imagine the prominence Montjoy could enjoy by presenting such a text or knowledge to Henry. My master’s thesis was on Upton, but used Blount’s translation and that’s my personal connection to Erickson’s The Spanish Queen. I enjoyed Erickson’s portrayal of Blount even though her version isn’t exactly what I know of Blount, but that’s okay. It was still fun to have a moment of discussion with a friend about this.
What I really enjoyed about Erickson’s THE SPANISH QUEEN is the life she gives Catherine. It’s easy to like her and take her side in all matters that you want to tell her what you know of history. She also makes you pause for a bit to reflect on the historical timeline especially the way the book ends. Anne Boleyn dies a few months after Catherine and one can’t help but wonder what Catherine would have made of Anne’s fate. And yet, the narrative goes back to Catherine being told she’s cursed in a subtle way. Your heart will break for a woman who doesn’t pause for a moment to think of the possibility and yet, she endures. I wish Erickson would have addressed this in some format. I know if I had been told I was cursed and bad things happen, I would have toyed with the idea. Then again, I have to remind myself that Catherine was a religious woman and in Erickson’s book, she believes in God’s intervention and his judgment which leads to the appropriate punishment as deemed by God.
While not perfect in terms of historical accuracy, Carolly Erickson’s THE SPANISH QUEEN was nevertheless is a delightful read. Do keep in mind that is historical fiction and some liberties were taken.
This review & more are posted at Literary, etc.
October 29, 2015
I originally reviewed this on my website C. J. Leger Anyone who knows me, knows that I am an avid fan of anything Tutor related, and most especially, anything related to the great Catherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII's first wife.
Carolly's book is subtitled "A Novel of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon" and of the many books related to the tutor dynasty, is the first I have encountered that encompasses the story between Henry and Catherine pre-Anne Boleyn.
While Henry, in all his glory, left behind a legend of a dynasty, so did Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon; as the most powerful rulers the world had ever seen. However not much is written about their daughter Catherine, deserving of an attached trail to their legacy as well, except for the fact that she was loved by the people of England and made her parents proud by being a gracious and obedient queen in her new realm.
This book takes us back to Catherine of Aragon before she was Catherine; when she was revered as Infanta Catalina, the daughter of the great Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon, financiers of the discovery of the new world and its conquests. During this setting the reader can greatly appreciate the grandeur of the Court of Granada and understand that in and of herself, Catherine was a force in history, and understand why such ferocity was used by the Bishop of Rome, the Emperor of Rome, and the Court of France to defend her during "The King's Great Matter".
It is a great book for those who want to know more about this woman, who was such a prime part of one of the most historically altering events in Europe. It also gives us an inside look at the true nature of her life in England, as a betrothed girl, wife, widow, and then prisoner alongside Henry VIII by His father, who too wanted to marry her; until the death of her mother, caused her to be discarded until further use for her could be found.
This book does a great job of explaining the type of life Catherine endured before actually becoming Queen of England, and the life of women during that time.
This book is, however, a novel, made to trap historical fact and dramatization together in a bound vessel. It does have historically accurate events, but is mostly fictional text.
Parts I Do Not Like
My main quarrel of this book is the way Queen Isabella of Castile is portrayed. She is written as a grand woman deserving of her crown, but weak in the presence of her husband and submissive to him. History knows that Isabella was the heir to the throne and she made it quite clear that Ferdinand was King consort. All envoys who went to their court for approval of anything, spoke directly to her and she made the decisions on almost everything. To portray such a strong woman in history as a feeble wife is just horrendous. She was her predecessor's successor, in all her might and glory, in her kingdom and her marriage.
The formatting on pages 104-107 are off. The last line reaches all the way to the bottom of the pages which is odd and uncomfortable.
Overall, this book lack just a hint of umph that would take it over the edge, but is still a page turner for me. I enjoy that someone somewhere wrote a book about such a magnificent queen like Catherine, who endured so much after being sent to the English court. I would recommend this book as a great addition to a Tutor library collection, which encompasses a fictional, entertaining text with historical accuracy and another side to the Tutor Court.
Carolly's book is subtitled "A Novel of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon" and of the many books related to the tutor dynasty, is the first I have encountered that encompasses the story between Henry and Catherine pre-Anne Boleyn.
While Henry, in all his glory, left behind a legend of a dynasty, so did Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon; as the most powerful rulers the world had ever seen. However not much is written about their daughter Catherine, deserving of an attached trail to their legacy as well, except for the fact that she was loved by the people of England and made her parents proud by being a gracious and obedient queen in her new realm.
This book takes us back to Catherine of Aragon before she was Catherine; when she was revered as Infanta Catalina, the daughter of the great Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon, financiers of the discovery of the new world and its conquests. During this setting the reader can greatly appreciate the grandeur of the Court of Granada and understand that in and of herself, Catherine was a force in history, and understand why such ferocity was used by the Bishop of Rome, the Emperor of Rome, and the Court of France to defend her during "The King's Great Matter".
It is a great book for those who want to know more about this woman, who was such a prime part of one of the most historically altering events in Europe. It also gives us an inside look at the true nature of her life in England, as a betrothed girl, wife, widow, and then prisoner alongside Henry VIII by His father, who too wanted to marry her; until the death of her mother, caused her to be discarded until further use for her could be found.
This book does a great job of explaining the type of life Catherine endured before actually becoming Queen of England, and the life of women during that time.
This book is, however, a novel, made to trap historical fact and dramatization together in a bound vessel. It does have historically accurate events, but is mostly fictional text.
Parts I Do Not Like
My main quarrel of this book is the way Queen Isabella of Castile is portrayed. She is written as a grand woman deserving of her crown, but weak in the presence of her husband and submissive to him. History knows that Isabella was the heir to the throne and she made it quite clear that Ferdinand was King consort. All envoys who went to their court for approval of anything, spoke directly to her and she made the decisions on almost everything. To portray such a strong woman in history as a feeble wife is just horrendous. She was her predecessor's successor, in all her might and glory, in her kingdom and her marriage.
The formatting on pages 104-107 are off. The last line reaches all the way to the bottom of the pages which is odd and uncomfortable.
Overall, this book lack just a hint of umph that would take it over the edge, but is still a page turner for me. I enjoy that someone somewhere wrote a book about such a magnificent queen like Catherine, who endured so much after being sent to the English court. I would recommend this book as a great addition to a Tutor library collection, which encompasses a fictional, entertaining text with historical accuracy and another side to the Tutor Court.
May 30, 2018
After spending a great deal of time and no little amount of thought on the matter, I am remorse to review this book with only three stars. For all her work in the field of historical fiction, I must say that Carolly Erickson is good at her job and breathes life into characters long dead to the world. However, the life she gives them isn't one I'd likely return to as I do with some of my perennial favorites such as "The Danish Girl" by David Ebershoff or "Victoria" by Daisy Goodwin.
Erickson sets the stage with the parting of a mother and daughter, immediately garnering sympathy for Catherine who the audience only grows to pity more as the story continues. She writes from the perspective of Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and presents her as somebody incapable of committing wrong though fate would consistenly place her in the path of misfortune. Between her tragic first marriage to Henry's older brother Arthur, the skipping back and forth between riches and rags, and the sorrow wrought by the series of stillborn and miscarried children, I spent more time wishing I was reading about a fierce and formidable woman who had similar struggles and faced them headon like Joan of Arc instead of a mopey would be warrior queen.
"The Spanish Queen" wastes an inordinate amount of time on Catherine's misery, failing to provide the reader relief of hope or happiness in her otherwise dreadful life. Among the lacking cast of characters, Erickson describes over the course of several chapters the spiteful vindictive Maria Juana, Catherine's illegitimate half-sister whose only role in life (and by extension in the story) is to constantly discredit the Queen, always lurking in the background ready to kick the protagonist when she's down. As a work of historical fiction, I am well aware that some artistic liberties were taken and that not everything written happened. This being said though, Erickson glosses over important details in the grand scheme of things and as a reader I would have liked to have seen more of Catherine's supposed strength.
Furthermore, I would have enjoyed a more active character in Henry VIII. Erickson portrays him as a hyper-masculine, immature, lustful man with the moral backbone of a choclate eclaire. Anne Boleyn is painted as a dimwitted, tedious, impertinent whore who never loved the king she sought to gain patronage from; a mere girl who felt it was her birthright to sit on the throne no matter the cost to others, discrediting her historically recorded cunning. Of course, because women had no license to act of their own accord at the time, it is within Erickson's right and realm of reason to assume that Catherine would merely sit back and pray that others would act on her behalf, relying frequently on her nephew, Emperor Charles of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. Although we see the world through her eyes, Catherine has no ambition, no motive, and is forced to passively let the world collapse around her.
Similar to staring at a car crash as you pass by on the highway, "The Spanish Queen" is difficult to put down, wanting to gauge the full horror of the wreckage, but once you're done, it's easy to move on to the next book. By historical fiction standards, worlds filled with women who despite their means still deeply felt all the joy and despair their lives had to offer, at the end of this book, I was left simply watching as Catherine begrudgingly let her life fall to shambles, unable to feel connected to a woman whose story only portrayed pity and sorrow. I would like to read more of Carolly Erickson's work, now in search of a woman refusing to be written off that this book promised but seldom delivered.
Erickson sets the stage with the parting of a mother and daughter, immediately garnering sympathy for Catherine who the audience only grows to pity more as the story continues. She writes from the perspective of Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and presents her as somebody incapable of committing wrong though fate would consistenly place her in the path of misfortune. Between her tragic first marriage to Henry's older brother Arthur, the skipping back and forth between riches and rags, and the sorrow wrought by the series of stillborn and miscarried children, I spent more time wishing I was reading about a fierce and formidable woman who had similar struggles and faced them headon like Joan of Arc instead of a mopey would be warrior queen.
"The Spanish Queen" wastes an inordinate amount of time on Catherine's misery, failing to provide the reader relief of hope or happiness in her otherwise dreadful life. Among the lacking cast of characters, Erickson describes over the course of several chapters the spiteful vindictive Maria Juana, Catherine's illegitimate half-sister whose only role in life (and by extension in the story) is to constantly discredit the Queen, always lurking in the background ready to kick the protagonist when she's down. As a work of historical fiction, I am well aware that some artistic liberties were taken and that not everything written happened. This being said though, Erickson glosses over important details in the grand scheme of things and as a reader I would have liked to have seen more of Catherine's supposed strength.
Furthermore, I would have enjoyed a more active character in Henry VIII. Erickson portrays him as a hyper-masculine, immature, lustful man with the moral backbone of a choclate eclaire. Anne Boleyn is painted as a dimwitted, tedious, impertinent whore who never loved the king she sought to gain patronage from; a mere girl who felt it was her birthright to sit on the throne no matter the cost to others, discrediting her historically recorded cunning. Of course, because women had no license to act of their own accord at the time, it is within Erickson's right and realm of reason to assume that Catherine would merely sit back and pray that others would act on her behalf, relying frequently on her nephew, Emperor Charles of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. Although we see the world through her eyes, Catherine has no ambition, no motive, and is forced to passively let the world collapse around her.
Similar to staring at a car crash as you pass by on the highway, "The Spanish Queen" is difficult to put down, wanting to gauge the full horror of the wreckage, but once you're done, it's easy to move on to the next book. By historical fiction standards, worlds filled with women who despite their means still deeply felt all the joy and despair their lives had to offer, at the end of this book, I was left simply watching as Catherine begrudgingly let her life fall to shambles, unable to feel connected to a woman whose story only portrayed pity and sorrow. I would like to read more of Carolly Erickson's work, now in search of a woman refusing to be written off that this book promised but seldom delivered.
March 7, 2018
The book presents a sympathetic portrayal of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife. Erickson definitely paints a portrait of a strong and capable woman thrust into a society where she has no chance of having her accomplishments recognized unless she gives birth to a male offspring. Giving birth to a son is her primary purpose and nothing else matters. Since during the time of Henry VIII's it was still thought that women determined the sex of the baby, she was blamed for failing to provide a son for the King. It was all her fault, which seems to be very unfair as we judge in the 21st century. Why the English couldn't be satisfied with a princess after witnessing the talents of Catherine of Aragon, I'll never understand, but then we are talking about an age where women were not considered to have any effect on society. It was truly a man's world, and women had to fight to be considered as human beings.
The only reason Catherine of Aragon is remembered so well, was because of Anne Boylen. Were it not for Anne, Catherine would have shared the same fate of most queens - historical obscurity. Anne lifted Catherine from irrelevance and changed her from a strong to a pitiable character. Catherine was the queen scorned and cast aside for a younger woman. Had Henry VIII followed normal Kingship protocol, he would have been satisfied in ignoring his queen (not divorce her and destroy the Catholic church in Great Britain in the process) and been satisfied with having mistresses as most royals were wont to do. If Catherine had been able to sire a male offspring, then history might have been different and Anne may have just been another mistress in the annals of Queenship history. However, being unable to deliver the goods to Henry VIII meant that history was due for a rude awakening. But we know all that.
Ms. Erikson does a nice job of portraying this historical upheaval from the point of view of Catherine who sank from the height of power as daughter to queen Isabella of Spain and queen of England to becoming a powerless participant in her destiny. Ms. Erikson portrays Catherine as a strong willed woman (as she would have had to have been since she defeated the Scotts when Henry VIII was in France). Even though Henry VIII pretty much has total power over her destiny, she fights for every fragments of dignity that is being ripped from her as the king piece by piece casts her out of his life. Even though there is no hope to regain her stature as queen, she fights to the end to regain her position and to protect her legacy through her daughter, Mary.
This book was enjoyable to read. Before reading the book, I was unfamiliar with Catherine and her life except that she was replaced, and though this book is a novel and certain license is taken with history, it felt that the author kept it accurate. The frustration with reading a historical novel and not having knowledge about the historical Catherine, is not knowing the extent of any historical inaccuracies that the author might introduce. Without doing a certain amount of research, it is hard to know how the historical events of the novel correspond with the known history of the period. Obviously, the dialogues are all made up but they should dovetail with the documented history and life of Catherine. While reading the novel, I would also reference historical articles related to the period when Catherine lived (Wikipedia was a well used source). It seemed to match, but I didn't try to analyze whether the timeline of the novel reflected the real life of Catherine.
The only reason Catherine of Aragon is remembered so well, was because of Anne Boylen. Were it not for Anne, Catherine would have shared the same fate of most queens - historical obscurity. Anne lifted Catherine from irrelevance and changed her from a strong to a pitiable character. Catherine was the queen scorned and cast aside for a younger woman. Had Henry VIII followed normal Kingship protocol, he would have been satisfied in ignoring his queen (not divorce her and destroy the Catholic church in Great Britain in the process) and been satisfied with having mistresses as most royals were wont to do. If Catherine had been able to sire a male offspring, then history might have been different and Anne may have just been another mistress in the annals of Queenship history. However, being unable to deliver the goods to Henry VIII meant that history was due for a rude awakening. But we know all that.
Ms. Erikson does a nice job of portraying this historical upheaval from the point of view of Catherine who sank from the height of power as daughter to queen Isabella of Spain and queen of England to becoming a powerless participant in her destiny. Ms. Erikson portrays Catherine as a strong willed woman (as she would have had to have been since she defeated the Scotts when Henry VIII was in France). Even though Henry VIII pretty much has total power over her destiny, she fights for every fragments of dignity that is being ripped from her as the king piece by piece casts her out of his life. Even though there is no hope to regain her stature as queen, she fights to the end to regain her position and to protect her legacy through her daughter, Mary.
This book was enjoyable to read. Before reading the book, I was unfamiliar with Catherine and her life except that she was replaced, and though this book is a novel and certain license is taken with history, it felt that the author kept it accurate. The frustration with reading a historical novel and not having knowledge about the historical Catherine, is not knowing the extent of any historical inaccuracies that the author might introduce. Without doing a certain amount of research, it is hard to know how the historical events of the novel correspond with the known history of the period. Obviously, the dialogues are all made up but they should dovetail with the documented history and life of Catherine. While reading the novel, I would also reference historical articles related to the period when Catherine lived (Wikipedia was a well used source). It seemed to match, but I didn't try to analyze whether the timeline of the novel reflected the real life of Catherine.
June 9, 2019
The book is the story of Catherine of Aragon, starting from her youth and running until roughly her death. It achieves this vast timespan in a relatively small number of pages by consisting mostly of Catherine's voice describing the plot/history and snatches of dialogue, with very few actual scenes as such. So this is obviously bad as it's an uninteresting way to tell a story.
Where accuracy comes in is that one major way Erickson veers from it kills a lot of tension - Henry is a jerk from the moment he and Catherine actually get married. He resents her for taking any attention away from him and he blames her for the deaths of their infants; he's also a big coward and hardly does any work as king. This was all probably done to foreshadow what would later happen, but instead it goes so far as to suck out any suspense. If the only time there was any real love between them was the years between Arthur's death and their marriage, then it's completely unsurprising when he cheats. If he and Wolsey are talking about annulments and stuff after their first son dies, it's completely unsurprising when it actually happens ten years later. Telling a story where every reader knows the ending means that you have to play up how the characters don't know what's going to happen even more. Honestly, there's an entire novel to be made out of the pre-marriage section, by a good writer (although I think P-Gregs has done it as well), ending with the start of what appears to be a happy and loving marriage between C & H.
The other major inaccuracy was likewise done boringly. Erickson gave Catherine an illegitimate half-sister, Maria Juana. Her mother, Aldonza de Ivorra, was real, but the child they had together was a) male and b) born before Fernando married Isabela, where Maria Juana is about Catherine's age. Judging by the Wiki page, Fernando also managed his illegitimate daughters' marriages at home, too, where in the book he sends her to England with Catherine and demands that his daughter arrange a good marriage for her there. This actually could be a pretty cool thing to revolve a story around, but it's handled as boringly as possible. Aldonza is the stereotypical bitchy, entitled mistress à la common depictions of Barbara Castlemaine or Du Barry, and Maria Juana inherits the personality - and we're never really shown why either of them acts this way. This whole thing isn't a strong pillar of the book, Maria Juana goes off and does her own thing and pops up from time to time to be mean. About the time where I left off, she was the mistress of Charles V, who thought he could marry her, and she was telling Cath that if Cath helped that along MJ would testify that Arthur didn't have sex with her. Yes, the Holy Roman Emperor would totally do this. Maybe there was character development after that point, but I doubt it.
Overall, Catherine doesn't do anything and when she does do things, the action is dryly described from a distance.
Where accuracy comes in is that one major way Erickson veers from it kills a lot of tension - Henry is a jerk from the moment he and Catherine actually get married. He resents her for taking any attention away from him and he blames her for the deaths of their infants; he's also a big coward and hardly does any work as king. This was all probably done to foreshadow what would later happen, but instead it goes so far as to suck out any suspense. If the only time there was any real love between them was the years between Arthur's death and their marriage, then it's completely unsurprising when he cheats. If he and Wolsey are talking about annulments and stuff after their first son dies, it's completely unsurprising when it actually happens ten years later. Telling a story where every reader knows the ending means that you have to play up how the characters don't know what's going to happen even more. Honestly, there's an entire novel to be made out of the pre-marriage section, by a good writer (although I think P-Gregs has done it as well), ending with the start of what appears to be a happy and loving marriage between C & H.
The other major inaccuracy was likewise done boringly. Erickson gave Catherine an illegitimate half-sister, Maria Juana. Her mother, Aldonza de Ivorra, was real, but the child they had together was a) male and b) born before Fernando married Isabela, where Maria Juana is about Catherine's age. Judging by the Wiki page, Fernando also managed his illegitimate daughters' marriages at home, too, where in the book he sends her to England with Catherine and demands that his daughter arrange a good marriage for her there. This actually could be a pretty cool thing to revolve a story around, but it's handled as boringly as possible. Aldonza is the stereotypical bitchy, entitled mistress à la common depictions of Barbara Castlemaine or Du Barry, and Maria Juana inherits the personality - and we're never really shown why either of them acts this way. This whole thing isn't a strong pillar of the book, Maria Juana goes off and does her own thing and pops up from time to time to be mean. About the time where I left off, she was the mistress of Charles V, who thought he could marry her, and she was telling Cath that if Cath helped that along MJ would testify that Arthur didn't have sex with her. Yes, the Holy Roman Emperor would totally do this. Maybe there was character development after that point, but I doubt it.
Overall, Catherine doesn't do anything and when she does do things, the action is dryly described from a distance.
December 2, 2013
It was the hiss and crackle of the evening camp fires that I remember most vividly, when I think of my childhood.
As a teenager, Catherine of Aragon is sent to England, a distant and foreign land, far from her native Spain to marry the sickly Arthur, Prince of Wales. When Arthur dies, Catherine unites with his younger brother, Henry, against the tyrant Henry VII. The attraction between the two of them leads to a marriage soon after Henry succeeds to the throne as King Henry VIII. But love quickly turns to loathing as Catherine suffers miscarriage after miscarriage and Henry seeks solace with various mistresses. Catherine forgives him his dalliances, secure in her position as queen, until Henry finds himself lost in the dark eyes of Anne Boleyn, a woman he hopes can give him his much desired son.
I should have known better than to pick up another Carolly Erickson book after the historical catastrophe that was The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette, but I thought I would give her another shot because I was really interested in reading a book about Catherine of Aragon. The book started off well enough and I thought maybe this one would stay true to history or at least somewhat close to what actually happened. Let's just say you would be better off watching The Tudors to learn what really happened during Henry VIII's reign. I know the author claims to write "historical entertainments" that are not to be taken as historically accurate portrayals of what happened, but rather of what might have been. I like alternate histories from time to time, but Erickson's way of writing about history is just not my cup of tea.
There were some good things about the book, hence the 2 star rating. I liked that this book gave Catherine her own voice as so many books show her as nothing but a dowdy old has-been. The scenes from her youth were especially enlightening and interesting to read about. The settings are well-described and the characters are interesting and well-drawn. It's not a horrible book as long as you don't mind a bit of far-fetched imaginings mixed in with your historical fiction.
As a teenager, Catherine of Aragon is sent to England, a distant and foreign land, far from her native Spain to marry the sickly Arthur, Prince of Wales. When Arthur dies, Catherine unites with his younger brother, Henry, against the tyrant Henry VII. The attraction between the two of them leads to a marriage soon after Henry succeeds to the throne as King Henry VIII. But love quickly turns to loathing as Catherine suffers miscarriage after miscarriage and Henry seeks solace with various mistresses. Catherine forgives him his dalliances, secure in her position as queen, until Henry finds himself lost in the dark eyes of Anne Boleyn, a woman he hopes can give him his much desired son.
I should have known better than to pick up another Carolly Erickson book after the historical catastrophe that was The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette, but I thought I would give her another shot because I was really interested in reading a book about Catherine of Aragon. The book started off well enough and I thought maybe this one would stay true to history or at least somewhat close to what actually happened. Let's just say you would be better off watching The Tudors to learn what really happened during Henry VIII's reign. I know the author claims to write "historical entertainments" that are not to be taken as historically accurate portrayals of what happened, but rather of what might have been. I like alternate histories from time to time, but Erickson's way of writing about history is just not my cup of tea.
There were some good things about the book, hence the 2 star rating. I liked that this book gave Catherine her own voice as so many books show her as nothing but a dowdy old has-been. The scenes from her youth were especially enlightening and interesting to read about. The settings are well-described and the characters are interesting and well-drawn. It's not a horrible book as long as you don't mind a bit of far-fetched imaginings mixed in with your historical fiction.
December 2, 2013
This was...okay. Loses more points if you're looking for something that closely follows the real events. I am a great lover of historical fiction, and I know that liberties always are, and in some cases must be, taken. The real problem for me in this novel was less the liberties taken and more the fact that I feel the book just didn't get at the depth of the subject matter. Catherine of Aragon is a fascinating figure at a pivotal point in English history, and the story seemed in this book to be just average. Selectively omniscient first-person narration is not my cup of tea to begin with, but I was also just not drawn to Erickson's envisioning of Catherine. Also, events seem to move along at breakneck speed. Children are conceived, lost, mourned and replaced in the span of five or ten pages, and it felt more like we were just trying to hit the checkpoints of events that we all know are in the story rather than attempting to create a realistic and sympathetic portrait of an actual woman experiencing these events.
There is a wealth of information out there on the Tudors, for better or worse, so simply publishing a novel about this popular subject might have some appeal. However, with all of the bad information and questionable re-tellings hanging about, it would have been nicer to read a sensitive, well thought-out re-telling that made me think about things in new ways or added something new to the conversation. I'm not sure I got that here. That's not to say the book is terrible. It's perfectly fine entertainment reading, but it was not what I was looking for.
Thanks to Goodreads for the advance reading copy.
There is a wealth of information out there on the Tudors, for better or worse, so simply publishing a novel about this popular subject might have some appeal. However, with all of the bad information and questionable re-tellings hanging about, it would have been nicer to read a sensitive, well thought-out re-telling that made me think about things in new ways or added something new to the conversation. I'm not sure I got that here. That's not to say the book is terrible. It's perfectly fine entertainment reading, but it was not what I was looking for.
Thanks to Goodreads for the advance reading copy.
January 25, 2018
Pop Sugar Challenge 2018: book based on a real person
It's been a while since I read a book by Erickson and I forgot how much I love her writing style. I read 75% of this book in one day (a snow day, no less!). She has a way of drawing you into the story while still maintaining (a majority) historical accuracy. I also enjoy Tudor fiction and liked to learn more about Catherine. With anything during this time period I always hand it to women because it takes a strong, strong woman to deal with the sexism of this time period. How Catherine (and even Anne) were simply passed over and their daughters ignored because they weren't males is utterly absurd.
I smiled to myself during the few parts where Elizabeth was present. At one point someone told the angry Henry that though she has the body of a female she will have the strength of a man (and then he was castrated...but that's besides the point). I smiled because even though Henry wrote her off and wanted nothing to do with his daughter Elizabeth proved him wrong (as we all know) and became one of THE greatest rulers England, and Europe, would know. BAM, Henry.
Overall, a fantastic read!
It's been a while since I read a book by Erickson and I forgot how much I love her writing style. I read 75% of this book in one day (a snow day, no less!). She has a way of drawing you into the story while still maintaining (a majority) historical accuracy. I also enjoy Tudor fiction and liked to learn more about Catherine. With anything during this time period I always hand it to women because it takes a strong, strong woman to deal with the sexism of this time period. How Catherine (and even Anne) were simply passed over and their daughters ignored because they weren't males is utterly absurd.
I smiled to myself during the few parts where Elizabeth was present. At one point someone told the angry Henry that though she has the body of a female she will have the strength of a man (and then he was castrated...but that's besides the point). I smiled because even though Henry wrote her off and wanted nothing to do with his daughter Elizabeth proved him wrong (as we all know) and became one of THE greatest rulers England, and Europe, would know. BAM, Henry.
Overall, a fantastic read!
September 29, 2014
I am a big fan of Historical fiction. This book gave me the fix I needed. Catherine of Aragon, whose parents were King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella, a warrior princess, is sent to England to marry Arthur, who is a weakly prince & leaves her a young widow. It is then decided for her to marry his brother, Henry, an athletic & energetic young man. These were times when a son ensured a strong & lasting dynasty, & all but one child of Catherine & Henry survived, that being a girl, much to Henry's dismay. Catherine faces many obstacles married to Henry, including his many infatuations, including his most famous with Anne Boleyn. Catherine goes through many turns in her life, many humiliating, many heartbreaking. She has been portrayed as being very pious, a very quiet & suffering woman. This book brings her to light as a strong and proud daughter of the King & Queen of Spain. The book shows a different kind of character for Catherine. It depicts her as truly having & going through a woman's emotions. And I did enjoy the story.
October 9, 2020
The day will come when I read a novel about Catherine of Aragon that actually shows how badass she was and does the Battle of Flodden Field justice.
"The Spanish Queen" was an adequate read, but it suffered by trying to recount too much of Catherine's life. As a result, most events are given in brief and superficial detail. I never felt like I truly got to "know" or understand the characters. Certain relationships are established only to disappear randomly throughout the novel. In fact, Catherine barely seems to interact with anyone - there is very little conversation; it's mostly memories and recollection. Overall, this "entertainment" is not very entertaining at all. I liked it only because I love Catherine of Aragon, but there are better historical fiction novels about this fantastic woman than "The Spanish Queen".
"The Spanish Queen" was an adequate read, but it suffered by trying to recount too much of Catherine's life. As a result, most events are given in brief and superficial detail. I never felt like I truly got to "know" or understand the characters. Certain relationships are established only to disappear randomly throughout the novel. In fact, Catherine barely seems to interact with anyone - there is very little conversation; it's mostly memories and recollection. Overall, this "entertainment" is not very entertaining at all. I liked it only because I love Catherine of Aragon, but there are better historical fiction novels about this fantastic woman than "The Spanish Queen".
August 31, 2014
I feel bad for rating “The Spanish Queen” so low. I honestly thought I may like it, even though I did not like Carolly Erickson's “Rival to the Queen.” The characters in “The Spanish Queen”, save for perhaps Queen Catherine herself, lack any dimension. In historical fiction, I crave dynamic, multi-dimensional characters. I understand portraying a minor character as static, but the way Erickson denies, say, King Henry any depth really bothers me (and I'm not even a fan of King Henry VIII). I also found that the historical inaccuracy goes above and beyond what is acceptable in the genre. Furthermore, I disliked the lack of period details and description of the Tudor court. I found this to be true in “Rival to the Queen”, as well. I truly had trouble enjoying “The Spanish Queen” for these reasons.
November 22, 2013
It's good Carolly Erickson calls these "historical entertainments" because this veers so far from the truth that the disclaimer should be in the front, and even recommend some non-fiction biographies so the reader doesn't get the wrong impression. I know this is fiction, but when Catherine is present at the birth of Elizabeth, I had to yell at the book. I actually liked the writing, but the distortions of facts were distracting. When an author combines minor characters, moves a date, adds minor characters, and (of course) fills in dialog, thoughts, feelings, that's what historical fiction is about. But when you choose to write about a real major historical person like the Queen of England, the truth does provide some constraints. If you don't like that, I think you need to be a lot clearer that this is a fantasy. Many of the reviews seem to think this is accurate.
July 17, 2015
As a reader of many novels based on the lives of Tudorian figures, I have to say I was very much impressed with this novel. I have only read Erickson's nonfiction works prior to this, but am now intrigued to read more of her fictitious works. Having read about Catherine's life from the viewpoints of authors such as Plaidy, Meyer and others, I have to say I enjoyed this above the others. Catherine's voice is very prominent in this telling and we as readers see parts of Catherine that have not been displayed as such before, mainly her vulnerabilities and her humanly desires. She was less of the proud and pious daughter of Queen Isabella of Castille and more a human fighting for her rights as queen and her love for a man who did not deserve her. Very well done.
February 9, 2015
This was different. I'm so used to Allison Weir and Philippa Gregory. First of all, there is hardly any mention of Princess Mary (Catherine's daughter, simply a few sentences here and there about her arranged marriages. Catherine never says much about missing her, and seems to be more concerned about being usurped by Anne Boleyn.
I love historical re-imaginings more than the next girl, but this one seemed so contrived. I didn't feel like I was reading about the Catherine of Aragon with the steel resolve, but a woman who didn't want to displease her mother's memory by giving up easily. I felt really let down about the character, which was a shame as I loved Erickson's "The Last Wife of King Henry VIII".
I love historical re-imaginings more than the next girl, but this one seemed so contrived. I didn't feel like I was reading about the Catherine of Aragon with the steel resolve, but a woman who didn't want to displease her mother's memory by giving up easily. I felt really let down about the character, which was a shame as I loved Erickson's "The Last Wife of King Henry VIII".
April 5, 2019
3.5 stars
I want to start off by saying that Tudor-era historical fiction is my weakness. I feel like I always bump books up a star if it does this time period well. This book in particular was a cool take on an undersold figure of this era, Catherine of Aragon. I always feel like we get tons of novels on Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth Tudor, and Henry VIII, so it was refreshing to read more about the first of the six wives. I like the way Catherine of Aragon was portrayed, and I think the book's character development was cool. That being said, it was a little slow moving, and I would have liked to have a little more context (Such as more mentions of the year, since it jumped around so much).
I want to start off by saying that Tudor-era historical fiction is my weakness. I feel like I always bump books up a star if it does this time period well. This book in particular was a cool take on an undersold figure of this era, Catherine of Aragon. I always feel like we get tons of novels on Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth Tudor, and Henry VIII, so it was refreshing to read more about the first of the six wives. I like the way Catherine of Aragon was portrayed, and I think the book's character development was cool. That being said, it was a little slow moving, and I would have liked to have a little more context (Such as more mentions of the year, since it jumped around so much).
July 5, 2014
I like how this book had Catherine as vengeful, sly and cunning. that side of her hasn't really been explored in other books about King Henry. I really love the Tudor period so I will gladly read any of these books. This one doesn't have as much imagery-the music the dresses and jewels, they are there But they don't take up 50 pages and I like that. There's also not as much scandalous lovemaking going on as some of the other books about Tudors. So if you aren't into that then this would be a really good book for you. If that's your favorite part though, you will be disappointed.
June 5, 2017
I really enjoy historical fiction as well as the Tudor period of British history but I am unsure as to how much I enjoyed this book. I almost wish it was completely fictional about kings and queens who weren't real but only loosely based on real people and events. The writing was good and intriguing but with a note that states "fresh interpretations and their circumstances are offered, and traditional ones laid aside" it is hard to really accept or recommend this book. I am glad I only paid $1.00.
September 19, 2021
Ms. Erickson's books are always entertaining. They are always based on real events, and if some details are not exactly as history has reported them, the reader is usually convinced that, well, things might have happened that way.
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