Review: Inventive and entertaining
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 7, 2014
While still in his teens, charismatic Harry Lanchester inherits the family business and marries his late brother’s girlfriend. He relishes the power, and is determined to build up the company and have a son who will eventually succeed him. What Harry wants, Harry gets, so when his first wife doesn’t produce a male heir he takes drastic action to achieve his goal. The stage is set for this inventive modern-day re-imagining of the story of Henry VIII and his six wives.Narrated via alternating chapters from Harry’s best friend, Will, and each of the wives, the lively, confessional tone immediately draws you in. Each wife has a distinct character and for those who like their history, sufficient traits for you to recognize the original. Stubborn Cathy, passionate Annette, sweet Jenny, good-hearted Hannah, gold-digger Keira, and complex Kate, each provoke different reactions in the reader. I’m sure everyone will have their favorites. For me it’s a tie between Hannah and Kate. My heart goes out to Hannah, but equally, I find Kate’s situation quite fascinating.The large cast of secondary and bit-part characters make Henry’s sprawling family and big business feel authentic, and they give more than a passing nod to the intrigues of Henry VIII’s Court, but on occasion I found the sheer number and variety of names a little overwhelming and distracting.While this story can be read as a thoroughly enjoyable romp (plus some reflective moments) through the 1970s to the present day, it’s the extra dimension that the history brings to the novel that makes it so entertaining. There are subtle linguistic reminders about people behaving like kings and queens, and some really clever plotting too. Highlights for me are the treatment of the beheadings, the dissolution of the monasteries and the invasion of France.I’m looking forward to the sequel. Especially as I’ve just heard that it will feature my two favorite characters, Hannah and Kate.I’d like to thank the author for sending me a review copy.