Concubine [Mass Market Paperback]

Norah Lofts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 12, 1974

'All eyes and hair' a courtier had said disparagingly of her - and certainly the younger daughter of Tom Boleyn lacked the bounteous charms of most ladies of Court. Black-haired, black-eyed, she had a wild-sprite quality that was to prove more effective, more dangerous than conventional feminine appeal. The King first noticed her when she was sixteen - and with imperial greed he smashed her youthful love-affair with Harry Percy and began the process of royal seduction...But this was no ordinary woman, no maid-in-waiting to be possessed and discarded by a king. Against his will, his own common sense, Henry found himself bewitched - enthralled by the young girl who was to be known as - the Concubine...

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fascinating." -- The Sunday Times

"One of the most distinguished of English women novelists." -- The Daily Telegraph --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"Fascinating." -- The Sunday Times

"One of the most distinguished of English women novelists." -- The Daily Telegraph --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Fawcett (November 12, 1974)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449224058
• ISBN-13: 978-0449224052
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,103,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant historical novel, September 30, 1998

By 

strega2 "strega2" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Concubine (Hardcover)

Norah Lofts' biographical novel about the celebrated and controversial Anne Boleyn presents her as a very human, complex and completely believable character. Lofts'considerable talent for storytelling makes this familiar story new and fresh, and you'll find yourself rooting for the vulnerable, sensitive and desperately alone Anne as she struggles against the iron will of Henry VIII and the contempt of the English people. Anne's maid, Emma Arnett, is one of the original Protestants,whose story mirrors the major english social problems of the time, and this subplot adds a human and believable element. I've read most of the novels about Anne Boleyn--this is unquestionably the best of them. If you've ever felt a dislike for Henry VIII, Lofts' shares your view: he comes across as a dangerously powerful, spoiled baby, whose immaturity costs Anne her life.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest historical fiction novel I've ever read, May 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Concubine (Mass Market Paperback)

It's criminal that this book is out of print! It is a fictional biography of Anne Boleyn--a story often told, but never half so well as Ms. Lofts has done. I've read every book on Anne Boleyn I could find, seen her portrayed as everything from villian to victim. Ms. Lofts alone succeeds in making her come alive as a person without ever sacrificing historical accuracy. If you like historical fiction--or just a great story--you can count on this author for a wonderful read.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Book for Anne Boleyn Fans..., September 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Concubine (Hardcover)

A number of reviewers have said that they have read everything they could about Anne Boleyn. I have done the same. I was quite thrilled to find this book, and really enjoyed Norah Lofts opinion of the events surrounding this facinating woman's life. I would also recommend "The King's Pleasure" by the same author. This is about the life of Katharine of Aragon, and as can be supposed, fleshes out Lofts' view of this time period. Personally, I agreed with most of Lofts' conclusions about the people and events of the early 16th century. I also highly recommend Robin Maxwell's "The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn", Margaret Campbell Barnes' "Brief Gaudy Hour", and Jeane Plaidy's "The Lady in the Tower" & "Murder Most Royal". All are fictional accounts of Anne Boleyn that are extremely well done.