Concubine [Import] [Paperback]

Norah Lofts (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: House of Stratus; n.e. edition (October 2001)
• ISBN-10: 0755110617
• ISBN-13: 978-0755110612
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)

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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.