Customer Reviews

King's Wife

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It is a shame this novel is out of print, because this novel brings to life Henry VIII's forgotten queen, Jane Seymour.

Though this novel takes liberties with history, saying Jane was Anne's cousing when the two were not related and having Anne and Jane be on friendly terms when they never were, this is still one of the best glimpses an author has provided into the life of the elusive Queen Jane Seymour. The novel by Frances Clark was boring and Pour the Dark Wine was more about her family than Jane.

This novel focuses solely on Jane herself. It commences with her leaving Wolf Hall, her family home, and coming to serve Queen Anne. The first half of the book deals with Henry courting Jane and convincing her to become queen. The second half deals with Jane's short reign. Though she never wielded any political power the way Catherine of Aragon or Anne Boleyn did, Jane Seymour was very important in one vital way-her restoration of Mary Tudor to Henry's graces. Had Jane not done this, Mary would likely not have become queen.

The portrait evoked here is that of a sweet, simple girl who became Queen of England by a stroke of luck. Often overlooked by writers, this book is one spectacular exception. If you can find this book, buy it! Along with The Tudor Rose by Julia Watson, this is the best novel about the forgotten Queen Jane!