Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen
A Novel
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4.3 • 170 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
This captivating novel in New York Times bestselling author Alison Weir’s Six Tudor Queens series presents “an illuminating and engaging portrait” (Historical Novels Review) of Katherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII’s first wife.
“Weir dazzlingly brings Katherine of Aragon to life. She emerges as a charismatic, indomitable, and courageous heroine whose story never fails to enthrall.”—Tracy Borman, author of Thomas Cromwell
Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived
A princess of Spain and the youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage—and Arthur, Prince of Wales, heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his coming-of-age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner.
Katherine’s patience is rewarded when she becomes Queen of England. The affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart. Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine’s maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart.
Customer Reviews
Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen
Comprehensive information about Henry’s first wife, the mother of “Bloody” Mary, sad she was sometimes called. Katherine - the daughter of the super Queen Isabella of Aragon, led a charmed life until she encountered the up-and-coming dynasty of the Tudors. Staunchly Roman Catholic (as were mostly all of the royal families of Europe at the time - there were few other religious choices )- Katherine originally was wed to Arthur, Henry’s older brother, the Tudor son who was to be king. However, Arthur was sickly, and was unable to consummate his marriage to Catherine to beget and heir. He died shortly after marrying and provided an opportunity to put an brilliant, but egotistical autocrat on the throne of England - a man who would change history.
Katherine was beautiful, intelligent, very wealthy, older but still inexperienced when it came to men. She relied on her confessors and counselors to lead her on a righteous, religious path. Unfortunately when she was unable to provide a male heir for the throne she was tossed into Henry’s increasingly cruel maw as he churned his way through his subjects and his wives to achieve his goal of having the Tudors rule forever.
It’s a good read, repetitious at times. I felt like I was reading similar passages again and again.
But it provides an interesting perspective of a Queen who could have been a remarkable helpmate for the immature rogue, Henry if she’d only been given the chance.
Sorts under the author’s first name
Apple: Books get sorted under the author’s last name.
Wonderful book
Very well written!!