Katheryn Howard, the Scandalous Queen by Alison Weir

As you may have noticed I’ve been on a touch of a historical fiction kick this year. I was thrilled when NetGalley approved me to read an ARC of Katheryn Howard! As a fan of Six the musical I have become more and more interested in Katheryn Howard over the last few months. Earlier this year I read a young adult novel about her story, but I have to say that Alison Weir’s take on her life gave greater insight into who Miss Howard was.

To me this story was a long drawn out cautionary tale. While I didn’t always love Katheryn’s decisions, they made sense with how her life played out. Her willful naivety and easily swayed heart left her life to be one of tragedy and ruin. To me it was astounding that someone who became queen would care only for the frivolous of court, when that court could be a vipers nest. Nevertheless, Weir shows that she gave her love wholeheartedly which led to her rise and downfall.

I appreciated seeing a character so different from me, yet one that you could understand. To envision the story as it happened, and accurately weave in both truths and myths of her reign was artfully done. I will gladly be picking up the others in this series! I will warn that it is a slow paced read, better for those looking for a long journey rather than a quick romp through history.

Thanks to NetGalley, Allison Weir, and Ballantine Books for an early copy in exchange for an honest reveiw!

Don’t forget that you can grab this book here at Bookshop.org!