The Unfaithful Queen by Carolly Erickson

This is the first novel, I’ve read by author Carolly Erickson, so I had no particular expectations. I enjoyed this read, but then I’m a huge fan of historical romantic fiction and the Tudor Court time frame is one of my favorites. The story is presented as a first-person narrative seen from the much-abused Katherine’s eyes. I often felt like I was reading the young Queen’s diary and for me, this was a fun read which I read on a rainy afternoon wrapped in my afghan in front of a nice, warm fire.

Was there a good deal of historical accuracy? No, there was much embellishing such as Katherine Howard's (Henry’s youngest and most impulsive Queen) being sent to accompany Anne of Cleves on her journey from to England to wed Henry. Didn’t happen in any way, shape or form. Making Anne of Cleves into a nasty, out to get Katherine villain was an interesting take though entirely fictional, at least from what I have read. Did any of the historical inaccuracies affect my enjoyment of this version of Henry VIII’s fifth wife? Absolutely not. Author Carolly Erickson gives her readers a what might have happened by didn’t. The story is presented as a first-person narrative seen from the much-abused Katherine’s eyes. I often felt like I was reading the young Queen’s diary. When you pick this book up, think People magazine at Henry VIII court. Light entertainment.