Why did Gill love this book?
This is the story of Katherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII, who was forced to marry him when he was a grossly overweight, foul-smelling, bad-tempered tyrant.
Human life is cheap to Henry, and he has already executed two of his wives, so Katherine must tread carefully, while others at court intrigue against her. It’s an immersive novel that illuminates the character of this deeply clever woman, who is forced to hide her intelligence and pander to the whims of the cruel, ageing king.
The writing is sublime, the descriptions so authentic we can imagine ourselves there, creeping round the corridors of the court. I just adored it!
1 author picked Queen's Gambit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
If you love the BBC's The White Queen you'll love this.
Meet the woman who survived Henry VIII in Elizabeth Fremantle's first novel, Queen's Gambit...
My name is Katherine Parr.
I'm 31 years old and already twice widowed.
I'm in love with a man I can't have, and am about to wed a man no-one would want - for my husband-to-be is none other than Henry VIII, who has already beheaded two wives, cast aside two more, and watched one die in childbirth.
What will become of me once I'm wearing his ring and become Queen of England?
They say…