The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory
Simon & Schuster, 2015. ISBN 9781471132988
(Age: Adult) Recommended. Philippa Gregory's love of history
underpins The Taming of the Queen. Kateryn Parr was the last
of King Henry VIII's six wives: portrayed in this narrative as
passionate, intelligent, devout and independent, she was once named
Regent during King Henry's absence in France. Philippa Gregory's
gripping perspective honours Kateryn's importance as a reformer, and
vividly suggests the minutia of her daily life at court, once she
accepted King Henry VIII's command that she marry him.
This intimate portrait of Kateryn's life as wife to the King of
England examines the bond that developed between them, and how she
brought together a family that would see Henry reunited with his
children. During her marriage to King Henry, Kateryn simultaneously
immersed herself in her study, writing and reformation activities.
However, in the darker, final days of Henry's life, the focus of
this novel shifts to the ever-growing dangers faced by Kateryn as he
turned his dangerous attention upon her, and her reformation work.
Although The Taming of the Queen is a work of historical
fiction, Gregory has created a believable interpretation of the
inner workings of this royal marriage; of Henry's court with all its
loyalties, rivalries and scheming; of naval battles, and the
intrigues of Kateryn's relationship with Thomas Seymour.
In her concluding summary, this accomplished author comments that
the days surrounding Kateryn's arrival at court were 'alive with
debate about the Bible: English or Latin, about the Mass: bread or
flesh, about the Church: reformist or papist.' Recognising her as
the first woman to publish in English using her own name, Philippa
Gregory's narrative pays homage to this woman 'who dared to write
original material in English.' Kateryn published three books that
still survive today. The Taming of the Queen is an
entertaining and historically exciting perspective on this
protestant woman's life. It is recommended for adults interested in
this period of Tudor history.
Colleen Tuovinen