'The Other Boleyn girl' is Mary Boleyn, the younger sister of Anne Boleyn who was one of the most notorious of all the wives
of Henry V111th. This is a slightly different version of the story of the life of Anne Boleyn, as told when viewed through the eyes of the younger and more naive Mary.
At the beginning of the story it is the beautiful, golden haired Mary that captivates the attention of the capricious, selfish but nevertheless magnetically handsome and vital Henry. They begin an affair at
court, witnessed by his wife Mary and also Anne. Queen Mary suffers Henry's numerous liaisons with young women at the court, and although made unhappy by them realises that she will always be his wife and the one he comes back to.
The Boleyn family however, portrayed as ambitious and ruthless, have higher plans for Mary; they, including Anne prepare her for the role of Henry's
mistress with the aim that, whilst she is in favour, the entire family will benefit, and Henry will grant them privileges and therefore greater power. Mary bears Henry two children, but gradually comes to dislike her role, as it means that she is not able to love and cherish her children as she wants to.
Over time, the ebony haired, lovely Anne usurps Mary's position so that eventually, with the urging of the entire family, their roles are reversed and it is Mary who uses her knowledge as the King's mistress to help Anne capture the King's attention. Anne holds the King in such thrall that eventually, much to the Queen's deep unhappiness, he seeks a divorce, thus creating the Church of England.
As Anne becomes Queen, Mary's life also changes for the better;freed from her duties to the King she finally finds true happiness. Unfortunately Anne's tale does not end so happily...
Entertaining, and packed with atmospheric descriptions of scheming and dealing in the sixteenth century court of Henry V111th, the twisted relationship between Anne and Mary is described vividly; even whilst there is strong rivalry between them, there is also love and ultimately we can see that they are both jus unfortunate pawns in the power struggle between a dominating, heartless family and the cruel and vindictive King of England.