Bestselling author and acclaimed historian Alison Weir takes on what no fiction writer has done before: creating a dramatic six-book series in which each novel covers one of King Henry VIII’s wives. In this captivating opening volume, Weir brings to life the tumultuous tale of Katherine of Aragon, Henry’s first, devoted, and “true” queen. A princess of Spain, Catalina is only sixteen years old … years old when she sets foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage—and Arthur, Prince of Wales, and heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his coming-of-age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner.
Katherine’s patience is rewarded when she becomes Queen of England. The affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart. Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine’s maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart.
Praise for Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen
“Alison Weir starts off her fictional series about the wives of Henry VIII with a nuanced portrayal of Katherine of Aragon.”—The Christian Science Monitor
“Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life.”—The Guardian
“As always, Weir demonstrates a keen eye for crafting dramatic scenes of beautiful, accurate detail, instilling in the reader a vivid sense of being there. . . . If this greatly impressive inaugural installment is any indication, Tudor lovers have much to look forward to.”—Booklist (starred review)
“Vividly detailed . . . Weir brings considerable expertise to her fictional retelling of the life of Katherine of Aragon. . . . [The author] portrays her sympathetically as both credulous and steely.”—Kirkus Reviews
“An illuminating and engaging portrait of ‘the true queen.’”—Historical Novels Review
“[Weir’s] fresh approach to Henry’s first wife [is] a wonderful place to start for those unfamiliar with Katherine’s story. Weir’s portrayal is far from that of a weak, victimized woman, but one of a courageous, strong, devoted queen fighting for her life and rights. An easy, quick read to begin the series.”—RT Book Reviews
“In this first novel of the Six Tudor Queens series, Alison Weir dazzlingly brings Katherine of Aragon to life. Based on extensive new research, it is a portrayal that shatters the many myths about Henry VIII’s long-suffering first wife. Far from being the one-dimensional victim of history, she emerges as a charismatic, indomitable, and courageous heroine whose story never fails to enthrall.”—Tracy Borman, author of Thomas Cromwell
“Yet again, Alison Weir has managed to intertwine profound historical knowledge with huge emotional intelligence, to compose a work that throws light on an endlessly fascinating figure. But her real gift in all of this is making it feel so fresh and alive.”—Charles Spencer, author of Killers of the King
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I like historical fiction even though you may know the ending as we do with Queen Katherine. However, I did find this book very slow at times wishing for the story to move along, but perhaps this accurately portrayed a lot of Queen Katherine’s life of “waiting” – waiting to be married, waiting to give birth to a male heir, waiting for King Henry to come to his senses! I liked it enough to recommend it and will probably continue reading Weir’s other books about Henry’s subsequent queens/wives, but I needed a break before I delved into another one.
The life of Katherine of Aragon was one of political manipulation, loneliness, and depression. It speaks volumes to women’s right to their own destiny.
Love the way we get into Catherine’s mind and soul… moving, sad and beautiful
Wow! I’ve been a fan of history since middle school and over the years have become fascinated with the events of The War of the Roses and The Tudors.
This book was a beautiful piece of history and an author’s interpretation of what Katherine had to endure during her life.
I loved how Alison Weir showed Katherine’s strength, love and unyielding hope through all the trials and tribulations as well as the grace and internal beauty that history remembers.
Can’t get through it. Too detailed, too boring. Do not recommend it.
Great historical fiction piece! Couldn’t put it down.
I’m enjoying The Tudors. So, I wanted to learn more about Katherine in particular. Very enjoyable and informative book.
easy read about familiar characters from history.
Interesting take on a well known story.
I love reading reading about English history. Anyone like me would just love this novel as most books are written from either the voice of another of Henry’s wives or Henry himself. Just great finally of her point of view. Both my daughter just loved this book.
Rather dull. I did not finish it.
I learned more about Henry VIII break with the Roman Catholic church. Also it was interesting to see what an accomplished man Henry was. But when he lusted for Ann Bolyn, he wanted the pope to grant him the right to divorce Katherine. He punished her cruelly for years when she would not give up her title of Queen. She was a courageous, principled woman and Henry turned out to be a jerk.
Always enjoy reading history of the royal family
I became interested in learning more about the 6 wives of Henry XIII after seeing the ballet. It also put flesh and bones on characters from church history. Can’t wait to read about the next 5 wives.
Katherine of Aragon did lead a storybook life but went from Queen to rags. This book is a fictional account. Weir is a historian who has written non-fiction on Henry’s Queen’s. The first of the series. Anne Boleyn is also well done with Jane Seymour due soon.
Good book, drags a little with an info overload.
Too slow of a start for me
I like the author’s way of taking historical facts and making it so believable and interesting. I felt empathy for the characters.
Like all of this author’s books, it is filled with minute detail, sometimes bogging the story down. But it’s title character is a fascinating one and she becomes even more so in this book. Machinations and motivations are fascinating.
historica