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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Simply loved reading about Queen Catherine’s life…very very interesting. ..love history. .
The tragic tale of Henry VIII’s first wife. At first he loved her and she was a dutiful wife, and they were happy. However, she was unable to bear a male heir. To protect the legitimacy of their daughter Mary, she adamantly refused an annulment of their marriage, necessary for him to fulfill his desire for a male heir by taking another wife. Why didn’t he just ‘dispose’ of her? Why did he have so many wives? Read the book to find out. Based on historical fact, embroidered somewhat, it’s an enjoyable trek through an important era in world history.
Excellent novelization of Katherine of Aragon
Alison Wier is the best biographer of English historical figures I’ve ever read. Each book reads like a novel based on pure fact, laced with suspense and life.
It was fascinating to live Katherine’s life through the fabulous story-telling of Alison Weir. I felt like I was right there with Katherine as she dealt with all that Henry threw her way.
Nice history of Catherine of Aragon.
Awesome book
Started well then turned soapy
I have a fascination for historical novels and the time period of King Henry VIII, so I was drawn to this book. While I was aware of the later life as Queen of England and Henry’s first wife, I enjoyed reading about her marriage to Arthur, Henry’s brother, a marriage that was celebrated but probably not consummated.
Although fiction, this novel gives the reader insight to real historical figures. I found it very interesting and hard to put down
Being a history buff, this was a great read. Facts that I enjoyed reading from Katherine’s perspective.
It was nice to read what seems a very well researched historical fiction about one of the women in court that we generally hear little about.
It was sad in many ways. I was horrified at how Henry the 8th treated her.
The book would have been better if it had been shorter. Just way too long and politically detailed for me.
Alison Weir has an extreme depth of knowledge of Tudor royalty. Her novels are fact based from years of research and she makes her characters come alive in her novels. Love them!!!
The author does exceptional research and weaves the story and characters through time appropriate to the historical circumstances. The characters are easy to visualize and relate to the time in which they lived. I look forward to subsequent historical fiction.
Anything by Alison Weir is a winner in my mind!
I love all the books by this author.
Gives a pretty good account of the life if Katherine as well as the beginning of the check of England
Well researched and informative. Fans of the Tudor era will love reading the in-depth history of Katherine of Aragon.