Reviewed by Bev Scott
The Boleyn King, by Laura Andersen is one of those historical novels I typically love to read. I needed a distraction during a cross country flight. The book offers creative alternative history by imagining that Anne Boleyn actually gave Henry VIII a son who became king. The historical context is a threatened war with the French and Catholic unrest at home. So, the fictional William trusts only his older sister, Elizabeth; his best friend, Dominic who serves as his counselor; and Minuette. Minuette was raised by his mother, Anne Boleyn and serves as Elizabeth’s Lady in Waiting.
The story moves at a good pace providing intrigue and romance. The story intensifies with the discovery that both William and Dominic are in love with Minuette. This love triangle kept me reading but, I wondered if the character of Minuette could realistically exist in the royal household. Although the book provided the needed distraction on my flight, the story lacks depth and seems to be written for a younger audience. On the other hand, The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen, is an innovative alternative to history. It will easily provide a light distracting read perhaps for your summer vacation.
