Tracy Borman is a formidable Tudor historian and a purposeful writer. I’ve read many of her nonfiction books, including Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I, The Private Lives of the Tudors, and Crown & Sceptre. Borman’s work is consistently engaging, lively, and well-researched.
The House of Boleyn is Borman’s latest historical novel, and it was released for U.S. audiences on August 4. As usual, I listened to the audiobook, which was expertly narrated by Tania Rodarigues. This novel follows the rise and fall of Thomas Boleyn and his family, situated at Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn’s childhood home and frequent retreat.
The novel begins in May 1536 with a grieving Thomas Boleyn returning to Hever. I was stunned by the lack of warmth and hospitality he finds. Borman then unfurls the story chronologically from Anne’s teenage years, showing us the complex family relationships of her household. She reveals young Anne as witty, affectionate, and observant: a character we want to follow.
As far as characters, this novel offers few we can sympathize with. Elizabeth Boleyn’s obsession with her noble lineage, forced politeness, and blatant favoritism for her son are offputting. No one is surprised to find the Duke of Norfolk sporting disgusting manners and hideous motives. Borman shows Henry VIII and George Boleyn as temperamental, cruel, and impetuous — though I grew to like George as he became kinder to his wife. The novel’s domestic villain, Robert Cranwell, is almost cartoonish in his awfulness. While Borman’s portrayal of Anne herself is sympathetic and calculated, Anne is also hard to like at times. With Anne, Borman does not rely on the lazy stereotyping of other historical fiction; she shows Anne can be thoughtful, kind, and fun.
I found the most affinity with Thomas Boleyn, a man of poise, reflection, and deep affection especially for his daughter. Thomas’s mother, Lady Margaret, is also a powerhouse — even after the novel’s events cause irreparable damage. Anne’s personal servant, Ester, and Lady Margaret’s servant, Aphra, are women I want to follow and support. Though Thomas Wyatt’s appearances in the novel are rare, he is also one of my favorites.
I would recommend this novel for adult readers; some scenes are violent, explicit, or disturbing. Borman is not needlessly graphic, but she does show the real risks her characters face both at home and at Court. The story follows historical events, but Borman includes believable domestic interludes that fill in the daily lives of the famous figures and the household staff.
Overall, it’s a dark story that allows characters to express deep and complicated emotions. Borman’s writing is measured and precise. Descriptions are sensuous and vivid — including the rich fabrics, the castle’s wildlife, and the temperatures and smells of each setting. Some narrative features feel a bit heavy-handed or repetitive, such as Cranwell’s internal monologues or the common people’s outbursts about Anne Boleyn. But this is an ambitious project, covering more than just Henry and Anne’s life together. Borman balances the arcs of several characters, keeping a tight rein on the information that only some characters know. She does not simply have the character recite events that happen beyond Hever; she uses memories, fever dreams, and letters to make the plot come alive. I particularly appreciated her author’s note, where she describes how she used primary sources.
I am giving this novel four stars only because I had to spend so much time with so many people I didn’t like. But perhaps Borman’s ability to craft such distasteful characters is a mark of distinction. Overall, this is a novel that Tudor history nerds will enjoy. It may be a bit challenging for those not familiar with the circumstances of Anne Boleyn’s life.
Enhance Your Reading:
Learn about Anne Boleyn’s relationship to her childhood homes:
Tracy Borman was interviewed by my favorite Tudor podcasters.
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