The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr by Sandra Burr
This book as a historical retelling of events in Tudor
England during Henry VIII marriage to wife #6 – Catherine Parr. As far as
historical accuracy, I think it is a good way to learn some interesting facts
about that time period. Catherine Parr is a devout protestant, highly
intelligent woman that draws the unwanted attention of the king. Although she
has plans of her own future, no one refuses the king. She by herself is a very interesting
figure, she has written books, is known to have reconciled Henry with all of
his children and did a great feat by surviving the king, since he all but
killed/banished all the other wives he had. She married and outlived 3 husbands
to finally marry for love, which is her undoing, unfortunately.
At the beginning of the book there are family trees of the important
figures in the book. I was disappointed before I started reading the book that Parr’s
and Seymour’s tree is incorrect, however after reading the book in the author’s
note it was explained that this was done on purpose as to not divulge the story
line. I think that tactic works with people unfamiliar of Henry’s reign but I
though that the book will be the same, with a lot of inaccuracy. I was
pleasantly surprised that it was not, however since I new all that was told in
this book already, from books, documentaries and even HBO series the story
dragged. I kept waiting for the fictional characters to have their own affair
amidst the court drama but my wish was not granted.
I was excited about the main heroine Juliana St. James, she
looked to have great promise for a story of her own. I read the book very fast
in order to reach the time where the book becomes more fictional and romantic
but alas it does not.
There is a religious element but since I personally am not interested
in religious readings I would not be
able to comment on all the scripture quotes. My spiritual education is close to
none.
This is an excellent book if history is a passion or of
interest. I was under the impression that it is historical romance and that is
why I was a little disappointed. The fictional characters do not have a story
of their own but rather align with period events. I have to applaud the author
for giving Catherine Parr’s child some plausible happy future, because history
does not know what happened to Mary Seymour. It is presumed that she died at an
early age but there are no documents supporting that, she simply vanished after
all of her mother’s fortune was reverted to the crown, everyone wants a queen’s
child but not one that does not have any money. Human compassion only goes so
far in Tudor England.
I did not feel the happy ending for the fictional
characters, although there is one it is very short and unsatisfactory. I feel
like Juliana needed a few more pages of undisturbed happiness or an epilogue.
She was quite the martyr for Catherine Parr and her child.
Excellent historical book, bad historical romance book.
