The Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory

The Boleyn Traitor My Rating: 4.8

Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.

For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.

Philippa Gregory masterfully shines a spotlight on the untold story of Jane Boleyn, peeling back the myths to reveal a complex portrait of a woman who dared to survive at any cost. Perfect for fans of thrilling historical drama and readers captivated by the intrigue of the Tudor period, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read.

I love the way Gregory overlaps her novels, allowing the same historical events to be seen through entirely different eyes. Experiencing the Tudor court from Jane Boleyn’s perspective-Anne Boleyn’s sister-in-law-felt especially fresh and compelling. Jane’s ability to remain in favor while those closest to her were repeatedly banished or executed was fascinating, and her constant calculation for survival kept me fully engaged.

One of the strongest elements of the book was the recurring theme of the courtier’s “masque.” Jane’s realization that she had spent her entire life performing roles to stay alive-and the powerful moment when she finally removes that masque—was beautifully written and deeply moving.

My only real complaint is how differently Jane is portrayed compared to her characterization in earlier books. While I appreciate the idea of shifting perspectives, the disparity was so great at times that it was difficult to reconcile this Jane with the one I thought I knew. That said, it didn’t detract enough to lessen my enjoyment. Overall, The Boleyn Traitor is an excellent, thought-provoking read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend to fans of Tudor historical fiction.