The Other Boleyn Girl/ Philippa Gregory/664 pages

This is a historically based novel, set in England during the time of Henry VIII.  The story's main character is Mary, sister to Anne Boleyn.  The themes are love, power, and intrigue.  Mary is overwhelmed and infatuated with her king.  Mary's family is all about money and power and doing whatever it takes.   I like the story as a historical fiction.  It details court life during the time of Henry VIII, from a relatively unknown but significant character's perspective.  It references real characters like the infamous Anne Boylen and Katherine of Aragon as well as political events of the time.  While the outcome for these characters and events may be known, Mary's part and her fate are not.  As the reader, I found myself rooting for Mary, rooting for love and justice to win, and turning the page to see what happened next.