Six Tudor Queens: Anna of Kleve, Queen of Secrets : Six Tudor Queens 4

There is an Anne of Cleves we all think we know - the dumpy fourth wife so uninspiring that Henry VIII couldn't even consummate their marriage. Alison Weir gives us a radically different 'Anna of Kleve' - one who is definitely hiding some secrets under her thick, unbecoming German gown. It takes a writer of Weir's skill to make us believe her fantasia on the established story. But more importantly, it takes a historian of Weir's experience - her familiarity with the sources, and the period detail - to use this compelling fiction to cast a revealing fresh light on the real historical figure. Sarah Gristwood
show more

There is an Anne of Cleves we all think we know - the dumpy fourth wife so uninspiring that Henry VIII couldn't even consummate their marriage. Alison Weir gives us a radically different 'Anna of Kleve' - one who is definitely hiding some secrets under her thick, unbecoming German gown. It takes a writer of Weir's skill to make us believe her fantasia on the established story. But more importantly, it takes a historian of Weir's experience - her familiarity with the sources, and the period detail - to use this compelling fiction to cast a revealing fresh light on the real historical figure. -- Sarah Gristwood In this vivid and beautifully crafted portrayal, Alison Weir transforms Henry VIII's much-maligned fourth wife into a woman of passion, courage and mystery. Utterly gripping and endlessly surprising, this novel captivates from the first page to the last. It is like meeting Anna of Kleve for the very first time. A masterpiece. -- Tracy Borman The latest novel in this evocative chronicle of Henry's wives offers an unusual perspective on the king. His relationship with Anna is surprisingly touching, giving her moments of happiness in an unfulfilled life. * S Mag, Sunday Express * Anna of Kleve comes alive on the page in surprising and mysterious ways that only an author of Weir's superb finesse can achieve. I always thought Anna was the most clever of Henry's discarded wives, but Weir has put quite a twist to her tale that I utterly buy into and applaud. -- Susan Ronald A rounded, interesting portrait of the one who outlived the other wives * The Times * An outstanding novel, the most intriguing so far in Weir's 'Six Queens' series... Anna is a survivor... Weir tells her story with passion, a strong emotional pulse and an excellent knowledge base * Historical Novel Review * This well-researched, beautifully crafted book offers an emotional insight into his fourth wife...drawing on new evidence to create a startling new image of Anna. * Candis * The author is a master storyteller and creates a fascinating tale of love in all its guises * The Sun * Alison Weir creates a stunning portrait of a highly intelligent and beloved royal queen ... Meticulously researched, this is a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening account of a woman whose name is known to most, but whose character has remained a mystery * Woman's Weekly * Alison Weir imparts some fascinating royal revelations * Choice Magazine *
show more

Alison Weir is a bestselling historical novelist of Tudor fiction, and the leading female historian in the United Kingdom. She has published more than thirty books, including many leading works of non-fiction, and has sold over three million copies worldwide.


Her novels include the Tudor Rose trilogy, which spans three generations of history's most iconic family - the Tudors, and the highly acclaimed Six Tudor Queens series about the wives of Henry VIII, all of which were Sunday Times bestsellers.


Alison is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an honorary life patron of Historic Royal Palaces.
show more