The Constant Princess

My latest read is The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory. I said I was going to read more of this author and it was worth it. This story is considerably shorter than The Other Boleyn Girl and would be a good read if you didn't like the intrique of TOBG.

Again we go to 16th century England and the household of Henry VIII. This time we learn the story of Catarina, Infanta of Spain as she becomes Katherine of Aragon, Henry's first wife. The story actually begins in Katherine's childhood in Spain in 1492 (if you are thinking "that's when Columbus sailed the ocean blue", you would be correct - brownie points for you!). Something I did not know is she was the daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, who financed Columbus' trip to the 'West Indies'. This story was challenging in respect to exploring Katherine's strong sense of destiny and conviction that it was God's will for her to be Queen of England. This explains Katherine's tenacious hold on the idea through many years of very difficult circumstances. It raises the question "how far is too far when we think we are doing God's will?" Ultimately, Katherine is a woman of strong faith and incredible courage and intelligence. Hers is an inspiring story... hey, at least she wasn't beheaded. :)