As an historian, I’m always thrilled when pop culture draws on history. Not only do I appreciate the nod to the past, I love that it brings more attention to it. With the news that yet another university is closing their history department in favour of more “career friendly subject” (I’m sure you can hear my scoff), we need more history. So, when I spotted this book, I got excited. Today I’m sharing a new Tudor inspired book, one that I couldn’t put down at all. I am hoping that my Wife After Wife review is enough to convince you to read up, take the quiz, and embrace history!
Obviously, I’m one of Six‘s biggest fans. I saw it in the West End in February last year, and there was no looking back. I listen to the soundtrack on my commute several days a week. And I regularly check Youtube for new Megasixes to watch. Of course, I had to see the Canadian premiere in Edmonton! A creative, fun, and modern take on Henry VIII’s wives, what isn’t to love? With the Queens premiering in Australia a few weeks ago, and Broadway soon, Six has taken over the world.
So, when Wife After Wife came up in my royal book club this week, I was excited. I wasn’t 100% sure if I would read, but with a million audiobook credits to use, I took a chance. And thankfully I did take that chance… By now, I’m sure you are asking, what is Wife After Wife?
Wife After Wife, Olivia Hayfield
Master of the universe Harry Rose is head of the Rose Corporation, number eighteen on the Forbes rich list, and recently married to wife number six. But in 2018, his perfect world is about to come crashing to the ground. His business is in the spotlight–and not in a good way–and his love life is under scrutiny. Because behind a glittering curtain of lavish parties, gorgeous homes, and a media empire is a tale worthy of any tabloid.
And Harry has a lot to account for.
Yes, Henry, the three Catherines, two Annes, and one Jane have been brought into the modern age. It is a difficult adaptation to do, as beheadings, religious law, and lack of medical care don’t come up as often. Author Olivia Hayfield has given us Katie Paragon, Ana Lyebon, Janette Morrissey, Anki of Cleveland, Caitlyn Howe, and Clare Parr. And I have to say, it is a fantastic group.
Wife After Wife Review
Clearly, none of the figures or situations translate perfectly to the modern period. Court life in the Tudor period looks quite different from life in 2020. However, Hayfield pulls out aspects and key moments of each wife’s story to make a modern Tudor masterpiece. The traits that the wives have historically been dragged for are their strongest assets in Wife After Wife. Anne Boleyn is routinely accused of being scheming and calculating to steal Henry from Catherine. Ana Lyebon uses her wit and intelligence to advance her impressive career. (I won’t get into any specifics so it isn’t spoiled!) These women all feel like modern women that any of us would work with or be friends with, not caricatures for a t-shirt.
Certain things are changed, because sometimes it just wouldn’t be realistic in the modern period. For example, Caitlyn Howe/Catherine Howard isn’t underage at the time of their relationship. I appreciated that Hayfield made these changes. Had she not, I think it would have begged belief too much, and ruined it. The secondary characters, ie. Charles Brandon, Megan Rose/Mary Tudor, also receive modern updates. Their roles in the story don’t change much, and they work well with Harry Rose.
Other than the obvious names and figures, there are some fantastic nods to the real Tudors. Hampton Court Palace takes centre stage for part of the book, and Hans Holbein happens to be Harry Rose’s favourite artist. (You may even read about Henry VIII and his wives…) I’m incredibly impressed with Hayfield’s ability to recreate the past in the present. I don’t know that I’ve ever had this many “CLEVER!” moments in a book before. I could see how Wife After Wife might look like light-hearted fluff at first glance. However, it is a heart felt and intelligent telling of some of the most infamous historical figures.
Which Tudor Queen Are You?
Like the historian and nerd that I am, I headed to Hayfield’s website. And I am so glad that I did. There is a fantastic (and fun) quiz that you can take to find out which of Harry Rose’s wives you are. I was particularly interested in the quiz. I have a favourite queen in real life, other favourites in Six, and I’m rather undecided for Wife After Wife still. Head to the quiz here and let me know which wife you get! As you can see, I am the loved and respected Katie Paragon /Catherine of Paragon. No big deal…
(I’ve got to say, the branding and images for this book is just *chef’s kiss*. Like the book itself, it harkens back to the original women and men that still hold our interest, but with a modern twist.)
And if you are interested in reading about the historical six wives, please head to my book list for my favourites!
I hope that my Wife After Wife review has inspired you to pick it up yourself! And let me know which wife you think you would be!
Cheers,
The Historian
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I also got Catherine (Katie Paragon). Although the last question had nothing I would choose as a hobby lol. I wish reading was an option. I listened to an excerpt of it as The Skimm was talking about it the other day (daily news recap I get by e-mail). I think I’m going to get it from the library.
I wasn’t a huge fan of that last question haha! I have to say, I truly loved this book and the “sequel” (not really a sequel) is going to be a similar telling of Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, so I’ll be waiting with baited breath!
I’m glad more people commented as it was a reminded to place a hold for it at the library! Also good to know that the next one will be about Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Guessing it’s also going to be set in modern day?
haha, I got Clare Barr! 😀 That quiz was fun! And this book sounds awesome. Definitely checking it out! I love when history and classic books are brought into the modern age!
The follow up is going to be about Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots- I cannot WAIT to see that in a modern setting!