BOOK REVIEW: "My Lady of Cleves" by Margaret Campbell Barnes

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Unaffectionately referred to as "A Flanders Mare" by King Henry VIII, Anne of Cleves did not exactly inspire love, lust, or even respect from her husband at the beginning of their marriage.  The fourth wife of Henry VIII, she was a foreign Princess from a German dutchy of Cleves who was unfamiliar with the exciting and dramatic English court.  She was the pawn in a political game for Thomas Cromwell, the King's closest adviser, an unwanted wife for King Henry VIII, but a friend, delight, and good woman to all those she met.  Anne of Cleves paid her dues, endured humiliation and scorn and became the wife of Henry VIII that got the best deal. 

"My Lady Of Cleves" by world-renowed historical fiction novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes is the story of the fourth wife and queen of King Henry VIII, the courageous and proud, Anne of Cleves.  The story begins with the major need for Henry VIII to take another wife to strengthen the line of succession and also for England to make allies in uncertain times.  Hans Holbein, the famous Tudor painter is sent to Cleves to paint the princesses of Cleves and is quite taken by the kindness and intelligence of Anne and paints a flattering picture of the woman.  Henry VIII falls in love with the painting and decides to take Anne of Cleves as his new wife.  Unfortunately from their first disasterous meeting and on, Henry and Anne do not take to each other, Henry finds Anne plain and boring while Anne is concerned with Henry's temper and treatment of her.  The marriage is uncomfortable, short and then quickly annulled as the king has fallen in love with a young nubile lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves named Catherine Howard.  The marriage is annulled and Anne begins a life as a high woman of the court of England known as the "King's Most Beloved Sister", forms bonds with Princess Mary and Princess Elizabeth, and enjoys having a life to herself.  She shares a beautfiul and tender relationship with Hans Holbein and eventually builds a strong relationship with Henry VIII.  Anne of Cleves receives the best fate of any of the wives of King Henry VIII.

Margaret Campbell Barnes was famous for her beautiful historical fiction novels and readers are blessed that her books are being re-released for the viewing's pleasure.  Her portrayal of the characters is actually how you would picture them in history and her descriptions of people, places, and events are always sumptuous and detailed.  Anne of Cleves is a fascinating and proud woman under the pen of Barnes and is a most true portrayal. 

There are some fictionalized events in the novel including the deep and romantic relationship between Hans Holbein and Anne of Cleves and also later the extremely close relationship between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves, but everything else is historically accurate and well-researched.

There are not a very large amount of historical fiction novels available on Anne of Cleves, but this one is a treasure.  It shows a wife of Henry VIII who was mocked and discarded who comes out the best in the end.  Margaret Campbell Barnes is a great author that shows true respect to the wives of King Henry VIII.

To purchase "My Lady of Cleves":

www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402214316/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1