Book Six: The Autobiography of Henry VIII, With Notes by his Fool, Will Somers by Margaret George

I really enjoyed this book; I'm glad I didn't pass it up as I had previously. 

In the Prologue, Henry VIII's fool is writing to Catherine Carey Knollys, the daughter of Henry VIII and Mary Boleyn  to send her the journal that Henry wrote. (Note: it's unclear if Henry VIII really was Catherine's father.)

The journal begins with Henry recalling his first memory of becoming a Knight of the Bath at age 3. This rang true because I had recently watched a program that described how important this ceremony would be--one of the few times Henry would even see his father Henry VII. 

George does a good job of showing how Henry rationalizes his beliefs and decisions. Does he really believe only he knows the true thoughts of God? It reminded me of Henry's grandmother Margaret Beaufort as described by Philippa Gregory in The Red Queen. 

Near the end of the book, Henry is seeking the love of his children. I wonder how any of his children could truly love such a rash and dangerous man. Especially Mary, who suffered horribly through Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and the reign of Anne Boleyn.