Download Dark Dead Stars By Cassie Sharp (.ePUB)
Tatum Cartwright
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I am a massive fan of Natalie, as I've listened to her Podcast 'Talking Tudors' for years - I was very excited to ARC read a book that is so extremely close to her heart - any Podcast listener will be aware of how Natalie has dedicated many years researching Anne Boleyn & her life & how she really feels a strong connection and pull toward her.
There are many books about Anne's life, Greuninger saw an opening which blindsided many authors and historians - an in depth look at her Downfall & death, the factors which caused it & the catalysts which egnited her impending doom (as we?now know with hindsight).
This study of Anne's final year is very well researched & presented - even as her favourite subject and probably being her life's work (so far), Greuninger is in no way biased or writing Anne as if she is an angel, devoid of all fault.
Yes, Anne was innocent!
Yes, she didn't deserve such a brutal fate... but did she bring it on herself unknowingly?
Unfortunately, yes!
We take a look into the behaviour which was rapidly spiralling out of control; conversations & flirtations as part of the courtly game of love being taken to another & a dangerous level - the rule book being tossed onto the fire, completely disregarded.
We take a look at Anne's mental state & unsurprisingly it's deterioration - her sharp tongue & quick temper did her no favours; in some ways she was her own worst enemy particularly when cornered or threatened, she would lash out in what was seen as an unfeminine and unwomanly way, appearing not only unnatural but unstable to those around her.
Without Chaupsy, we would not have such rich imagery of what was going on during this last year in question - vividly painted pictures of incidents, actual words from contemporaries mouths who all lived and breathed during the Queens Downfall.
I was absolutely hooked, even though I knew what was coming I held hope that Anne's composure & dignified defence of herself during her trial would save her life - though we know it did not; it takes a fantastic writer full of passion to make someone read a story they already know the ending of & still produce such feelings of anticipation.
Overall this was a gripping read, bringing a lot of new information & source material to light, questioning old held beliefs & myths, putting the so called evidence under the spotlight - Anne and her 'lovers' were not even at said place on said date of their heinous adultery together (as an example).
Excellently researched, sensitively yet compellingly written.
Congratulations, Ms Greuninger.