A LADY RAISED HIGH

Author: Laurien Gardner ISBN: 0515140899 3/2006 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: JOVE
Time Period: 1503's

Frances Pierce is a simple, plain country girl who enters Lady Anne Boleyn's circle after shielding her from an angry mob. Anne is beloved by King Henry VIII, and queen in all but name. And Henry is determined to put aside his wife Catherine, marry Anne, and make her his lawful queen-no matter the consequences. Frances delights Anne with her poetry and her forthright ways, and soon becomes a favorite. Dazzled by her new life and the glamour of the court, besotted with Anne's brother George, she pays scant attention to the intrigues that swirl around her mistress. But when the king's favor shifts, Frances will learn just how quickly those who rise far and fast can meet their downfall...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I had my review pretty much written when I had to go back to the book to check something. I ended up reading it a second time. I've been known to do that, read a book twice, back to back. However, it's been a very, very long time since I have done so. If there had been more than 284 pages, I probably still would have. I enjoyed it twice as much.

I decided the review ready to go just didn't do A LADY RAISED HIGH justice. So, let's start this again....

The subtitle of this book will tell you it is ' a novel of Anne Boleyn'. That's very true, but it is also as much the story of Frances Pierce.

It seems most tales that involve Anne Boleyn begin well before the time frame this author chose. I thought it was interesting she chose the point that the relationship between Anne and King Henry had been ongoing for several years.

Though not yet divorced, Queen Catherine has been set aside. Lady Anne is but a step or two from becoming queen. King Henry is changing much in order to have her—much that will change everyone's lives and England, as well. Anne is not well loved by the people; she is called whore and strumpet by many.

Frances is the only child, a daughter of a baronet, who is no more than a farmer, really. Seventeen years old, her mother believes no man will ever take her as a wife, as disobedient as she is. Frances does not really care one way or the other—she only worries her mother will find a way to send her to serve as a lady for Queen Catherine, regardless of her standing with the King. This is basically the extent of Frances's concern for politics.

The fact that the King and his entourage will be progressing through the village is far more important to her. Determined to see the sight, Frances slips away upon her uncle's horse and makes her way to await their arrival. When the village women welcome Anne less than warmly, Frances doesn't think twice about shielding her from the mud and stones flung. In that moment, Frances has changed her life forever. She is swept up into the court of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.

This book was nicely done and simply believable. Written in the first person, we see the events unfold through Frances's eyes and feelings. This, combined with the character herself, is one of the things that made the book work for me.

Frances is hardly a lady of the court—far from it. She isn't stupid, yet she is naive to life and the intrigues of court. She doesn't question her luck—there really isn't an answer at any rate—and loves her Lady unconditionally. It is all a grand adventure for her, taking all at face value, unaware of the power struggles that are ever ongoing, content in serving Anne.

Ms. Gardner seemed to tap into the heart of the character with ease. Frances could be a typical teen today, to some extent. She pens poetry, cares only for the moment, is preoccupied with a man equivalent to today's rock star, and tries to appear worldly while learning as she goes. I was easily caught up as Frances matured, discovering the truth of the world and how unfair it can be. As well as seeing, through her point of view, Anne's life at its peak and quick decline.

A problem I often find in a book written first person is, it seems to me, that authors sometimes have difficulty bringing life to the other characters. Not so in this case. Though we are only privy to what Frances knows of the others and her interactions with them, this author does it in such a way that there is no doubt what they are about.

It is done well and consistently, making this style of writing work. In addition, she has made the characters human—the good as well as the bad, the insecurity and confidence, the pain and regret.

The time period is conveyed nicely through unfolding events without heavily dosing the reader with facts. We are given a history lesson without ever realizing it. Laurien Gardner has brought it to life with an admirable skill that made the reading a pleasure.

A LADY RAISED HIGH should appeal to a variety of readers and ages. It is not inappropriate for younger teens, and older readers will not be disappointed. I believe the historical fiction genre has an author here worth watching.

Sue Cloud