Bubbling up with Helena

Catherine of Aragon was married to Henry VIII for over 20 years. She served as his advisor and even as his proxy at times when he was away.

Catherine was certainly interested in politics, and I think she would enjoy Michelle Obama’s memoir. She would be able to relate to what it means to be a strong and powerful woman at the side of a major world leader and what it means to raise a family in that context.

Anne Boleyn is known for, among other things, causing scandal. She was savvy and well-educated, but she got herself into her fair share of trouble. She was, of course, accused of incest and treason and was famously beheaded.

The death of a dark and mysterious woman looms large through Rebecca, and I think Anne would love the first Mrs. De Winter She would also appreciate the way Du Maurier weaves romance into her suspenseful tale.

Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third wife, is known for being “the only one he truly loved.” She was his only wife to bear him a son, and she died from complications in childbirth.

My immediate thought was that Jane would love Nicholas Sparks. His books are romantic and sad…and can be a little bit sappy. The Notebook in particular fits that bill, and I think it would be right up Jane’s alley.

Henry VIII rejected Anna very quickly because he thought she was not beautiful enough. He remained fond of her and sent her to live on her own at a palace in Richmond.

I think Anna would love Madeline Miller’s Circe as the tale of a strong woman who makes it clear she does not need a man. Like Anna, Circe is exiled, but ends up ruling her own “queendom.”

Katherine Howard was probably about 17 years old when she married the much older king. He was entranced by her and had her beheaded in a fit of jealousy when he learned that she had been with another man before they were married.

K Howard is my favorite queen, but I wouldn’t just recommend my favorite book of 2023 to her for that reason. Like Katherine, Business or Pleasure, is smart, charming, and romantic. I think Katherine would love that this book is also (more than) a little bit spicy.

Henry’s final wife, Catherine, was a writer. She says in Six, “I fought for female education, so all my women could independently study scripture.” She was the first woman to be published in English under her own name.

The Dictionary of Lost Words is about a woman who works to collect a dictionary of words primarily used by women. She sees these as words that tend to be overlooked. I think Catherine would be all about that.