The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn

By: Robin Maxwell

Narrated by: Suzan Crowley

Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Robin Maxwell’s debut novel introduces Anne Boleyn and her daughter, Elizabeth: one was queen for a thousand days, the other for more than 40 years. Both were passionate, headstrong women, loved and hated by Henry VIII. At the beginning of Elizabeth’s reign, her mother’s private diary is given to her by a mysterious lady. In reading it, the young ruler - herself embroiled in a dangerous love affair - discovers a great deal about her much maligned mother.

Through Anne’s writing, Elizabeth finds an echo of her own dramatic life as a powerful young woman at the center of England’s male establishment and, with the knowledge gained from it, makes a resolution that will change the course of history.

©2011 Robin Maxwell (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A wonderfully juicy historical novel so convincing that it’s difficult to believe it is the author’s first.... Maxwell brings...all of bloody Tudor England vividly to life." ( Publishers Weekly)

"An historical fiction classic. Beware: this is truly addictive reading." (Michelle Moran, author of Madame Tussaud)

"Dazzling. Historical fiction at its finest." (C. W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de’ Medici)

Really good history

This book is well researched and well written. Nothing dry about it. It is enjoyable and the narration is very very good.

a glimpse of Tudor England

loved it, King Henry VIII was such a scoundrel it only adds to the drama!

New Angle or Not Exactly New

What made the experience of listening to The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn the most enjoyable?

I've had a fascination with the story of Anne Boleyn since I read Jean Plaidy's "Lady in the Tower" (also available on Audible) in the early 90s. To my surprise much of the information in this story was very similar. In fact there were a few times while listening my daughter thought it was that book I was listening to. This was both a bonus and a draw back because I believe for the most part that Anne was treated very unfairly. This book sees Anne as a strong character, not one without faults, but one not guilty of treason. I loved the connection made to Elizabeth. That was the most unique point brought forward in this book. Historical record suggests Elizabeth did an about face regarding her attitude toward her mother, but no information is given as to what prompted that change. This is an interesting idea of how that may have come about.

What other book might you compare The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn to and why?

"Lady in the Tower" by Jean Plaidy for the reason stated above.

What does Suzan Crowley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Well, a continuous read for one thing. I can not stop life to sit and read for long periods of time. I can listen while I am completing my daily routines. By allowing the story to be continuous there is more flow to the story. Suzan is good about making the characters relatable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I didn't laugh or cry. But I did agree with emphasis a few times.

Any additional comments?

One thing I think that young women today have that even older women today did not have is a greater sense of self. My daughter and I read aloud often. We listen to books even more often. Selecting a book like this allows fiction to teach our daughters about the struggles that women have gone through to have the right to NOT be married, to not be a pawn. I would be just as pleased if I could get my son to be aware of this type of literature. Because men in history were used as political pawns as well. Understanding where we have come from goes a long way to understanding the blessings and privileges we have today that would not have been a given in the past.

I love it

I'm very interested in the life on Anne Boleyn and everything that mentions her. So naturally this book gives me an insight to her mind even though is a historical fiction is very interesting to have this point of view of her short life. I really love Robin Maxwell writing and this book didn't disappoint on the contrary I totally recommend it.

Another view of Anne Boleyn.

Love the view of Anne Boleyn from her own diary. It gave me a whole new perspective of her. Yes, this is historical fiction but I had never thought that she did not have a choice in her involvement with Henry. I always thought that she must have deserved what she got. Historical fiction at it's best!

Interesting possibility

Wonderful story, well told. Anne was a mastermind who changed the course of religious history as a means to an end.

Interesting Take

This was an interesting take on a well known story. I enjoyed it. I think the thought that Anne could have left this Diary for her daughter is an amazing one. I wish this were true and that Elizabeth could have taken comfort from some of it. Just to know she was loved and a look into who her mother was. While I think it is unlikely that someone would have been loyal enough to keep and hide Anne diary and then deliver it to her Daughter on her accession to the throne. But the concept is a good one and a great setting for this story. I highly recommend.

Elizabeth's Secret Mother

This was a surprisingly well conceived and written book. As a fan of the history of Elizabeth I and her era, this is a new twist, and I wonder why I never thought of it before! It gives Elizabeth, the queen, guidance from her mother from beyond the grave, something she didn't have in real life, but likely would have welcomed. It is a highly believable account of Anne Boleyn's life, as well as that of her only daughter. Well written and well read. I wish some of her other books on the topic were also available on audio!

Can't get enought of them Tudors

I think the review title says it all. The approach is refreshing. But can't quite put my finger on it, something was lacking.

Story and narrator meet with perfection

Any story is made better by the perfect narrator. This phenomenal narrator delivered the emotion, drama, intensity, and heart this extremely well written historical fiction deserved.
When new monarch Elizabeth is handed her mother’s, Anne Boleyn’s, diary past and present merge. Two young women meet if only through the pages of Anne’s words.
Phenomenal storytelling and world building.