The Other Boleyn Girl is the story of Mary Boleyn, and her rise and descent in court. It's also the story of her famous sister - Anne Boleyn, and as we all know the second wife of Henry VIII and infamous consort. She is the woman that led Henry VIII to break with the Catholic Church and swayed England into its Protestant nationality. Yet, behind the history rests a story, and I suppose that's what Gregory intends to tell us. The story of not just Mary Boleyn, or even Anne Boleyn, but rather of the grace and outward charm of the English court and the scheming motives behind its smiling face. Cunning, ruthless, and hidden behind a mask of lust and sensuality is the story The Other Boleyn Girl. 
 It wasn't really sure what to think after reading this novel. I found it interesting how it thoroughly narrated the rise and fall of the Boleyn family and especially Anne, while revealing more of the true colors of court - lavish parties and scandalous affairs. At the same time, it irked me that a great deal of the novel was spent on discussing crude ideas on how to entrap and ensnare the king. How to seduce him really. It's almost, almost - but far above a trashy love novel yet deeply intriguing with its historical aspect. Sure, the history might not be right - but heck, it adds a bit of spice to the story - that Gregory was able to breathe life into what could've been a college history textbook with some artistic license of course. 
 At its core, it's a straightforward or frank account of court life - not really with a moral purpose or climax. Gossip, affairs, stir the court and that's how the book goes as well. If you enjoy drama, then this is perfect for you. Otherwise, it might take more than a second glance to be enamored of this novel. The first half of this novel is almost tedious - all we see if Mary seducing the king under the guidance of her salacious sister Anne. Mary's a bit naive, dimwitted, and kinda like the ditzy cute girl of high school - not a great heroine. It annoys me how obedient she is, how willing she is to commit adultery, yet I suppose we must remember this is another world filled to the brim with immoral doings. The story heats up later on with Anne's triumph by ridding Catherine of Aragon of the throne and marrying Henry VIII. Mary grows up, she becomes much wiser, much more mature, and much calmer. No longer a foolish child in love, new love blossoms and passion strikes. It's much more enjoyable yet still wrought with gossip, still spreading with scandal. Until the very end. 
 I suppose one word to describe the book would be scandalous, it would be passionate, hot-blooded romance. Lots of lust, love and everything that goes along with those two. It's crude in a sense, yet richly portrays the era. I enjoyed the novel, yet I was annoyed at points.