The tempestuous, bloody, and splendid reign of Henry VIII of England (1509-1547) is one of the most fascinating in all history, not least for his marriage to six extraordinary women. In this accessible work of brilliant scholarship, Alison Weir draws on early biographies, letters, memoirs, account books, and diplomatic reports to bring these women to life. Catherine of Aragon emerges as a staunch though misguided woman of principle; Anne Boleyn, an ambitious adventuress with a penchant for vengeance; Jane Seymour, a strong-minded matriarch in the making; Anne of Cleves, a good-natured and innocent woman naively unaware of the court intrigues that determined her fate; Catherine Howard, an empty-headed wanton; and Catherine Parr, a warm-blooded bluestocking who survived King Henry to marry a fourth time.

Suggested Book Club Questions for The Six Wives of Henry VIII (Fiction)

The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Six Wives of Henry VIII:

• Did Alison Weir emphasize any specific themes throughout The Six Wives of Henry VIII? What do you think Alison Weir is trying to explain with this theme?
• What was unique about the setting of The Six Wives of Henry VIII and how did it affect the storyline?
• Could you relate to any of the characters? If so, which ones and why?
• How do characters change or learn throughout The Six Wives of Henry VIII? What events caused these changes? Have you or someone you know experienced the same thing?
• How does The Six Wives of Henry VIII reveal Alison Weir's own perspectives about people and the world? For a lively discussion, describe why you think Alison Weir is liberal or conservative.
• Did certain parts of The Six Wives of Henry VIII affect you emotionally? Why did it evoke those emotions?
• Did Alison Weir's point of view on things lend new perspective to your own view of the world?

Suggested Book Club Questions for The Six Wives of Henry VIII (Non-fiction)

The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Six Wives of Henry VIII:

• Did Alison Weir make persuasive arguments in The Six Wives of Henry VIII? Did The Six Wives of Henry VIII change or reinforce your opinion on the subject?
• What did you learn from The Six Wives of Henry VIII?
• How does Alison Weir present the information and did you enjoy it?
• How is Alison Weir biased within The Six Wives of Henry VIII? Is there a political slant to what is being discussed and how does it impact the book?
• What, if anything, does The Six Wives of Henry VIII make you want to read next? Why?