Book Review of The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George

This book review of The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George is part of my World History Reading Quest.

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I’ve always been really drawn to the Tudor era, but for whatever reason, could never really make the history of the period “stick” in my memory and feel real. The period obviously has it all – drama, betrayal, romance, war – seriously, it’s basically a real-life soap opera. When I picked up The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George, I certainly expected it to be interesting. What I didn’t expect was to fall headfirst into Henry’s world so completely. It felt like stepping back in time and sitting right next to the man himself.

This book is thick—like, you’ll know it if you drop it on your foot, thick—but wow, every page is worth it. George somehow makes one of England’s most infamous kings come alive in a way that feels so real. If you think history is boring, you haven’t met Margaret George.

Historical Context

The book covers the life of Henry VIII, one of the most well-known kings in English history. You’ve probably heard of him because of his six wives—yes, the guy who married, divorced, beheaded, and repeated. But Henry was so much more than a wife-juggler. He was a king obsessed with legacy, religion, and power.

George sets the stage beautifully. She takes you through Henry’s early days as a young, hopeful prince, all the way to his paranoid, grumpy old age. The book also touches on big events like the Reformation, the split from the Catholic Church, and his obsession with having a male heir. It’s like getting a front-row seat to history class but way more fun.

My Review

Strengths

Margaret George has this gift of making you feel like you’re there. The way she writes Henry’s voice—oh man, it’s spot on. He’s charming, arrogant, passionate, insecure, and sometimes downright scary. You see every side of him, good and bad.

One of my favorite parts? The footnotes from Will Somers, Henry’s court jester. These little notes give you a break from Henry’s perspective and show you how others viewed him. Will’s sarcastic, funny comments were a perfect touch. They made Henry feel more human.

Also, the historical details are insane. You can tell George did her homework. From court politics to the fashion of the time, everything feels accurate. But it’s never boring—she weaves the facts into the story so seamlessly.

Why This Might Not Be for Everyone

Let’s just get this out of the way up front – this book is on the longer side, sure. But as I’ve said before, there’s long and then there’s LONG. And to me, this doesn’t read as a long book – it’s so immersive that you just don’t want to break away from the story and re-enter the real world. Some parts, especially when Henry goes into deep thought, can drag a bit, admittedly. So, I guess if you’re not into history or detailed descriptions, you might find it overwhelming. But then again, you might not even be inclined to read this at all if you aren’t into history! 

Also, because it’s written as Henry’s autobiography, it’s very one-sided. You only get his version of events, and let’s just say Henry doesn’t always see himself clearly. He blames Anne Boleyn for everything, glosses over his own mistakes, and paints himself as a victim at times. But honestly, I think that’s part of the charm—it makes him feel like a real person.

Henry VIII: Monster or Misunderstood?

One thing I loved about this book is how it made me rethink Henry. We all know him as the guy who had six wives, had a legendary temper, and broke away from the Catholic Church. But George shows you the man behind the crown. Was he selfish and egotistical? Absolutely. But he was also a dreamer, a poet, and someone who desperately wanted to be loved.

This book made me realize how much pressure he was under in a really human way. Everyone expected him to be perfect, and when he wasn’t, things fell apart. That doesn’t excuse his behavior, but it does make you understand him a whole lot better.

The Wives: More Than Just a Number

Something I always struggled with – mostly because I have not immersed myself into the lives of the Tudor wives as much as, say, my history loving wife has – is keeping track of Henry’s wives. The man somehow managed to have 6 wives with only 3 different names, which definitely never helped me keep them all straight. After reading this book, I will never forget them again. They were brought to life so well in this book, and such a comfortable pace, that their stories just stuck completely for me. 

I love that George didn’t just make them names on a list – she made them real women with hopes, dreams, and personalities. Katherine of Aragon is portrayed as strong and devout, while Anne Boleyn is ambitious and fiery. Jane Seymour comes across as gentle but shrewd, and even Henry’s later wives, like Anne of Cleves and Catherine Howard, get their moments to shine.

You see how Henry’s relationships with these women shaped him—and how they paid the price for his ambitions. It’s heartbreaking and fascinating all at once.

What I Learned About Tudor History

Before reading this book, I thought I knew a decent amount about the Tudors. Nope. Turns out, I barely scratched the surface. George dives into everything: the politics, the religion, the family drama. I learned so much about the Reformation and how it changed England forever.

Also, the book made me appreciate how much influence Henry had on history. Love him or hate him, he shaped England in ways that are still felt today.

Who Should Read This

If you’re into Tudor history, this book is a must-read. Seriously, it’s like candy for history nerds. But even if you’re just curious about what made Henry tick, this book is a great place to start. It’s not dry or textbook-like at all.

I’d also recommend it to anyone who loves complex characters. Henry is larger than life—sometimes you’ll love him, and other times you’ll want to throw the book at the wall because of him.

Parting Thoughts

For me, The Autobiography of Henry VIII wasn’t just another book on my TBR – it was an experience. I felt like I just spent a week in 16th Century England following one of history’s most (in)famous kings around in his most intimate possible settings. Margaret George takes you on a journey that’s as emotional as it is educational. And I loved every minute of it. This is 5 stars for me, because it falls into the very short list of books I very much want to read again sometime. And Margaret George may have just become one of my favorite historical fiction writers of all time. I absolutely plan to read more of her works in the future.

If you’re willing to invest the time, this book will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It made me see Henry VIII in a whole new light, and honestly, it reignited my love for history. So, grab a comfy chair, a cup of tea, and dive in. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

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About the Author

Margaret George is a bestselling author known for writing historical novels that bring famous figures to life. She was born in 1943 and grew up fascinated by history and storytelling. Margaret’s career took off with her debut novel, The Autobiography of Henry VIII, published in 1986, which became a bestseller. She followed this success with other historical novels about figures like Cleopatra, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Helen of Troy. Her detailed research and vivid storytelling have earned her praise from critics and readers alike. Margaret’s books have been translated into many languages and are loved worldwide for their engaging blend of history and drama. While she hasn’t won major literary awards, her work has been highly respected for making history accessible and entertaining.