Firstborn

Critics Review

• Katheryn emerges from the pages of this beautifully realised portrayal as beguiling, vivacious and, in the end, tragically naive . . .This novel will captivate you and break your heart. Utterly sublime

• For the first time I felt as though, thanks to Alison’s skilful writing and storytelling, I came to “know” Katharine. The book is utterly exceptional and beautifully crafted, with a keen eye for detail – solid gold for Tudor history lovers

  Nicola Tallis

• This brilliant series has brought Henry VIII’s six wives to life as never before, and with Katharine Parr Alison Weir has saved the best until last. With stunning period detail and compelling drama throughout, Katharine emerges as a woman far ahead of her time: fiercely intelligent, courageous, passionate and inspiring, charting a course through the deadly waters of the Tudor court. This novel will enthrall and inspire, just as much as it will break your heart.

  Tracy Borman

• Weir demonstrates her deep knowledge of the period offering fascinating detail on all aspects of Tudor life. . .It is a profoundly moving story that lingers long after the last page is turned

• Alison’s sensitively drawn novel will change everyone’s preconceptions

• This is a detailed and convincing portrait of an extraordinary life. Taken as a whole, this series is a serious achievement

  The Times

• This masterly novel seamlessly blends history into the story’s fabric. A superb read and a remarkable end to a brilliant series

  Historical Novel Society

• This is my favourite of the series

• An absorbing and fascinating read, meticulously researched, as is always the case with Alison’s work, and she really made Katherine live for me

  Sarah Rayne

• Katharine Parr deserves better than to be known just as Henry VIII’s sixth wife – the one who survived. And there’s no-one better placed than Alison Weir to restore her to her rightful place. Alison gives full weight to Parr the writer and reformer – the first woman in England to publish under her own name! – but she also explores the loving, passionate Katharine who was so much more than just a nurse to the ageing Henry. The ‘Six Tudor Queens’ series has been something of a ground-breaker in showing the light historical fiction can shed on historical fact. It’s wonderful to see it go out on such a high note

  Sarah Gristwood

• Alison Weir’s Katharine Parr The Sixth Wife is a tour de force. Known to all school children as “survived” Katharine Parr is shown to be the essence of goodness and a heartwarming, brave soul living in ruthless times. If you think you know everything about Henry VIII’s last queen, you’re in for a wonderful treat-you don’t!

  Susan Ronald