• A review of Boleyn Traitor and other works of  historical fiction 

Historical fiction has fascinated many of us. Whether it be regency romances or tragedies surrounding historical events, this genre has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers around the world.

In order to explore the world of historical fiction, The Daily Morning Brunch read Boleyn Traitor by renowned historical fiction author Philippa Gregory. 

An intriguing start

The book followed the story of Mary Boleyn, a real life lady-in-waiting to many of Henry the eight’s wives. Gregory brings Mary to life as more than just a villain in history; portraying her as a woman caught between ambition, love, and survival in the often dangerous court of the Tudors. 

From the grandeur of royal banquets to the whispers of political plots, the book gives readers a sense of what life might have been like for someone navigating power and reputation in a world dominated by men.

What makes Boleyn Traitor so engaging is the way Gregory balances history with storytelling. While some events are dramatised and the motives of the real historical figure is under constant debate, the essence of Mary’s story; her relationships, her struggles, and her quiet resilience remains rooted in historical fact. It’s this combination of fact and fiction that makes the book easy to read while still giving a sense of the real pressures and dangers of Tudor life.

Exploring other historical worlds

While Boleyn Traitor takes us into the Tudor court, historical fiction as a whole opens doors to countless eras and places. Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy, for instance, dives deep into Thomas Cromwell’s life, showing the complexities of power and politics in Henry VIII’s reign.

 On the other hand, Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth brings medieval England to life, combining personal drama with the construction of a cathedral in a story that spans decades. Both books, like Gregory’s, blend historical research with storytelling to make the past feel immediate and real.

Many readers enjoy historical fiction because it offers both education and entertainment. 

“I love learning about history but textbooks can feel dry,” Nethmi Abeysekara, 25, said. “Books like Boleyn Traitor make the past feel alive. You experience the tension and you care about the characters.” 

Through these stories, history becomes more than dates and facts; it becomes human.

Why historical fiction resonates today

Historical fiction also allows readers to see connections between the past and the present. 

Themes such as power, social expectation and gender dynamics are just as relevant now as they were centuries ago. Watching characters navigate these challenges can spark reflection on modern life and even make readers think about their own choices and circumstances.

The genre has also become more accessible in recent years. E-books, audiobooks and online discussion forums allow readers to explore historical worlds wherever they are, while social media book clubs encourage lively debates about character choices and historical accuracy. Reading historical fiction has moved from being a quiet, solitary pursuit to a shared experience, making it easier than ever for readers to connect with the stories and with each other.

A timeless appeal

At its core, historical fiction works because it combines storytelling with curiosity about the past. Whether you are drawn to romance, adventure or political intrigue, there is a story waiting for everyone. Boleyn Traitor reminds us that behind every famous historical figure is a person with hopes, fears, and struggles and that exploring those stories can be as compelling as any modern drama.

In the end, books like Gregory’s do more than entertain. They encourage readers to question, to imagine and to understand history as something lived rather than memorised.

“They are very clear about it being historical fiction, but the fact that the situations and people in the story are real (although dramatised) gives it an air of grounded mystery,” Anuththara Elvitagala, 35, shared. 

“And yes, I know the whole debate of taking dramatic license with a story exists, but we're human, we need to tell stories, and what better stories are there to tell than those that have actually happened. Historical fiction is clear that it is just that. Fiction. It's up to the reader to take it with a grain (or bucket, as the case may be) of salt.”

Historical fiction invites us to step into another time, to see the world through someone else’s eyes and to experience the triumphs and tragedies of the past. For anyone curious about history but looking for a story that feels alive, this book is an irresistible choice.