📖 Book Review ~ Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks

Atmosphere Press
3 September 2024

Thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

Kat Cooke, a young girl captivated by the allure of Henry VIII's magnificent Queen, Katherine of Aragon, embarks on a journey to unravel the mysteries of her own birth. As she navigates the intricate web of Tudor court politics, Kat witnesses both the splendor and deceit that define life within the Queen's inner circle.

Amidst the grandeur of the royal court, Kat discovers love but is confronted with the painful reality of having to choose where her loyalties lie.

Of Aragon offers readers an intimate glimpse into the Queen's private chambers, from the solemnity of the marriage bed to the anticipation of an heir's birth. Caroline Willcocks skillfully transports us to a bygone era where even royal women must contend fiercely for their lives and loves.

📖 My Review

It's difficult to keep Tudor stories refreshing as we are all entirely familiar with Henry VIII's relationship with Queen Katherine of Aragon and the ins and outs of the Tudor court. Of Aragon brings a different slant to the story as we meet Kat Cooke, an impoverished maid who is taken into court and placed under the protection of the Queen herself. 

The reason for Kat being at court is explained with an imaginative description of what life was like for the poor of Tudor England and the immense change in Kat's circumstances is told in a gentle story about life at the Tudor court. There's a conversational tone to the story, the politics of the time are explained well especially the danger which lingered in shadows. There are a few modernisms in the story, which I felt could have been changed. Of Aragon is light historical fiction and even though I had figured out the twist quite early on in the book it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story.

 About the Author

Caroline Willcocks has worked in the theatre, freelance journalism and charities. Now she combines being a solution focussed therapist with writing about the Tudors and Stuarts. She also has a successful podcast called Tudor and Stuart Fairytales. Her two adult children are happily married, and she hopes she doesn’t embarrass them too much. She loves to travel and has visited many countries, including Syria, Iraq, Kosovo, India and the United States. She lives in the idyllic county of Herefordshire in the UK with her beloved husband, dog and two cats. Recently she discovered she is a direct descendant of Edward III.