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Judith Arnopp
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Intractable Heart: The story of Katheryn Parr and Henry VIII Kindle Edition

by Judith Arnopp (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 608 ratings
1537. As the year to end all years rolls to a close, King Henry VIII vents his continuing fury at the pope. The Holy Roman Church reels beneath the reformation and as the vast English abbeys crumble the royal coffers begin to fill. The people of the north, torn between loyalty to God and allegiance to their anointed king, embark upon a pilgrimage to guide their errant monarch back to grace. But Henry is unyielding and sends an army north to quell the rebel uprising. In Yorkshire, Katheryn Lady Latimer and her step-children, Margaret and John, are held under siege at Snape Castle … The events at Snape set Katheryn on a path that will lead from the deprivations of a castle under siege to the perils of the royal Tudor court. Katheryn Parr has for many years been depicted by historians and novelists alike as a staid, rather dull woman. Her role little more than a nursemaid to a succession of elderly spouses, but she was much more than this. The novel, Intractable Heart, is told via four narrators, Katheryn’s step daughter, Margaret Neville; Katheryn herself; her fourth husband Thomas Seymour; and her step-daughter Elizabeth, later to become Queen Elizabeth I. Katheryn Parr emerges as an intelligent, practical woman; a woman who sets aside her love for Thomas Seymour to do her duty and marry the aging king. Katheryn becomes Henry VIII’s partner in all things, acting as Regent for England during the French war, embracing and guiding Henry’s three motherless children, and providing a strong supporting voice for religious reform. It is not until the king’s death, when she is finally free to follow the desires of her heart that her life descends into chaos … and wretchedness.
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  1. Print length
    279 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    May 13, 2014
  5. File size
    1.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00KBS4L6U
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 13, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 3rd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 279 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 608 ratings

About the author

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Judith Arnopp

Judith Arnopp

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Judith Arnopp's novels are set during the War of the Roses and the Tudor era. They focus on women like Margaret Beaufort, Anne Neville, Elizabeth of York, Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor.

She has a Master's degree in medieval studies and a BA in English and creative writing from the University of Wales, making Historical Fiction the only obvious career choice.

She lives on the coast of West Wales with her husband, John, and now her family have flown the nest she writes full time from her home overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Her early books were set in the Anglo Saxon period but since switching to the Tudor era her career has flourished and she now has a substantial collection of titles in her catalogue. All books are available on Kindle and in paperback, some are on Audible.

Judith also writes non-fiction, her most recent published by Pen and Sword is a study of Tudor clothing and fashion, How to Dress Like a Tudor. Her work features in several anthologies and magazines.

You can find more information on judithmarnopp and follow her blog on juditharnoppnovelist blogspot and most social media

platforms.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
608 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with one review noting its innovative narrative style. Moreover, they appreciate the author's enlightening approach, with one customer highlighting the four different perspectives that offer great insight. Additionally, they value the historical accuracy, with one review mentioning the accurate portrayal of the time period.

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14 customers mention "Enjoyment"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful, with one describing it as a page-turner.

"...Another book well done, Judith Arnopp!" Read more

"...characteristics and more are depicted in this novel, which is quite a page turner...." Read more

"...retold it in a thought provoking and enlightening manner in this fine novel...." Read more

"A good read and as always with this author a great way of getting into the period and the personalitues of that time...." Read more

7 customers mention "Storytelling"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the storytelling of the book engaging, with one customer noting how the narrative flows consistently, while another appreciates how it brings historical events to life.

"...the wall during the story, I could hear and smell and really see the history taking place! Another book well done, Judith Arnopp!" Read more

"...A delightful and innovative way to weave a narrative...." Read more

"...of the main characters, including Elizabeth Tudor, the story still flows consistently. And yes ... I did feel bereft when I reached the end!" Read more

"A wonderful story written by a masterful storyteller...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book.

"I am totally going to have a story “hangover” after this one! So well written, I felt like I was a fly on the wall during the story, I could hear..." Read more

"...expect, there is not a tremendous amount of action, but the writing is smooth and enjoyable...." Read more

"Very well written account of Henry VIII last wife...." Read more

"Arnopp has a great writing style. I enjoyed every page." Read more

5 customers mention "Enlightenedness"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's enlightening approach, with one noting its well-researched content and another highlighting how the four different perspectives offer great insight.

"...I cling to the fact that she was so resilient and astute that there were good times as well as laughter for her...." Read more

"...descriptions and historic background were accurate and well-researched as always." Read more

"...How much that has now changed. The tremendous wisdom, ability and bravery Kathryn undoubtedly possessed in order to pacify and stroke the ego of..." Read more

"This story is told from three different viewpoints: that of Katheryn Parr, Thomas Seymour, and Elizabeth I (at that time the Lady Elizabeth)...." Read more

4 customers mention "Historical accuracy"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, with one customer noting the accurate portrayal of the time period and another highlighting the author's unique perspective on historical figures.

"...although as usual the period descriptions and historic background were accurate and well-researched as always." Read more

"...this author a great way of getting into the period and the personalitues of that time...." Read more

"...I have enjoyed all of Judith Arnopp's books and love her different take on historical figures, so I bought "Intractable Heart" with no..." Read more

"I liked this book very much, Catherine Parr was quite the interesting subject!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • CP
    5.0 out of 5 stars I always want more!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I am totally going to have a story “hangover” after this one! So well written, I felt like I was a fly on the wall during the story, I could hear and smell and really see the history taking place! Another book well done, Judith Arnopp!
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  • Mercedes Rochelle
    4.0 out of 5 stars Kathryn Parr as she should be seen
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Katheryn Parr is one of those historical characters that we tend to dutifully study, preparing ourselves for a stolid, tedious effort. I think Charles Laughton said it best at the end of his PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII: "Six wives, and the best is the worst of them all." Or maybe it would be better to say that I, for one, was unfairly influenced by his delightful portrayal which took years of education to rectify. Yet poor Katheryn didn't budge very far in my estimation. Luckily, Judith Arnopp sheds some welcome light on this stalwart lady.

    Kathryn was so much more than a survivor. Fatally attracted to Thomas Seymour, she must have had something going for her to keep him interested enough to marry her after her third widowhood. She made a family for Henry's motherless children. I was surprised to see her as acting Regent during Henry's final French war, which implies a certain competence. Of course, she was a staunch Protestant, which almost led to her undoing. I was also surprised to see the tyrant King Henry depicted almost as a pussycat in her presence, as though her influence on him was invariably soothing. Even the pivotal event where she was nearly arrested comes across to me as the machinations of her enemies, and Henry's role seems almost incidental. I found this all a little disconcerting, since it seems to redefine the King as a kind of nice guy after all. Maybe this is true? I'd like to think so, but I'm not sure I can accept it.

    All these characteristics and more are depicted in this novel, which is quite a page turner. As you would expect, there is not a tremendous amount of action, but the writing is smooth and enjoyable. Katheryn comes across as a lady I very much would have liked to have known.

    The story was written from the first person point of view in four distinct sections: by her step-daughter Margaret, by Katheryn herself, by Thomas Seymour then by Princess Elizabeth. It speaks to the skill of the author that these four voices were very different from each other and their personalities were well depicted. However, to me, lurching from one first person voice to another was uncomfortable, like taking a side trip and never making it back to the main road. The last voice, Elizabeth, was really all about Elizabeth, so I thought the thread of the story got kind of lost. Nonetheless, if you take the book as four vignettes, it works very well. Overall, I certainly enjoyed it.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Kathleen Ingram
    5.0 out of 5 stars Different Voices
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Different voices tell this fine story

    Katheryn Parr's life has been retold it in a thought provoking and enlightening manner in this fine novel. Judith Arnopp has researched the early life Henry's last wife and using known facts of those times, speaks for Katheryn,Thomas Seymour, Elizabeth I and Margaret Neville Katheryn's stepdaughter.

    The story is thus told in four parts and the three others, using known facts, speak and give voice to Katheryn Parr's early life. A delightful and innovative way to weave a narrative. The events that transpired on the Pilgrimage of Grace at Snape Castle can be surmised from other similar sieges.

    Arnopp tells us in the author's note that we know little about Katheryn's early life so she allows the others to speak for her.It works so very well that I am saddened to realize that this fine woman may have had so little true happiness in her life. I cling to the fact that she was so resilient and astute that there were good times as well as laughter for her.

    Recommended for everyone and especially for Tudor and Royalty fiction fans. My Blog : [...]
    9 people found this helpful
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  • History lover
    3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed
    Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I generally appreciate Judith Arnopp very much but this book didn't meet by far the quality of the previous ones. A was a bit disappointed although as usual the period descriptions and historic background were accurate and well-researched as always.
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  • Tudor Mary
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A good read and as always with this author a great way of getting into the period and the personalitues of that time.
    Not completly accurate historically and events are padded out with the author's own embellishments but that is true for most historical fiction. Very enjoyable and absorbing though.
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  • CANDACE HICKMAN
    5.0 out of 5 stars HISTORY COMES ALIVE
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    How much we have to learn from those who have gone before us. Learning from an author who aptly places her fingertips on the throbbing pulse of their characters and then places them upon her keyboard is something to behold!
    Never before have I given much thought of Kathryn Parr nor in fact to Thomas Seymour. How much that has now changed. The tremendous wisdom, ability and bravery Kathryn undoubtedly possessed in order to pacify and stroke the ego of an unhealthy, undesirable, impotent yet all powerful husband is something all women can glean from! She deserves many rewards in heaven for handling King Henry with such wisdom.
    Her love for the Lord Himself and the courage she displayed in her earnest endeavors to know Him better by seeking to understand and translating scriptures in such a perilous time earns her much praise!
    Her compassion for her step children and her desire to love and help mold their characters regardless of the challenges and injuries each of them had endured should guide us all.
    I am coming to an end of my Arnopp novels available in publication, and am hoping there are others shortly to the printing press!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mary Rose
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2014
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    I have said it before - and it looks like I'm saying it again - the mark of a terrific book is the feeling of being bereft when you reach the end. I have enjoyed all of Judith Arnopp's books and love her different take on historical figures, so I bought "Intractable Heart" with no hesitation. Katheryn Parr comes to life for the reader, as do Henry VIII and many others. Written in chapters using the first person perspective of several of the main characters, including Elizabeth Tudor, the story still flows consistently. And yes ... I did feel bereft when I reached the end!
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • M .E.G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched, gripping story telling
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I love Philippa Gregory books and this had the feel of her Tudor books, I loved it. Very well researched and well told story, I have always been fascinated by the character of Kathryn Parr and this really helped me understand her character. very good.
    One person found this helpful
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  • DRC
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting look in Katheryn Parr
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Such an enjoyable, easy read. When talking of the Tudars, your mind is instantly drawn to the tragic story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Their tale has been told numerous times. But Katheryn is the queen that survived, and her tale isn't often told, so this, for me, gave a fictional closure to Henry VIII'S reign whilst also opening doors to the monarchs after, including Elizabeth I. A good, well written read that I would recommend.
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  • Rachael Priddle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 28, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Does not disappoint. Really enjoyed this story and take on a Queen that wasn’t as “famous” as her predecessors. To survive Henry VIII but die in childbed seemed such a sad end to a Queen that did so much, but at best, shaped the future for one of our best known monarchs in British history. Hope the story continues!
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  • Rumpuscat
    3.0 out of 5 stars Didn't Float My Boat.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 21, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Having previously read and enjoyed 'The Winchester Goose' and 'The Kiss of the Concubine' by this author, I was looking forward to this book as Katherine Parr is an interesting subject. What a let-down! The prose did not draw me in and I found it really hard going. I have often read in other reviews the reviewer saying 'show, don't tell' and this book is a perfect example of that. Dialogue is sparse and unconvincing and so really what we get is not a novel but a descriptive story of aspects of Katherine's life. This makes for dull reading and although I persevered and finished the book it was certainly not a page-turner. Rather the reverse, I was reluctant to start reading again. I would not therefore recommend this book, but if you want a factual account of Katherine Parr's life I would recommend Linda Porter's 'Katherine the Queen, the remarkable life of Katherine Parr'.
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  • Marilyn Carol Mayhew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intractable Heart: both of Henry and Katheryn
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I love the way Judith puts emotion into these well known historical figures and so brings them to life. I always felt Katherine had the choice of foregoing her love of Thomas or Losing her head . There were no other options in those days. You could not just say no to Henry without very dire consequences.

    This book is a delight to read

    Katherine was a very stoic lady, who carried the gentle wifely character of Jane Seymour, Henry's adored Queen, Catherine of Aragon's strength, Catherine Howard's love of family, Anne of Cleaves compliance and Anne Boleyn's religious zeal. What more could Henry want?
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