Summary

Survive alongside Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and the rest of King Henry VIII’s ill-fated wives with this witty book of essential life advice, history, and trivia—the perfect handbook for fans of the hit musical Six.

Get the inside scoop from some of the toughest women in English history, as ex-wives, mothers, and daughters of King Henry VIII dish out all their survival secrets in this humorous guide to life. With a bit of sarcasm and friendly charm, each of these legendary ladies explains how their 16th-century hard-earned lessons (from living with unstable men to stifling Tudor traditions) apply to 21st-century dating, marriage, and feminism.

Written from the perspectives of each of the different women around Henry VIII, you’ll get the facts from the Queen Mother and the less-remembered but no less important Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and more.

With must-know historical trivia alongside wise life advice, Don’t Lose Your Head is the perfect survival guide for fans obsessed with Broadway’s latest historical pop musical Six, as well as anyone fascinated by British royalty and culture.

Review

If you are a fan of the musical, Six or just fascinated with the wives of King Henry VIII, this is a must read. As someone who is obsessed with this time period and of Henry VIII and his wives, I couldn't put this book down. Told from a modern perspective, interpreting what these women might have said, we are presented with their side if history had their voice been heard.

The author makes a good point. Why do we remember these women only as Henry's wives? There was more to them including their roles in history. Each given dedication and a perspective, since their stories were kicked to the curb. This is what they would say if they could be here. Filled with sarcasm that will have you laughing out loud, each wife brings something unique with their life lessons, advice and commentary of their experience with Henry. We also get his mother and daughters thrown into the mix. My favorite parts of the book were the conversations between the women. I found that one of the best parts of the book.

Also to note, the tidbits of information and the profiles of each women in every chapter give you some details that help you learn about them. The author did a great job researching and incorporating a huge chuck of historical detail personalize the book. You can tell her love of Tudor history is evident throughout their perspectives and giving them a story to tell. Despite their lives blending with one another, she was able to isolate them and give us a glimpse into their lives. There was a lot to cover and she made it look effortless. Keep in mind, this is not dwelling on the historically literal but rather inspired from what she researched and read through the lens of modern interpretation.

Overall, this was so much fun to read. I can't wait to read what she has in the future. If you are a big fan like me of this part of history, make sure you add it to your tbr list.You won't be disappointed.