Historian and author **Philippa Gregory** has expressed admiration for several historical novels that have influenced her writing and perspective. Among her favorites, Gregory highlights works that not only recount the past but also challenge traditional narratives, particularly from a female viewpoint, reports BritPanorama.
The Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer
Gregory regards Georgette Heyer as “the greatest historical novelist,” praising her ability to blend **historical romance** with engaging storytelling. She recalls discovering **The Devil’s Cub** at age 11, where she fell in love with the spirited characters. Gregory asserts that Heyer’s novels set a “very high bar” for the genre, making them a must-read for fans of **Regency literature**.
Arrow, £9.99
Simple Gifts by Joanne Greenberg
Published in 1986, **Simple Gifts** follows a financially struggling family in remote Colorado attempting to recreate a pioneer experience. Gregory lauds the novel’s portrayal of the tension between heritage and history, calling it a “terrific social comedy” that resonates with the loss of the past.
Henry Holt & Co, £16.99
Perkin: A Story of Deception by Ann Wroe
In **Perkin: A Story of Deception**, Ann Wroe narrates the story of a young man who returns to England claiming to be one of the lost princes from the Tower. Gregory highlights Wroe’s elegant, **fictionalized** storytelling and invites readers to judge the truth of the young man’s claim for themselves.
Vintage, £17.99
Orlando by Virginia Woolf
Gregory cites Virginia Woolf’s **Orlando** as a defining work that traverses multiple time periods and challenges conventional gender norms. She admires the narrative’s imaginative transitions and the richness of the storytelling, particularly the depiction of the ice-fair on the Thames.
Penguin Modern Classics, £7.99
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
**Wolf Hall**, the first book in Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed trilogy chronicling the rise of Thomas Cromwell, left a lasting impact on Gregory. She reminisces about writing a fan letter to Mantel, praising the insightful portrayal of Tudor history. Gregory reflects on her collaborations with the late author, emphasizing the profound discussions they shared on the interplay between history and fiction.
Fourth Estate, £10.99
‘Boleyn Traitor’ is published on 7 October by HarperCollins, £25
