Historian and novelist Alison Weir's latest work, "Anna of Kleve," continues her fictional exploration of King Henry VIII's six wives. This series includes prominent figures like Catherine of Aragon, now featured in a lavish TV miniseries, and Anne Boleyn, who has inspired numerous novels. It also highlights lesser-known figures, including Henry's final wife, Catherine Parr, and the enigmatic Anne of Cleves—a German princess who was married to Henry for just six months.
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Anne of Cleves, often remembered for her brief marriage and subsequent pensioning as Henry's "beloved sister," stands out as an unusual figure among Henry's wives. Weir notes that Henry never seemed to harbor resentment towards Anne, marking a stark contrast to his reactions to his other spouses. In her novel, Weir offers a comprehensive portrayal of Anne, making it the longest book dedicated to this unique English queen.
Open Letters Review inquired about Weir's initial impressions of Anne of Cleves. Weir admitted that like many, she initially perceived Anne as unattractive and unmemorable. However, thorough research revealed a more complex character than the simple narrative of an ill-fated marriage.
Reflecting on the difficulty of presenting Anne’s story, Weir talked about the challenge of addressing Henry VIII’s claims that Anne was not a virgin—an assertion that did not warrant an annulment. This prompted Weir to consider alternative interpretations of Anne's character, aided by insights from historian Elizabeth Norton and the previously overlooked dispatches from Karl Harst, the ambassador of Kleve. These sources indicated that Anne's situation was far more precarious than traditionally believed, including her associations with dangerous figures during the political unrest of her time.
Addressing the complexities of switching from historian to novelist, Weir explained that her previous biography, published in 1991, laid the groundwork for this novel. She has substantially expanded her research, fictionalizing her findings while remaining anchored in evidence. Weir acknowledges the potential for controversy in her portrayal, but as a novelist, she embraces the creative freedom to explore alternative scenarios.