Gilt

By: Katherine Longshore

Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty is now caught between two men - the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

©2012 Katherine Longshore (P)2012 Penguin

Critic reviews

“In modern times, Cat would most likely be a cheerleader; the king, captain of the football team. But the royal backdrop with historical underpinnings makes a far more interesting story.... Readers can practically feel the embroidered ball gowns and hand-stitched lace.” (The Los Angeles Times)

"I believe I found my new favorite series." (MTV.com)

“Longshore, who's clearly done her historical homework, takes full advantage of the Tudor standards...and surroundings...but Cat is a completely contemporary American teenager.” (BCCB)

A shallow look at King Henry VIII's Court

This was an okay YA book about life in the court of Henry VIII. The story follows Kitty Tylney, best friend to Catherine Howard (who worms her way into marrying Henry VIII). Kitty ends up being summoned to court after Catherine marries the King.

I listened to this on audiobook and it was a well done audiobook. The narrator did a good job with character voices and portraying emotion. I would recommend listening to on audiobook if you enjoy audiobooks.

At the start of the book I enjoyed this look into what it took to get into King Henry's court and how wondrous it seemed to Kitty. However, the story ended up being a bit surfacey...it just didn't had a lot of depth. The characters, the story, and the writing all fell a bit short for me; it wasn't very engaging or anything all that special.

The ending is fairly open ended; some things are resolved and others aren’t. It was an okay way to end the story but I would have liked a look at where our heroine ended up.

Overall this was an okay historical fiction read. I enjoyed the look into King Henry VIII’s court but was disappointed at how shallow and fluffy the book was; there just wasn’t a lot of substance here. I personally wouldn’t recommend, there are much better historical fictions out there.

Interesting Read

Would you consider the audio edition of Gilt to be better than the print version?

I have not had an opportunity to read the print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Gilt?

The realization that Kitty and Cat made, at different moments in the book, that being a part of the royal court was not the wonderful experience that they invisoned as younger girls was memorable and gave the story depth.

Which character – as performed by Jennifer Ikeda – was your favorite?

My favorite character was Jennifer Ikeda's portrayal of Catherine Howard. She struck the right tone between the biting dismissiveness that she sometimes displayed, the innocence at being thrust into court, and the childlike insolence that she had when she didn't get her way.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

I generally prefer historical fiction. I found this book interesting and enjoyable. It offered interesting layers to one of Henry VII's wives who is normally portrayed as just an adultress.

Good, but...

The author is wonderful. Her wrighting stile is much better than many other books I read. She just had the tuch for her Kitty. However, two things bothered me:
1. The facts which she used in the novel about Kittie's life do not match the facts I know. I won't list these facts here, because I feel it would spoil the book and I am not up to it.
2. Kittie began to grow up... But then she grue up pritty ocwardly. In the end, she refused all help and set out alone. She is optimistic, but a woman- espeshally in the 16th century- could hardly dair to contemplate such a thing. Society wouldn't let her!
The narrator is perfect. I really loved listening to her. And carichtors are very well presented (not only Cat.) They simply came to life for me: Cat, Alice, John, Mary, the duchess, Edmond, William, Thomas and sometimes even the king. If ms. Longshore will publish a second novel, I'll be among the first to read it and give an honest review.

Gilt-y (almost) Pleasure

Look at that cover... it intrigued me, I must say. Knowing nothing about this book but the cover I purchased it... Like chosing your present for Christmas based on the packaging I guess...but I digress.

Gilt, tells the story of the fifth wife of King Henry VIII, Cat, from the point of view of her friend, Kitty Tylney. The two girls were raised together from the age of six in the household of the Duchess of Norfolk. Cat is beautiful, popular and selfish, and lords over the rest of the girls at the school. Kitty is not that pretty and less outgoing... but considers being taken under Cat's wing/being Cat's best friend an honor. She is very greatful to her and considers her family----and ultimately would do anything for her.

While definitly part romance---at it's core this book is a coming-of-age story. It is about Kitty realizing who she is and wants to be. And how choices have consequences.

This is told with modern language---which didn't bother me in the least---but is definitly of note.

My annoyance with this book comes with how Cat piles onto Kitty... and Kitty just takes it. I understand that there is nothing that Kitty can do about it---since Cat is her superior in birth/rank... but, the modern language..... I can't put my finger on it. But it's annoying. Because I want Kitty so badly to defend herself.

I would read another in this series. In particular I want the author to expand on what happens to Kitty at the end.

Absolutely loved it!

What made the experience of listening to Gilt the most enjoyable?

The reader was fabulous! And the story was fun! I'm not normally a Historical Fiction fan but this book made me learning history fun.

Who was your favorite character and why?

William was a fun romance and Kitty was a fabulous main character.

Which character – as performed by Jennifer Ikeda – was your favorite?

Probably Cat (Catherine Howard). She played her snobby character quite well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

For sure!

Great to Listen to

What made the experience of listening to Gilt the most enjoyable?

The story kept me very interested and wondering what would happen next which is hard to do with a true to history topic.