High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Other Boleyn Girl (2001) is a historical fiction novel written by British author Philippa Gregory, loosely based on the life of 16th-century aristocrat Mary Boleyn. Reviews were mixed; some said it was a brilliantly claustrophobic look at palace life in Tudor England, while others have consistently pointed out the lack of historical accuracy. It has enjoyed phenomenal success and popularity since its publication.