“The Beheading Game” by Rebecca Lehmann
What would Anne Boleyn say if she could tell her own story?
What if her beheading wasn’t the end but the start of a revenge quest?
Rebecca Lehmann is the accomplished author of three collections of poetry, and now, her debut novel invites readers to discover a new dimension of Anne Boleyn, delving into the complexities of her character, her legacy, and the historical context surrounding her life and death. In The Beheading Game, Anne’s life is reimagined through a unique lens that blends magical realism with historical insights, offering readers a fresh take on a woman often misunderstood for nearly 500 years.
The narrative: about The Beheading Game
Anne Boleyn wakes just hours after her execution and escapes the Tower of London. After sewing her head back on, she begins a new journey to kill Henry VIII before he has a chance to marry Jane Seymour. Disguised as a commoner, Anne starts her journey on the streets of London, even finding friendship — perhaps more — and grappling with how little she truly knows of the world outside royalty. But time is of the essence, and Anne knows she has to stop the marriage before her daughter Elizabeth loses her claim to the throne.
The nightcap
We’re toasting to The Beheading Game with a Cherry Old Fashioned. This classic cocktail with muddled cherries and cherry juice blends Rebecca's personal tastes while serving as a poignant reminder of Anne Boleyn's death and legacy. A cherry old fashioned also uniquely connects to the crimson kirtle Anne wore for her execution, a color associated with martyrdom. Bold and blood-red, this nightcap mirrors the depth and complexity of Anne's captivating story and this fresh retelling.
In the episode
Get to know Rebecca in our episode of Narratives & Nightcaps. We talk about:
Why are we still so captivated by Anne Boleyn and her story centuries later? And why did Rebecca select Anne as the subject for her story? In conversation, she shared, “... as in many other places, Anne is really presented in this two-dimensional light... I really wanted to be able to tell her story in a way that shows how complex she was and how intelligent she was. And yes, she could be a difficult person, but also, she was all of these really interesting things. I think there's a way that her story resonates across the span of so many years because it's an example of a powerful woman being punished for her power."
Legacy and misconception — Rebecca emphasizes the importance of understanding historical figures in their entirety. "Anne is often portrayed through a narrow lens, but her story is multifaceted," she said. "I wanted to shed light on her complexities, not just her demise."
Re-examining historical figures, The Beheading Game encourages readers to look beyond traditional narratives to better understand people, specifically women, like Anne Boleyn and to embrace the willingness to explore the nuances of their experiences.
Balancing history with creativity, Rebecca provides insight into her process and the power of storytelling, offering readers a deeper engagement with a complex woman and the emotional truths behind her legacy.
Rebecca Lehmann’s debut historical fiction novel is refreshing and honest, insightful and fascinating, empowering and tragic. The imaginative elements provide a rich exploration of Anne Boleyn beyond her death, focusing instead on her agency, complexities, femininity, power, and legacy. With unique voice and storytelling, The Beheading Game offers new and welcome challenges to the perceptions of such a notable woman in history.
Listen or watch to the full author interview on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Purchase your copy here.
Connect with Rebecca on Instagram.