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A Net for Small Fishes

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A Net for Small Fishes

By: Lucy Jago
Narrated by: Sarah Durham
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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents A Net for Small Fishes by Lucy Jago, read by Sarah Durham.

Longlisted for the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award
A GUARDIAN SUMMER READING PICK

‘Sumptuous … If you’re feeling bereft after finishing The Mirror and the Light, let Jago transport you to the Jacobean court’ Telegraph

‘A bravura historical debut … a gloriously immersive escape' Guardian

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Frances Howard has beauty and a powerful family – and is the most unhappy creature in the world.

Anne Turner has wit and talent – but no stage on which to display them. Little stands between her and the abyss of destitution.

When these two very different women meet in the strangest of circumstances, a powerful friendship is sparked. Frankie sweeps Anne into a world of splendour that exceeds all she imagined: a Court whose foreign king is a stranger to his own subjects; where ancient families fight for power, and where the sovereign’s favourite may rise and rise – so long as he remains in favour.

With the marriage of their talents, Anne and Frankie enter this extravagant, savage hunting ground, seeking a little happiness for themselves. But as they gain notice, they also gain enemies; what began as a search for love and safety leads to desperate acts that could cost them everything.

Based on the true scandal that rocked the court of James I, A Net for Small Fishes is the most gripping novel you'll listen to this year: an exhilarating dive into the pitch-dark waters of the Jacobean court.

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‘Full of colour and intrigue … Historical fiction at its scintillating best and most filmic’ Susan Elderkin

‘The Thelma and Louise of the seventeenth century … Gut-wrenching’ Lawrence Norfolk

‘Terrific, rich in colour, character, place and time’ Sarah Dunant

‘A fabulous book. Frankie and Anne's world is not just brilliantly evoked but brilliantly sustained’ Andrew Miller

‘Dazzling’ Sunday Independent

©2021 Lucy Jago (P)2021 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Renaissance Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Scary Thought-Provoking Tear-jerking
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What listeners say about A Net for Small Fishes

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A beautifully written tale

I enjoyed everything about this fascinating and ultimately tragic retelling of a factual scandal in history : well narrated and so well written . Highly recommended.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Stuart road trip

Interesting, intriguing historical fiction from a feminist POV. I read and listened and recommend both

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What a treat

For lovers of historical fiction this is such an interesting addition. One of the major scandals of the Jacobean court told from such a surprising point of view. The author has created a great pair of characters brought to life with consummate skill plus a pitch perfect narration. A right royal delight.

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Incredible

At first I felt like I was on the set of a feature film, so vivid were the descriptions of the locations & the rich unfolding of the characters. It became more than that, like being transported back in time. Such wonderful story telling. Read it! It’s wonderful!

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Captivating

Sometimes difficult to listen to but so beautifully written. Seems to capture the essence of the period, especially with regard to the role of women.

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Great narrator

Well set out story, read by a great narrator. Listened to in just two days!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Knowing what happens does limit suspense

I enjoyed the vivid description of Ann Turner's life and encounters but as the story progresses I lost interest as I knew what would happen.
Very well read!

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3 people found this helpful

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A great way to learn social history

Books like this one are my favourite way to discover the social history of past times. We know a lot about Tudor life so it was refreshing to find something different. it was beatifully read by Sarah Durham, who brought all the characters to life whether they be high or low born.

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Fascinating

This is a fascinating insight in to what it must have been like to have lived during this period. Beautifully written and narrated well too. I would highly recommend this book.

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Great insight into a dark past

I enjoyed this book because I gave me a great insight into a part of English history that I never knew about. It is unbelievable nowadays the thing that women retreated as such a low form, especially in the court of England at the time

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