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The Taming of the Queen

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The Taming of the Queen

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Bianca Amato
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About this listen

FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, PHILIPPA GREGORY, COMES A DEEPLY INTIMATE PORTRAYAL OF A WOMAN WHO LONGS FOR PASSION, POWER AND EDUCATION AT THE COURT OF A MEDIEVAL KILLER.

Why would a woman marry a serial killer?
Because she cannot refuse...


Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow in a secret affair with a new lover, has no choice when a man old enough to be her father who has buried four wives - King Henry VIII - commands her to marry him.

Kateryn has no doubt about the danger she faces: the previous queen lasted sixteen months, the one before barely half a year. But Henry adores his new bride and Kateryn's trust in him grows as she unites the royal family, creates a radical study circle at the heart of the court, and rules the kingdom as Regent.

But is this enough to keep her safe? A leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish in English, Kateryn stands out as an independent woman with a mind of her own. But she cannot save the Protestants, under threat for their faith, and Henry's dangerous gaze turns on her.The traditional churchmen and rivals for power accuse her of heresy - the punishment is death by fire and the king's name is on the warrant...

Praise for Philippa Gregory:

‘Meticulously researched and deeply entertaining, this story of betrayal and divided loyalties is Gregory on top form’ Good Housekeeping

‘Gregory has popularised Tudor history perhaps more than any other living fiction writer…all of her books feature strong, complex women, doing their best to improve their lives in worlds dominated by men’ Sunday Times

‘Engrossing’ Sunday Express

‘Popular historical fiction at its finest, immaculately researched and superbly told’ The Times©2015 Philippa Gregory (P)2015 Simon & Schuster
Biographical Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Renaissance Romance Royalty Women's Fiction Biography Middle Ages Marriage Tudor

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All stars
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a really good narrative giving dimensions to a queen about whom I knew little and putting a lot of the latter part of Henry's reign in context.

Great story

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I love all Phillipa Gregory's books, and love the audible version even more. Gripping plot and very good narrator for Catherine Parr. Highly recommended!

Love the story and how it was read

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Wonderfully written novel about the life of a great queen who withstood attempts to overthrow and kill her. A good insight into medieval life for women. Excellently narrated.

Fascinating book

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I have listened to all Philippa Gregory’s books which delighted me. She is a wonderful author and I’m very grateful. I am now at a loss as what to how to listen to and occupy myself

Philippa Gregory’s books

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great contents, great narration. philippa has done it again. Can't wait for the next book

love it!

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If you could sum up The Taming of the Queen in three words, what would they be?

Sympathetic and riveting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Katherine. Although she had to resort to scheming this was not really in her nature.

Have you listened to any of Bianca Amato’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No but I found her voice very easy to listen to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Katherine was obliged to make love to Henry who disgusted her. It felt horrific.

Any additional comments?

I love this period in history and it was brought very vividly to life. I felt her fear and disgust of Henry. The description of the stink from his leg was palpable. She made you feel sick when she talked about the quantities of food Henry consumed. Thomas Seymour came across an exciting man (someone I would have loved to invite to dinner) but he let her down badly in the end. I would have like to book to have carried on to the end of her life.

Recommended

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I've never read any Philippa Gregory books before but having listened to Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies, I got really interested in Tudor History so decided to give this book a go! I was pleasantly surprised, I will definitely read/ listen to some more.
Well read, easy to listen to....enjoyable!

Excellent

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Really enjoyable story holds your attention until the end Phillipa Gregory brings history to life

Absolutely brilliant!

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It’s so fantastic to listen to a Phillipa Gregory
Book. It’s was very well narrated and I really submerged myself in the story.

Wonderfully written !

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Loved this. Very gripping and well written, transported me to Tudor times each time I listened. Excellent performance by the narrator. Would recommend if you like history and a bit of excitement too.

Very engaging throughout

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