The Lady Elizabeth

A Novel

By: Alison Weir

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 20 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Following the tremendous success of her first novel, Innocent Traitor, acclaimed historian and New York Times best-selling author Alison Weir turns her masterly storytelling skills to the early life of young Elizabeth Tudor, who would grow up to become England's most intriguing and powerful queen.

Before she is three, Elizabeth learns of the tragic fate that has befallen her mother, the enigmatic and seductive Anne Boleyn, and that she herself has been declared illegitimate, an injustice that will haunt her all her life. What comes next is a succession of stepmothers, bringing with them glimpses of love, fleeting security, tempestuous conflict, and tragedy.

The death of her father puts the teenage Elizabeth in greater peril, leaving her at the mercy of ambitious and unscrupulous men. Like her mother two decades earlier, she is imprisoned in the Tower of London - and fears she will also meet her mother's grisly end.

Power-driven politics, private scandal, and public gossip, a disputed succession, and the grievous example of her sister, "Bloody" Queen Mary, all cement Elizabeth's resolve in matters of statecraft and love, and set the stage for her transformation into the iconic Virgin Queen.

Sweeping in scope, The Lady Elizabeth is a fascinating portrayal of a woman far ahead of her time - whose dangerous and dramatic path to the throne shapes her future greatness.

©2008 Allison Weir (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Splendid....In giving narrative voice to her subjects Alison Weir brings us into emotional contact with them in a way that an unadorned historical account does not." ( Boston Sunday Globe)
"A chilling epitaph on a period of history that continues to fascinate and bewitch us today." ( San Antonio Express-News)

Great Read

The story held my attention, however Weir may be stretching things here. History says Elizabeth was not chaste, but a still born? Be that as it may this one is worth the $$ and as usual Weir has done in depth reasearch to validate her story line.

love these books by Alison Weir

I'm still working my way through the books by Alison Weir. I have enjoyed them all and look forward to enjoying the rest.

I love this Arthur but...

I love the Author, but the part of this storyline about Elizabeth losing her made head, virginity, and the loss of a child is hard to believe and would’ve been better left out of this novel. Otherwise not a bad listen

Enjoyed this one very much! W/best narrator too!

First remember this is a novel not a history book, so there will be discrepancies from historical fact to spice it up a bit. I do enjoy Weir's novels/fiction based on historical events very much & her historical/non-fiction too monotonous for words. In that case, I caution you to look for the words "A Novel" if you're more interested in an entertainment by Weir based on facts as opposed to her non-fiction based only on facts for historical reference and education. Trust me on this, I'm a history nut, love it, but her books based on historical accuracy are as dull as dish water! She's a much better novelist based on historical events but not strictly adhered to, but as the basis for her writing.

Big bonus is the narrator, Rosalyn Landor is the best in the biz!

Shame, Shame, Alison

Lady Elizabeth was a good book, but Alison took too many liberties with hearsay about Elizabeth 1, and the book was full of inaccuracies during Elizabeth's childhood, in fact the last two chapters were riddled with untruths. Alison admittedly said that, but she took seven minutes to explain that away. There is not to much that Alison can educate me on Elizabeth 1, and Audible should clearly state it is based not on History, but strong on libelous Hearsay. Alison's head would be on a pole in London but she did her dirty deeds over five hundred years later. I will not say the book was not entertaining, but Queen Elizabeth 1, even at 14, had more sense than most of us living today.

Very interesting book!

I didn't know much about Queen Elizabeth as a child and growing up. This is a delightful narration with such great characters.

Elizabeth I come to life!

Alison Weir’s historical novels should always be narrated by Rosalyn Landor. Her ability to make every character uniquely real is amazing!

Captivating

Can’t wait to listen to what happens next! Great story and her as a Lady…I would have kept on listening to hear about her life as the queen.

Interesting portrayal of Elizabeth's early life

This book was captivating and interesting. I like this particular period in English history and have listened to a majority of these historical fiction books by Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory. This book is on par with the rest of this group. The reader is excellent and the story intriguing. I would highly recommend it.

Excellent! The best historical fiction I've read.

Exceptional MUST READ!!!!
It is abominable to listen to a Philippa Gregory's The Virgin's Lover, which is nearly complete fiction, after finishing this extraordinary book.
Alison Weir had a rise to fame with The Innocent Traitor, but this book is far superior. Weir has written many of the the best non-fiction books available about the Tudors and other 15th and 16th century nobles and monarchs. She has written many non fiction biographies on Elizabeth.
Thus, her historical fiction is based on her knowledge of what was true, only embellishing on what Elizabeth may have thought or said, or how exact incidents may have occurred. It was the best historical fiction I've come across on the subject of the Tudors.

I only wish more of Weir's historical fiction was available on audible.

Don't pass this up. I've downloaded every audiobook I could find on Elizabeth, and none are as grand as this!